As the year winds down, the most eagerly awaited time for many people has arrived: the holiday season. This period, which comprises several festivities, is surrounded by magic, get-togethers with family and friends, and traditions of all kinds that vary from one country to another. And if there is one holiday that stands out among all the others during this period, it is Christmas, bringing with it its wide catalog of holiday-themed movies that invite people to enjoy them to the fullest with the snack of our choice. Among all these, one of the most popular is the Christmas romantic comedy.

This particular type of rom-com has turned into a classic of the season that audiences patiently wait for, and year after year, there are new and exciting releases that capture the magical atmosphere of this special time. As a matter of fact, Netflix released Best. Christmas. Ever?!, a holiday rom-com directed by Mary Lambert. In this film, two old college friends compete during the jolly season to prove their life and relationship is superior, leading to uproarious hijinks. Just like Best. Christmas. Ever?!, there are dozens of rom-coms that portray this special time of the year. Here are some of the best.

Update December 10, 2023: For 12 days of Christmas, this article has been updated to 12 heartwarming and satisfying Christmas rom-coms and where each title is streaming.

12 The Best Man Holiday (2013)

The Best Man Holiday
The Best Man Holiday
R
Release Date
November 15, 2013
Director
Malcolm D. Lee
Main Genre
Comedy

Several years after the events of Malcolm D. Lee’s beloved inaugural film, The Best Man, old friends Lance, Harper, Quentin, Robyn, Candace, Jordan, Mia, and Murch reunite over the Christmas holidays. Life has brought about changes for all of them, and as responsible adults, they’re more mature and wiser. As past relationships are looked back upon, the friends realize just how easy it is to become rivals and fall in love. More than a mere follow-up, The Best Man Holiday is a tender ode to friendship that will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

The Best Man Holiday Is a Festive Sequel

It is lovely to see the entire original cast return to deliver natural and nuanced performances. Under Lee’s expert direction, the film creates room for slapstick humor, nostalgia, and lots of romance set in a joyous holiday setting. While many movie franchises have tried to do holiday sequels, notably films like Batman Returns or Bad Moms Christmas, The Best Man Holiday proves to be an effective use of the holiday for the type of story it wants to tell about friendship. Stream on Peacock

11 Last Christmas (2019)

last christmas
Last Christmas
PG-13
Romance
Comedy
Release Date
November 7, 2019
Director
Paul Feig
Cast
Emilia Clarke , Henry Golding , Emma Thompson , Michelle Yeoh , Graham Root , David Mumeni

Kate is not having the best time of her life: she made some very bad decisions and now works as an elf in a year-round Christmas store, something she doesn't enjoy at all. However, this rough patch turns around when she meets Tom, a mysterious young man who helps her overcome all of her fears and look at life in a brighter light. Last Christmas stars Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, under Paul Feig's direction.

Last Christmas Has Fantastic Chemistry

Last Christmas is a wholesome and tender film that is truly elevated due to the winning chemistry between Clarke and Golding, who shine as star-crossed lovers who form a life-changing bond while celebrating the holiday season. The unique twist at the end sets it apart from its fellow rom-coms, and though some audiences may have seen the reveal coming, it nonetheless packed an emotional punch. The fact that the quirky flick also features countless George Michael and Wham! tunes are just an added bonus. Stream on Prime Video

Related
The Ultimate List of Holiday Comedies, Ranked
Line em up and knock em down. Your ultimate list to a holiday comedy watch party!

10 Let It Snow (2019)

Let It Snow
Let It Snow
PG-13
Comedy
Romance
Release Date
November 8, 2019
Director
Luke Snellin

Touting a young and talented cast including Kiernan Shipka, Isabela Merced, and Shameik Moore, the 2019 Netflix original Let It Snow is based on the novel of the same name and centers on a colorful group of high school students on Christmas Eve as they deal with their own respective romantic hurdles and personal flaws, as their own stories interconnect as the evening plays out at a huge holiday party.

Let It Snow Is a Complex Rom-Com

From unhappy waitresses to glamorous pop stars, frustrated friends and paranoid girlfriends, Let It Snow has an array of complex characters who each undergo some serious soul-searching and growth over the course of the night. Though there is no shortage of clichés and the plot can sometimes be predictable, the endearing movie still has universal appeal and does exactly what a good seasonal rom-com should do: deliver Christmas spirit alongside a heaping dose of holiday cheer. Stream on Netflix

9 Last Holiday (2006)

Last Holiday
Last Holiday
PG-13
Adventure
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Release Date
January 13, 2006
Director
Wayne Wang

Last Holiday, the 2006 film, is a Christmas classic and one of Queen Latifah's best-remembered movies. In it, she stars as Georgia, a modest kitchen store saleswoman who has spent her entire life saving as much money as she could. Due to a medical mix-up, she gets a terrifying diagnosis: she now has a brain condition and only three weeks to live. Willing to enjoy them to the fullest and convinced that she has nothing to lose, Georgia uses her savings to fulfill a lifelong dream: to go on a luxurious trip to Europe, setting aside all her worries and inhibitions.

Last Holiday is a Queen Latifah Classic

Queen Latifah shines as the humble Georgia, displaying her charisma and signature comedic chops as her on-screen counterpart enjoys the finer things in life and finally allows herself to let loose. Her winning chemistry with LL Cool J and the rom-com's overall uplifting message helped land the dynamic leading lady an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, and it remains one of her most spirited and delightful cinematic portrayals. Stream on Paramount+

8 Single All the Way (2021)

Single All the Way is a 2021 Canadian film directed by Michael Mayer and written by Chad Hodge. It stars Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Kathy Najimy, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jennifer Robertson. This movie follows Peter, a gay man who desperately wants to avoid his family's opinions about him being single. Therefore, he convinces his best friend Nick to pretend to be his boyfriend for the holidays. This plan takes a turn when his mother sets him up on a blind date with her handsome trainer, leading to a chaotic Christmas.

Single All the Way Is Warm and Familiar

Despite covering familiar ground and relying on common rom-com themes Single All the Way truly shines due to its talented ensemble cast and Peter and Nick's endearing relationship and connection. Both critics and audiences were impressed by the entertaining film, which was streamed 13.82 million hours during its first week and went on to win the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Movie. Stream on Netflix

7 Love Hard (2021)

Love Hard
Love Hard
TV-MA
Comedy
Romance
Christmas
Release Date
November 5, 2021
Director
Hernán Jiménez
Cast
Nina Dobrev , Jimmy O. Yang , Darren Barnet , James Saito , Rebecca Staab

Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang star in Love Hard, which tells the story of columnist Natalie Bauer, who shares her failed experiences dating men she meets on apps. After many unsuccessful encounters, her luck seems to change when she is paired with Josh, a man from New York who appears to be her perfect match. As Christmas is coming, she decides to surprise her crush by traveling across the country to meet him, only to make the shocking discovery that she's been catfished.

Love Hard Is a Memorable Rom-Com

In spite of her anger, Natalie makes a deal with Josh: he promises to introduce her to the real person in the photos if she pretends to be his girlfriend for the holidays, which gives the two of them plenty of time to get to know each other better. Dobrev and Yang effortlessly play off one another in every scene, and their massively entertaining, modernized duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is definitely one of the movie's most shining and memorable moments. Stream on Netflix

6 Happiest Season (2020)

Happiest Season
Happiest Season
Romance
Comedy
Release Date
November 26, 2020
Director
Clea DuVall

Happiest Season is a 2020 film directed by Clea DuVall and inspired by her own personal experiences. Starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, this production features Abby, a young woman who is asked by her girlfriend Harper to spend Christmas with her and her family. She agrees, willing to propose to her at a special moment. But Harper left out one major detail in the invitation: her family is very conservative, and she never came out to them. Joining Stewart and Davis in the cast are Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Aubrey Plaza, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen.

Happiest Season Is a Lauded LGBTQ+ Rom-Com

Happiest Season garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences upon its release, with appreciation going towards its heartfelt message, playful humor, and delightful performances by its exceptional ensemble cast. The rom-com has emerged as a major triumph for LGBTQ+ streaming content, and it won a GLAAD Media Award. Stream on Hulu

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Best LGBTQ+ Holiday Movies, Ranked
From Carol to Single All the Way, if you're looking for queer-themed holiday movies, we've got the list for you.

5 The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Hollywood legends Cary Grant and Loretta Young headlined the spellbinding story of an angel who is sent to Earth to help a disheartened bishop (David Niven) raise crucial funds for his struggling church while also encouraging him to rediscover the importance of love, family, and faith during the Christmas season in the 1947 classic The Bishop's Wife. The suave and sophisticated angel Dudley (Grant) answers the bishop's prayers and shows up on a quest to spread holiday cheer and inspire the questioning clergyman.

The Bishop's Wife Is a Classic Rom-Com

The Bishop's Wife was a knockout at the box office, with moviegoers flocking to see the debonair Grant appearing as the beguiling angel to carry out his heavenly mission. The supernatural rom-com received a whopping five Academy Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture (ultimately winning one), and in the ensuing years it emerged as a Christmas staple. It featured one of Grant's most charismatic performances, and it also went on to inspire the 1996 Denzel Washington-led remake The Preacher's Wife, with the Oscar-winner assuming the role of Dudley in the picture. Stream on Peacock

4 The Holiday (2006)

the holiday
The Holiday
PG-13
Comedy
Romance
Release Date
December 8, 2006
Director
Nancy Meyers

With an unforgettable star-studded cast led by Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law, the fan-favorite 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday centers on two lovelorn ladies on opposite ends of the globe as they decide to escape their relationship woes and exchange homes during the Christmas season. Successful film producer Amanda (Diaz) is a workaholic who can't emotionally commit to a partner, while London society columnist Iris (Winslet) wants to heal her broken heart, so the women swap residences and go on an epic journey of self-discovery.

The Holiday Is a Tender Love Story

Though neither wants anything to do with love and romance during their much-needed getaways, both Amanda and Iris meet life-changing people during the house swap, including compassionate widower Graham (Law), charming film composer Miles (Black), and wise famous screenwriter Arthur (Eli Wallach). The Holiday tugged on the heartstrings of audiences across the world, and memorably introduced them to the swoon-worthy meet cute while reminding women everywhere to always be their own leading lady in life. Stream on Fubo TV

3 While You Were Sleeping (1995)

While You Were Sleeping
While You Were Sleeping
PG
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Romance
Release Date
April 21, 1995
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Cast
Sandra Bullock , Bill Pullman , Peter Gallagher , Peter Boyle , Jack Warden , Glynis Johns

Sandra Bullock was an absolute delight when she starred alongside Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher in the 1995 blockbuster hit While You Were Sleeping, which follows the lonely fare token collector Lucy Eleanor Moderatz as she rescues the longtime object-of-her-affection Peter (Gallagher) from being hit by a train after falling on the tracks, and after helping him get to the hospital is confused for being his fiancée. Lucy decides to stay mum on her true identity, and is taken in by his loving family during the holiday season, but finds herself falling for his shy brother Jack (Pullman).

Sandra Bullock Thrives in While You Were Sleeping

Bullock thrived in the role as the lonesome transit worker, giving the character a refreshing emotional depth and plenty of heart, as she struggles to sort through her complicated feelings and the unconventional love triangle. The illustrious actress rightfully earned a Golden Globe nomination for her compelling performance, and While You Were Sleeping brought in an impressive $182 million during its theatrical run. The film showcased early on that Bullock naturally shined in rom-coms, and she would continue dominating the enduring genre in the years to come. Stream on Disney+

2 You've Got Mail (1998)

You've Got Mail
You've Got Mail
PG
Comedy
Drama
Romance
Release Date
February 26, 1998
Director
Nora Ephron
Cast
Tom Hanks , Meg Ryan , Katie Sagona , Greg Kinnear , Parker Posey , Jean Stapleton

You've Got Mail is the third film in which Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star as a couple, following Joe Versus the Volcano and Sleepless in Seattle. Directed by Nora Ephron and co-written alongside Delia Ephron, this 1998 picture follows Kathleen and Joe, two people who maintain an online relationship while knowing absolutely nothing about each other's identity. But something threatens this relationship: the two are business rivals and hate each other in real life, as Joe's large bookstore chain threatens to destroy Kathleen's family business.

You've Got Mail Is a Tom Hanks Staple

Loosely inspired by the '40s classic The Shop Around the Corner, the cinema triumph delighted audiences everywhere with the highly-anticipated reunion of Hanks and Ryan, and unsurprisingly, their stellar chemistry was front-and-center in the blockbuster flick. You've Got Mail further established Ryan as the reigning queen of the romantic comedy while highlighting Hanks' range as a performer. Rent on Apple TV

1 Love Actually (2003)

love actually
Love Actually
R
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Romance
Release Date
September 7, 2003
Director
Richard Curtis
Cast
Bill Nighy , Gregor Fisher , Rory MacGregor , Colin Firth , Sienna Guillory , Liam Neeson

Love Actually ranks at the top of this list as the most memorable Christmas rom-com in cinema, which keeps growing more and more fans every holiday season. This 2003 festive flick features a brilliant ensemble cast of stars such as Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, among others. Set a few weeks before Christmas, the film features ten different stories with characters that connect with one another, exploring different aspects of love.

Love Actually Is a Brilliant Rom-Com

Love Actually was extremely popular with audiences and became an instant box office hit, earning over $246 million and garnering a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Each Hollywood heavy hitter shined in their respective roles, with their endearing, lovelorn counterparts captivating the masses and helping the picture become a modern-day Christmas staple. Though critics initially gave the holiday flick a mixed response, moviegoers couldn't get enough of the complicated love stories featured, and it remains a must-see watch during the cozy season. Stream on Netflix