Christmas. The season of hope and love. I adore this time of year. There’s a special kind of feeling in the air—and no, it’s not the negative 10-degree weather in Minnesota. It’s the feeling that magic may just be real, that anything is possible, and that maybe we can all come together and celebrate the love that connects us all.
Now, along with these feelings of magic and love, come crowded stores, bad parking jobs, and the biggest and best sales imaginable (sure, Jan). But we also get a barrage of Christmas movies—all with the same plot and the same predictable happy ending. And yet, these movies are magic in their own right. They’re a chance to turn off your brain, melt into the couch, and be filled with Christmas spirit. Sometimes, that hour and a half of joy and hope is just enough.
So, as someone who binge-watches cheesy Christmas movies each season, I wanted to share my top 10 that never fail to leave me feeling a little more cheery than when I started.
‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’ (Hallmark+)
lana and her family are the Chiefs’ biggest fans, and that devotion is put to the test as she competes to be named Fan of the Year. With Derrick overseeing the competition, there may be more in store than just a fan title this season.
I know. I know. But just wait—hear me out. When this movie premiered last year, I thought, there’s no way this is going to be any good. I probably even rolled my eyes. But I gave it a try, and I am not ashamed to admit I was wrong. This movie is just the right amount of cheesy, and I love it. The focus on family, belief, and hope in the things that matter to you is genuinely special. The cast is fantastic, and it stars one of my favorite Hallmark leading men, Tyler Hynes. Plus, for all you football fans, there’s even a cameo from Mama Kelce.
P.S. This is apparently becoming a series of sorts. A second film premiered this year: “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.” It is not as good.
‘A Castle for Christmas’ (Netflix)
When Sophie Brown decides she needs to get away after a dramatic book interview, she travels to the Scottish village where her father once lived. Once there, she decides to purchase a castle, but can she handle the overbearing duke long enough to take ownership?
A castle in Scotland during Christmas? Friendship and community banding together? An enemies-to-lovers storyline? What more can you ask for? Honestly, not much.
As a sidenote, I also totally geeked out rewatching this movie this year after visiting Scotland in August, they panned past a location where I once sat and ate a grilled cheese.
‘Love Hard’ (Netflix)
Natalie is tired of writing about her disastrous dating life. But when she flies across the country to surprise her new fling, she’s the one caught off guard when Josh isn’t exactly who he claimed to be.
A holiday rom-com with my girl Nina Dobrev, aka Elena from “The Vampire Diaries?” Yes, please. Sign me right up. As a “Catfish” fanatic, I couldn’t be happier with the plot. Though not the best start to any kind of relationship, friendship or otherwise, the connection between Natalie and Josh is endearing. It brings a special kind of hope that even when something feels impossible, it just might work out.
‘The Princess Switch’ (Netflix)
A duchess set to marry the prince of Belgravia and a baker from Chicago meet and realize they look identical. They decide to switch places so the duchess can experience normal life before her royal wedding.
This one is cheesy. I will not lie. Two Vanessa Hudgenses pretending to be different people who look exactly the same, falling in love with each other’s men? What a silly time we’re having. But it’s a fun silly time, and sometimes, you just need that.
If you want more silliness, this is a trilogy. In the second movie, a third Vanessa Hudgens is introduced. Again, silly.
- “The Princess Switch: Switched Again”
- “The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star”
Three Wise Men and a Baby (Hallmark+)
When a baby is left at a fire station, three brothers attempt to put their differences aside, band together, and care for the child over the holidays.
Let’s get this out of the way: Is it ridiculous that a baby is left at a fire station with a note specifically addressed to Luke, and they don’t immediately call Child Protective Services? Yes. A bit ridiculous. But it’s Christmas, and there’s always a little holiday magic waiting around the corner in these movies—so you’ve got to go with it.
Plus, we get more Tyler Hynes (we know how I feel about that) and another Hallmark hunk, Andrew Walker. Paul Campbell is also in this, but I don’t know him like that.
(This is also a trilogy, if you feel inclined to continue.)
- “Three Wise Men and a Boy”
- “Three Wisest Men”
‘Happiest Season’ (Hulu)
Abby reluctantly accepts her girlfriend Harper’s invitation to spend Christmas with her family, only to discover Harper hasn’t come out to them yet.
This one is for the lesbians and bisexuals. I mean, it has both Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza. I could die happy. It’s also every queer person’s worst nightmare: being forced back into the closet and pretending to be your partner’s “gal pal” in front of a possibly homophobic family.
But again, Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza. I needed more Aubrey Plaza, but I’ll take it. Also, Harper? Undeniably the worst.
‘Jingle Bell Run’ (Hallmark+)
Bookworm Avery and retired hockey pro Wes are paired together in a holiday reality competition race across America, answering trivia questions, completing challenges, and maybe realizing the other isn’t so bad after all.
As a reality TV stan, I love this concept. It’s “The Amazing Race,” but make it Christmas. There’s prize money involved, and what ultimately happens with it might make you tear up—just a little. It injects hope into your veins and reminds you of the good people can do.
We also see leading man favorite Andrew Walker again, alongside one of my Hallmark leading lady faves, Ashley Williams.
‘The Knight Before Christmas’ (Netflix)
A medieval knight is transported to the present day, where he must fulfill his quest. Along the way, he receives help from Brooke, who, after heartbreak, decides love is just a fairytale.
Were you obsessed with medieval stories of dashing knights and magical beings? Or maybe you were just obsessed with the BBC series “Merlin” (me)? Then this movie is for you. It’s sweet, funny, and overflowing with hope that one day we can all find our true love.
Vanessa Hudgens is not a baker, duchess, or identical cousin in this one, and that’s a good thing. Honestly, writing this just makes me want to rewatch it.
‘A Christmas Prince’ (Netflix)
A journalist looking for a career-boosting story poses as a tutor to infiltrate a royal household. Soon, she begins to realize that the story being told about the prince may not be entirely true.
I know this movie is incredibly cheesy, but I can’t help genuinely loving it. Rose McIver as Amber is wonderful, and Ben Lamb as Prince Richard is swoon-worthy. The first time I watched it, I truly didn’t see the plot coming, though I’m sure many did.
If you like it, you’re in luck. It’s also a trilogy:
- “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding”
- “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby”
Netflix, if you’re reading, you need to make a fourth movie called “A Christmas Princess,” following the baby as a teen or young adult. I’m just saying.
‘Single All the Way’ (Netflix)
Always the perpetually single family member, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays under the guise of fake dating. But when the plan unravels, will they finally confront the feelings they’ve been hiding?
This one is for the gays—and I love it. While we’ve seen more LGBTQ representation in Christmas movies recently, this was one of the earlier standouts. We think we’re getting a standard fake-dating trope, and then, BAM, wrong.
Peter and Nick are absolutely adorable, the “parent trapping” by the nieces is elite, and the family’s unwavering support is beautiful. It leaves me emotional every single time. And if you didn’t know TaskRabbit was a real thing, it doesn’t even feel like an ad.
And now you know my top 10 cheesy holiday movies to bring you hope this Christmas season. There are dozens more that didn’t make the list, including films I love that aren’t quite as cheesy (“Eloise at Christmastime,” anyone?).
Got a movie you think should’ve made the cut? Tag me on socials with your recommendations. And no matter what you celebrate, take time with your people and share in the love you have for one another. The magic created by celebrating our own community is the best hope in any season.
Cue “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
