As the holiday season approaches, many find joy, or perhaps dread, in the festivities that come with this time of year. The family gatherings, gift exchanges, and expansive feasts are cherished by some, while the cozy atmosphere invites others to indulge in feelings of warmth and comfort. For those who relish a cozy embrace, the holidays are the perfect justification for snuggling up under a warm blanket with a hot chocolate (or perhaps a hot toddy) to enjoy a selection of heartwarming, if not a bit cheesy, seasonal films.
The rising popularity of Hallmark Christmas movies highlights a key truth: the allure of holiday films often stems from their delightful absurdity rather than their cinematic merit. It’s the unabashedly corny narratives that gift us the feel-good moments we crave during the season. Luckily for film lovers, Netflix has a plethora of Christmas movies, including original productions and traditional favorites.
20. Falling for Christmas
Lindsay Lohan’s return to the screen is one of the highlights of recent holiday films. In her role in Falling for Christmas, she portrays a modernized version of a character reminiscent of Paris Hilton—an affluent and pampered hotel heiress. After an engagement incident leads to a head injury that wipes her memory, she seems to have found solace in a charming inn run by a blue-collar owner. Can love blossom in this unlikely pairing?
19. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
Dolly Parton shines in her Christmas Carol-inspired 2020 musical, Christmas on the Square, where she plays an angel attempting to persuade a Scrooge-like character, played by Christine Baranski, not to evict a struggling town on Christmas Eve. While the film may not reach the heights you’d expect, Parton’s charm makes it an entertaining watch.
18. Meet Me Next Christmas
This film centers around an extraordinary premise—a Pentatonix concert. Layla’s romantic aspirations hinge on meeting her dream guy again at the same show the following year. However, the sold-out tickets lead her on a frantic ticket hunt in New York. Will this Christmas adventure lead her to true love?
17. The Knight Before Christmas
Vanessa Hudgens steps into a whimsical tale where she encounters Sir Cole, a medieval knight magically transported to modern-day Ohio. As they embark on a love story, the film delivers the humorous clash between medieval chivalry and contemporary skepticism.
16. Silent Night
In a departure from traditional holiday cheer, Silent Night presents a darkly comedic narrative featuring characters who gather for one final feast. As they celebrate, an impending disaster lurks, transforming the holiday dinner into a poignant exploration of life and friendship.
15. Love Hard
Though distinct from the classic Love Actually, Love Hard offers a fresh comedic take on modern dating. Following a catfishing incident, Natalie finds herself entangled in New York’s dating scene, revealing both the absurdity and sincerity of romance.
14. A Biltmore Christmas
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Biltmore Estate, A Biltmore Christmas brings nostalgia to life as Lucy, a screenwriter, travels back to 1947 while exploring the estate. Here, she finds love amid the glamour of classic Hollywood.
13. The Christmas Chronicles
While The Christmas Chronicles is a family-friendly offering, its primary allure is Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. The film follows two siblings on a mission to capture Santa on film, leading to an unexpected adventure that highlights the magical spirit of Christmas.
12. Let It Snow
This ensemble comedy, which adapts a young adult novel, follows high school seniors navigating romance and friendship during a Christmas snowstorm. Featuring a heartfelt lesbian romance, Let It Snow beautifully captures the complexities of young love.
11. Single All The Way
Addressing the lack of LGBTQ+ holiday films, Single All The Way explores the journey of Peter, who invites his best friend Nick home for Christmas to dispel his family’s scrutiny over his single status. As sparks fly, the film explores the nuances of friendship and romance.
10. A Boy Called Christmas
Narrated by the late Maggie Smith, A Boy Called Christmas tells the enchanting story of a boy’s quest to discover the truth about elves, highlighting the joy and wonder of childhood during the holidays.
9. A Castle For Christmas
Starring Brook Shields and Cary Elwes, A Castle For Christmas tells the story of an author navigating her career’s ups and downs by pursuing a castle in Scotland, blending romance with the enchantment of the holiday season.
8. Alien Xmas
This quirky stop-motion tale, reminiscent of classic holiday specials, centers around an alien who discovers the true spirit of Christmas amidst an invasion plot. At only 42 minutes, it’s a delightful short film worth including in your holiday watchlist.
7. Feast of the Seven Fishes
Set in 1983, Feast of the Seven Fishes transports audiences to an Italian-American holiday gathering that tests the romance between childhood crushes amidst family traditions and holiday nostalgia.
6. A Christmas Prince
Netflix’s take on the charming Hallmark vibe, A Christmas Prince follows an American reporter as she uncovers romance and royal intrigue in a fictional European country. The film has received two sequels that continue to explore this enchanting setting.
5. Hot Frosty
The absurdly titled Hot Frosty delivers a whimsical tale of a snowman who comes to life, showcasing a charming romance with a widow trying to rediscover love. Its comedy and fantasy elements create a holiday film unlike any other.
4. The Princess Switch
In The Princess Switch, Vanessa Hudgens shines as both a Chicago baker and a princess whose lives become intertwined during a holiday baking competition, creating an entertaining narrative filled with romance and mistaken identities.
3. Robin Robin
Although only a short film, Robin Robin crafted by the esteemed Aardman studio, captivates with its heartfelt story of a young bird raised by mice, combining charming songs and captivating stop-motion animation into an uplifting holiday experience.
2. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Jingle Jangle, a vibrant musical, revitalizes the Christmas genre with its imaginative storytelling and memorable performances, showcasing the journey of a toy inventor who rekindles his creativity and passion with the help of his granddaughter.
1. Klaus
Klaus delivers a beautifully animated origin story of Santa Claus that resonates with audiences of all ages. With its heartwarming narrative and stunning visuals, this film offers a refreshing perspective on the essence of kindness and community during the holiday season.
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