Now that the holiday season is upon us, many people are eager to dive into the cozy tradition of watching Christmas movies. While I'm all for the allure of cheesy Hallmark movies playing in the background, sometimes you just want to sit back and immerse yourself in a Christmas movie.

But with so many Christmas movies to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've compiled a list of Christmas movies with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 90% or higher. Not only have these films stood the test of time, but they have earned critical acclaim for their memorable stories, impressive performances, and the holiday spirit they bring to the screen.

So grab some hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fireplace, and make Christmas even better with these feel-good movies available on streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.

If you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas movie that's a little different from the rest, look no further than The Holdovers. In fact, this comedy-drama was nominated for five Academy Awards at the 96th Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Truly, it is a cinematic miracle worth watching.

“The Holdovers” revolves around three main characters: grumpy and cynical history teacher Paul Hanham (Paul Giamatti), who is assigned to chaperone troubled student Angus (Dominic Cessa). As most students are on vacation, the three spend Christmas together at school. As they spend time together, their interactions develop from contempt to an unexpected bond.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% Watch on Prime Video

Christmas classics are always very well received and usually score the highest. One great example to add to your watch list is “See You in St. Louis”. This beloved musical is set in the early 1900s and follows the lives and loves of the Smith family: Esther (Judy Garland), Rose (Lucille Bremmer), Agnes (Joan Carroll), and Tootie (Margaret O'Brien). The family faces a major challenge when their father, Mr. Smith, is transferred to New York for work and their tight-knit family is nearly uprooted.

At the center of the story is the eldest daughter, Esther, who falls in love with a young man named John Truett. Her romantic journey is an important focus, as Esther struggles with her emotions and desires while experiencing the complexities of young love.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%Max View at

Sometimes you just want a good animated film that you can get lost in. Klaus is a charming film about the origins of Santa Claus that is both unique and heartwarming. The film takes place in the fictional town of Smellensburg, a cold and isolated place where the feud between two families (the Krumms and the Ellingbaws) has created a nasty atmosphere. Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), a spoiled, lazy post office apprentice, is sent to Smellensburg as punishment from his wealthy father. If he can make the post office a success, he is allowed to go home.

In Smellensburg, Jesper befriends Klaus (J. K. Simmons), a mysterious man who lives in a secluded cabin in the woods and makes beautiful wooden toys. Jesper and Klaus hit it off and begin delivering toys to the children of the town. Their good deeds spread warmth and kindness and lead to the creation of the beloved traditions we associate with Santa Claus today, such as giving gifts and spreading joy during the holiday season.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% Watch on Netflix

“Miracle on 34th Street” is another heartwarming masterpiece worthy of a Christmas-time viewing. The film begins with a man named Chris (Edmund Gwen) being assigned to play Santa at Macy's Department Store in New York City. However, he soon claims that he is the real Santa Claus, causing a stir of suspicion and skepticism from the public and the store staff, especially a cynical girl named Susan (Natalie Wood) who has been taught not to believe in such things.

As Chris' claims gain more attention, he finds himself in a legal battle when a judge asks him to decide if he is really Santa. The case becomes a symbol of faith and belief in the holiday spirit. Susan and her mother Doris (Maureen O'Hara), who work at Macy's, begin to experience the magic of Christmas through Chris' kindness and the belief he has in people.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%View on Disney Plus

There is some controversy as to whether “Die Hard” is truly a Christmas movie, with the Christmas setting being central to the story. Some argue that the Christmas backdrop is incidental to the action, while others argue that the film's themes of family and reconciliation in a Christmas setting make the film a holiday classic in its own way. Whichever side of the argument one takes, there is no doubt that “Die Hard” has become a holiday staple for many.

“Die Hard” is an action-packed thriller in which NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at Christmas. However, things take a dramatic turn when a terrorist group led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) takes hostages in the Nakatomi Plaza building where Holly works. McClane must use his wits and skills to stop the terrorists, save the hostages, and reunite with his wife.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% Watch on Prime Video