The holiday season is upon us, and many will be tuning in to Disney+ to watch popular movies like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and more to celebrate. But the streaming platform has a wide variety of festive flicks. A handful of these films are severely underrated and often get overlooked by those searching for some holiday cheer.
The good news is that I have pulled together five of the best underrated holiday movies to watch on Disney+ this season. From a rom-com starring Sandra Bullock to an animated anthology film featuring iconic Disney characters, there’s something for everyone.
5
While You Were Sleeping
For those searching for a romance-focused holiday flick, look no further than While You Were Sleeping. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, the 1995 rom-com stars Sandra Bullock as Lucy, a Chicago Transit Authority fare token collector who is hopelessly in love with a man (Peter, played by Peter Gallagher) she has never actually spoken to. Instead, she admires him from afar as he catches the train to work almost every morning.
Then, on Christmas morning, everything changes. Lucy saves Peter’s life and is accidentally mistaken for his fiancée at the hospital. Let’s just say that this lie goes on for more than anyone was anticipating, and Lucy finds herself in quite the pickle, especially when she meets Peter’s brother, Jack, played by Bill Pullman. Overall, some might not consider it a Christmas movie, but While You Were Sleeping has all the makings of one, including themes revolving around family and love. It also doesn’t hurt that it takes place at the end of December.
4
The Family Stone
While While You Were Sleeping is a lighter, more heartwarming holiday film, The Family Stone is much heavier and more of a romantic drama than a romantic comedy. So, if you’re searching for a Christmas movie that will induce tears, Thomas Bezucha’s 2005 drama is the perfect choice. It can be found on Disney+ via a Hulu subscription.
The Family Stone features a star-studded cast, including Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith. Her character is a high-strung businesswoman who is dreading meeting her boyfriend’s family for the first time. Meredith and her partner, Dermot Mulroney’s Everett, travel to his childhood home for the holidays, and let’s just say that nothing goes as planned. Things get awkward, tense, and sad. However, by the time the credits roll, you will be glad to have gotten to know the Stone family (and appreciative of your own).
The Family Stone
- Release Date
-
December 16, 2005
- Runtime
-
104 Minutes
- Director
-
Thomas Bezucha
3
Noelle
Disney+ has released a few original holiday projects since its inception in 2019, but the best by far is Noelle, and it never receives the praise it deserves. Anna Kendrick portrays Noelle Kringle, Santa Claus’ daughter, in the fantasy comedy movie. When her brother, Nick (played by Bill Hader), goes missing, it’s up to Noelle to find him and save Christmas, seeing as he’s next in line to become Old Saint Nick.
Noelle is a typical, fun Christmas flick and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. However, it manages to separate itself from the crowd by switching the script of the classic tale of Santa Claus by introducing a new leading character. So, after watching all three of The Santa Clause films (and perhaps Disney+’s original TV series The Santa Clauses), Noelle is the ideal next choice as one of the streaming service’s most underrated holiday movies.
Noelle
- Release Date
-
November 12, 2019
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
- Director
-
Marc Lawrence
2
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey Mouse and underrated aren’t usually used in the same sentence, but the fact remains that Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas isn’t nearly as loved and talked about as it should be. The 1999 animated anthology is the perfect film to watch during the holiday season, meaning it should be placed alongside holiday classics such as Home Alone. It includes three stories that focus on specific original Disney characters.
The first feature revolves around Huey, Dewey, and Louie, who get their wish of it being Christmas every day. The next one follows Goofy and his son Max as they prepare to welcome Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Finally, the last feature is all about romance as Mickey and Minnie try to get the perfect gift for one another. All in all, each short film embraces everything that makes the holidays special (and if you want more after the credits roll, check out Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas on Disney+).
1
Jingle All the Way
If you’re looking for a holiday movie similar to the likes of comedies such as A Christmas Story and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Jingle All the Way is the answer. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard, a father who faces off against Sinbad’s Myron as they fight over purchasing a popular toy for their sons in the 1995 family comedy film. As one could predict, shenanigans ensue.
Jingle All the Way resonates easily, given its comedic take on how much Christmas has been commercialized over the years. Many often spend the holidays desperately trying to get the perfect gift for their loved ones, just like Howard and Myron in director Brian Levant’s film. For its relatability alone, be sure to make time for Jingle All the Way alongside all the great entertainment coming to Disney+ this December.
Jingle All the Way
- Release Date
-
November 22, 1996
- Runtime
-
89 Minutes
- Director
-
Brian Levant
If you’re tired of watching the same festive flicks this year, Disney+ is the perfect place to find hidden gems. Alongside all the Christmas classics on Disney+, the streaming platform’s library includes various movies that many brush to the side during the holiday season. From While You Were Sleeping to Jingle All the Way, you won’t be disappointed.
- Subscription with ads
-
Yes, the Disney Basic plan
- Simultaneous streams
-
Up to 4
Family favorites, old classics, and exciting new TV all in one place.
