Christmas Day Netflix Essentials

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas Day is here and after all the forced family interactions, present unwrapping, and holiday feasting, what is there to do? After the ceremonial festivities take place the kids usually wander off to experiment with their new toys, while the adults drink and calculate how much money they actually spent this holiday. One of the most traditional ways for families to pass the time on Christmas Day is watching a movie.

Watching a movie as a family means that you can spend time with everyone, and they all must be quiet. Perfect. Several new movies hit theaters every Christmas, and this year is no different. Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released two weeks ago, but families will still flock to their local cinemas to watch the latest Star Wars drama unfold today. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Downsizing are also playing in theaters today, each with their own agendas. The former is a sequel/soft reboot to one of Robin William’s best movies, while the latter is a dramatic existentialist take on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. If you, like me, have already seen Star Wars, and the other options just don’t seem to stir your Christmas spirit, there is an endless selection of Christmas movies on Netflix this year. Their catalog is a little dense to dig through last minute, and we all know that deciding on a movie can ultimately lead to the death of even watching a movie when no one can make a decision. I’ve got your back. From classic selections like The Legend of Frosty the Snowman and Disney’s Santa Clause to dark-comedy holiday hits like Gremlins and Bad Santa, here are the best movies Netflix has to offer on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham 

RIP Bernie Mac! This hilarious Christmas comedy follows a conman and his sidekick as they rob departments stores during the holidays. Thornton, who plays the conman, spirals down a well of sex-addiction and alcoholism which ultimately unravels his Christmas schemes.

Starring: William Shatner, George Buza, Rob Archer 

DJ Dangerous Dan (played by William Shatner) broadcasts several interwoven Christmas stories that end in horror. If you’re looking to skip the more traditional “holly-jolly” Christmas wave, this suspenseful slasher is the perfect escape.

Starring: Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Warwick Davis

Archmaester Ebrose from Game Of Thrones plays Santa, who is running from the law. With a wrecked sleigh, police on his heels, and his reindeer running amok, Santa enlists the help of one family to help him save Christmas.

Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen

Classic. Jim Carrey plays The Grinch, a green haired loner who plans to stop Christmas from coming. Reminder: The Grinch didn’t hate Christmas, he hated people. Which is completely acceptable.

Starring: Grey DeLisle, Jeannie Elias, Bill Fagerbakke

An original Frosty story where the lovable snowman visits the town of Evergreen and reminds the citizens of the magic of Christmas. This one is for the kids.

Starring: Charles Edward Hall, Catherine Hurlin, Alberto Caldero

The Rockettes perform a spirited Christmas show that will make you feel like you’re right there at Radio City Music Hall. Santa Clause makes an appearance in this family holiday musical.

Starring: Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey

Before Kevin Spacey derailed his career, he starred alongside Denis Leary in this original Christmas comedy. A burglar gets more than he bargained for when he takes a bickering family hostage on Christmas Eve.

Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson

Spanning from 1994-2006, this Disney trilogy starts with a classic and ends with a dud. After Tim Allen accidentally causes Santa’s death, he takes on the mantle of Jolly Old Saint Nick. All three films are heartfelt Christmas stories that perfectly set the mood for the holidays, whether or not the last one killed my childhood.

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy 

Although it’s not your average Christmas tale, Trading Places is a story about appreciating what you have during the holidays. Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd get entangled in a bet between two wealthy business men who decide to test the theory of nature vs. nurture.

Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton

This dark comedy set in a Christmas setting is a creepy holiday throwback that evokes strong feelings of nostalgia. Gizmo, the good Mogwai, is exposed to water and spawns Stripe, an evil creature, who creates an army that murders and destroys the town. Merry Christmas!