Despite movie theaters being shuttered for the first half of the 2020s, Christmas movies have continued to thrive in the new decade. 

Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu swooped in, offering many homes holiday movies that were supposed to be released in theaters, even creating their own unique and diverse Christmas movies to flood audiences with holiday content, now that theaters are back open, Christmas movies are starting to head back into theaters, with the release of Violent Night certain to be the next Christmas blockbuster.

While the 2020s are definitely the most diverse decade of Christmas movies, it’s also home to the decade of reboots, revivals, and adaptations. Disney+ attempted to resurrect the Home Alone franchise in 2021 with little success, but that didn’t stop HBO Max from trying their hand at another A Christmas Story sequel. The 20202s might only have three years under its belt, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t already a handful of Christmas movies to celebrate.

(10) The Christmas Chronicles 2  

The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a holiday blend of action, adventure, comedy, and some drama packed into one gift-wrapped package. The bow on top is Russell, who is charming as Santa and commands every scene, including a hilarious song and dance number at Logan Airport during a disgruntled holiday traffic day. By his side, real-life partner Hawn is maternal and sweet as Mrs. Claus. The animated characters, particularly the snuggly elves, complement the actors.

It does feel like there’s one idea too many stuffed into this stocking, and the film gets a little tiring at nearly two hours long. Could the opening act be shortened? Is the Boston Airport scene, while full of emotions, entirely relevant to the plot? Is the Santa origin tale, told by Mrs. Claus as a bedtime story, totally necessary? Parents might get a chuckle out of Belsnickel’s naughty behavior, which includes a whoopee cushion, some graffiti on Santa’s sleigh, and cursing to the degree of “Bah humbug!” But they’ll also be the first to wish the editors had been just a little more disciplined in wrapping up this holiday gift.

(9) Single All The Way  

In 2021, Netflix released its first gay Christmas movie Single All The Way. After discovering his boyfriend has a secret family, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to come home with him for the holidays and pretend to be his boyfriend. However, the fake dating charade barely takes off when Peter arrives to learn his mom has set him on a blind date. Seeing Peter go out on dates causes Nick to confront his own feelings that he’s been ignoring. Set against the backdrop of a hometown family Christmas, Single All The Way delivers on all the best Christmas movie tropes. It also feels very much of its time with Peter dealing with a viral social media ad campaign for work and dating apps being a constant topic of discussion. 

(8) Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

The delightful Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey follows Jeronicus Jangle, an inventor and toy maker who loses his business and test for toymaking when his apprentice steals everything from him. However, he gets renewed joy when his granddaughter shows an interest in his craft.

This movie might not scream the 2020s, but that’s okay. The story is timeless and the perfect Christmas movie to stream on Netflix with the kids. Plus, it tells an incredible story about the grandfather-granddaughter bond.

(7) Happiest Season 

Invited to spend Christmas with her girlfriend and her family, Abby decides it’s the perfect time to propose to Harper. However, her plans are thwarted when Harper reveals she hasn’t come out to her family yet and that she needs Abby to pretend to be just her roommate for the duration of their stay. As one of the first mainstream lesbian Christmas stories, Happiest Seasondefinitely feels of its time. It also deals with the delicate nature of finding the right moment to come out to loved ones and how that decision may affect significant others.

(6) The Jinx and DeLa Holiday Special

Much to our surprise and delight, 2021 has pushed drag even further into the mainstream thanks to nonstop episodes of the Emmy-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and ambitious projects like HBO’s We’re Here. That’s why you gotta make The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special part of your annual rotation, especially if you’re a fan of all the Drag Race dolls and divas. This terminally delightful and sardonically whimsical special comes from Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, two multi-hyphenate drag superstars who love the holidays—or at least love ribbing the holidays. There’s really no other holiday special like this one. 

(5) The Boy Called Christmas 

After his father disappears trying to find the fabled village of Elfhelm, Nikolas sets out with his trusty reindeer and pet mouse to find his father. Along the way, he uncovers his true destiny. A Boy Called Christmas features some of the most visibly stunning animations of the decade. It also tells a whimsical and heartwarming tale, certain to get the Christmas spirit flowing with families.

(4) The War With Grandpa 

The War with Grandpa is the perfect film for the whole family! It is funny, has great actors, and delivers a feel-good message to all of us. This movie is about a boy named Peter who is your average sixth grader. But, that all changes when his Grandpa Ed moves in with his family. Neither Grandpa Ed nor Peter like the new living arrangement, because grandpa loses some of his independence and Peter loses his bedroom. A secret “prank war” ensues as Grandpa Ed and Peter try to outdo each other until someone gives up.

(3) Spirited 

Charles Dickinson’s A Christmas Carol has been adapted so many times, but in 2022 its been turned into a musical. It centers on The Ghost of Christmas Present, who is nearing retirement but not ready to give up his job and return to Earth. Apple TV+’s Spirited is hilarious and features some of the best comedic talents which helps modernize the classic tale. It also features original songs making it certain that it’s on its way to being one of the best Christmas musicals.

(2) A Christmas Story Christmas 

40 years after the original A Christmas Story, some of the original cast reprised their roles for A Christmas Story Christmas. The movie centers on an adult, Ralphie, who returns to his childhood home with his family to give them a true family Christmas. While the movie doesn’t take place in modern times, it does capture the nostalgia, so many audiences feel in today’s age. It also delivers a heartwarming sequel that has left fans of the original happy.

(1) Violent Night 

Disillusioned by the new ways of Christmas, Santa Claus finds himself caught between mercenaries as the family he’s delivering gifts to gets held hostage. After learning the daughter is on his nice list, Santa sets out to find her and take down the mercenaries once and for all. The unique Violent Night is the 2020s take on unconventional Christmas movies, and it is not disappointing. It’s only been in theaters for a few days, it’s already getting rave reviews.