The free streaming serviceTubiis an ad-supported provider that has developed one of the most significant online film and TV libraries in recent years. If there is an obscure film or beloved classic, you are likely to find it on this platform. This also extends to the holidays, with Tubi hosting myriadChristmas-themed moviesand shows across different eras and genres. Looking for some campy holiday horrors or perhaps a heartwarming family festive movie? You can guarantee you will find it on the streaming service.
To help you sift through the expansive Christmas catalog, we have rounded up 15 fun films you can watch now on Tubi to evoke Christmas cheer (or fear).
15A Holiday Heist (2019)
A group of college students find themselves kidnapped by thugs looking to rob the art exhibit that they are helping with over the holidays. The group of strangers must bond and learn more about each other to help them survive through the night and escape the hostage situation they find themselves in.
What Makes it Great
For all theMean Girlsfans, Lacey Chabert (a.k.a. “Gretchen Wieners”) appearance in the festive comedy is reason enough to check outA Holiday Heist. Beyond that, the cast is well-rounded and plays off each other well to dish out some holiday-themed humor. Directed by Christie Will Wolf, the film is an ideal fit during the holidays for those wanting a bit of silliness while still celebrating the spirit of Christmas.
Watch A Holiday Heist
14A Perfect Day (2015)
In the holiday filmA Perfect Day, an author’s newfound fame when his book skyrockets to the bestseller list is cut short when he receives a visit from a stranger telling him he has 40 days left to live. The stranger then helps the author reconnect with his family in time for the holidays and a chance tomake peace with his past failings as a father.
Rob Lowe is a national treasure skilled at evoking the holiday spirit with his knack for acting in festive-friendly movies. Having him in the lead will always guarantee a great Christmas film. The story itself falls into typical theme of learning that the true meaning of the holidays is not just about materialism. Still, the straightforward storytelling is comforting in its familiarity, and the movie’s positive messaging will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
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13Black Christmas (2006)
A group of sorority sisters celebrating Christmas at their campus house find themselves under attack after a killer returns to his childhood home. Spending 15 years in an asylum after the grizzly murder of his family, the man is ready to continue his spree on young, unexpected students.
While John Carpernet’sHalloweenwould go on to define the slasher genre, the original 1974Black Christmasis the first film to set out the formula. It is no surprise that as appreciation for the film grew, it would find itself being remade, both in 2006 and 2019. However, the direction of the 2006 entry takes a slightly different and more gory approach to the classic slasher, to deliver an unforgettable macabre Christmas treat. Though panned by critics and fans on release, the movie is still a fun, indulgent piece of blood-soaked cinema worth adding to the festive watch list.
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12Call Me Claus (2001)
Santa Claus is looking to retire after 200 years of service and settles on an unlikely candidate in grumpy television executive Lucy Cullins, played by Whoopi Goldberg. Unaware of the importance of Santa’s request, Lucy instead employs Santa Claus to help run promotions on her television network to earn her favor. But as the two interact more, the cold veneer of the executive slowly melts away.
Call Me Clausis notable for being the last role of beloved British actor Nigel Hawthorne as Santa, which he embraces with all the season’s joy.Whoopi Goldberg is also at her best, offering an engaging story of transformation from a Scrooge-like executive to embracing the positive traits of Christmas charity and joy. Despite some elements of the production feeling dated, the story’s undeniable charm makes it an underrated Christmas movie.
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11Casper’s Haunted Christmas
On a quest to scare at least one human before the holiday season, Casper enlists the help of his identical cousin to help him complete his Christmas wish.
Related:Best Christmas Movies for Kids & Families
There is no shortage of family-friendly entertainment on Tubi, and one of the better ways to get in the holiday spirit with the young ones is to indulge in a Christmas special with beloved characters that both parents and children will enjoy. This is whereCasper’s Haunted Christmascomes in, with the friendly ghost offering up some lighthearted humor and holiday cheer in equal measure.
Watch Casper’s Haunted Christmas
10Die Hard (1988)
New York City police detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) becomes the sole hope in a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. McClane must face off against Hans Gruber, the leader of the terrorists, to save the hostages.
Let the debate aboutwhetherDie Hardis a Christmas moviecommence! Still, there is no denying that the film is a classic action flick and is the definitive Bruce Willis movie. Moreover, it has become a staple of many people’s annual Christmas viewing, and despite how you feel about its festive validity, you don’t need to be a Scrooge to others. Watching this classic for free makes for an ideal addition to the Tubi library, so you don’t have to search the TV channels to track it down or pay to rent it.
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9Friday After Next (2002)
The third entry in the stoner-comedy “Friday” anthology,Friday After NextfollowsCraig and his cousin Day-Day, who find work during the holiday season as security guards. However, while working on Christmas Eve, a robber dressed as Santa Claus breaks into their apartment and steals their presents and rent money. The duo have to chase down the thief to save their Christmas.
The hit ‘Friday Anthology’ starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps gets a hilarious holiday-themed conclusion (thougha fourth film is still possible). For viewers interested ina non-serious comedywith a crass edge,Friday After Nextis a perfect holiday pick. The whole cast is well-rounded, ensuring the comedy stays fresh throughout the entire runtime.
Watch Friday After Next
8Happy Feet Two (2011)
Happy Feet Two
Set in the wintry wonderland of Antarctica, this family favorite features a young penguin who struggles to realize his talents, making him reluctant to dance. After running away from home, he embarks on an unexpected journey and must save his family from an impending apocalypse.
You don’t need to always stick to Christmas to get those happy holiday vibes going, andHappy Feet Twois an excellent example of this. And who doesn’t love penguins?With entertaining musical numbers for the kiddosand the presence of the winter landscape, this movie will get the little ones moving with Christmas joy. The film is backed by some memorable voice acting from Elijah Wood and the legendary Robin Williams.Happy Feet Twoalso used the vocal talents of singer Pink, who won a Satellite Award for the song “Bridge of Light.”
Watch Happy Feet Two
7Mistletoe Time Machine (2022)
Three friends who have long since fallen out get to re-spark their camaraderie after a magical incident sends them into the past. Having to revisit a pivotal point in their friendship, the three embrace the second chance and have a blast while doing it.
Related:Best Comedy TV Shows with Women Friendships
This Tubi Original has quickly become a fan favorite since premiering in 2022, thanks to its mix of comedy and the exploration of friendship. Megha Sandhu, Erika Prevost, and Alicia Richardson are the perfect trio for approaching a slightly more mature Christmas comedy,ideal to throw on after the kids have gone to bedand enjoy with a visiting friend. Or, check it out on your own as you are getting some baking done!Mistletoe Time Machineis a well-rouned comedy with a touching sentiment about the rediscovery of friendship that is perfect for the holidays.
Watch Mistletoe Time Machine
6Mother Krampus (2017)
Mother Krampusis based on the myth of Frau Perchta, a witch that comes during the 12 days of Christmas to take children each night. The modern retelling of the myth sees the evil figure return to avenge her death during the holidays.
An excellent gloomy and gory indie flick from the UK,Mother Krampusis a perfect addition to Christmas viewing for those that flood it with horror movies to help combat the boredom of the chilly month. Think of a mix of slashers with some supernatural elements via the powers of the titular Mother Krampus, and you can get an idea of the type of chaos that ensues.Tubi has an impressive line-up of horror moviesand this festive-themed terror is a nice hidden gem on the platform.
