Best new Christmas films to watch – quick links
Goodbye June (Netflix)
If you’re in the mood for a festive flick with a little more substance, then Kate Winslet’s directorial debut should satisfy you. Dropping on Netflix on 24 December, Goodbye June’s all-star cast includes Helen Mirren and Toni Colette.
It’s nearly Christmas when an unexpected turn in their mother’s health thrusts four adult siblings (and their exasperating father) into chaos, forcing them to navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. But their quick-witted mother, June, orchestrates her decline on her own terms – with biting humour, blunt honesty, and a lot of love.
My Secret Santa (Netflix)
A single mother needs a job. A ski resort needs a Santa. Disguised as a Saint Nick lookalike, can Taylor fool a charming hotel heir into ho-ho-hiring her? Starring Madison MacIsaac, Ryan Eggold, Alexandra Breckenridge and Tia Mowry.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix)
The renaissance of Alicia Silverstone continues in one of the best new Christmas films of the season. All Kate and Everett want for Christmas is an amicable divorce and one last holiday as a family, but new flames and old feelings complicate their plans. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, and Pierson Fodé. Watch the trailer.
Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix)
At the height of the holiday season, two down-on-their-luck strangers team up to rob one of London’s most famous department stores on Christmas Eve. But, will they steal each other’s hearts along the way? Starring Olivia Holt (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, Cruel Summer) and Connor Swindells (Sex Education, SAS: Rogue Heroes).
Champagne Problems (Netflix)
A driven American exec heads to Paris determined to acquire a Champagne brand by Christmas. But, things get complicated when she accidentally falls for the heir to the bubbly empire. Starring Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights) and Tom Wozniczka (Drops of God, Slow Horses).
The Merchants of Joy (Prime Video)
In the city that never sleeps, five families hustle each winter to turn sidewalks into holiday outposts. The Merchants of Joy follows these Christmas die-hards as they source, sell, and safeguard a family tradition at risk. It’s a warm, grounded portrait of pride, grit, and the joy they bring – one tree, one customer, one season at a time.
Oh. What. Fun. (Prime Video)
Claire Clauster is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, after planning a special outing for her family, they make a crucial mistake and leave her home alone.
Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria and Joan Chen.
Merv (Prime Video)
When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna and Russ are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement. Hoping to shake Merv out of his funk, Russ takes him to Florida for a much-needed getaway – only for Anna to show up unexpectedly. As Merv slowly gets his groove back, it turns out fixing their dog’s broken heart may lead to a few sparks of their own.
Starring Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox, Chris Redd and Patricia Heaton.
The Family McMullen (HBO Max)
Written and directed by Edward Burns, the film takes place 30 years after the original indie hit The Brothers McMullen premiered in 1995. The Family McMullen stars Connie Britton and Michael McGlone, reprising their roles from The Brothers McMullen, alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, Juliana Canfield, Pico Alexander, Brian d’Arcy James and Halston Sage.
The sequel tracks the romantic entanglements of a now 50-something Barry McMullen (Burns) and his 20-something kids, as well as his brother Patrick (McGlone) and widowed sister-in-law Molly (Britton), who are also facing unexpected romantic hurdles. Watch the trailer.
A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Disney+)
The Jonas Brothers are getting the band back together in this new festive flick. Desperate to make it home in time for Christmas with their loved ones, brothers Joe, Nick, and Kevin must race against time and face challenges during a chaotic journey from London to New York.
Joy To The World (Disney+)
While promoting her latest Christmas cookbook, lifestyle guru Joy (Emmanuelle Chriqui) is suddenly expected to appear on a live Christmas Eve special with her carefully crafted, entirely fictional ‘perfect family’. She hastily recruits friends and neighbours to pose as her family, including her best friend, Max (Chad Michael Murray). Meanwhile, Max has been secretly harbouring feelings for her for years… could this fake family become real?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Disney+)
This holiday-themed adventure is the latest animated feature to be adapted from Jeff Kinney’s bestselling children’s book series. When laidback Greg finds himself at odds with his dad’s outsized expectations, pressure builds to turn his act around. After a series of hilarious near-disasters, Greg’s dad presents him with an ultimatum that just might challenge his wimpy ways for good.
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (ABC iview)
In this animated feature based on the much-loved picture book, Saint Nick receives a delayed letter on Christmas Eve from the Princess of Hearts. He and his dedicated team of reindeer set off to Wonderland to deliver her gift. But when they get there, they’re greeted by the mean and miserable Queen of Hearts, who hates all things Christmas… especially presents! Featuring the voices of Gerard Butler and Emilia Clarke.
Bump: A Christmas Film (Stan)
A festive film especially for fans of the much-loved Aussie series Bump. Set between episodes 9 and 10 of the final series, the film finds the family taking their festive spirit far from home and onto a South American cruise. Their goal? A warm, cultural Christmas reunion showcasing the beauty and heart of Colombian traditions. Their reality? The family’s best-laid plans quickly unravel in a series of chaotic events. With Angie (Claudia Karvan) alive and well, and Oly and Santi’s second baby, Angelo, just eight-weeks-old, get ready for a wild ride that proves there’s no place like a dysfunctional family for the holidays.
