The holiday season of 2025 is bringing a fresh mix of classics and highly anticipated new releases to stream and watch. While the comforting classics like Home Alone and Elf always top the watch lists, the big streaming services are driving the current trends with action-packed holiday movies and new twists on the Christmas romance formula. Viewers are clearly looking for more than just snow and mistletoe this year, favoring action, mystery, and star power alongside the heartwarming themes. This blending of genres is the core trend defining the must-watch list for this season.
The Streaming Service Stars of 2025
Streaming platforms are competing fiercely to dominate the holiday viewing market, leading to a surge in original, high-quality Christmas content. The trend is moving away from low-budget holiday fare toward films with bigger casts and more dynamic plots.
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Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix): This film is poised to be a major breakout hit, adding an exciting action-crime twist to the holiday genre. It follows two people who plan to rob the same luxury London department store on Christmas Eve, leading to unexpected romance amid the chaos. This is a clear signal that action-comedies are taking over the traditional rom-com slot.
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A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix): Starring Alicia Silverstone, this film taps into a very relatable modern holiday situation: newly divorced co-parents trying to navigate Christmas with new partners. It promises a messier, more realistic take on holiday relationships, which viewers find engaging.
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Oh. What. Fun (Prime Video): This comedy brings a slightly snarky and contemporary edge to the Christmas season. Coming from a director known for successful comedies, it targets viewers who enjoy holiday movies that are a little less sweet and more witty.
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Tyler Perry's Finding Joy (Prime Video): This movie follows a New York fashion designer whose journey for holiday magic is encouraged by her friends. It aligns with the classic formula but features new faces and a contemporary setting, appealing to a broad audience looking for feel-good romance.
Classics That Never Fade
No matter what new releases appear, the foundational holiday movies continue to draw huge audiences, cementing their place as annual trending favorites. Their sustained popularity is key to the overall holiday viewing landscape.
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Home Alone (1990): The story of a boy defending his house from bumbling thieves remains an inescapable cultural phenomenon. Its mix of slapstick comedy and family sentimentality guarantees millions of views every year.
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Elf (2003): Will Ferrell’s fish-out-of-water comedy is a modern classic that appeals across all age groups. It perfectly captures the childlike wonder of Christmas and provides reliable, consistent viewership.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): This film continues to trend high because it offers a message about the real meaning of Christmas that is separate from commercialism, resonating deeply with many viewers.
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Love Actually (2003): The ensemble cast and intertwined love stories make this film a favorite for those seeking a grand, emotional, and very British holiday romance. It is now a permanent fixture in the festive viewing schedule.
The Hallmark and Lifetime Dominance
While the big streaming services focus on a few blockbuster originals, networks like Hallmark, Lifetime, and Great American Family continue their massive output of romantic holiday films. This trend emphasizes quantity and reliability.
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These channels release dozens of new movies, often starting in October, creating a steady stream of content for dedicated fans.
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The 2025 trend for these networks includes more mysteries and light dramas, such as Hallmark's Mistletoe Murders, which adds a cozy crime element to the usual romance plots. This diversification helps keep the formula fresh for their loyal base.
The Verdict on 2025's Viewing Trend
The overall trend for 2025 holiday movie watching is a dual focus. Viewers will rewatch their nostalgic classics for comfort, but the excitement is clearly centered on new streaming originals that push the genre boundaries. The most successful new films are the ones that introduce action, mystery, or a more complex, modern relationship dynamic, moving beyond the simple, traditional Christmas rom-com.
If a viewer wants to be truly current, they should prioritize the streaming originals. For a reliable, nostalgic experience, the 1990s and early 2000s classics will always be waiting.