Buzz
The holiday season is a whirlwind of intense emotions. From extreme weather to overwhelming to-do lists and family gatherings filled with joy, excitement, anxiety, frustration, and fatigue, it's a time of heightened feelings. Movies and life alike remind us that any festive gathering with enough guests is bound to include drama: pregnancies, weddings, divorces, coming-out moments, or even loss. The holidays truly encompass every aspect of life.
Films provide an escape by letting us witness others navigate their own struggles—subtlety and nuance take a backseat during this time. After all, what’s a Christmas movie without tears streaming into your eggnog? While many heart-wrenching holiday films follow familiar storylines (thanks to Dickens’ enduring influence), their success lies in how they’re executed. The best ones take bold risks, delivering emotional punches that resonate deeply.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Of course. It’s tempting to write off It’s a Wonderful Life as overly sentimental holiday fare, given its constant public-domain broadcasts that rescued it from near-oblivion but also reduced it to seasonal background noise. Always on, yet rarely truly watched, the film is far more complex and unconventional than its angelic, bell-ringing reputation implies. We witness George Bailey repeatedly sacrificing his aspirations, only to see his fragile achievements teeter on the edge of collapse. Classic America, right? George’s emotional unraveling feels raw and genuine, and the resolution, though hard-earned, delivers a catharsis that outshines many softer, more comforting Christmas tales. You can stream It's a Wonderful Life on Prime Video and The Roku Channel.
Carol (2015)
The magnetic connection between Rooney Mara’s Therese and Cate Blanchett’s Carol is undeniable from their first glance in a bustling department store. Yet, set in the 1950s, their love exists in a world where it cannot be openly acknowledged, even between themselves. While queerphobia has (supposedly) vanished, the film reminds us of a time when such a romance was met with disdain. The heartbreak lies not just in their struggles but in the fleeting moments of hope that things might improve. You can stream Carol on Paramount+ and Netflix or rent it from Prime Video.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
A follow-up to 1999’s The Best Man, this sequel swiftly catches us up on past events before diving into fresh drama (though watching the original isn’t essential for enjoying the holiday-themed chaos). Starring Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, and Sanaa Lathan, the film masterfully combines raunchy humor, eye-catching moments, heartfelt spirituality, and gut-wrenching twists. Despite its ambitious mix, it largely succeeds, delivering a well-performed melodrama packed with comedy, family tension, and tear-jerking moments—everything you’d expect from a holiday film. You can stream The Best Man Holiday on Prime Video.
Joyeux Noël (2005)
This Oscar-nominated film, inspired by true events, captures a remarkable moment during the first year of World War I. Along various points of the front lines, French, German, and British soldiers initiated unofficial ceasefires, coming together to observe Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In a striking gesture, the German Crown Prince even dispatched the Berlin opera’s lead singer to perform for troops on both sides. The movie skillfully portrays the truce as both extraordinary and surreal. The blend of conflicting emotions, coupled with the awareness that this peace was fleeting in a war that raged on for years, creates deeply moving scenes. You can stream Joyeux Noël on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
A Midnight Clear (1992)
Set during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, Keith Gordon’s A Midnight Clear explores an unconventional Christmas truce. A young, inexperienced intelligence unit is tasked with occupying a deserted chateau to monitor German activity. The Germans quickly outmaneuver them but choose not to attack, instead signaling their desire to avoid conflict through Christmas carols and even a snowball fight. Recognizing the war’s imminent end, they propose a staged battle and peaceful surrender to prevent further casualties. However, this pragmatic approach clashes with the rigid commands of higher authorities. You can stream A Midnight Clear on Prime Video, Peacock, and Tubi.
Stepmom (1998)
This seasonal dramedy, directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire), features Susan Sarandon as Jackie, a woman compelled to spend the holidays with her ex-husband’s new partner, played by Julia Roberts. The setup, however, is far from lighthearted: Jackie is battling lymphoma, and the film offers no false hope—her condition is terminal. As she faces her mortality, the younger woman is poised to become a stepmother to her children. Tensions between the two women and Jackie’s illness reach a climax during the Christmas season.
You can rent Stepmom from Prime Video.
The Christmas Tree (1969)
Directed by Terence Young, known for his early James Bond films, this movie stars William Holden as Laurent Ségur, a wealthy Frenchman who discovers his 10-year-old son Pascal is terminally ill due to radiation exposure. Determined to make his son’s final days memorable, Laurent, Pascal, and his new love interest embark on a series of heartfelt adventures. While the film avoids overt sentimentality, its core message about cherishing life’s fleeting moments is deeply moving. You can stream The Christmas Tree on Tubi.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
While Judy Garland’s iconic performance of a nostalgic streetcar song defines this musical, the film offers unexpected emotional richness. It chronicles the Smith family’s life over a year, beginning in the summer of 1903, capturing shifting times and circumstances. Though the events aren’t overly dramatic, Margaret O’Brien’s delightfully dark Tootie faces the unsettling realization that even the most stable aspects of life can falter. The emotional peak arrives with Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a song that, in its original form, urges us to cherish the present amidst an uncertain future. You can stream Meet Me in St. Louis on Max and Tubi.
Full-Court Miracle (2003)
This holiday favorite combines the uplifting spirit of sports films with a touch of seasonal magic. It follows the students of Philadelphia Hebrew Academy as they strive to revive their basketball team despite their inept coach. When an outsider with a troubled past steps in, he might be the key to their success—if they can overcome their doubts and trust him. A standout moment occurs when the rabbi draws a parallel between the Hanukkah story and the team’s struggles, delivering a surprisingly impactful message. You can stream Full-Court Miracle on Disney+.
In the Bleak Midwinter (1995)
Kenneth Branagh’s indie film, despite its somber title, is more of a dark comedy. It centers on a struggling actor who reluctantly agrees to direct a Christmas production of Hamlet to save his sister’s church from developers. While the plot of saving something through a show is familiar, the film’s sharp performances and Branagh’s evident love for Shakespeare elevate it. It’s a heartfelt exploration of finding the holiday spirit through human connection—a theme that resonates deeply. You can stream In the Bleak Midwinter (a.k.a. A Midwinter's Tale) on Hoopla.
One Magic Christmas (1985)
The Grainger family has every reason to abandon holiday cheer: Jack is unemployed, and Ginnie’s grocery store job barely keeps them afloat—until she’s fired. Their struggles worsen when a failed bank robbery leaves their children with only one parent. Enter an angel, played by the ever-gruff Harry Dean Stanton, who offers a glimmer of hope. Their daughter Abbie becomes the family’s beacon of light, but the journey to a bittersweet resolution is paved with heartbreak. You can stream One Magic Christmas on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
The Family Man (2000)
Alternate timelines and “what-if” scenarios are endlessly fascinating, and The Family Man delivers a Nicolas Cage-fueled, heightened take on the concept. A wealthy but unfulfilled businessman is thrust into a parallel life where he’s married to Tea Leoni (the one he let go) but struggles financially. The experience forces him to confront the trade-offs of his choices. When he returns to his original timeline, he seeks to reconnect with his lost love, though the life they could have built together remains out of reach. You can stream The Family Man on Netflix and Peacock.
Remember the Night (1940)
New York District Attorney John Sargent (Fred MacMurray) shows a rare moment of holiday generosity by releasing shoplifter Lee Leander (Barbara Stanwyck) on bail and offering her a ride to her mother’s Indiana home en route to his own family celebration. Their journey blends humor and budding romance, but the film’s ambiguous, bittersweet ending leaves a lasting impact, hinting that Lee’s manipulative nature might have been softened by her time with John. You can stream Remember the Night on Plex.
Last Christmas (2019)
Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding shine as a struggling singer and a charming, enigmatic man who share a magical holiday season. The film’s twist ending is divisive—some will find it moving, others absurd—but it’s undeniably bold. While the premise might sound comical, the emotional payoff is surprisingly effective. You can stream Last Christmas on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Few Muppet films fail to tug at the heartstrings, and this one is no exception. Recently, Disney+ restored a previously cut musical scene featuring Scrooge and Belle, the love he abandoned for a life of greed. This poignant moment, free of the usual Muppet antics, underscores Scrooge’s emotional journey and gives Michael Caine a chance to showcase his vocal talents. You can stream The Muppet Christmas Carol on Disney+.
A Christmas Tale (2008)
A Christmas Tale shares thematic similarities with The Family Stone, including a legendary lead actress—Catherine Deneuve as a matriarch grappling with a leukemia diagnosis. This French dramedy delves deeper and darker into holiday family dynamics, yet treats its characters with greater compassion, recognizing how evolving identities reshape even the most enduring relationships. You can stream A Christmas Tale on AMC+.
Christmas, Again (2014)
Kentucker Audley, a staple of American indie cinema, stars as a Christmas-tree salesman returning to New York, where his struggles with depression and feelings of inadequacy intensify. Living in a trailer and barely scraping by, his life takes a turn when he encounters a mysterious woman and a series of eccentric customers who help him confront his self-destructive tendencies. While the story follows familiar patterns, its grounded realism and restraint—bolstered by writer-director Charles Poekel’s personal experience as a tree salesman—make the emotional highs and lows resonate more powerfully. You can stream Christmas, Again on The Roku Channel.
Klaus (2019)
A delightful and original Santa origin story, Klaus follows the spoiled son of a postmaster general in 19th-century Norway, who is exiled to a remote island town. His mission: deliver 6,000 letters within a year or lose his inheritance. Upon arrival, he finds the town divided by feuding families uninterested in sending letters. However, a reclusive toymaker named Klaus offers a solution, inspiring the children to write letters in exchange for handmade toys. The film’s stunning hand-drawn animation and heartfelt storytelling evoke Pixar-level emotional depth, especially in its poignant finale. You can stream Klaus on Netflix.
Collateral Beauty (2018)
Will Smith portrays a grieving advertising executive who withdraws from life after losing his daughter. Struggling to connect with loved ones, he writes letters to abstract concepts—Love, Time, and Death—who surprisingly respond. While the premise borders on the absurd, Smith and a stellar cast deliver moments of genuine emotion, making the film’s more fantastical elements surprisingly moving. You can rent Collateral Beauty from Apple TV.
Mon Oncle Antoine (1971)
This Québec-based film is less a tearjerker and more a subtle, emotionally rich coming-of-age tale. Set on Christmas Eve, young Benoît assists his undertaker uncle, Antoine, in their rural town. Their bond is tested as they transport the body of a deceased teenager, revealing Antoine’s disillusionment with life and his reliance on alcohol. A poignant exploration of growing up in challenging times, the film is widely regarded as a masterpiece. You can stream Mon Oncle Antoine (a.k.a. My Uncle Antoine) on The Criterion Channel.
Jack Frost (1998)
Despite occasional moments that border on horror, Michael Keaton’s Jack Frost is unexpectedly touching, particularly for those who watched it during their formative years. A year after his father’s death on Christmas Day, young Charlie discovers his dad has been magically reincarnated as a snowman in their yard. While the concept of a snowman inhabited by a deceased parent might seem bizarre, the film taps into the universal longing for one last moment with a lost loved one, making it emotionally resonant. You can stream Jack Frost on Hulu.
Prancer (1989)
This somber holiday drama is inherently melancholic, following a young girl who clings to her Christmas spirit despite her mother’s death, her father’s despair, and their failing family business. Director John Hancock amplifies the bleakness with a stark, realistic approach—slow pacing, muted visuals, and a refusal to sugarcoat the story, even when the girl rescues an injured reindeer she believes belongs to Santa. The ending offers no grand resolution, merely a fragile reconciliation between father and daughter, clinging to each other amid life’s hardships. You can stream Prancer on AMC+ and MGM+.
The Snowman (1982)
This Oscar-nominated short film follows a young boy as he embarks on enchanting adventures with a meticulously crafted snowman. The story poignantly underscores the fleeting nature of snowmen and, by extension, the transient beauty of life itself, delivering a heartfelt message about embracing impermanence and change. You can stream The Snowman on Vudu and Pluto TV or watch it on YouTube, above.
