Best Richard Linklater Movies to Stream This Christmas (Ranked)

 

Best Richard Linklater Movies to Watch This Christmas, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

Between festive cheer, holiday feasts, and cozy winter nights, few things feel as comforting as settling in with a Richard Linklater film. Known for his deeply human storytelling and reflective tone, Linklater’s movies are perfect companions for a relaxing Christmas break.

The acclaimed filmmaker, now 65, is enjoying renewed attention as his latest film, Nouvelle Vague, arrives on Netflix. According to the streaming platform, the movie is a heartfelt tribute to French cinema, dramatizing the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking Breathless—a film that helped define the French New Wave. The cast includes Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, and Guillaume Marbeck portraying Godard.

With Linklater once again in the spotlight, here’s a look at his top five highest-rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes—all ideal choices for holiday streaming.

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1. Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

This thoughtful documentary explores the personal and professional friendship between Richard Linklater and the late experimental filmmaker James Benning. Rather than a traditional biographical approach, the film invites viewers to slow down and observe cinema as an art form.

Critics praised the documentary for its meditative quality and educational value, calling it an excellent entry point for aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles alike. It’s a quiet, reflective watch—perfect for a peaceful holiday afternoon.

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2. Before Sunrise (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

The beloved Before trilogy begins with Before Sunrise, following Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American traveler, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a French student who meet by chance on a train. Their spontaneous decision to spend one night wandering Vienna turns into a profound emotional experience.

Widely praised for its natural dialogue and authentic chemistry between its leads, the film masterfully blends poetic romance with everyday conversation, making it one of the most celebrated romantic films of all time.

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3. J.R. “Bob” Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

One of Linklater’s most unconventional projects, this documentary dives into the origins of the Church of the SubGenius, a satirical religion founded by two eccentric Texans. What begins as a humorous exploration of counterculture gradually reveals deeper social and political commentary.

Critics described the film as both bizarre and insightful, noting its relevance in today’s cultural climate. It’s a fascinating watch for viewers interested in outsider movements and American subcultures.

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4. Before Midnight (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

The third and final installment of the Before trilogy reunites Jesse and Céline nearly two decades after their first meeting. Now a long-term couple, they confront the realities of aging, parenthood, and unresolved resentment during a vacation in Greece.

Praised for its emotional honesty, Before Midnight stands out as a rare sequel that deepens rather than diminishes its characters. It offers a raw, realistic portrayal of love that resonates strongly with adult audiences.

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5. Boyhood (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Perhaps Richard Linklater’s most ambitious achievement, Boyhood was filmed over 12 years using the same cast. The film chronicles the life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane) as he grows from childhood into adulthood, alongside his parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke) and sister.

Told through everyday moments—family dinners, school transitions, and life milestones—the film captures the quiet beauty and emotional complexity of growing up. Critics widely praised its authenticity, patience, and groundbreaking production approach.

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Why Richard Linklater Films Are Perfect for the Holidays

Richard Linklater’s movies emphasize time, conversation, relationships, and self-reflection, making them ideal comfort watches during the Christmas season. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite or discovering his work for the first time, his films offer warmth, depth, and lasting emotional impact.