Hedayat Reda When I kick back, I always start by taking off my shoes and warming a hot water bottle. It is the end of the day, and my exhausted brain needs predictable and comforting stimuli to power down and let go of all its worries (as I age, these seem to be multiplying like the guinea pig pellets in my ex-pet’s cage). My friends make fun of me for this,but I have probably watched every Holiday movie to ever grace Netflix–yes– especially those Hallmark ones (IYKYK).
There is something about the predictable story lines, the cozy settings, the abundance of cheer and goodwill that just warms me, even more so than my morning turkish coffee or nightly golden milk. Peculiarly, my family does not even celebrate Christmas, and yet I do uphold this yearly tradition of Holiday binge-watching religiously. The romantic in me loves to see a good love story come to life. If it is filled with Holiday magic, families coming together, and all of those small ingredients that accrue to lasting joy and happily ever afters, you’ve got me.
Thus, from my romantic just-warmed heart to yours (Thank you, again, The Holiday), here are the best of 2025, and the classics I will always go back to.
Note: These are not ranked by order of goodness. They are all their own brand of watch-worthy depending on your mood.
- Champagne Problems– Netflix
A workaholic executive travels to Paris for the pitch of a lifetime. Promising her wild child sister one night off from work to explore and taste the world, Sydney Price runs into Henri seeking directions at a bookstore, and is convinced to join him on a private tour of Paris–the sights through his eyes. A whirlwind romance, an expected complication – Henri turns out to be the son of the son of the CEO whose company she is hoping to acquire– and a competition that is at times scintillating, at time hilarious, this cast of characters will have you giggling long after the movie is over, and craving a bottle of that bubbly French magic. Watch for the handsome couple, stay for the quirky competitors, remember how magical Paris is this time of year.
- A Merry Little Ex-Mas– Netflix
Cher and Clarissa make a comeback? My 90s heart is beating so fast it cannot be contained. Apparently, if you wait long enough, you really will see your favourite artists return to their craft, and quite vivaciously so. In this cheesy-yet-lovable holiday romcom, Alicia Silverstone is Kate Holden, a separated handywoman who wants one last authentic family Christmas before she leaves her town to pursue her dreams. But just as she begins to bring her family on board, enter her husband’s new girlfriend–played by Jameela Jamil– the antithesis of all that Kate stands for. It quickly becomes clear that Kate has some leftover feelings for her ex to work through and some jealousy-working to do. If you’ve forgotten what Christmas is truly about, Kate’s winsome attitude and careful Christmas arrangements will definitely remind you. This one is all heart and swoonworthy protagonists.
- Finding Joy– Amazon Prime
What Hallmark movies often miss is a bit of sass, something Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy has in abundance. In this romcom, an overlooked New York fashion designer finds herself stranded in the middle of a snowstorm in Colorado after taking a romantic leap that goes south. She is rescued by a “black lumberjack”, who lives in a cabin in the woods, and they bond fireside over glasses of whiskey and homemade beans, quickly changing each others’ perspectives on love and life. Most Memorable Moment: Joy getting stuck on the wet toilet seat in the outhouse and Ridge– black lumberjack– going to rescue her. Most Moving Rendition: Inaya’s portrayal as Joy’s bff Littia. This one is a cozy chronicle for all types of viewers.
- My Secret Santa– Netflix
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this particular brand of cliché trope, and the holiday spin on it honestly takes the cake. In this cosplaying adventure Mel from Virgin River and Ryan from 90210 (sorry, that is who they will forever be in my head) come together to play Taylor Jacobsen and Matthew Lane– a single mom and the manager of the ski resort she has just started working for, as…Santa. Riddled with funny little mess-ups and cheesy-but-cute romantic moments, what got me the most about this film were Taylor’s moments as Santa and the advice and emotional intelligence she uses in her talks with the children. Notable about this cute comical movie is the on-screen chemistry between the two leads.
And now, for the standards:
- The Holiday– Netflix
The Holiday is the kind of film that feels like slipping into freshly warmed pajamas—the emotional equivalent of your perfect cup of hot chocolate. Two women, two homes, two continents, and two very necessary life resets: Iris escapes to L.A. to get over an emotionally unavailable colleague, while Amanda flees to the English countryside to outrun her own burnout. The result? A house swap turned heart swap. Jude Law’s “accidental” charm and Jack Black’s unexpected sweetness are only half the charm; the real magic is in how the film captures the courage it takes to choose joy again. It’s whimsical, comforting, and remains the reigning champion of holiday escapism for a reason.
- Love, Actually– Disney +
This is my favourite Christmas movie of all time. If you ever need a cinematic reminder that love shows up in maddening, magical, deeply human ways, this ensemble classic delivers it on a silver platter. From the Prime Minister falling for the girl who brings him biscuits, to a grieving father helping his son chase a first crush, every storyline feels like a tiny snow globe of emotion you want to shake again and again. The music alone could thaw even the iciest mood (enter: Joni Mitchell, that airport sequence, the cue cards). It’s delightfully British, unashamedly sentimental, and still manages to hit all the right notes without feeling dated.
- Home Alone (1, but 2 is also worth it)– Disney +
There are holiday movies, and then there is the cultural phenomenon that shaped my generation’s understanding of Christmas chaos. Home Alone remains endlessly rewatchable—equal parts slapstick, sentiment, and mischievous glee. Kevin McCallister’s solo adventure is a masterclass in childhood independence… and questionable home security ingenuity. Between the booby traps, the iconic soundtrack, the pigeon lady cameo (yes, she lives rent-free in my head), and that heart-melting reunion at the end, this film has earned permanent residency in the December rotation. Watch for the laughs; stay for the surprisingly wholesome message about family, forgiveness, and the magic of being remembered.
- Little Women (the original and the 2019 remake)– Apple TV
Neither adaptation is officially a Christmas movie, yet both are filled with enough winter charm and family closeness to make them perfect for the season. The 1994 version gives us that unforgettable opening Christmas morning—the March sisters rushing downstairs, sharing their breakfast with the Hummels, and later performing their homemade play by candlelight. The 2019 remake brings new life to those moments, especially the bustling kitchen scenes and the snowy walk home after the girls buy Marmee her Christmas gift. Across both films, the heart of the story remains the same: sisters growing up together, navigating love, loss, creativity, and loyalty under one roof. Watching either one feels like returning to a story that’s honest, familiar, and always comforting. I will always champion a classic.
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas– Disney +
If you’ve ever felt mildly allergic to holiday cheer, the Grinch understands you better than most. Living high above Whoville, he makes it his mission to put an end to the town’s relentless festivities—until one determined little girl decides he might not be as fearsome as he looks. What follows is a mix of mischief, mayhem, and a surprisingly sincere shift in perspective as the Grinch learns that Christmas isn’t about noise or presents, but connection. By the end, he’s carving the roast beast with the very people he tried to avoid. I watch this for the childhood nostalgia and to soothe my inner year-long Grinch. Also, because I can’t believe Taylor Momsen was once this sweet little girl. Enjoy with hot chocolate or apple cider.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone– Netflix
Harry Potter is hands-down my favourite winter rewatch, partly because it’s full of wonder, partly because it’s endlessly comforting, and partly because… well, it’s Harry Potter. From the first glimpse of the Hogwarts Express steaming through snowy landscapes to the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall twinkling like a thousand stars, the film pulls you into a world that feels alive, mischievous, and endlessly magical. But there is nothing that beats Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Severus Snape. His dry humour and perfectly controlled menace shine when he delivers the unforgettable line, “Mr Potter…our new celebrity,” and during the tense Potions class scene as he coldly deducts points with barely concealed disdain. Rickman makes every glance, pause, and hiss of sarcasm utterly unforgettable.Even after countless viewings, it’s a movie that still makes me laugh, gasp, and feel a little bit of magic each time.
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