Christmas movies 2023: what to watch

It’s only October, but Hollywood is already gearing up for the holidays with a long list of holiday movie releases planned.

Whether you love rom-coms, family comedies, or even slasher films, these new releases will help you get into the holiday spirit.

1. “Candy Cane Lane”

This family comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross features Murphy as a father so devoted to his neighborhood Christmas decorating contest that he accidentally makes a deal with an elf who is wreaking havoc on his town.

“Candy Cane Lane” premieres December 1st on Amazon Prime.

2. “This is a wonderful knife.”

If you like holiday horror, this slasher film based on the beloved 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life is perfect for you.

Here’s a synopsis of the plot: A year after saving her small town from a serial killer, a young woman thinks everyone would be better off without her and wishes she had never been born. Suddenly transported to another version of her city where this is true, she is forced to destroy the killer again.

It’s a Wonderful Knife will be released on November 10th.

3. “The best. Christmas. Always!’

Although the trailer has not yet been released, this Netflix comedy will reportedly tell the story of two frenemies who get together with their families for Christmas.

The film, starring Brandi Norwood (aka Brandi) and Heather Graham, will be released on Netflix on November 16th.

4. “Thanksgiving”

If family films aren’t your thing, Eli Roth’s new slasher movie might be for you.

Starring Patrick Dempsey and TikTok star Addison Rae, the film tells the story of a serial killer who comes to Plymouth, Massachusetts to carve up more than just turkey.

“Thanksgiving” hits theaters on November 17th.

5. “Running in the Snow”

In this upcoming Disney comedy, Ludacris plays a single father who doesn’t like the holidays. The trailer has not yet been released, but Disney’s official synopsis describes it as a “fun and heartwarming story” showing a family’s journey to bond with each other and learn to appreciate Christmas.

The World Through Snow will be released on Disney+ on November 17th.

6. “Christmas”

In this rom-com, Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell play exes forced to spend Christmas together. After Graham and Ali break up, Graham’s family invites Ali to spend Christmas with them in his absence. When Graham returns home unexpectedly for Christmas, chaos ensues.

It will be on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video on November 17th.

7. “Naughty Nine”

In a new genre of heists, nine kids on Santa’s Naughty List break into the North Pole to reclaim the gifts Santa refuses to deliver to them.

The Naughty Nine, starring Danny Glover as Santa Claus, premieres on Disney Channel on November 22 and can be streamed on Disney+ the following day.

Bonus: Something from Hallmark.

Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas will feature 31 new holiday-themed rom-coms this year.

Starting Friday, the channel will premiere one or more new films every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 17.