43 cheesy and dairy-free Christmas films coming right up

‘Tis the season to hit the Baileys and get on a Christmas movie marathon. Here are 43 festive films for your viewing pleasure – full fat cheesy and dairy free.

It’s wall-to-wall Hallmark Christmas films at this time of the year. Sickly sweet and oozing with cheese. They are the fondue of festive film-making. But you can still get into the spirit of the season and maintain a teeny tiny bit of credibility. You grab the popcorn, I’ll bring the bottle of Baileys – 43 Christmas films coming up.

Happiest Season, (2020, 12A)

An all star cast lead this delightful, slightly under the radar due to Covid, holiday rom-com. We’re talking Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Mary Holland, Mackenzie Davis and a wonderfully catty Daniel Levy keeping those Schitt’s Creek David Rose vibes alive. Now don’t let the title fool you, it’s not such a happy season for Abby (Stewart) whose plans to propose to her girlfriend on Christmas Day are thwarted when she realises her girlfriend hasn’t yet come out to her parents who they just so happen to be spending the holidays with. Ouch. Written by Clea DuVall and based on her experiences with her own family, this is a jolly good festive film that’s easy on the cheddar.

Stream of Apple TV+ now

That Christmas, (2024, PG)

Cementing himself as the King of Christmas movies, Richard Curtis is back with a cracking new animation based on the plots of his popular children’s book series. It plays out a particularly bad Christmas where a terrible snow storm means that there will be no driving home for Christmas for many and sees the families in small coastal Suffolk town adapting and making the best of it. With Bill Nighy, Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Lolly Adefope, Rhys Darby, Jodie Whittaker and Guz Khan among the voiceover crew and featuring new music from Suffolk’s finest, Ed Sheeran, That Christmas looks set to be a firm family favourite to add to the rotation.

Available from Wed 4 Dec on Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen (2024, PG)

Full disclosure, this one scores dangerously high on the cheese-ometer BUT Chad Michael Murray gets his kit off so let’s be honest here ladies that’s what we’re watching for not the plot! Think The Full Monty, but with Magic Mike like hunks, The Merry Gentleman, are a six-packed gang of dudes trying to save a small town performing arts venue by putting on a festive strip show of sorts. Helping them with their moves is Ashley (Britt Robertson), who may or may not end up falling for one of the merry gents – not that we can blame her. 

Streaming now on Netflix

Red One (2024, 12A)

Forget cutesy rom-coms, Santa has been kidnapped so, of course, Lucy Liu, Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson are flexing some serious muscle to try and find him. Funny and action-packed, Elf it is not, but a nice change of pace amongst the deluge of Hallmark Christmas movies we are about to drown in.

Currently in cinemas

Our Little Secret (2024, PG)

Lindsay Lohan is back with (jingle) bells on in what will be her third festive film for Netflix. In Our Little Secret, she is reunited with an ex-boyfriend (Ian Harding) over the holidays after discovering their current partners are siblings. Awkward indeed! Kristin Chenoweth also stars as the delightfully devilish mother-in-law in this amusing festive romp. 

Streaming now on Netflix

The Heist Before Christmas, (2023, 12A)

It’s good Santa Vs bad Santa in festive comedy, The Heist Before Christmas, starring Timothy Spall as the former and James Nesbitt as the bank robbing latter. When young Mickey (played by scene stealer, Bamber Todd) finds the pair of Santas in the woods, he decides to tail Nesbitt’s Santa in a bid to get rich quick and give his family the best Christmas ever. Awww.

Streaming now on Sky Cinema and Now TV Cinema

Genie (2023, PG)

Two words: Melissa McCarthy. Making a very welcome return to the festive scene Richard Curtis (the genius behind Love Actually) rebirths his 90s gem, Bernard and the Genie into a film – only this time, Mel is the one granting wishes to a charming workaholic played by Paapa Essiedu, who can’t seem to catch a break (he loses his job, his wife, and misses his daughter’s birthday, so he’s not one to be singing fa la la). What’s on his wish list, you ask? Well, a camel, large pepperoni pizza…oh and to bring his family back together. It’s a festive redemption story at its finest with tastefully handled clichés.

Stream now on Sky Cinema and Now TV Cinema

Family Switch (2023, PG)

13 Going 30 gets a merry makeover as Jennifer Garner (Jess) and Ed Helms (Bill) try to bond with their teenagers over the festive season. All it takes (parents take notes) is a little magic that leads to the titular Family Switch. As all classic body-swapping stories, it’s a scientifically questionable but jolly plot of the family learning to live in each other’s shoes – and to be honest, we’ll tune into anything that brings Jen back to the silver screen.

Stream now on Netflix

Best.Christmas.Ever! (2023, PG)

Picture this: you’re running around, barely able to keep the turkey from burning, but that one friend of yours seems to have it all figured out. Charlotte (Heather Graham) doesn’t buy that her Uni friend (only the 90s icon Brandy, no big deal) always has the Best Christmas Ever! So, in true Scrooge style, she visits her to try and unmask the truth. We’ll be honest, there’s not a scene without Christmassy décor in this one, but the story is so unique and relatable (and stars Brandy!).

Stream now on Netflix

Little Women (2019, PG)

Okay so you won’t spot Santa running about in this one (that’s why we love it), but Greta Gerwig’s star-studded (Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan) Little Women packs enough festive fever to quench your Christmassy spirit without being sickly sweet. Starting around Christmas time, the classic English-lit story of four sisters has plenty of snow-filled scenes and cosy fires – plus a compelling love triangle that has divided generations since the book’s release some 200 years ago. Well, are you team Jo and Laurie or Amy and Laurie?

Watch it at Curzon Cinema in Oxford or stream it now on Netflix

You’ve Got Mail (1998, PG)

As if we needed another excuse to curl up with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s pre-Tinder online dating romp – it strikes the delicate balance between a comfort romcom and a festive classic. Though it technically starts around autumn time, the story peaks during Christmas when Joe (Hanks) discovers that his online sweetheart ShopGirl is actually someone he knows IRL. We won’t spoil it if you’re one of the few people who have never seen it. Where have you been?

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video, Google Play and Sky Store

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005, 17+)

Ditch Santa for RDJ (easy choice) and Val Kilmer’s mystery-solving film noir that sees a low-level criminal turned Hollywood hotshot (Downey), private detective, and actress team up to solve a murder. Michelle Monaghan’s iconic Mrs Claus outfit pops up just in time to remind you that this acclaimed whodunit takes place during the most wonderful time of the year.

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video, and Google Play

Klaus (2019, PG)

It’s not every day an animated film wins a BAFTA or bags an Oscar nomination, but we’d expect no less from the formidable J.K. Simmons, who leads this Netflix heart-warmer. Packed with genuinely funny moments (even to those above the age of 12), Klaus follows Santa’s origin story from being an isolated toy maker somewhere in the freezing North (can you guess where?), to meeting a slightly awkward but delightful postman (Jason Schwartzman) who coaxes him into bringing joy to a small town through gift-giving. Despite having the recipe for a festive cheese-fest (it’s a story about Santa, after all), this tale is super original and deserves a spot on your yearly rotation.

Stream now on Netflix

Batman Returns (1992, PG-13)

Michelle Pfieffer’s Catwoman has aged like wine, and we’re happy to take a sip. There are no gift-giving elves around here, just Batman (Michael Keaton) and Penguin’s (Danny Devito) age-old feud with seasonal sprinklings of décor as the backdrop to their action-packed scenes. Throw into that Tim Burton’s quirky directorial style, and you have one of the best Batman films and about the only superhero story worth cosying up with every December.

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video and Google Play

Krampus (2015, PG-13)

If ho-ho-horror is more your style, Krampus is coming to town. Inspired by the German folklore about a demon that punishes naughty kids – the movie takes it a step further as the monster makes the whole family pay for their lack of festive spirit. What starts as a postcard-perfect Christmas turns into a slasher fest that is jumpy but safe for family viewing.

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video and Google Play

Spirited (2022, 12A)

Some critics have been a bit bah humbug about Spirited but, to be honest, we’re watching it for Ryan Reynolds’ face, body and humour and Will Ferrell’s… Yup it’s really all about Ryan. It’s a modern musical remake of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Everyone’s favourite Elf, Will Ferrell, plays the Ghost of Christmas Present who chooses hard faced, marketing executive Clint (Ryan Reynolds) to spook (and sing) into changing the error of his ways.

Stream now on Apple TV

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, (2022, 14)

A Marvel mixtape of Christmas classics and Chris Pratt’s face to stare at while you’re mainlining Baileys. Yup the Guardians of the Galaxy band is back together for a festive special. Same fun, funky sci-fi vibe with a festive tinsel twist. Set to an assortment of Christmas tunes hand-selected by director James Gunn, the holiday special follows Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Drax (Dave Bautista) on a quest to kidnap actor Kevin Bacon from Earth and bring him back to Peter (Chris Pratt) as a Christmas gift. Bonkers.

Stream now on Disney+

The Hip Hop Nutcracker (2022, PG)

The Nutcracker but not as you know it. The Hip Hop Nutcracker, inspired by Jennifer Weber’s touring stage production, will be popping, locking and breaking to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A badass twist on saccharine classic. 

Stream now on Disney+

A Bad Moms Christmas, (2017, 15)

Putting the ho ho hoe into Christmas. Basically it’s mums behaving badly as they buckle under the pressure of organising everything for Christmas. If you’re currently drowning under your to-do list, you will relate. Starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn the arrival of their mothers for Christmas tips them over the edge.

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream on Prime VideoApple TV, YouTube, and Google Play

Single All The Way (2021, PG)

Single all the way
Image: Philippe Bosse/Netflix

Any film with Stifler’s Mom (aka the brilliant Jennifer Coolidge) gets our vote. But Netflix’s first same-sex Christmas romance has more in its festive arsenal. It’s got a Tony-award-winning director (Michael Mayer), three out actors in lead roles (including Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers) and a story that’s familiar to all singles: the lengths you go to to prevent family meddling when you turn up for the holidays on your own. God forbid.

Stream now on Netflix

Die Hard (1988, 15)

Bruce Willis Die Hard 1988
Image: 20th Century Fox

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie or not? The debate rages on. It’s set on Christmas Eve, there’s festive music, halls are decked, a woman giving birth features heavily and there’s an 80s Grinch-style baddie – you decide. We’re just happy to watch Bruce in a vest, with shooting submachine guns rather than shooting stars.

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream now on Disney+

Gremlins (1984, PG)

Gremlins Christmas
Image: Warner Bros

Who doesn’t love Gremlins?! It’s a Christmas horror-comedy classic that ticks all the boxes – funny, chaotic and cheese-free (just like the Muddy Christmas party). One father’s quest to find the best gift ever turns into a nightmare. Mogwai (aka Gizmo) comes with three simple instructions: don’t expose it to the light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. But rules are there to be broken and the Gremlins are hellbent on wreaking havoc – a bit like Aunt Susie after a bottle of Disaronno. 

Watch it at selected cinemas or rent from YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google Play

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1990, 12A)

National Lampoons XmasVacation

Seasonal joy? Not on Clark Griswald’s watch – despite his best efforts. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the funniest festive film EVER. If you don’t giggle at least one, you’re either dead inside or you don’t understand that this is what Christmas is all about. Bad electrics, bad cooking, bad family and leaking septic tanks. We’ve all been there. A ‘laugh or you’ll cry’ reminder that the quest for perfection is a waste of time. 

Rent now on Apple TV, Youtube, Prime Video and Google Play

Office Christmas Party (2016, 15)

If you’re going to drunkenly snog your boss at the office festive bash, you might as well go out in a blaze of glory and steal reindeer, sled down the steps and swing from the fairy lights while you’re at it. Office Christmas Party is a goofy OTT movie with a cracking cast – hello Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn and TJ Millar. Yes, it is ridiculous, but at least your work Christmas shindig wasn’t this bad. Unless it was, in which case, watch behind a pillow.

Stream now on Netflix

Four Christmases (2008, 12)

Reese-in-Four-Christmases-reese-witherspoon
Image: Entertainment

When you’ve got divorced parents, Christmas can feel like you’re being pulled like a cracker. Don’t let the festive season blow up in your face, simply jump on a plane to Fiji. Reece Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn try and do that in Four Christmases until a storm stops play and they have to hotfoot it to all four divorced parents’ homes. Freud would have a field day.

Stream now on Prime Video

Bad Santa (2003, 15)

Image: Sony Pictures

If you’ve got toothache from all the sweet, schmaltzy festive films, Bad Santa is just the medicine you need. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a thief who becomes a department store St Nick. He drinks like a fish, swears like a sailor and is, overall, a total degenerate. God knows how Terry Zwigoff’s comedy turns this pathetic sad sack into a sympathetic hero, but he does. It turns out, Bad Santa is a foul-mouthed ode to goodwill to all men. It’s a Christmas miracle. 

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video and Google Play

Just Friends (2005, 12)

Ryan Reynolds beautifully wrapped and popped under your tree. I don’t think any of us have been that good this year. Console yourself with Just Friends. Ryan plays Chris, a formerly overweight school nerd (Reynolds) who attempts to free himself from the friend zone after reconnecting with his lifelong crush and best friend (Amy Smart). It’s a Ryan Reynolds droolfest. 

Stream now on Netflix, Now TV, and Prime Video

The Santa Clause (1994, PG)

If you don’t remember 90s Christmas films because you were too busy partying into the small hours and snogging someone inappropriate, basically Tim Allen inadvertently causes Santa to die on his property, so he has to assume the role of the next Santa Claus. There’s a lot of body-shaming here that doesn’t fly as well in 2021, but it’s featured in enough Christmas movie marathons that it belongs on the list.

Stream now on Disney+

Jingle All The Way (1996, PG) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuPc9QJcGJs&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

You can always rely on Arnold Schwarzenegger to shine a light on the grotesque consumerism that has poisoned Christmas. Bah humbug. Jingle All The Way is about one dad’s quest to make up for all the broken promises and buy his son the Turbo-Man action figure is so desperately wants – but so does everyone else. It could get ugly.

Stream now on Disney+

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, PG)

How-Grinch-Stole-Christmas
Image: Universal

Ron Howard’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a Jim Carey masterpiece. He’s the king of physical comedy and put in an energetic shift to bring this famous cartoon character to life. There’s a lot of improvised humour, a pretty gross cheese-eating scene and a heart-warming ending. The Grinch didn’t hate Christmas – he just didn’t like other people (we feel the same when gift buying on Oxford Street).

Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video and Google Play

Eyes Wide Shut (1999, 18)

Tome Cruise Nicole Kidman Eyes Wide Shut

So on paper, Stanley Kubrik’s steamy 1999 drama Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman is more ‘oh oh oh’ than ‘ho ho ho’, but bear with us. The opening scenes are of Tom and Nicole attending a lavish New York Christmas party with a beautifully lit tree. Over the next two and half hours, Cruise then goes on a journey of sexual depravity and expression like a modern-day sex Scrooge. Decorated spruces and festoons of lights feature heavily. It’s as festive as eggnog – and like the drink, you’ll either love it or hate it. 
Rent now on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video, Sky Store and Google Play

Arthur Christmas (2011, U)

If you don’t feel the festive fuzzies watching this Aardman animated film, then we may need to call a doctor. It’s a film with heart, humour and an intelligently silly streak that is perfect for Christmas Eve in front of the telly. The reigning Santa is retiring, and his super-efficient but joyless son Steven is ready to take over. Then a child is left without a present and the future of the whole operation is in crisis. 
Watch it at selected cinemas or stream on Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Google Play

The Holiday (2006, 12A)

Rumours have been flying that The Holiday sequel was on – only for the frenzy of excitement to be shut down by Kate Winslet. Console yourself with the OG film this Christmas about a pair of house-swappers that fall in love abroad. If you didn’t hanker for Christmas in the countryside, this will convince you (snogging Jude Law under the mistletoe cannot be promised).

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and Google Play

Love Actually (2003, 15)

Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon with boy wearing octopus costume Love Actually
Image: Universal

Is it even Christmas is you’re not watching Hugh Grant’s dad dancing in No.10? This Richard Curtis romcom – which follows the love stories of almost a dozen couples throughout the festive season – has become part of the classic canon of Christmas movies. Time to hit the sherry and sing it like Mariah and while dad dancing like Hugh.

Watch it at selected cinemas, or NOW TV, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play

Stick Man (2016, U)

At just 26 mins long, this Julia Donaldson adaptation of the much-loved children’s picture book, is a gentle animation that could hold back the present opening frenzy long enough for you to have a cuppa on Christmas Day. Voiced by James Corden, Stick Man tells the tale of a happy-go-lucky father’s epic journey to make it home in time for Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s sweet.

Stream now on Prime Video

Nativity (2009, U) 

Nativity film
Image: BBC Films

Coventry wouldn’t be the first place you imagine as the setting of a brilliant festive film, but Nativityis a celebration of Christmas miracles. Martin Freeman stars as Scrooge-like primary school teacher Paul Maddens (due to his girlfriend leaving him on Christmas Day), who is asked to put on the annual school Nativity play. His last attempt was a catastrophe, but the show must go on. Marc Wootton’s Mr Poppy is pure joy. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey? are also well worth a watch.

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

The Apartment (1960, PG) 

The Apartment

What Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning 1960 classic lacks in Santa hats and elves it makes up for with a festive office party, booze-fuelled flirtations and a cacophony of party hooters. Set in the Mad Menera, singleton (Jack Lemmon) lets his co-workers use his home for their affairs – but then falls in love with his boss’s mistress (Shirley MacClaine). It’s fully loaded with love, loneliness and a fug of whiskey fumes. All the festive feels rolled into one.

Stream now on Prime Video

Home Alone (1990, PG)

The film that launched the career of child star Macaulay Culkin. Chris Columbus’s Home Alone is heavy on the slapstick, but against all odds, a sentimental Christmas streak does shine through. Despite often wanting to escape my kids, I’m not sure I’d be on the plane to Paris before I realised I’ve left one behind. Bad mum moment on steroids.

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream from Disney+, Apple TV, Prime TV, Google Play and YouTube

Scrooged (1988, 12)

Scrooged Bill Murray in yellow cab
Image: Paramount

Charles Dickens’ Victorian ghost story A Christmas Carol gets an 80s spin, with Bill Murray perfectly cast as a smug TV exec who’s about to get his ghost-busting comeuppance. It’s you feel a brain dead from a cheesy Christmas movie marathon, Scrooged should hit the spot. 

Stream now on All4 and Prime Video

Trading Places (1983, 15)

Prince and the pauper tales are not just for panto… oh no they’re not. Trading Places – often forgotten on festive film lists – stars Eddie Murphy as a streetwise hustler who switches lives with Wall Street moneybags Dan Aykroyd. Christmas setting and sentiment with an idiot’s guide to global economics thrown in too.

Stream now on Prime Video

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1994, PG)

Nightmare before Christmas
Image: Touchstone

What happens when the Pumpkin King is over Halloween? If you’re Jack Skellington, you tumble into Christmas Town and kidnap Father Christmas. Tim Burton weaves his dark gothic magic in The Nightmare Before Christmas (would you expect anything less?), with a cast of loveable-morbid creations working a goofy, macabre storyline. It might be too dark for littlies, but it’s a visual delight that is just frightening enough to keep your kids on the good list.

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream from Disney+, Apple TV, Prime TV, Google Play and YouTube

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005, PG)

chronicles-of-narnia Tilda Swinton White Witch
Image: Disney

It might have a film title longer than the end credits, but The Chronicles of Narnia is a snowy treat based on CS Lewis’s novel that will have you dreaming of a white Christmas and a magical world at the back of your wardrobe (the last thing I found back there was a puffball skirt from the 80s). It’s a film that has it all – fantasy, magic, drama, Father Christmas and Tilda Swinton as the White Witch. A worthy festive watch with the family.

Stream from Disney+, Apple TV, Prime TV, Google Play and YouTube

Elf (2003, PG)

Cheese-free? Er, no. But Elf is possibly the best Christmas film of all time. Yes, it even beats A Miracle of 34th Street. Will Ferrell’s man-child persona hilariously complements this comedy about a giant elf searching for his dad in NYC. It’s funny, is brimming with heart and soul that cherishes festive cheer. In a genre that’s saccharine at the best of times, Elf is just sweet enough.

Watch it at selected cinemas or stream from Sky Movies, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Apple TV

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