TOP 10: Netflix Original Holiday RomCom Films
Christmas movie season officially begins the moment Halloween lights are turned off on October 31st. Starting November 1st, Hallmark kicks off the festive season by rolling out around 40 new movies across their channels and streaming services. This year, they also added 10 fan-favorite Hallmark titles on Netflix, available through the holiday season until January 1st.
Netflix entered the holiday movie scene in 2017 as a refreshing alternative to Hallmark’s more conservative stock. With its original holiday films, Netflix leans into edgier, more modern storytelling that reflects a wider range of experiences and humor. These films bring a playful perspective to the genre, often blending romance, satire, and self-aware commentary, catering to audiences who crave festive cheer without the traditional Hallmark formula.
This year, Netflix released four new holiday films in November: Meet Me Next Christmas, Hot Frosty, The Merry Gentlemen, and Our Little Secret. In celebration of these new releases, we’ve compiled a list of the best of Netflix holiday movies (so far).
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Honorable Mention: Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
I included Best. Christmas. Ever! not because it’s any good, but because it stands out —unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. As Netflix’s only holiday rom-com of 2023, it feels rushed and disjointed, presumably a product of the WGA and SAG strikes. Because it is the lowest-rated Netflix holiday rom-com, I couldn’t help but try to defend it on this list.
How could I not include a film that features beloved 90s icon Brandy Norwood in her Netflix Original debut? Brandy plays the seemingly perfect frenemy to Heather Graham’s jealous and jaded Christmas skeptic — who is also, inexplicably, a failed inventor of chip-eating gloves and a “special” hot-air balloon. The plot is frenetic, relationships lack chemistry, and the best performances come from the kids (never a good sign), who seem to belong in a completely different (and better) movie.
Why should you watch it? You don’t really have to; just skip to 35 minutes for Brandy’s first Christmas song, and then jump to the nonsensical hot-air-balloon ride at 65 minutes, then watch til the end to see Brandy sing one more time.
10. Holiday in the Wild (2019)
When Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe were cast in Holiday in the Wild, expectations were high. Two beloved stars, elephants, and a holiday backdrop — sign me up. The film delivers charm with its picturesque African safari landscapes, wildlife, and important conservation message. However, star power does not translate to much on-screen chemistry. The story struggles to find its place in the genre, juggling romance, personal growth, and wildlife preservation, with the holiday theme feeling tacked on.
Why should you watch it? Despite the flaws, fans of Davis and Lowe, or simply people in the mood for elephants, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxing holiday escape will find something to enjoy here.
9. A Christmas Prince (2017)
The film that started it all, A Christmas Prince, stars iZombie’s and Ghosts’ Rose McIver as a “journalist” who goes journalisting in the fictional European nation of Aldovia (don’t worry, it’s right next door to A Princess Switch’s Belgravia). She has plans to infiltrate the royal family on the eve of the Prince’s ascension to the throne. She stumbles through basic journalistic tasks, but still manages to charm both the prince and his little sister, the princess. However, the queen (played by the Borg Queen herself, Alice Krige) is notably cold on her.
The film meanders through completely unnecessary plot points until we reach the end, which promises at least one, but ultimately, two sequels.
Why should you watch it? It’s a classic so-bad-it’s-good film. Between the lack of chemistry, clunky writing, and forgettable performances, it’s still oddly captivating. Just be warned: the sequels somehow get worse, with declining chemistry, writing, and acting. But isn’t that just part of the fun?
8. The Princess Switch (2018)
In The Princess Switch, Vanessa Hudgens delivers an instant holiday classic playing two mysteriously identical characters — one a Chicago baker and the other the Duchess from a Genovia-like country (in Europe, or whatever). The plot immediately calls to mind The Lizzie McGuire movie, but it takes the concept to its peak. For reasons that don’t matter, they need to switch places, help each other achieve their goals, and fall in love with each other’s male counterparts. While the men are secondary to the plot, things get even wilder in the sequels, introducing a third Vanessa Hudgens character.
Why should you watch it? Dual-role hijinks, charming castles, and a baking competition make it a fun holiday treat for everyone!
7. (TIE) Our Little Secret (2024) & Falling for Christmas (2022)
Lindsay Lohan’s return to romantic comedies has sparked the much-anticipated “Lohan-aissance,” delighting Millenials everywhere. Each of her three Netflix films showcases her growth as she reclaims her place in the genre.
Starting with Falling for Christmas, Lohan brought charm alongside Chord Overstreet, AKA Glee’s “Trouty Mouth.” While her performance was rocky, her joy and determination to make a fun movie was evident. The plot — rich girl gets amnesia and learns to embrace the simple life — is classic but predictable. Colorful, over-the-top characters made it a fun holiday escape.
In Irish Wish, a St. Patrick’s Day romcom, Lohan embraced a whimsical parallel-universe plot complete with an Irish fair godmother of sorts, a self-absorbed budding author crush, and a broody yet intriguing photographer (ignore the fact that this actor was THAT guy in Outlander).
Her latest, Our Little Secret, marks her second Christmas-time rom-com with Netflix. It’s a story of young love rekindled under wild coincidence and secret circumstances. Lohan’s performance is confident, charming, and just plain lovely.
Why should you watch them? Lohan fans absolutely should. Everyone else, your mileage may vary, but each movie does bring something delightful to the genre.
6. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
Huzzah! Bring us your Vanessa Hudgens, Ohio Christmas snow, Ren Faire vibes, and a literal time-(and space)-traveling knight in shining armor on a quest. What’s not to love? The Knight Before Christmas delivers all the charm of a Netflix holiday rom-com with its punny title, a mysterious “old crone” in the woods, and plenty of heart.
If you sit down to one Netflix rom-com about a woman who falls in love with a magical character, let it be this film, and not Lacey Chabert’s Hot Frosty. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Why should you watch it? The whimsy, the horses, the puppy! Add possible love for an old crone at the end. Throw in Emmanuelle Chriqui as the supportive big sister and you’ve got a delightful, feel-good charmer to brighten your holiday season.
5. A Castle for Christmas (2021)
Following the classic Christmas movie formula, A Castle for Christmas checks all the trope-filled boxes of the “American goes abroad” story, but with an emotional depth Netflix is known for. Starring Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes, the film introduces a charming dynamic between the two leads.
The movie surprisingly opens (and closes) on Drew Barrymore’s talk show, where the host makes a delightfully cheeky cameo, setting up Sophie’s escape from an author scandal. She decides to take an unexpected trip to Scotland, where she hopes to find inspiration, reconnect with her family history, and ultimately, find love.
Why should you watch it? If not for Cary Elwes’ interesting Scottish accent, then for the stunning castle, picturesque Scottish Highlands, all the tartan, and the comfortable chemistry between the leads once they stop pretending to hate each other.
4. Love Hard (2021)
In Love Hard, Nina Dobrev stars as a hopeless romantic who falls for a man she meets on a dating app, only to discover he’s been using someone else’s photo. When she travels across the country to surprise him for Christmas (the photo of Never Have I Ever’s Paxton Hall-Yoshida actor Darren Barnet in her phone), she finds Jimmy O. Yang instead. What follows is an entertaining enemies-to-lovers story with Cyrano-style hijinks.
Why should you watch it? This is a refreshing Netflix film with sharp writing and a fun take on the holiday rom-com genre. The film acknowledges the existence of sex and R-rated language, which is rare for this genre (even on Netflix). The leads have a subtle chemistry, and give memorable performances filled with surprises, humor, and warmth.
3. Holidate (2020)
Taking place from Christmas through the following Thanksgiving, Holidate is a rom-com that takes on an ambitious premise—celebrating every major holiday in one movie. The romance-weary leads, played by Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, deliver witty sarcasm and palpable sparks as they navigate an unconventional “friends with benefits” arrangement. Set in Chicago, it features a drunk St Paddy’s Day, July 4th on the lake, and other iconic holiday traditions.
Kristen Chenoweth steals the show as the horny, single aunt who teaches her neice about holidating. Despite the packed holiday calendar, the movie is paced well, seamlessly weaving light-hearted, goofy moments with more serious emotional beats, all supported by strong performances from the whole cast.
Why should you watch it? With a perfect holiday blend of silly humor, holiday shenanigans, and emotional connections, Holidate offers a fresh twist on the rom-com genre. The undeniable chemistry between the leads will keep you engaged for the whole movie.
2. Let It Snow (2019)
Any movie that opens with a Joan Cusack narration has immediately caught my attention. Let It Snow is an adaptation of a John Green short story; the film improves on the source material by weaving together multiple heartwarming tales of friendship and love throughout a snowy Christmas Eve in a small town.
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kiernan Shipka, Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, and Jacob Batalon, Let it Snow delivers exceptional performances from its young cast, capturing the authenticity of teen life. With relatable characters, it resonates with both younger and young-at-heart viewers.
Why should you watch it? This modern, teen-focused send-up to Love, Actually offers a fresh take on intertwining love stories, blending teen angst, emotional growth, and the chaos and expectation of the holiday season. Let It Snow delivers a fun, adventurous holiday experience without the weight of adulting problems.
1. Single All the Way (2021)
Single All the Way has the distinction of being the only gay-centric holiday film in Netflix’s 26 original holiday movies. The rom-com follows Peter (Michael Urie), who convinces his best friend Nick (Philomen Chambers) to pretend they’re a couple to act as a shield to avoid his family’s relentless matchmaking. As is often the case in the “pretend relationship” trope, Peter and Nick’s connection deepens into something more.
The ensemble shines, particularly Kathy Najimy as the warm, meddling matriarch affectionately known as “Christmas Carole.” Jennifer Coolidge, playing Peter’s kooky, eccentric aunt, adds a fun and chaotic energy as she works to produce an unhinged Christmas play titled Jesus H. Christ — and of course, she steals every scene she’s in. The movie also delivers charming dance and singing moments throughout, capturing that perfect holiday vibe.
Why should you watch it? From beginning to end, the movie has incredible heart, brilliant performances, and warm chemistry between Peter, Nick, and even Peter’s family. Their evolving relationship — rooted in deep friendship and adoration — feels authentic and heartwarming. The movie’s highlights include a delightful pop dance scene with Peter and his nieces, which is worth the price of admission on its own. Whether you’re here for the romance, the holiday cheer, or the warm and inviting family moments, Single All the Way delivers it all.
What’s your favorite Netflix holiday romantic comedy? Leave a comment below!