The holiday season usually feels like a landslide of tinsel and predictable plot twists. You know the drill. A high-flying city executive gets stranded in a small town, rediscovers the "true meaning of Christmas" via a rugged guy in a flannel shirt, and suddenly decides to abandon her seven-figure career to run a struggling bakery. It’s comforting, sure. But honestly, the lineup of new Christmas movies out this season is actually trying some new things for once.
We’re seeing a weirdly high-stakes mix of big-budget theatrical releases and streaming experiments. From a secret Santa who is literally in disguise to a Neil Diamond tribute band starring Hugh Jackman, the 2025-2026 winter slate isn't just the usual Hallmark fluff.
The Heavy Hitters: Big Screens and Bigger Budgets
If you went to the theater on Christmas Day, you weren't alone. The box office actually put up some of its best numbers in years. While Avatar: Fire and Ash took the top spot, several other films fought for the "holiday classic" title.
Song Sung Blue is the one people are talking about. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a real-life couple who formed a Neil Diamond tribute band. It sounds niche, but it’s basically a massive feel-good story about second chances. It’s got that Greatest Showman energy but feels a bit more grounded.
Then there’s Marty Supreme. Timothée Chalamet plays a ping-pong prodigy in the 1950s. Is it a "Christmas movie" in the traditional sense? Not really. But it’s the big December "event" film that everyone is seeing while they’re home for the holidays. It’s fast, ego-centric, and totally different from the usual snow-dusted rom-coms.
💡 You might also like: Charlize Theron Sweet November: Why This Panned Rom-Com Became a Cult Favorite
Streaming Hits: What to Binge from Your Couch
Netflix and Disney+ have gone all-in on the "high concept" holiday flick this year. We aren't just getting one-dimensional romances anymore.
Netflix’s Identity Crisis (In a Good Way)
The biggest standout on Netflix right now is My Secret Santa. It stars Alexandra Breckenridge from Virgin River and Ryan Eggold. The plot is basically Mrs. Doubtfire but in reverse. Breckenridge plays a single mom who dresses up as a man to get a job as a Santa at a luxury ski resort. It’s absurd. It’s quirky. Surprisingly, it’s actually funny instead of just being cringey.
If you want something with a bit more edge, Jingle Bell Heist is pulling huge numbers. Think Ocean's Eleven but with more Santa suits. Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells play two thieves who decide to rob a department store on Christmas Eve. It’s the perfect antidote if you’ve had enough of the "mistletoe and magic" tropes.
The Jonas Brothers and Animation
Disney+ released A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, which follows the brothers trying to get from London to New York in time for the big day. It’s chaotic and clearly aimed at the nostalgia crowd.
📖 Related: Charlie Charlie Are You Here: Why the Viral Demon Myth Still Creeps Us Out
On the animated front, The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants and Winnie the Pooh: Hundred Acre Christmas are keeping the kids busy. The Pooh movie is especially sweet—it’s the first installment of a new preschool series, and it feels like a warm hug.
The Critics’ Darlings vs. The Crowd-Pleasers
Not everything is a hit. Oh. What. Fun. on Prime Video had a massive cast—Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, and Chloë Grace Moretz. It’s about a mom who basically goes on strike during the holidays because she’s tired of doing everything. Critics have been pretty harsh, calling the dialogue "painfully bad," but honestly? If you’re a parent who has ever felt frazzled by December 25th, you’ll probably find a lot to like here. It’s relatable, even if it’s a mess.
On the flip side, The Baltimorons (AMC+) is the dark horse of the season. It’s about a newly sober guy and his emergency dentist. It sounds bleak, but it has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s for the people who want their new Christmas movies out with a side of reality and sharp wit.
What's Coming in 2026?
Looking ahead, the momentum isn't stopping. Hallmark and Disney recently announced a massive collaboration for 2026 called Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True. They’re filming it on-location at Walt Disney World. Lacey Chabert—the undisputed queen of Christmas—is starring. It’s the first time these two giants have teamed up for a movie, so expect the "magic" levels to be off the charts.
👉 See also: Cast of Troubled Youth Television Show: Where They Are in 2026
Making Your Holiday Watchlist
Don't just scroll through the menus for three hours. Here is how to actually pick what to watch:
- For the "I need a good cry" night: Stick with Song Sung Blue or Hamnet. Both are heavy on the emotion and world-class acting.
- For a laugh with the family: My Secret Santa or the Anaconda reboot (yes, Jack Black and Paul Rudd made an Anaconda movie and it's actually a comedy).
- For the "Grinch" in the house: Jingle Bell Heist or The Baltimorons. They aren't sugary sweet.
- For the kids (and your sanity): The Spongebob Movie is surprisingly the best-reviewed Spongebob film in years.
To keep track of everything, most of these titles are now available on Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. If you're looking for the theatrical releases like Marty Supreme, they usually hit VOD (Video on Demand) about 45 days after their December premiere.
Check your local listings for theater times or refresh your "New Releases" tab on Netflix. Most of these films are at the top of the charts right now, so they shouldn't be hard to find.