Some people savor the yearly tradition of watching Christmas movies as family, all bundled up by a crackling fire wearing matching pajamas and sipping at mugs of homemade hot cider. Some people, on the other hand, prefer to enjoy the cinematic gems of Christmas on a laptop while lying alone in bed with the blinds shut in an attempt to forget all the gift shopping that still needs to be done. Whatever your viewing style, streaming movies is key. And while Netflix is great, they don't always have everything. Luckily, there are also great Christmas movies on Amazon to supplement your choices before you settle on titles for you own personal holiday movie marathon. What a time to be alive, you guys.
Of course, just like Netflix, not everything you want to watch is going to be on the Prime subscription, but luckily, it's only like four bucks to rent the premium options, so if you're really jonesing for a particular flick, it's within reach.
1. Miracle On 34th Street
A classic, and the perfect movie for any kid who has ever questioned whether Santa Claus is real.
2. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town
I'm still getting over the fact that Santa was a redhead, but other than that this move is on point.
3. Eight Crazy Nights
If you like a little crassness with your holiday, this animated Adam Sandler movie should do the trick.
4. The Red Violin
Full disclosure: I have no idea why Amazon suggests this as a Christmas movie... it's not. But it is a truly beautiful story about love and human nature, so it's a great pick for the holiday season.
5. Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton makes you rethink all the times you hopped on a strange man's lap in a mall.
6. Home Alone
A good reminder to everyone to not be a little b*tch if your parents offer to take you to Paris for Christmas.
7. Elf
Channel your best Buddy the Elf and watch this movie while enjoying the four basic Elf food groups (preferably with some Pepto-Bismol on hand).
8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
You know how you always complained as a kid that you never got to cut down your own Christmas tree? This movie will make you glad that Dad always insisted on buying a balsam fir off the lot.
9. The Polar Express
Tom Hanks + beloved Caldecott-winning book = a lot of sentimental crying.
10. A Christmas Story
Leg lamps and BB guns... ah, childhood memories.
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol
With the exception of Mr. Magoo, Michael Caine is arguably the best Scrooge ever.
With so many options, Amazon makes the holiday season both enjoyable and affordable. So whether you're spending time with your family or spending time putting off buying presents for your family, there's much movie merriment to be had. Just please, draw the line at streaming a Yule log.
Image: MGM Entertainment
