The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to listen to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" on repeat, deck yourself out in the equivalent of sartorial tinsel, and, of course, settle down with the best Christmas movies on Netflix.
The streaming service has become the go-to destination for anyone itching to watch a holiday rom-com, thanks to its growing stable of hits like Hot Frosty and Our Little Secret (Lindsay Lohan is back baby!), or tried-and-true Old Hollywood classics (White Christmas never seems to get old).
With its long list of options—and new Christmas movies and TV specials coming soon—crafting the perfect holiday queue can be overwhelming. So let that be our gift to you. Below, find a round-up of the best Christmas movies on Netflix to watch and 'tis the season with.
'A Bad Moms Christmas' (2017)
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon
The Bad Moms are back and better than ever as they take on their own moms (played by legends Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon) for the holiday season. So. Many. Laughs.
'A Boy Called Christmas' (2021)
Starring: Maggie Smith, Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones, and Sally Hawkins
In this enchanting film, a boy and his magical talking mouse (cue the "awws") set off to find his father in the fabled village of Elfhelm, where elves are known to live. The boy gets more than he bargained for when one of the elves is kidnapped right out from under his nose, leading him on a grand adventure that involves a flying reindeer, an evil witch, a giant troll, and more.
'A California Christmas' (2020)
Starring: Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard, Amanda Detmer, and Ali Afshar
Husband and wife duo Josh and Lauren Swickard, who fell in love on the set of another film they shot together called Roped, have plenty of chemistry in this fictional Christmas romance. It's about a charming rich guy who pretends to be a ranch hand to talk Callie (Lauren) into selling her family's land before Christmas. But then...love.
'A Castle for Christmas' (2021)
Starring: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, and Lee Ross
A Scottish castle in the countryside is the backdrop for this rom-com starring Brooke Shields. She stars as a writer who runs off to her childhood haunt after a scandal threatens her career. Once there, she falls madly in love with a castle that she hopes will become her new home. The problem? There's already a grumpy yet handsome duke (Elwes) living there.
'A Christmas Prince' (2017)
Starring: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, and Tahirah Sharif
If you've ever indulged in your own Prince Harry/Meghan Markle-inspired royal fantasy (who hasn't?) this film is for you. In it, an American journalist (McIver) is sent abroad to cover a major royal event and finds her own happily ever after—all set against a Christmas-y backdrop. Swoon.
'A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding' (2018)
Starring: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige, Sarah Douglas, and Tahirah Sharif
Set one year after the first movie, the second installment in Netflix's A Christmas Prince trilogy (see more on the third film below) sees American journalist Amber Moore (played by Rose McIver) returning to the fictional kingdom of Aldovia to plan her wedding, only to discover that her simple, down-to-earth tastes don't exactly mesh with royal tradition.
'A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby' (2019)
Starring: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, and Sarah Douglas
Another year, another installment in Netflix's hit Christmas franchise. You can guess the plot: King Richard and Queen Amber are expecting their first child. However, hijinks ensue with the arrival of royals from all over the world to Aldovia—especially when one steals a sacred treaty that threatens to put the entire kingdom at stake.
'A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish' (2019)
Starring: Laura Marano and Gregg Sulkin
In this Christmas-y version of A Cinderella Story, a young, aspiring singer (whose stepmother and wicked stepsisters are keeping her career from taking off) works at a Christmas theme park called "Santa Land." As it turns out, she doesn't need to be famous to meet her handsome, son-of-a-billionaire Prince Charming.
'A Very Murray Christmas' (2015)
Starring: Bill Murray, George Clooney, Paul Shaffer, Amy Poehler, Michael Cera, Chris Rock, David Johansen, Maya Rudolph, Jason Schwartzman, Jenny Lewis, Rashida Jones, and Miley Cyrus
Bill Murray's variety special, directed by none other than Sofia Coppola, is almost as delectable as Netflix's yule log, and it's packed with more celebrity cameos than you can shake a stick at. We're talking Miley Cyrus (who sings a rousing rendition of "Silent Night" while dressed as a sexy Santa), Chris Rock, George Clooney, you name it—the gang's all here!
'The Christmas Chronicles' (2018)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Lamorne Morris, Darby Camp, and Judah Lewis
Two siblings (Darby Camp and Judah Lewis) decide to capture Santa Claus (you know, as you do) and end up having to team up with a super cool version of St. Nick (played by Kurt Russell) to save the holiday before it's too late. Russell's real-life wife Goldie Hawn also makes a (fabulous) cameo as Mrs. Claus.
'The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2' (2020)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Julian Dennison, Darbie Camp, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley
If you loved the first Christmas Chronicles movie, the cast is back for a second adventure. The sequel is set in the North Pole, where a mischievous elf named Belsnickel (Julian Dennison) is causing absolute mayhem for Santa (Kurt Russell), Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn), and the rest of the crew.
'Christmas Inheritance' (2017)
Starring: Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy, Andie MacDowell, and Michael Xavier
A spoiled socialite named Ellen (Eliza Taylor) is forced to travel to the small town of Snow Falls to deliver a special card from her father before he agrees to pass down the family business. During the trip, she ends up snowed in and stuck, but ultimately learns the value of hard work and helping others, making for her own kind of Christmas miracle.
'Christmas on Mistletoe Farm' (2022)
Starring: Scott Garnham, Scott Paige, and Kathryn Drysdale
Stressed-out widower Matt (Scott Garnham ) is preparing for a massive pitch at his office job when he learns he has inherited his estranged father’s old farm. After some convincing from his five kids, Matt packs up the fam and moves to the property for a much-needed Christmas retreat—only to find out it's worn down. He's also missing the Wi-Fi he'll need to work on his big pitch. While his kids develop a plan to stay at the farm forever, Matt has to decide whether to save it or throw in the towel. (And yes, there are plenty of cute animals, too, if you were wondering.)
'Christmas With a View' (2018)
Starring: Kaitlyn Leeb, Scott Cavalheiro, and Vivica A. Fox
The Thunder Mountain Ski Resort buzzes when it lands celebrity chef Shane Roarke (Scott Cavalheiro) as its new head chef, but one person isn't excited: Clara Garrison (Kaitlyn Leeb). Clara is back in her hometown after failing at opening her own restaurant in the city and butts heads with Shane. But, you know, in a romantic tension-y kind of way.
'Christmas With You' (2022)
Starring: Aimee Garcia, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Deja Monique Cruz
When pop star Angelina (Aimee Garci) decides to make a young fan’s Christmas wish come true, she gets more than she bargained for, thanks to the snowstorm that rolls into town. With the help of her fan and the fan's handsome dad (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Angelina rediscovers what Christmas is all about.
'Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square' (2020)
Starring: Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Josh Segarra, Jeanine Mason, Mary Lane Haskell, and Treat Williams
Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) is planning to sell the small town she owns—without thinking about how that's going to affect, you know, all the people who live there. Inevitably, she receives a much-needed visit from a holiday angel (Dolly Parton). Naturally, Parton also wrote all the songs featured in this Netflix classic.
'Falling for Christmas' (2022)
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, Olivia Monet Perez, George Young
Consider this Lindsay Lohan's official comeback film. The '00s movie icon stars as a spoiled heiress who gets into an accident and loses her memory. While she tries to remember her life, a charming single dad/hotel owner (Chord Overstreet) lets her stay with him and his daughter (Olivia Monet Perez) right before the holidays to heartwarming results.
'The Family Man' (2000)
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Téa Leoni, Don Cheadle, and Jeremy Piven
The Family Man is, in essence, a modernized retelling of A Christmas Carol. You’ve got your unrelenting businessman Jack (Nicolas Cage) making everyone work on Christmas Day, a mysterious visit from an unknown stranger (Don Cheadle), and an alternate universe in which Jack chooses love over the almighty dollar in a past life and winds up with the one who got away (Téa Leoni). We won’t give much more away, but let’s say this one’s a good reminder of what life’s all about.
'Family Switch' (2023)
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Ed Helms, and Emma Myers
Unlike in 13 Going on 30, in which Jennifer Garner woke up to find out that she’d essentially grown up overnight, Family Switch sees Jess (Garner) and everyone else in her family switching places with one another after a freak experience at the observatory. While their pre-Christmas exchange lends itself to some pretty hilarious results, it also leads to some poignant moments when the family members start to see all the sacrifices they’ve been making for each other. Of course, it wouldn’t be a JG hit without a solid dance number, and she and Ed Helms deliver. (And in candy cane costumes, no less!)
'Feast of the Seven Fishes' (2018)
Starring: Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Joe Pantoliano, and Addison Timlin
Tony (Skyler Gismondo) has a new crush (Madison Iseman), and she’s coming to Christmas dinner. That’s the simple but effective premise for this sweet coming-of-age holiday flick peppered with plenty of laughs and heartwarming sentiment. If these two can make it through with their meals intact—and stay away from Tony’s jealous ex, Katie (Addison Timlin)—they might have a shot at young love.
'Holidate' (2020)
Starring: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Jessica Capshaw, and Kristin Chenoweth
Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey star as Sloane and Jackson, two perpetual singles who decide to go as each other's plus ones for all the holidays in a calendar year to avoid judgment about their love lives. However, with each passing "date," their relationship changes, and Christmas is right around the corner...
'The Holiday Calendar' (2018)
Starring: Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck, and Ron Cephas Jones
If you like a little holiday magic in your holiday movies, add this to your queue. In The Holiday Calendar, a photographer inherits a magical advent calendar that can predict her future. (And, yes, that includes her love life.)
'Holiday in the Wild' (2019)
Starring: Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis
After her marriage ends, a woman (Kristin Davis of Sex and the City fame) decides to take her second honeymoon in Africa—alone. There, she meets a pilot (Rob Lowe) and they rescue a baby elephant. Naturally, they also find love in the process. Oh, and it's set around Christmastime, obviously.
'Holiday Rush' (2019)
Starring: Romany Malco, Stormi Maya, Deon Cole, La La Anthony, and Darlene Love
When Rush (Romany Malco), a popular DJ, is unexpectedly fired, he and his four kids move in with his aunt (played by none other than holiday hitmaker Darlene Love), giving up their luxe lifestyle. Rush and his producer (Sonequa Martin-Green) buy the old radio station where he used to work in an attempt to get back at the pop station, but predictably, life lessons and love connections ensue.
‘Hot Frosty’ (2024)
Starring: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Chrishell Stause, and Katy Mixon
This one’s name really does say it all. After widow Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert, a.k.a. The Queen of Hallmark) puts a red scarf on a muscle-y snowman (Dustin Milligan), he magically comes to life, showering Kathy with all the love and affection that she’s been missing out on since her husband passed away. The only problem? He’s got a tendency to melt in warm temperatures. Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause also makes an appearance.
'I Believe in Santa' (2022)
Starring: Christina Moore, John Ducey, and Missi Pyle
Lisa (Christina Moore) is not a big fan of Christmas. So, naturally, she’d go and fall for the guy (John Ducey) who not only celebrates the holiday with bells on, but he actually believes that Santa’s real—and he wants her onboard with his Christmas cheer. The plot goes a bit off the rails at times (okay, a lot of bit off the rails) but it's one of the more unique holiday plots streaming. Fun fact? Moore and Ducey are married in real life.
'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' (2020)
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, and Keegan-Michael Key
Jeronicus (Forest Whitaker) is a toymaker, and when his apprentice betrays him and steals his invention book, he's left with no recourse—and no new toys to sell. 30 years later, it's about to happen again, but this time he's got his estranged granddaughter (Madalen Mills) on his side.
'Klaus' (2019)
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Norm Macdonald, J.K. Simmons, and Joan Cusack
A young postman (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) is sent to a remote, snowy village where no one writes any letters. He's feeling pretty disenchanted—particularly since his inheritance depends on a hefty mail quota—until he meets Klaus (J.K. Simmons), a mysterious man who lives in a cabin full of toys. The postman hatches a plan, and it's to deliver Klaus's toys to the good little boys and girls who make an effort to write him a letter. (You see where this is going, right?)
'The Knight Before Christmas' (2019)
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Whitehouse, and Emmanuelle Chriqui
A 14th-century knight (Josh Whitehouse) is transported to a modern-day world to fulfill his quest for true love. He’s not exactly sure where he’s at, and he dresses a little bit…differently, but that won't stop him from having a romantic Christmas vacation with the newfound apple of his eye (Vanessa Hudgens)—even if she accidentally hit him with a car!
'Let It Snow' (2019)
Starring: Isabela Merced, Kiernan Shipka, Mitchell Hope, and Joan Cusack
This teenage romance dramedy (it's doing a lot of lifting across genres, okay?) sees a huge blizzard hitting the small town of Gracetown, leaving everyone snowed in—and members of the senior class with plenty of time on their hands to reflect on life, love, and friendship.
'Love Hard' (2021)
Starring: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, and Darren Barnet
In this holiday rom-com, Nina Dobrev stars as Natalie, a writer who flies across the country to surprise her internet boyfriend for Christmas. The only problem? When she shows up, she finds out that the guy she’s been talking to for months has been catfishing her. Instead of flying home, Natalie does the catfisher (Jimmy O. Yang) a solid by pretending to be his fake girlfriend for the holidays, while he helps her find a real boyfriend. What could go wrong?
'Meet Me Next Christmas' (2024)
Starring: Christina Milian, Kofi Siriboe, and Devale Ellis
Another new addition to Netflix’s 2024 lineup, Meet Me Next Christmas sees Layla (Christina Milian) meeting Mr. Right (Kofi Siriboe)—only she’s already coupled up with Mr. Wrong. After a chance encounter, the two plan to meet again next year if they’re both single, but their chosen meeting spot happens to be a sold-out concert that’s impossible to snag tickets to. Luckily, Layla has a little help from Teddy (Ellis). But Teddy is kind of dreamy too. Psst: Did we mention Pentatonix and its tunes are featured throughout?
'The Merry Gentleman’ (2024)
Starring: Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson
Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined the Christmas cheer Netflix had up its sleeve when it released this rom-com, but here we all are, drooling over Chad Michael Murray. The CW alum, formerly Lucas Scott from the hit 2000s TV show One Tree Hill, stars as a kind-hearted handyman willing to show off the goods to help the woman he loves save her parent’s music venue. All he has to do is let the townsfolk ogle him in her newly imagined all-male holiday revue. And honestly? If that’s not the Christmas spirit, we don’t know what is.
'The Noel Diary' (2022)
Starring: Justin Hartley, Barrett Doss, and Essence Atkins
This Is Us star Justin Hartley leads this sentimental book-to-movie adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. His character Jacob is a famous yet lonely author who hasn’t been home since his mother kicked him out at the tender age of 16. After her death, he heads back to the house he grew up in to confront his past and runs into a mysterious woman named Rachel (Barrett Doss), who's searching for her birth mother.
'Operation Christmas Drop' (2020)
Starring: Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig
A congressional assistant and an Air Force captain find love while deciding if an Air Force base in Guam (which has a tradition of airlifting Christmas gifts to the locals every year) should shut down for good or stay open. If that sounds like a lot of boring bureaucracy, take it from us: This one's actually pretty cute.
'Our Little Secret' (2024)
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Kristin Chenoweth, and Jon Rudnitsky
Our Little Secret may be new for 2024, but already, it’s leading the rom-com Christmas pack. LiLo stars as Avery, a strong, independent woman who moved to London after high school to pursue her dreams. (And also maybe to escape her past a little bit too.) She left behind her first love, Logan (Ian Harding), in the process, and the two have since lost touch. Which is a shame, ‘cause if they hadn’t, they’d realize they’re about to be reunited in the most awkward way possible when they both show up to meet their new partners’ parents—who happen to be the same, since their significant others are brother and sister. Yikes!
'The Princess Switch' (2018)
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, and Nick Sagar
The Princess Switch can best be described as "The Parent Trap meets Christmas." In this little delight, Vanessa Hudgens plays Stacy, a down-to-earth baker from Chicago, and Margaret, a noblewoman who is the soon-to-be princess of Belgravia. The identical strangers meet and hatch a plot to trade places and romantic, Christmas-y hijinks ensue.
'The Princess Switch: Switched Again' (2020)
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Alexa Adeosun, and Suanne Braun
In 2020, Netflix gifted us all with a sequel to The Princess Switch in which Duchess Margaret and her beau Kevin (Nick Sagar) hit a rough patch when she unexpectedly inherits the throne, leaving it up to Stacy to save the day. Simple enough, right? Wrong: This movie features a new lookalike, a party girl named Fiona (Hudgens again), who messes everything up.
'The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star' (2021)
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Sam Palladio, and Remy Hii
Two’s a company, three’s a crowd is the takeaway in the most recent movie in the Princess Switch series. When a royal Christmas relic goes missing, Stacy and Margaret (Vanessa Hudgens) must turn to their audacious doppelganger Fiona (also Vanessa Hudgens. You can expect romance and even more switch-ups in this new installment.
'Single All the Way' (2021)
Starring: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Kathy Najimy, and Jennifer Coolidge
Michael Urie stars alongside the iconic Jennifer Coolidge as Peter, a perpetually single man desperate to avoid his family’s incessant questioning over the holidays. To steer clear of their judgment, he convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to be his fake boyfriend, but of course, feelings change when Peter’s family intervenes.
'The Snow Sister' (2024)
Starring: Mudit Gupta and Celina Meyer Hovland
Julian (Mudit Gupta)’s family is in the throes of grief after the loss of his older sister, with not much concern for the upcoming holiday. But Hedvig (Celina Meyer Hovland) has holiday spirit to spare, and she’s willing to share it with Julian. There’s a lot about his new friend Julian doesn’t know, however—like where exactly she came from, and if she’s even real.
'That Christmas' (2024)
Starring: Bill Nighy, Brian Cox, and Jodie Whittaker
If you’ve read Love Actually filmmaker Richard Curtis's That Christmas and Other Stories, you’re likely familiar with the plot of That Christmas, which is based on the beloved children’s holiday trilogy. If not, it’s a collection of stories about a group of families whose lives intertwine amid a nasty snowstorm about to ruin everyone’s plans—Santa’s included.
'White Christmas' (1954)
Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, and Dean Jagger
The star power in this movie-musical '50s Christmas classic is truly unmatched. It follows the musical act Wallace & Davis (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) and the two singing sisters they meet on the road (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), as they set out to put on a holiday show in Vermont and spread some Christmas cheer to the nearly bankrupt Inn owner. The movie features plenty of singing, dancing, and romance—just how we like it.
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