When it comes to Christmas movies, the holiday season is filled with a host of popular favorites. Such classics as “Home Alone,” “Love Actually,” and “Elf” have become synonymous with holiday cheer and light up living rooms year after year. But this list is for those for whom the clichéd films just aren't enough. The Polar Express is my favorite Christmas movie, so I really wanted to include it.

Prime Video has an amazing selection of holiday movies for every Christmas mood, from heartwarming family stories to laugh-out-loud comedies and even romances. Whether you're planning a family movie night, getting into the holiday spirit alone, or trying to replace your seasonal watch list on a streaming service, this guide is sure to satisfy.

Without further ado, here are the five best Christmas movies on Prime Video.

“The Holdovers” is a heartfelt drama set in 1970. Paul Hanham (Paul Giamatti), a strict and socially awkward history teacher at Barton Academy, remains at school during Christmas break to supervise a group of students who have nowhere else to go. Among them is Angus Tully (Dominic Cessa), a witty and troubled teenager. Together with Mary Lamb (Davine Joy Randolph), a school cook grieving the loss of her son in the Vietnam War, this unlikely trio survive a season that begins with tension but moves through a moving exploration of loneliness, healing, and connection.

As their bond deepens, their individual stories unfold: Angus deals with family struggles, Mary deals with grief, and Paul confronts his own vulnerability. The film is a nuanced portrayal of relationships during this time of year, when joy and togetherness are often expected, with plenty of humor amidst the emotional drama.

Watch on Prime Video

While some may raise an eyebrow at this pickup, the film is nostalgic and gives me warm feelings every Christmas when it comes on the TV. In “It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie,” frogs Kermit and the Muppets face a situation that could cost them their beloved Muppet Theater. Greedy banker Rachel Bitterman plans to foreclose on the theater and convert it into a nightclub. When Fozzie accidentally loses the money intended to save the theater, Kermit becomes distraught and wishes he had never been born.

An angel named Daniel is sent to show Kermit how the world would be without him. Through this journey, Kermit realizes how important he is to his friends and how he has made a positive impact on their lives. He returns with renewed hope to save the theater in time for the Christmas show.

Watch on Prime Video

“The Polar Express” holds a special place in my Christmas movies. Its timeless message resonates with viewers of all ages and is a must-see for anyone seeking Christmas cheer.

“The Polar Express” follows a young boy who begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he embarks on a magical journey aboard the Polar Express, a train bound for the North Pole. Along the way, he meets other children and learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas. The film's charm lies in its atmospheric music and themes of belief and wonder, making it a quintessential holiday classic.

Watch on Prime Video

“National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” is a holiday comedy about Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), who struggles to create the perfect Christmas for his family. However, his plans spiral into chaos thanks to a series of comedic disasters, including a tangled outdoor lighting display, a burnt turkey, and a mishap caused by his eccentric extended family.

Clark's optimism is tested by obnoxious cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), unexpected mishaps, and a desperate wait for a vacation bonus to fund his dream pool. The film has typical slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, making it a beloved classic for fans of dysfunctional holiday comedies.

Watch on Prime Video

“Scrooged” is a modern comedic adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It stars Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a cynical and self-absorbed television executive. On Christmas Eve, Frank is visited by three ghosts (the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future) who try to ease his hardened heart by helping him rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

Throughout the night, Frank experiences vivid and often humorous encounters with these spirits, each showing him the consequences of his own greed and selfishness. His transformation begins when he realizes how his actions have hurt others, especially his former lover Claire (Karen Allen). As the story progresses, Frank's emotional journey leads him to reconnect with those he has wronged and embrace the Christmas spirit.

Watch on Prime Video