
© Demaerre via Canva
Terrible dialogue, predictable plots, and more fake snow than a winter wonderland – Netflix’s holiday movie collection might just be the perfect way to embrace the chaos of Christmas.
So get ready for an unapologetically cheesy lineup of Netflix Christmas movies that are so bad, they’re actually delightful.
The Holidate (2020)
This is hands down my favourite Netflix Christmas movie – and, honestly, my ultimate comfort film. I hate to admit it, but I watch it all year round – spring, summer, autumn, you name it. It's not your standard Christmas flick because, while it starts and ends with Christmas, it also gives you a tour of all the other holidays – St. Patrick's Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, and Halloween. Starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, this feel-good romcom has just the right dash of Christmas magic. It's the perfect one to kick off the festive season – or anytime, really.
Love Hard (2021)
This one stars Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries) and Darren Barnet (Never Have I Ever), and I wanted to like it so much more than I did. The plot? Nina’s character travels to her crush's hometown only to find out she’s been catfished by someone using Darren Barnet’s photo. Cue the awkward realisation and the obvious romantic setup with the guy she didn’t expect. The issue? Zero chemistry between the leads. Like, was this on purpose or just bad casting? Either way, it’s not Netflix’s finest.
Hot Frosty (2024)
The second Christmas movie drop of 2024 stars none other than Mean Girls' Gretchen Wieners herself – Lacey Chabert. Honestly, I almost skipped this one based on the plot alone (a snowman coming to life? Sure, now the title makes sense), but what sealed the deal was an iconic duo. We've got Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Doug Judy as the sheriff and Charles Boyle as his deputy – different character names here, of course, but their chemistry is just as unbeatable. They carry this film effortlessly, with the sheriff even breaking into song at one point, a nod to his musical antics in B99. And if you're not familiar with B99, you might know him better as Darryl from The Office.
The Princess Switch (2018)
The start of the Vanessa Hudgens multiverse. She plays a Chicago baker and a princess-to-be who, obviously, look exactly the same. They swap lives, fall in love, and give us a film so successful that it spawned two sequels – featuring a third Vanessa Hudgens character because, why not? If you’re up for a cheesy-but-charming marathon, this is your go-to.
The Christmas Prince (2017)
Ah, the film that kicked off my complicated relationship with Netflix Christmas movies. The Christmas Prince became an instant classic, leading to two sequels: The Royal Wedding and The Royal Baby. Amber (played by a much more alive Rose McIver) gets the prince, saves the crown, gets married, and has a baby – all while dealing with royal drama. It’s the ultimate choice for a day-long binge if you love over-the-top holiday vibes.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
The comeback we’ve all been waiting for: Lindsay Lohan’s first Netflix Christmas movie! She plays a spoiled heiress who loses her memory after a skiing accident (of course) and ends up in small-town Christmas heaven. Her love interest is played by Chord Overstreet (Glee fans, rejoice). Fun fact: Lindsay had a stunt double for the final kiss scene – because, apparently, that’s a thing now. Lohan is back with another Christmas film this year – Our Little Secret – and based on plot and cast, it seems to be even better. I'll let you decide!
The Holiday Calendar (2018)
Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries again!) stars in this sweet little story about inheriting a magical advent calendar. Each day, the calendar predicts the future – or is it just a series of coincidences? It’s cute, light, and honestly, not the worst Netflix Christmas movie out there.
Operation Christmas Drop (2020)
And then there’s Kat Graham’s bad Christmas movie. She plays a straight-laced political aide who falls for an Air Force pilot stationed on some tropical island base. The sunny, beachy vibe doesn’t exactly scream 'Christmas', but hey, they’re saving the day and delivering gifts, so it counts? Maybe? If you’re into that, go for it. Otherwise, this one’s pretty forgettable.
Editor's note: While Netflix offers many other Christmas films, including the iconic Hallmark Channel classics, I have focused on my personal Netflix Originals must-watches for this list.