The best way to spread Christmas cheer? Stream "Elf" online! This heartwarming comedy has cemented itself as one of the most beloved holiday classics since its debut in 2003.
You've probably already experienced it as part of your own holiday traditions. But if not, it’s a movie that’s as much a part of the season as Christmas lights and hot cocoa.
Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised in the North Pole who believes he’s an elf, "Elf" is all about spreading a little bit of Christmas magic.
Year: 2003
Cast: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner
Director: Jon Favreau
Run time: 97 min
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 86%
As a toddler, Buddy was accidentally taken to the North Pole, and then raised by the elves. Possibly due to his size, he never truly fit in (oh, and he's terribly at making toys), so he goes to New York City to find his real father. Unfortunately, his father is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a mean, cynical businessman who spurns Buddy at first.
In the big city, Buddy also doesn't quite fit in. He ends up getting a job at a local department store, where he falls for his indifferent co-worker Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) but also causes havoc when he accuses a faux Santa Claus of sitting on "a throne of lies." His words, not ours.
Eventually, his childlike wonder and cheerful disposition begin to thaw Walter's coldness and Jovie's lackluster attitude. As Buddy says, there's room for everybody on the Nice List!
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Elf online in 2024.
How to watch 'Elf' in the US
This holiday season, American viewers can watch Elf streaming on Max or Hulu right now. HBOMax is our No. 1 choice among the best streaming services, thanks to its excellent, high-quality library. You can access dozens of new 2024 movies and watch prestige dramas from HBO there as well as a host of other TV shows and original content.
"Elf" is also available to rent or buy at digital stores, generally around $3.99 for rental and $9.99 for purchase.
Is 'Elf' on Netflix?
No, "Elf" is not on Netflix. But the streaming service is always adding new titles to its huge library, so we'll add it to our letter to Santa for next year.
How to watch 'Elf' in the UK
Brits, sing loud for all to hear because you can watch Elf on Sky Cinema, which you can get with a Sky TV package (starting at just £25 per month). Or you can get a Now TV Cinema pass to stream the movie online. The pass comes with a free seven-day trial and then costs £11.99 per month.
How to watch 'Elf' in Canada
In the Great White North, which as close to Santa as you can get, "Elf" is streaming on Crave.
You can check out Crave with a 7-day FREE trial. After that, you can get either the Crave Mobile plan for $9.99 per month or the more robust Crave Total plan for $19.99.
How to watch 'Elf' in Australia
Aussies will smile because "Elf" is streaming on Binge, which comes with a 10-day free trial for new subscribers.
After that, the streaming service costs $10 per month.
