The holidays are all about family and friends and gift-giving. But it's also worth getting excited about all the upcoming movies this time of year. As people start to go on holiday vacation and lounge around with their families, it's inevitable that they'll all be looking for something to watch, which means it's the perfect time to release a new movie. And while 2023 has already had some standout films like Killers of the Flower Moon, Barbie, and Oppenheimer, there's still some time left to wow audiences and add some more entries to everyone's lists of best movies of the year.
From Thanksgiving all the way to New Year's, there's action, comedy, and yes, Hallmark movies that will keep you and your family excited to sit down in front of the TV. There's a wide range of films to choose from too, including family-friendly holiday films to gripping dramas to bloody slashers. Whatever you're into, there's still time to find a new favorite film. So get your streaming service of choice on hand, and prepare for
Not all of the listed movies are centered around the holidays–some simply have a release date that falls into the season. Still, they're notable enough that we still recommend you check them out in the midst of searching for your next holiday classic. There's potential Oscar contenders, star-studded dramas, and even horror films that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Holdovers
Paul Giamatti stars in this dramedy about a grouchy teacher who stays behind at a New England prep school to watch over the various kids unable to go home for the holidays.
Best. Christmas. Ever!
Heather Graham and Brandy star in this film about two friends who end up spending the holidays together. Despite their perceived closeness, one friend is determined to prove the other's life isn't as perfect as it seems.
Thanksgiving
Want a little horror for the holidays? Check out Eli Roth's Thanksgiving, where an axe murderer descends upon Black Friday shoppers in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
EXmas
Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell star in EXmas. It follows a guy who returns home for the holidays to find his family is already celebrating...with his ex.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
It may not be holiday-themed, but The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a gripping YA drama that'll keep you glued to your seat this holiday season. A prequel to the famed trilogy, this film details a much earlier version of the Hunger Games, tracking the rise of President Snow, who was back then only a determined teen.
Dashing Through the Snow
This Hulu original stars Lil Rel Howery and Ludacris. A social worker no longer believes in the magic of Christmas, so his wife convinces him to bring his daughter to work, where the two begin a magical adventure.
May December
Another non-holiday entry, May December is both interesting and heartbreaking. For an upcoming role, an actress decides to get to close to her subject: a teacher who seduced her student years ago and is now married to him with children.
Genie
Melissa McCarthy stars as a genie who helps a man to win his family life after his workaholic lifestyle drives them away.
Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas
Ted Lasso fans will enjoy this delightful musical special featuring Hannah Waddingham, who sings festive songs with the help of a live band.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Enjoy this childhood classic brought to the screen. The Velveteen Rabbit follows a boy who gets a stuffed rabbit for Christmas, and the toy desperately wants to become real.
Family Switch
Fans of Freaky Friday may like Family Switch, which stars Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms as parents who end up switched with their daughter and son, respectively, and must find a way back into their bodies before Christmas.
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday
The animated film The Bad Guys has a holiday special this year. It serves as a prequel to the original film, and it's only 30 minutes, so it's the perfect distraction for your kids while you're wrapping those last-minute gifts.
It's a Wonderful Knife
Love It's a Wonderful Life, but want a bit more of an adult version? Try out It's a Wonderful Knife. The slasher follows a woman who saved her town from a psychotic killer the year before, but feels like her life has only gone downhill. When she wishes she'd never been born, however, things get very, very violent.
Candy Cane Lane
Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross and more star in this Christmas comedy about a father who accidentally signs a Faustian bargain with an evil elf. He has to recruit the rest of his family to save his life and the holiday season.
Rescuing Christmas
Two of Santa's elves are sent to grant a human three wishes. The human they grant wishes to however, is a woman who's lost all enthusiasm for the season. When she wishes Christmas didn't exist, though, she realizes she made a huge mistake.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever
This animated Christmas comedy follows Greg Heffley as he tries to stay good throughout the holiday season to get a new video game console. But inevitably, he ends up getting into serious trouble, and he and his friend Rowley have to work to keep it from Greg's family.
Merry Little Batman
Batman leaves Damian Wayne alone on Christmas Eve. With nothing to do, Damian transforms into "Little Batman" to keep his home and Gotham safe during the holidays.
The Boy and the Heron
Studio Ghibli fans will enjoy Hayao Miyazaki's newest film, The Boy and the Heron. Released in Japan to critical acclaim, the film's English dub features Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale, Gemma Chan, and many, many more stars.
The Sacrifice Game
Two students staying at their boarding school for the holidays have their quiet break disrupted when a murderous gang arrives, intent on performing a dark ritual.
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