Where to Watch "Elf" on Repeat This Holiday Season (Including the Channel Airing It Every Day Until Christmas!)
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12/21/2024 08:00 AM
The holiday hit 'Elf,' starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, was first released in November 2003
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Will Ferrell as Buddy in 'Elf' (2003).You don't have to travel through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest or the sea of swirly twirly gumdrops to watch Elf this holiday season!
The Christmas classic starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel originally premiered on Nov. 7, 2003, and was a box office hit — grossing over $220 million worldwide. The family-friendly comedy has since become a seasonal staple due to its mix of silliness and sentimentality, and of course, Buddy the Elf's iconic quotes.
Elf follows Buddy (Ferrell), a human raised by Santa Claus' elves in the North Pole, as he sets out to find his biological father in New York City. Once in the Big Apple, he becomes fascinated with the real world and smitten with a toy store employee named Jovie (Deschanel).
Related: The Cast of Elf: Where Are They Now?
"I'm so lucky to have a movie like that in my catalog. [It] really means so much to so many people," Ferrell told PEOPLE. "You never really have an idea of what's going to land, and I love that this movie continues to resonate in a way that's pretty incredible."
So while you take in the joys of the holiday season with loved ones, here's where to watch Elf all winter, plus the latest on a possible Elf sequel movie.
What is Elf about?
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Will Ferrell in 'Elf.'Elf tells the sweet story of Buddy the Elf (Ferrell) — a human raised by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) at the North Pole. After Buddy learns that he wasn't born an elf (a fact that is comically obvious considering his size and lack of natural toy-making abilities), he travels to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan).
Upon arriving in the Big Apple, Buddy meets his dad — a grumpy book editor who has forgotten the importance of family — and a DNA test confirms that they're father and son. Buddy then moves in with Hobbs, his wife, Emily (Mary Steenburgen), and their son, Michael (Daniel Tay). The family attempts to integrate Buddy into their way of life, but he has jollier plans.
Buddy also meets Jovie (Deschanel), a department store employee who works in the toy department. Initially annoyed by his bubbly personality, Jovie eventually warms up to Buddy, and the pair fall in love.
The transition from elf to a functioning member of society proves challenging for Buddy. That's when he stumbles across Santa Claus (Ed Asner) in Central Park and is tasked with fixing his sleigh — and saving Christmas.
How can I stream Elf?
New Line/ Everett
James Caan, Mary Steenburgen and Will Ferrell in 'Elf.'Elf is currently available to stream on Max and Hulu. (It's important to note that Elf will leave Max in January 2025!)
The holiday flick is also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Store, YouTube and Vudu.
Where can I watch Elf?
Everett Collection
Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel in 'Elf.'If you're looking for an option that doesn't require a streaming subscription or buying the title, Elf is available to watch on TV on AMC.
As part of its "Best Christmas Ever" holiday lineup, the network is airing Elf several times throughout December:
- Saturday, December 21
- Sunday, December 22
- Tuesday, December 24
- Wednesday, December 25
- Thursday, December 26
The channel is available through cable providers, including DIRECTV and Dish Network. Streaming platforms, like YouTube TV, Sling and Philo, also offer AMC.
Will there be an Elf 2 movie?
Everett Collection
James Caan, Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau in 'Elf.'An Elf sequel has topped fans' Christmas lists since the film premiered over two decades ago. However, their wishes have yet to be granted.
In November 2023, Elf casting director Susie Farris told PEOPLE she would "love to" work on a remake if one ever came to fruition, but it's unlikely to happen with Ferrell back in the famous tights.
"I've read that Will felt like he gave this character all that he could give it," Farris said. "I think if Will wanted to do a sequel, there would be a sequel. Creatively, I hope that he is very fulfilled in life, but I'd like him to do this."
A few years prior, Caan told The Wrap that a sequel didn't happen because Ferrell and director Jon Favreau "didn't get along" while filming the original. Meanwhile, the Anchorman alum explained to The Hollywood Reporter in 2021 that he didn't think the sequel's script held up.
