It’s the most wonderful time of the year — to stream.
December is the time to watch (and rewatch) all of the Christmas movies. But with more streaming platforms than ever before, tracking down where to find your favorite all-time classics can turn into a chore.
Here’s your essential guide on where to stream the classics in 2020, from comedies to tear-jerkers.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
The 1946 movie follows George Bailey (James Stewart) and his guardian angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), who interrupts George’s Christmas Eve suicide plans to show him how he’s impacted the lives of everyone around him.
Find it on:Amazon Prime Video
“It’s a Wonderful Life” stars Jimmy Hawkins, James Stewart, Donna Reed, Carol Coombs and Larry Simms. Everett Collection“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the gang deck the halls and discover the meaning of the season in the 1965 animated special.
Find it on: Apple TV+
Don’t fret, Charlie Brown. Spoiler alert: Things will get better for you. Alamy Stock Photo“The Polar Express”
It’s not Christmas without a magical train journey to the North Pole; based on the 1985 children’s book, with help from an animated Tom Hanks.
Find it on:Amazon Prime Video
Tom Hanks takes on the roles of the train conductor and Santa in “The Polar Express.” Warner Brothers/Everett Collection“Miracle on 34th Street”
The classic 1947 film follows the intrigue around a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal.
Find it on:Disney+
John Payne, Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn in a scene from “Miracle on 34th Street.” ©20thCentFox/Everett Collection“Elf”
Join Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) as he meets his human family, explores New York and finds love and the world’s best cup of coffee in this modern classic.
One guess which character Will Ferrell plays in “Elf.” New Line/Everett Collection“The Family Stone”
In this star-studded 2005 family drama, the Stone family has a dysfunctional gathering, leading to love and revelations. It stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Diane Keaton and Luke Wilson.
Find it on:HBO Max
Dysfunction rules the holiday for “The Family Stone.” ©20thCentFox/Everett Collection“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
He’s a mean one. Jim Carrey hams it up in this 2000 hit as Dr. Seuss’ famous grumpy green creature from the 1957 children’s book.
Find it on:Netflix
You’re a mean one (for now), Mr. Grinch: Taylor Momsen and Jim Carrey in the 2000 film adaptation. Universal/Everett Collection“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
In Tim Burton’s dark, animated musical (and perpetual Halloween costume favorite) from 1993, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, a k a Jack Skellington, stumbles through a portal to Christmas Town and finds love with Sally.
Find it on:Disney+
Not so merry and bright: Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Buena Vista Pictures/Everett Collection