Christmas movie guide: Holiday movies and shows to watch

The Family Switch

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1/7

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Ed Helms, Emma Myers, Brady Noon, Rita Moreno

The premise: In this festive spin on body-swap comedies, Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms play a pair of parents worn out by the holiday hustle that envelops families during this festive season. Their aloof, overly-cool teenagers only add to the challenge. However, the dynamics take a surprising turn when a rare planetary alignment triggers a body switch between the parents and kids right before Christmas. Cue the inevitable chaos of the holiday season – 'tis the time for a crash course in empathy!

Watch it on: Netflix

Dashing Through the Snow

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2/7

Starring: Lil Rel Howery, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nunez, Madison Skye Validum, Mary Lynn Rajskub

The premise: Ludacris stars as Eddie Garrick, a social worker and disheartened father grappling with the challenge of casting aside his cynicism to create a joyful holiday for his daughter. Amidst a separation from his wife, Allison (played by Teyonah Parris), and distanced from his daughter, Eddie struggles to embrace the festive spirit. However, a chance encounter with Santa (portrayed by Lil Rel Howery) changes everything. Together with his daughter, they find themselves transported to a magical realm that just might restore his faith in Christmas.

Watch it on: Disney+

Best. Christmas. Ever!

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3/7

Starring: Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Matt Cedeno, Jason Biggs

The premise: Charlotte (Heather Graham) lives a modest life in a small apartment with her family of four. She finds herself overshadowed by the seemingly perfect life of her college frenemy, Jackie (Brandy Norwood). Every year, Jackie's annual Christmas letter, chronicling her family's exceptional accomplishments, sparks both envy and scepticism in Charlotte.

This year, days before Christmas, Charlotte winds up on Jackie’s doorstep in a bit of comedic confusion, unintentionally bringing her family along for the holidays with her long-time frenemy.

Suspecting that Jackie's family life may not be as perfect as it appears, Charlotte seizes the opportunity and is determined to make it her mission to unveil the reality behind Jackie's supposedly marvellous life.

Watch it on: Netflix

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

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4/7

Voiced by: Michael Godere, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, Chris Diamantopoulos, Mallory Low

The premise: A special Christmas prequel to the popular 2022 animation film The Bad Guys, A Very Bad Holiday features the characters still embracing their mischievous tendencies.

This instalment toys with the notion of "criminals with a heart of gold", when the characters unintentionally ruin a Santa Claus balloon in the midst of a heist and inadvertently cause the cancellation of Christmas. Now, The Bad Guys must set things right to salvage their holiday plans.

Watch it on: Netflix

Candy Cane Lane

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5/7

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Alan Grier, Robin Thede, Nick Offerman, Jillian Bell

The premise: Who could be more fitting to headline a new Christmas comedy than Eddie Murphy? In Candy Cane Lane, Murphy takes on the role of Chris Carver, a devoted family man determined to secure victory in the neighbourhood's best-decorated home contest. Chris strikes a deal with a mysterious stranger named Pepper (Jillian Bell), who offers magical assistance to guarantee his win. However, Chris soon discovers that Pepper is an malevolent elf with a sinister agenda – turning her victims into plastic dolls. Now, Chris must join forces with his family to thwart Pepper's plans and save the neighbourhood before everyone is transformed.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video

The Velveteen Rabbit

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6/7

Starring: Phoenix Laroche, Leonard Buckley, Samantha Colley, Alex Lawther

The premise: Adapted from the beloved classic children's book by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit explores the meaning of unconditional love. In this heartwarming tale, seven-year-old William is gifted a stuffed rabbit who aspires to transform into a real creature through the power of genuine love. Ultimately, this heartfelt wish is granted through a touch of magic and a poignant turn of events in the life of young William.

Watch it on: Apple TV

Merry Little Batman

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7/7

Voiced by: Luke Wilson, Yonas Kibreab, James Cromwell, David Hornsby

The premise: Ever wondered what Batman would be like…as a father?

After Batman leaves Damian Wayne alone in Wayne Manor on Christmas Eve, he transforms himself into "Little Batman" to protect his home and Gotham City from villains during the festive season. Damian finds himself thrust into action as he endeavours to thwart the Joker, a perennial member of Santa’s naughty list, and prevent his plot to sabotage Christmas in Gotham City.

Director Mike Roth shared insights into the film, stating, "Instead of portraying Batman solely as the brooding crime-fighting figure, we shifted the focus to depict him as a father raising a son," as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video