If you’ve ever eaten your spaghetti drizzled in syrup and served with a side of mini marshmallows, then you know spreading Christmas cheer for everyone to hear is the most important thing to do this time of year. And there’s no better way than watching movies on Netflix with swirly twirly gumdrop energy that will fuel your holiday spirit and put some pep(permint) in your step. 

There’s nothing like the unbridled optimism of believing in Santa, singing cheery Christmas carols and eating as many cookies as possible. This is the time of year to embrace your inner child (and your inner elf) by singing loudly for all to hear and believing in all of the magic that comes with Christmastime, even if some people are more reluctant to do this than you are. Whether you’re an actual elf looking for your long-lost father who has once again landed on the naughty list or Santa’s daughter hoping to have fun at college for the very first time, there are many ways to spread Christmas cheer. 

The following movies encompass all of those things that make the holidays the happiest time of the year and will make you as cheery as humanly (or as elf-enly) possible.

David and the Elves

Synopsis: In this Polish film, an overworked elf who’s a bit jaded comes to the rescue of a young boy, who’s sad his parents might have forgotten the meaning of Christmas after moving to the city. With the help of the youngster, the elf is once again able to experience the magic of Christmas. 

Why you need to watch: Any film about elves leaving the North Pole is particularly promising, especially if they’re looking to fulfill a certain kind of destiny. David and the Elves won’t only have you believing in Santa; you’ll also have a renewed belief in the magic of Christmas.

David and the Elves

1h 46m   TV-PG   2021

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48 Christmas Wishes

Synopsis: When two junior elves misplace a town’s Christmas wishes to Santa, they learn that if even one wish goes unfulfilled, Christmas could be over forever. So they venture out to retrieve every single wish and return them all to the North Pole. In other words, it’s up to the elves and the friends they meet along the way to fulfill these wishes and save Christmas. No big deal or anything.

Why you need to watch: The best Christmas films take you on an adventure, even if there are many mishaps along the way. What’s the holiday season without a little bit of chaos? 48 Christmas Wishes will have you wanting to write a letter to Santa ASAP just to see what kind of magic will ensue. 

48 Christmas Wishes

1h 24m   TV-G   2017

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An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf

Synopsis: Chippy is a young scout elf who helps determine Santa’s naughty-or-nice list. But when he’s assigned to the home of a 9-year-old boy who’s questioning his belief in Santa, Chippy finds the decision to be a bit challenging. Luckily, his friends — and Santa himself — remind him why his job is so important. 

Why you need to watch: If you’re in need of a feel-good story about an elf, watch An Elf’s Story. This 26-minute special has all the makings of a good Christmas story, including an adorable cast of characters, and enough candy canes to make you crave a cup of hot cocoa.

An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf

0h 26m   TV-Y   2011

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Santa Girl

Synopsis: After fleeing an arranged marriage with Jack Frost’s son, Santa’s daughter leaves the North Pole for college in the real world.  

Why you need to watch: Watching elves interact with things from the real world in the fish-out-of-water scenarios in Santa Girl is hilarious. Although Santa Claus’ daughter, Cassie, doesn’t enjoy eating her pasta with a side of candy canes, the movie will still make you LOL. 

Santa Girl

1h 30m   TV-PG   2019

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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Synopsis: After Jeronicus’ (Forest Whitaker) apprentice betrays him and becomes the world’s most famous toymaker, he becomes a recluse and leaves the magic of Christmas behind. But when his joyful, curious granddaughter, Journey (Madalen Mills), appears on his doorstep with some inventing chops of her own, Jeronicus’ magic is restored.  

Why you need to watch: Jingle Jangle will get you hyped for the holidays. It’s heartfelt, touching and all kinds of magical, thanks in part to the musical numbers and eye-catching dance sequences. It will put some pep in your step.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

2h 4m   PG   2020

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Luccas Neto in: The End of Christmas

Synopsis: Santa Claus recruits Luccas Neto and his brother Gi to go to the North Pole for a very important job: They must find all the gifts that have mysteriously disappeared and help save Christmas. 

Why you need to watch: Some of the best Christmas movies are the goofiest Christmas movies, and Luccas Neto in: The End of Christmas perfectly embodies that. This film from Brazil is full of slapstick humor that will put the biggest smile on your face.

Luccas Neto in: The End of Christmas

1h 11m   TV-G   2019

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Klaus

Synopsis: Jesper is a postman tasked with delivering 6,000 letters in a year to a distant island town, but the town’s citizens are more interested in fighting than sending one another letters. In his search to motivate people to write to each other, Jesper meets Klaus, a woodsman who makes toys. Jesper inspires him to donate his toys to young kids who write him letters and, in turn, motivates the town’s kids to be nicer to one another in order to receive toys. 

Why you need to watch: This Academy Award-nominated film is a superfun take on the origin of Santa Claus and his biggest helpers. Although elves aren’t the specific stars of this show, watching this nice, heartwarming film is a way for your kids to learn about one of their favorite holidays with just enough goofiness to keep them really entertained. 

Klaus

1h 38m   PG   2019

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Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale

Synopsis: A team of elite elves and their white fox cub companions are sent to bring the Christmas spirit to a young boy whose mom might not make it home for the holidays. In the process, they also discover how Santa is able to deliver so many presents to so many kids in just one night.

Why you need to watch: It’s a superfun take on the Elf on the Shelf tradition, where viewers are able to learn more about the magic of Christmas, Santa and his sleigh, thanks to the help of some delightful singing elves. 

Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale

0h 28m   TV-Y   2020

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Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue

Synopsis: It’s almost time for Christmas, but Santa has run into some trouble in getting his sleigh off the ground. Determined to help him deliver presents, a team of special elves and their pet reindeer seek the answer to his problems before it’s too late. 

Why you need to watch: It’s a hard job being Santa, but thankfully, his little helpers are always able to save the day. If you’ve ever needed to be thankful for the help of elves, Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue will make you want to express your gratitude.

Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue

0h 26m   TV-Y   2020

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Elf Pets: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas

Synopsis: The Elf Pets are ready to save the day, yet again, in this adorable take on how the magic of Christmas can help others. A thrift shop owner named Jonah struggles to keep his business afloat as the townspeople have forgotten the true spirit of Christmas. Without their cheer, Santa can’t continue to be magical and his sleigh can’t float. Luckily, Santa’s scout elf friends and their Saint Bernard pups inspire Jonah’s children to spread Christmas cheer and save their community.

Why you need to watch: Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without all of the hard work of elves (and their pets), and Elf Pets: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas is proof. Your kids will be thanking the elves and your own doggos for making the special holiday that much more magical.

Elf Pets: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas

0h 26m   TV-Y   2021

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Alien Xmas

Synopsis: When an elf accidentally mistakes an alien for a Christmas gift, she unleashes chaos across the North Pole and, subsequently, the world. As it turns out, the alien isn’t a present but an evil mastermind named X, who’s looking to destroy the world’s gravity and take all of the Christmas gifts in the process. But thanks to the elves’ kindness, X has a change of heart and helps save the holiday that he set out to destroy. 

Why you need to watch: The kindness of elves shouldn’t be underestimated, and Alien Xmas shows how just a little bit can go a long way in this unique, heartfelt tale with a supernatural twist.

Alien Xmas

0h 42m   TV-Y   2020

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A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish

Synopsis: Kat works as a singing elf at her local Christmas tree lot when she isn’t flirting with Nick, the handsome guy who plays Santa, or being treated as an assistant by her stepmother and her evil stepsisters. But after Kat scores an invite to the prestigious Wintergarden Christmas Gala, her stepmother will do anything to prevent her from going. 

Why you need to watch: A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish is a fun take on the traditional fairy tale about Cinderella. Although Kat just works as an elf at a tree lot and isn’t a “real” elf, it’s easy to fall in love with the festive film.

A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish

1h 25m   PG   2019

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The App That Stole Christmas

Synopsis: Felix Rhome is an inventor who created a superpopular phone app, Bomazon, that helps ease the difficulties of Christmas shopping. Although he’s proud of his invention, he discovers Bomazon is ruining the spirit of Christmas and preventing people from interacting with one another. When Felix becomes a victim of his own app and finds himself trapped in Santa’s resort, he encounters a special elf who helps him find the true spirit of Christmas through “presence, not presents.”

Why you need to watch: The App That Stole Christmas, with its technology-related plotlines, is just a little too realistic. But amid all of the chaos that surrounds the holidays, an elf helps someone realize the true reason for the season. And let’s face it, we could all use a reminder this time of year.

The App That Stole Christmas

1h 3m   TV-PG   2020

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