The Best Christmas Movies of 2019

Snuggle up with hot cocoa, slippers, and one of these films.

Scenes from the best new Christmas movies of 2019.
(Image credit: Hallmark/Universal/Netflix)

The Christmas movie industry is a behemoth. Come October, you'll be faced with approximately one million and one holiday movies to pick from, with several of those being brand-new holiday movies, whether you're looking to catch your Christmas films in theaters, on Netflix, on Hulu, on Amazon Prime, Lifetime, Hallmark...you get the gist. It's overwhelming! So we've done the hard work for you: These are the 15 best new Christmas movies of 2019, no matter what you're in the mood for.

1. 'Last Christmas'

Where: Theaters

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, and Emma Thompson

When Kate (Clarke) gets a job at a department store as Santa's elf, she meets Tom (Golding). It's the perfect warm-and-fuzzy rom-com to take your mom (and your grandmother!) to on Christmas Eve. Did we mention Henry Golding is in it?

2. 'Black Christmas'

Where: Theaters

Starring: Imogen Poots, Cary Elwes, Brittany O'Grady, and Aleyse Shannon

In this thrilling adaptation of a '70s slasher movie, a group of women are stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break. Bonus: This film was entirely written and directed by women.

3. 'Noelle'

Where: Disney+

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, and Shirley MacLaine

In this sweet holiday comedy, Santa's daughter Noelle (Kendrick) has to take over her father's business when her brother Nick (Hader) goes missing. One to watch snuggled up with the whole family.

4. 'Radio Christmas'

Where: Lifetime

Starring: Keshia Knight Pulliam

When her radio station gets shut down for holiday repairs, Philadelphia DJ Kara (Pulliam) is forced to broadcast her show from a town called Bethlehem. While there, she plans to uncover the identity of the town's Secret Santa.

5. 'Let It Snow'

Where: Netflix

Starring: Shameik Moore and Kiernan Shipka

Based on the YA novel by John Green, a group of small-town teenagers is brought together in the midst of a snowstorm. Shipka, as ever, is fantastic.

6. 'The Knight Before Christmas'

Where: Netflix

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens

The newly crowned queen of Christmas, Vanessa Hudgens, stars in this sweet story about a medieval English knight who time-travels to present day. There, he falls in love with a high school science teacher.

7. 'A Christmas Miracle'

Where: Hallmark

Starring: Tamera Mowry and Brooks Darnell

Tamera Mowry stars as Emma, a writer whose cover story idea stolen by her magazine boss. With the help of a handsome staff photographer, she goes on the hunt for a Christmas miracle.

8. 'A Very Vintage Christmas'

Where: Lifetime

Starring: Tia Mowry

Tamera Mowry's twin sister Tia, who you'll remember from sitcom Sister, Sister,stars in this story about a woman named Dodie who owns a vintage antique shop. When she finds a box full of little trinkets, she makes it her mission to find its rightful owner.

9. 'A Christmas Duet'

Where: Hallmark

Starring: Rome Flynn and Chaley Rose

This one is for fans of Christmas music and How to Get Away With Murder's Rome Flynn. In this film, former music partners reignite their love during the planning of a Christmas festival.

10. 'Christmas at Dollywood'

Where: Hallmark

Starring: Dolly Parton, Danica McKellar, and Niall Matter

Yes, Dolly Parton is in it! Parton comes to the rescue when a woman (McKellar) sets out to create the perfect show for the 20th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

11. 'Holiday Rush'

Where: Netflix

Starring: Romany Malco, La La Anthony, Deon Cole

When a radio DJ is suddenly fired before the holidays, he takes his four children and moves in with his aunt for Christmas. Hijinks ensue.

12. ''Merry Happy Whatever

Where: Netflix

Starring: Ashley Tisdale, Dennis Quaid, and Bridgit Mendler

Though not a movie, this Netflix eight-episode series is perfect for the holiday season. Starring Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical, this film follows a father who must balance all the demands of Christmas while also dealing with his daughter, who's home for the holidays with her boyfriend.

13. 'Holiday in the Wild'

Where: Netflix

Starring: Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe

Kristin Davis, who you'll of course remember from Sex and the City (how has this woman not aged a day?!), travels to Africa alone after an ugly breakup. While there, she meets an elephant conservationist (Lowe). Perfect for anyone who loves love. Or elephants.

14. 'A Christmas Love Story'

Where: Hallmark

Starring: Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf

In her Hallmark Channel debut, Chenoweth plays a choir director who's in charge of writing a song for the Christmas Eve show. She gets distracted and meets a widowed father (Scott Wolf), and sparks fly...

15. 'Write Before Christmas'

Where: Hallmark

Starring: Chad Michael Murray and Torrey DeVitto

In this Love Actually-inspired film, Jessica (DeVitto) decides to send Christmas cards to five people who have greatly influenced her life. Enter One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray.


For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).

Juliana Ukiomogbe

Juliana Ukiomogbe is a freelance writer who covers culture, wellness, books, and movies. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or attempting to knit.