When the nights get darker fast, the blankets come out, and there’s nothing better than settling in with a genuinely great Christmas movie. But with so many festive titles on Netflix (including a bunch of new releases in 2025), figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can feel overwhelming.
To narrow things down, I turned to Rotten Tomatoes’ lists of the best Christmas movies on Netflix and the best holiday flicks of all time, then cross-referenced them with what’s currently available on the streaming service. From there, I selected the highest-rated titles based purely on the scores. While “Alien Xmas” and “Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery” did earn high ratings, they’re really more like short holiday specials than full-length movies, so they didn’t quite fit in this list.
Of course, a high Rotten Tomatoes rating doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it, since holiday viewing can be deeply personal and nostalgia counts for a lot. Still, a strong critical score usually signals quality storytelling and a movie that holds up beyond seasonal hype. Whether you’re watching with family, friends, or just a mug of something warm, these are the Christmas movies critics love most on Netflix.
1. ‘Klaus’ (2019)
"Klaus" is definitely one of the most memorable Christmas movies in recent years. Not just because of its beautiful story, but because it manages to be strange, hopeful, and funny all at once. Though the tale may be familiar to those who watch countless festive titles, the animation in this one makes it unique, and paired with its genre-bending plot, it’s a truly treasured holiday flick.
Jesper Johansen (Jason Schwartzman), a spoiled young man failing at the Royal Postmaster Academy, is sent by his father to the frozen island town of Smeerensburg to establish a post office and deliver 6,000 letters in a year, or lose his inheritance. Arriving in a gloomy town of feuding families, Jesper discovers the cabin of a mysterious toymaker named Klaus (J. K. Simmons). After leaving a child’s drawing behind, he convinces villagers that Klaus will send toys in exchange for letters. As Jesper and Klaus fulfill these promises, the townspeople slowly begin connecting.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Stream "Klaus" on Netflix now
2. ‘Little Women’ (1994)
Whether “Little Women” counts as a Christmas movie is up for debate. After all, only part of the story takes place during the holiday season. But personally, I think it absolutely is. Its perfectly cozy setting, family gatherings, and moments of warmth make it a suitable holiday treat. This is a beautifully told story full of heart, celebrating family and connection through the most endearing experiences.
“Little Women” follows the four March sisters — Meg (Trini Alvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst/Samantha Mathis) — as they grow up in mid‑19th-century Massachusetts while their father is away in the Civil War. Meg takes on tutoring work and prepares for her wedding. Jo helps care for the family, later moves to New York, and meets a Professor. Beth falls seriously ill, bringing Jo home. Amy travels to Europe with their aunt, where she reconnects with Laurie (Christian Bale). Over several years, the sisters face their personal journeys, relationships, and the changes that shape their lives.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Stream "Little Women" on Netflix now
3. ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)
If you need a seriously uplifting movie to watch this Christmas, with a heartwarming story at its core and surrounded by a talented cast, you’ll want to stream “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.” It truly dazzles with its colorful tribute to classic musicals while feeling fresh and timeless. At its heart, it’s a sweet story of how love and creativity can bring families together through life’s toughest moments.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” centers on legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), once celebrated for his imaginative creations, whose most prized invention is stolen by his apprentice, leading to years of misfortune. Decades later, Jangle’s bright and inventive granddaughter, Journey (Madalen Mills), arrives at his doorstep and reignites his creativity. Together, they uncover an old forgotten invention that could change everything. As they work to bring it to life, they face challenges from Jangle’s past and the very forces that once brought him down.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Stream "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" on Netflix now
4. ‘Let It Snow’ (2019)
Every year, I make sure to watch “Let It Snow” around Christmas time, so I’m glad it has a spot on this list. If you want a lighthearted, heartwarming holiday flick that doesn’t require too much brainpower and has some familiar faces, this is the one to stream. In fact, you’ll likely come away charmed, as this one is all about stirring the heart.
On a snowy Christmas Eve, a sudden blizzard strands a group of high school seniors in their small Midwestern town. Julie Reyes (Isabela Merced) crosses paths with pop star Stuart Bale (Shameik Moore) when their train comes to a halt. Meanwhile, waitress Dorrie (Liv Hewson) navigates her feelings for shy cheerleader Kerry (Anna Akana), while her friend Addie (Odeya Rush) faces heartbreak. At the same time, Tobin (Mitchell Hope) struggles to confess his feelings to his best friend Angie (Kiernan Shipka), as the storm brings all their stories together in unexpected ways.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%
Stream "Let It Snow" on Netflix now
5. ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ (2021)
“A Boy Called Christmas” is a really enjoyable flick that’s perfect for family viewing. There are plenty of little moments that will make you smile, from quirky creatures to heartwarming adventures in the snow, and the visuals only add to its charm. It’s both cozy and festive, making it a great way to get into the holiday spirit without being overly heavy or predictable.
Nikolas (Henry Lawfull), a young boy, sets off on an extraordinary journey into the snowy north in hopes of finding his father, who went searching for the legendary village of elves called Elfhelm. Along the way, Nikolas is joined by his loyal pet mouse Miika and a spirited reindeer he names Blitzen. As they push deeper into unknown lands, Nikolas strives to locate his father and reach the fabled land of elves, uncovering wonders and surprises along the way.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
Stream "A Boy Called Christmas" on Netflix now
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