Ever since my eldest sister moved to college, Christmas has been the most important holiday. It was that way before, when my siblings and I would stay up late and wake up early, but now, only having her home for two weeks makes the holidays extra special. Every time, without fail, my family will wander into the living room and kitchen to watch whatever movie is turned on.
Once the calendar flips to November, that movie is almost always a Christmas romantic comedy.
As a seasoned expert, I’ve ranked my favorite Christmas-related romantic comedies to warm your winter.
- “Holidate,” 2020
An instant-classic from the moment it was released, “Holidate” is a funny, charming film that explores the turmoil of spending the holidays alone in a family full of couples. The movie follows Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) as they spend different holidays together and ignore each other for the rest of the year. Despite wanting to start casually, the two begin to fall in love and work past Sloane’s fear of commitment. The one thing I want more of is the holiday magic, but watching the two bicker and share sweet moments is magic in itself.
- “Christmas in Notting Hill,” 2023
“Christmas in Notting Hill” is a creatively intricate film that combines all of the Hallmark classic tropes with new ideas. It follows a famous British soccer player, Graham (William Moseley), falling in love with American teacher Georgia (Sarah Ramos), who doesn’t know who he is. After a few awkward meetings, the two find out their younger siblings are engaged. Capturing the holiday magic of being a kid coupled with the bittersweet nature of growing up, this film broke and healed my heart at the same time.
- “Single All the Way,” 2021
One of the funniest romantic comedies known to man, “Single All the Way” is a wacky, wonderful movie that perfectly showcases family, love and the holiday season. Following Peter (Michael Urie), who gets teased about being single by his family, as he journeys back to his hometown with his roommate, James (Luke Macfarlane), this movie is packed to the brim with bold characters. Whether it’s the slightly-crazy aunt, the always-scheming nieces, or watching two best friends fall in love, there’s something for everyone.
- “Princess Switch,” 2018
“Princess Switch” is a cute, festive movie that takes place in a snowy castle. After arriving in Belgravia for a national baking contest, Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens) meets a duchess, Lady Margeret (Vanessa Hudgens); the two are practically identical. For the next few days, the pair switch, and Stacy falls in love with Margaret’s fiance, and Margaret falls in love with Stacy’s best friend. While just slightly confusing to hear about, watching the couples bring out the best in each other in the spirit of the holiday will always be a Christmas tradition.
- “Love Hard,” 2021
This movie would land on a ranking of any “Top Ten Films,” so it should be no surprise that it takes the No. 1 spot. “Love Hard” follows Natalie (Nina Dobrev), a writer who never stops begging for a good love life, as she journeys 3,000 miles for the holidays, intending to surprise her new boyfriend, Josh (Jimmy O. Yang). Only when she gets there, she discovers he’s been catfishing her, but she strikes a deal to pretend to be in love with him if he helps her land a date with someone else. I will always love watching this on repeat, as it amazingly combines jokes and love just in time for Christmas.
