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'Santa! I know him!' How to watch 'Elf' this holiday: TV listings, streaming and more

'The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.' Relive that line and more favorites while watching Will Ferrell star as Buddy The Elf.

Emilee Coblentz
USA TODAY
Will Ferrell starred as Buddy in the 2003 holiday comedy "Elf."

"Does somebody need a hug?" Or maybe just a cozy blanket, some hot cocoa and "Elf" on the TV.

There are plenty of ways to catch the 20-year-old beloved film this holiday, from the traditional form of viewing to streaming platforms. And if you're really desperate, rentals.

Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by elves who leaves the North Pole in search of his "real dad," played by the late James Caan. When Buddy lands in New York City to find his father on the "naughty list," he tries to come up with ways to spread some holiday cheer. Things go awry, but Buddy The Elf ultimately wins over hearts, including that of a special girl named Jovie, played by Zooey Deschanel.

Directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" has become a Christmas classic. Here's how to watch it this year:

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'Elf' TV listings

Will Ferrell starred as Buddy in the 2003 holiday comedy "Elf."

For those who'd like to catch "Elf" the old-fashioned way, here's where to watch it on TV, according to TV Guide.

On AMC

  • Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 2 at 11 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 10 at 10 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. ET

On IFC

  • Dec. 9 6:45 p.m. ET
  • Dec. 9 8:45 p.m. ET

Is 'Elf' streaming anywhere?

Will Ferrell starred as Buddy in the 2003 holiday comedy "Elf."

"Elf" is streaming in two places this holiday, and there are more options for rentals.

Stream "Elf" on:

  • Max (formerly HBO Max) – Subscriptions start at $9.99/month with ads and $15.99/month without ads
  • Hulu – Subscriptions start at $7.99/month with ads and $17.99/month without ads

Rent "Elf" on:

'Elf' turns 20:Theaters around the country celebrate the anniversary of the film

'Elf' is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year

It's been 20 years since "Elf" hit theatres. In November, the film made its theatrical return as part of its anniversary celebration, Warner Bros. Discovery announced.

“For 20 years now, the film ‘Elf’ has securely cemented itself as a treasured holiday tradition, touching the hearts of generations of viewers,” Robert Oberschelp of Warner Bros. Discovery said in the news release.

To celebrate, Krispy Kreme released a special collection of doughnuts and TBS ran a 24-hour marathon of the film.

'Elf' cast

The actors in "Elf" are supreme. He's the list of top cast members.

Amy Sedaris, James Caan and Will Ferrell in the movie "Elf."
  • Will Ferrell as Buddy
  • The late James Cann as Walter
  • Bob Newhart as Papa Elf
  • Zooey Deschanel as Jovie
  • Ed Asner as Santa
  • Mary Steenburgen as Emily
  • Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch
  • Amy Sedaris as Deb
  • Daniel Tay as Michael
  • Faizon Love as Gimbel's manager
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