Holiday movies are notorious for being slightly cheesy, but that's not always a bad thing. Sometimes we just want to put on a fun, lighthearted movie with a familiar plot that we can smile at and enjoy with family and friends. Pop the popcorns, prep the peppermint-cocoa drinks, put on some cosy PJs and just sit back — this is most certainly the time to relax. Indulge in these almost-cheesy but incredibly heart-warming holiday movies on Netflix.
Holiday movies on Netlfix
1. Love Hard
Digital dating is undeniably convenient but it comes with a few cons. The biggest of them all is getting catfished. That's what happened to Love Hard protagonist Natalie (Nina Dobrev) who instantly fell for a handsome-looking fellow named Tag (Darren Barnet) after exchanging fun messages with each other online. Convinced that he is "the one", she went to New York to surprise Tag. When she got there, Natalie was shocked to find out that she was talking to Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) instead — Tag's childhood best friend who's been posing as him on a dating site. To pacify a furious Natalie, Josh promises to set him up with the real Tag. The only problem isthat she might not be as compatible with the Tag as she is with Josh.
Best for: People who are looking for a light, romantic movie that will deliver lots of hearty laughs.
Stream it here.
2. A California Christmas 2: City Lights
Not everyone experiences the "typical" holiday season — with snow and other winter things — so we're glad that this year we have a film that's relatable to us in the tropics. But even without the usual cosy setting, this romantic-comedy holiday movie franchise still gives us all the snuggly feels. A story with a classic plot where a posh city boy meets (and eventually falls in love with) a humble can't-be-impressed-with-your-hundred-dollar-suits country girl, A California Christmas is a film where you can expect silly fish-out-of-the-water humour and cheesy "will they, won't they" scenarios. Spoiler alert: they eventually become a couple and lived together happily at the vineyard.
In the sequel, A California Christmas 2: City Lights, lovebirds Callie (Lauren Swickard) and Joseph (Josh Swickard) finally decide to tie the knot. However, trouble comes when Joseph is summoned back to San Francisco to save his father's company and legacy. While in the city, Callie gets a peek at Joseph's former life as a rich playboy and doesn't like what she sees. Will they still be able to conquer the odds this time around?
Best for: Those who love watching "will they, won't they" romantic comedies that will keep viewers on their feet.
Stream it here.
3. The Princess Switch 3: Romancing The Star
Move over Parent Trap, The Princess Switch saga just upped their game with not just two but three characters switching places, all played by Vanessa Hudgens. Last year, we're introduced to an aristocrat, a new character by the name of Lady Fiona Pembroke who is a cousin of Princess Margaret. Just in case her Maleficent-esque entrance didn't give it away, Lady Fiona shook things up in the last movie with her villainous tendencies. This sassy character is back again forThe Princess Switch 3: Romancing The Star. This time, instead of making trouble, she's an ally to her look-alikes Stacy and Lady Margaret in finding a stolen sacred relic — and stealing it back. Let the heist begin!
Best for: High School Musical fans who would love to see Vanessa Hudgens play again the personality of Gabriella and Sharpay at the same time.
Stream it here.
4. Father Christmas Is Back
Father Christmas Is Back tells the story of four sisters with different personalities who are reunited together for a family reunion. If that doesn't spell chaos enough, their long lost father also joins them and brings his new young girlfriend along. As one can expect, drama and comedic hijinx ensues. All in all, one of the loveable holiday movies to catch this season.
Best for: Those who love family dramas and ensemble comedies.
Stream it here.
5. Jingle Jangle
This movie is not at all related to the fictional recreational drug of the same name from Riverdale so don't expect cults or scary stalkers in this story. Far from being a saucy controversial tale, this particular Jingle Jangle is a film that you can watch with your little nieces and nephews. It starts with toymaker Jeronicus Jangle and his creation — Don Juan Diego, a sentient matador doll who's upset that he'll be mass-produced. To stop this, Don Juan Diego convinced an apprentice of Jeronicus to run away with his boss' ideas and prized doll (which is Don Juan Diego himself). Years later, Jeronicus' estranged young granddaughter graces the scene to save the day.
Best for: Those who love the dreamy aesthetic of The Golden Compass, The Chronicles Of Narnia and other adventure films featuring young heroes.
Stream it here.
6. Christmas on the Square
The talented lady who brought us 9-5, I Will Always Love You and Islands In The Stream is back with another musical. Yes, that's right! Beloved singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has a holiday-themed movie. Christmas on the Square tells the story of Regina Fuller (played by Christine Baranski), a rich woman who goes back to her hometown to evict the residents from their homes by Christmas Eve while a certain "Angel" (played by Dolly Parton) attempts to change her heart. It's an ensemble musical with a straightforward plot, plenty of beautifully choreographed numbers and a sprinkle of magical realism.
Best for: People who love cheesy, heartfelt musicals. You'll be humming the tunes all season!
Stream it here.
7. Christmas Crossfire
Not all cheesy movies involve romance or follow a wonderful hero's journey. Sometimes, cheesy also applies to over-the-top thriller plots with an overly suspenseful pace and a comedic ensemble who sprouts one-liners scene after scene. Christmas Crossfire is one of those; add the holiday factor and you get an enjoyable, guilty-pleasure film. It's about a man who prevented a crime during the holidays and must now flee the killers to save his life and their target.
Best for: Those who love cheesy comedy thrillers who don't mind lending suspension of disbelief for larger-than-life plots.
Stream it here.
8. Holidate
Talented actress Emma Roberts takes on the role of Sloane who's sick of the family meddling with her lovelife. Meanwhile, Luke Bracey portrays the character Jackson who's tired of crazy, nightmare dates. They experience a meet-cute moment at the mall and agree to be each other's dates for the holidays. They grow from platonic, contractual dates to something more. With their electric chemistry, you can't help but tune in and wait till they catch genuine feelings for each other.
Best for: Those who are feeling like it's going to be another blue Christmas and would love to imagine and hold out for their perfect holidate.
Stream it here.
9. Falling for Christmas
After losing her memory in a skiing accident, an heiress (Lindsay Lohan) lands in the cosy care of a down-on-his-luck widower (Chord Overstreet) and his daughter (Olivia Perez) at Christmastime. You might start watching it for queen Lindsay but we bet that you'll stay for the movie's heartwarming and fairytale-like vibes. If you're feeling quite grinchy this year, this movie might rekindle your Christmas spirit.
Best for: Those who are looking for a fun rom-com that's family-friendly too.
Stream it here.
10. Family Switch
Ever felt so disconnected with the people who are the closest to you in proximity? You're not alone, as you'll see in this movie. The Walkers family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids. The mum, Jess (Jennifer Garner), switches bodies with her daughter CC (Emma Myers of the hit series Wednesday). On the other hand, the father, Bill (Ed Helms), switches with his son Wyatt (Brady Noon). The movie is bursting with cringe and hilarious moments, but it also has a lot of heart and nostalgic feels.
Best for: People who grew up with 13 Going on 30 and Freaky Friday.
Stream it here.
Which of these holiday movies to catch on Netflix are you keen to stream?
(Cover photo from: netflix.com)
This article was first published on 8 December 2021. Last updated: 12 December 2023.
Next, check out Emma Corrin's best moments as Princess Diana in The Crown.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
