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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, JustWatch’s annual holiday streaming guide highlights the most popular Christmas movies available in the UK and compares the holiday content offerings of top streaming providers.
The festive season is here, and with it comes a plethora of heartwarming, hilarious, and magical Christmas movies. But with so many streaming platforms and countless titles to choose from, finding the perfect film to cozy up with can be a daunting task.
Fear not, for JustWatch, the world’s leading streaming guide, is here to illuminate your way through the vast sea of Christmas cinema.
Most Streamed Christmas Movies
It’s worth noting that streaming availability can change, so it’s best to check the specific platforms for the most up-to-date information.
Elf
Elf has become a beloved Christmas classic in the UK, consistently topping streaming charts during the festive season. The film follows Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, Buddy’s childlike wonder and unwavering Christmas spirit clash with the cynicism and materialism of the big city.
Why Elf?
- Wholesome humor: The film’s blend of slapstick comedy and heartwarming moments appeals to audiences of all ages.
- Nostalgic charm: Buddy’s innocent perspective on the world evokes a sense of childhood wonder and nostalgia for the magic of Christmas.
- Relatable themes: The film explores themes of family, belonging, and the importance of embracing one’s true self, resonating with viewers on a deeper level.
- Will Ferrell’s iconic performance: Ferrell’s energetic and hilarious portrayal of Buddy is a major draw for audiences.
Where To View Elf
- NOW TV Cinema Pass: This streaming service offers a wide selection of movies, including Elf.
- Amazon Prime Video: While not always available on standard Prime Video, Elf can sometimes be rented or purchased on the platform.
Sky Cinema: Sky Cinema subscribers can often find Elf included in their package or available for rental.
Love Actually
Love Actually has solidified its place as a beloved Christmas tradition in the UK, consistently ranking as the second most-streamed holiday film. This enchanting romantic comedy weaves together an ensemble of heartwarming and humorous tales set against the backdrop of the festive season in London.
The film follows the lives of eight different couples as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and longing. From a grieving widower bonding with his stepson to a bumbling writer pursuing his dream girl, each story explores the diverse facets of human connection.
Why Love Actually?
- Ensemble Cast: The film boasts a stellar cast of British actors, including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and Emma Thompson, whose performances bring depth and charm to each character.
- Whimsical Romance: Love Actually embraces a romantic spirit, celebrating the joy, heartache, and absurdity of love in all its forms.
- Nostalgic Setting: The film’s nostalgic depiction of Christmas in London, with its festive decorations, cozy pubs, and iconic landmarks, evokes a sense of warmth and wonder.
- Timeless Themes: The film delves into universal themes of love, loss, friendship, and family, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Where To View Love Actually
- Netflix: One of the most convenient ways to watch Love Actually is on Netflix, where it’s often included in the streaming library during the holiday season.
- Amazon Prime Video: While not always available on standard Prime Video, Love Actually can sometimes be rented or purchased on the platform.
- Sky Cinema: Sky Cinema subscribers can often find Love Actually included in their package or available for rental.
Polar Express
The Polar Express has become a popular Christmas film in the UK, often ranking as the third most-streamed holiday movie. This animated film, based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the story of a young boy who embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express.
Why Polar Express?
- Visual Spectacle: The film’s groundbreaking motion-capture animation brings the story to life with stunning visuals and immersive sound design.
- Nostalgic Theme: The Polar Express evokes a sense of childhood wonder and magic, reminding viewers of the excitement and anticipation of Christmas.
- Heartwarming Story: The film’s heartwarming narrative emphasizes the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas and the power of hope.
Where To View Polar Express
- Netflix: This is one of the most convenient ways to watch the film in the UK, as it’s often included in the streaming library during the holiday season.
- Amazon Prime Video: While not always available on standard Prime Video, The Polar Express can sometimes be rented or purchased on the platform.
- Sky Cinema: Sky Cinema subscribers can often find The Polar Express included in their package or available for rental.
Best Streaming Platforms In The UK
Looking to cozy up on the couch and indulge in a festive film marathon? Look no further than your favorite streaming platforms.
Amazon Prime Video emerges as the undisputed champion of Christmas movie streaming, offering a staggering 60% of all holiday titles available on major platforms. With such an extensive library, you’ll have no shortage of yuletide cheer to savor.
Netflix, while slightly smaller in its Christmas movie collection, still offers a curated selection of 15.5% of the total holiday movie count. Though more modest, Netflix’s offerings are carefully chosen to provide a delightful viewing experience for the whole family.
So, gather your loved ones, grab a warm blanket, and immerse yourselves in the magic of the season. Whether you’re seeking heartwarming tales, hilarious comedies, or spine-tingling thrillers, your favorite streaming platforms have you covered. Happy streaming!
Methodology
Our holiday Top 10s are based on user activity, such as clicking on different streaming offers for each title, and adding titles to the watchlist, marking them as seen and clicking out to streaming services. This data was collected between Nov 1, 2023 until Nov 26, 2024.
About JustWatch
JustWatch is the world’s largest streaming guide with more than 40 million monthly users across 140 countries. It is the one place to find movies, TV series, and sporting events from hundreds of streaming platforms worldwide including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV+, Hulu, and many others. JustWatch is headquartered in Berlin and has offices in New York, Paris, Munich and London, employing over 200 people worldwide.
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