Where to watch A Christmas Story: stream online from anywhere

By published

Experience this classic Christmas comedy with the family

a christmas story
(Image: © Image Credit: Warner Bros)

Looking to stream A Christmas Story this holiday season? Then you’ve come to the right place to find out where you can do so. We’ll tell you which services have the rights to show A Christmas Story and how to watch the film - even if it isn’t showing where you live.

A Christmas Story - Fact File

Year: 1983
Run time: 93 mins
Director: Bob Clark
Stars:  Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%

The film tells the story of Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley, reminiscing about his favorite Christmas when all he wanted was a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Unlike many Christmas classics, it isn't necessarily that well known all over the world, but it's definitely a big cult fave in North America.

Unfortunately for Ralph, his mother, his teacher Miss Shields and even Santa Claus at Higbee’s department store all tell him the same thing: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” However, he is determined to get his hands on the BB gun and goes to great lengths to convince them. Along the way his friend gets his tongue stuck to a flagpole on a dare and Ralphie takes on the school bully in this classic Christmas comedy.

So where can you watch it? Below we’ve rounded up the services that are showing the film in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Nobody showing a Christmas Story stream where you are. Well we’ve got a handy little trick to help you out there, too.

Can I watch A Christmas Story on Netflix?

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We checked in the US, UK, Canada and Australia but this film is not available from Netflix in any of those countries. Don’t worry though as we’ll break down all of the other ways to rent or stream A Christmas Story by country below.

Can I watch A Christmas Story on Amazon Prime Video?

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Unfortunately this Christmas classic is not available on  Amazon Prime Video (opens in new tab) subscribers in any country. There are plenty of streaming platforms which give you the ability to rent or even buy this film broken down by country below.

Alternatively, if you want to watch that UK Prime Video stream but you're out of the country then you can try using a VPN (opens in new tab) to relocate the IP address of your laptop, mobile, tablet or streaming device to the UK, and watch as if you were there. It's easier to do than it sounds - scroll to the bottom of the page for full details and our pick of the best VPN service (opens in new tab). 

Where to watch A Christmas Story in the US

If you're a subscriber to Fubo TV (opens in new tab) or Sling TV (opens in new tab) than you're in luck as both of these streaming services seem to be showing A Christmas Story this year, so you’re limited to renting it with the following popular platforms all stocking it:

  • Amazon - $3.99
  • YouTube - $3.99
  • Vudu - $3.99
  • Google Play - $3.99
  • Redbox - $3.99
  • AMC on Demand - $3.99
  • DIRECTV - $3.99
  • Microsoft - $3.99

Where to stream A Christmas Story in the UK

Unfortunately, no streaming platform has bagged the rights to this movie this year - however there are plenty of platforms from which you can rent the movie:

  • Microsoft - £3.49
  • Chili Cinema - £2.49
  • Rakuten TV - £2.99
  • Amazon - £3.49

Where to stream A Christmas Story in Canada

It’s a similar situation in Canada to what we described in for the UK. No streaming services are showing A Christmas Story, so you’ll have to make a one-off payment to watch this Christmas classic:

  • Cineplex - $3.99
  • PlayStation - $4.99
  • YouTube - $4.99
  • Google Play - $4.99

Where to stream A Christmas Story in Australia

When it comes to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, neither of these large streaming services is showing A Christmas Story in Australia. However, if you’re a Stan. subscriber then you can watch it there. If not though, you can rent the film from any of the platforms below:

  • Stan (opens in new tab) subscribers - free
  • YouTube - $4.99
  • Google Play - $4.99
  • Microsoft - $3.99

How to stream A Christmas Story from anywhere in the world

As we say, A Christmas Story might not be on your usual menu of Christmas viewing if you live outside the US. But if you still want to watch and your country of residence doesn't show it , then there may be a solution for you - downloading and installing a VPN.

After testing, reviewing and ranking over 100 services ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) came out on top of the pile. As well as being one of the most secure and consistently fast VPNs, we also like that it's compatible a whole host of devices: Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation. So for a one-stop shop, you can't go wrong with Express.

Streaming with a VPN is really easy to do, as well. Just follow the three steps below...

Step one: Download and install one of our top rated VPNs

1. ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) the best all-round VPN for streaming, comes with 30-day trial and 3 months free when you sign up
2. IPVanish (opens in new tab) supports up to 10 devices, so great for the family
3. NordVPN (opens in new tab) SmartPlay tech makes this a great choice for streaming

Step two: Connect to a server where the film is streaming

You just need to open the VPN app, hit 'choose location' and select the correct location where you know the film is showing. It's super easy to do.

Step three: Head to the streaming service you want to watch on

If you're already subscribed to the service (e.g. Prime Video), then you're good to go. Otherwise you'll need to sign up (you may need a localised debit/credit card) - and don't miss out on any free trials.

Where can I watch using a VPN?

A VPN will enable you to watch the film from literally anywhere. So that obviously includes: US, UK, Israel, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Denmark, India, Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, Romania, Mexico, France, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, Kenya, Hungary, South Africa, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan, Egypt and more!

Main image courtesy of Warner Bros (opens in new tab)

Anthony Spadafora
Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 
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