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- With the recent premiere of the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses, which follows up on the sweet and festive story of the '90s film franchise, it's clear that there is always an audience for cheery holiday movies. The Holiday continues to be a favorite movie to watch around December 25th, as Iris and Amanda's decision to live in each other's houses changes each other's lives and helps them find love and peace. Whether fans are in the mood for a romantic comedy, a laugh-out-loud story, or a more serious drama, there are many movies that will remind audiences of The Holiday and that will be just as emotional to watch.
The Holiday is certainly one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time, having everything fans could ask for in a festive movie. It has an incredible cast of actors, featuring a great mix of humor and emotion, all with the Christmas period being at the heart of the story, while Hans Zimmer links it together with a beautiful score.
Having two very different stories taking place at the same time, one in America and one in England, all while still being interlinked is very clever, and it keeps audiences hooked throughout. It's quite a unique Christmas movie in that sense, but there are still plenty of other great options for people wanting something similar.
Updated on November 22nd, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras:
With the recent premiere of the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses, which follows up on the sweet and festive story of the '90s film franchise, it's clear that there is always an audience for cheery holiday movies. The Holiday continues to be a favorite movie to watch around December 25th, as Iris and Amanda's decision to live in each other's houses changes each other's lives and helps them find love and peace. Whether fans are in the mood for a romantic comedy, a laugh-out-loud story, or a more serious drama, there are many movies that will remind audiences of The Holiday and that will be just as emotional to watch.
Happiest Season (2020)
Stream on Hulu
The 2020 movie Happiest Season is just as cheerful and heartwarming as The Holiday and also features characters who are at a crossroads during the most festive time of year. Harper asks her partner Abby to spend the holidays back home, but there's one problem: Harper hasn't come out to her family yet.
The movie features all-star performances from beloved actors like Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Mary Steenburgen, Aubrey Plaza, and Mary Holland. It's a fun Christmas movie for romantic comedy fans, as it's both sweet and hilarious.
Single All The Way (2021)
Stream on Netflix
Single All The Way tells the story of Peter, whose solo status is always a big topic of conversation at holidays. He wants his friend Nick to go home with him so that they can say that they're in a relationship, which he hopes will make this discussion stop.
The plot is familiar because it's a trope used in many Christmas movies, as it's clear that this fake romance will become a real one by the time the end credits roll. The love story between the main characters is really sweet.
Holidate (2020)
Stream on Netflix
best romantic holiday movies on Netflix. Emma Roberts stars as Sloane, who has been single for a while and who asks Jackson to pretend that they're a couple so that her family can stop bugging her so much during the holiday season.
Both Holidate and Single All The Way use this well-known trope. Still, it's a sweet reminder of how love happens when people don't think that it will.
Elf (2003)
Stream on HBO Max
Both Elf and The Holiday are fan favorite Christmas movies to watch in December, featuring cozy stories about finding family, connection, friendship, and love during this time of year.
Will Ferrell's character Buddy Hobbs travels to New York City to find his dad Walter and spend time with him. Buddy is such a cheerful, optimistic, and endearing character that it's impossible not to love him and want to watch this movie many times.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Stream on Fubo and DirecTV
The brilliance of The Holiday is that it is a story of two really strong female characters. Both Amanda and Iris are looking to retake control of their lives after going through difficulties, and while there are plenty of bumps in the road, eventually, they get there.
That is exactly what happens in Bridget Jones' Diary has funny quotes and the character has some hilariously embarrassing moments, but that's what makes her so relatable and lovable, and those qualities all radiate through The Holiday as well.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Stream on Prime Video
It's A Wonderful Life is one of the quintessential Christmas movies and something that has become beloved during the holiday period each and every year. This movie follows George Bailey, who, similarly to the ladies in The Holiday, is very much on the brink of a breakdown.
An angel shows George the importance and meaning of life, showing him how wonderful it actually is. This is something that both Amanda and Iris learn as well, in their own ways. While the movies do have differences, there are also clear connections.
Last Christmas (2019)
Stream on Fubo and DirecTV
Similar to The Holiday, Last Christmas is very much grounded in reality, with the characters that are part of this movie being ones that are easy to connect and relate with. Kate is initially quite cynical about Christmas and everything that comes with it, and that's similar to Amanda and Iris.
The two main characters in The Holiday aren't initially in the festive spirit, which is why they decided to travel alone to spend Christmas avoiding things. But much like that, Last Christmas has sweet moments and takes a magical, charming journey for Kate when she meets the right man.
The Family Stone (2005)
Stream on Starz
Much like The Holiday, The Family Stone is all about the characters that are involved in the movie. It's not too over the top and is all about someone being brought out of their comfort zone, which is exactly what both of the women are attempting to do in The Holiday.
The film explores different relationships, from romantic to familial, which is another great aspect of The Holiday. It offers a lot of great laughs, which everyone needs at this time of year, and it is certainly one that any fan of The Holiday should enjoy.
Love Actually (2003)
Stream on Peacock
When it comes to the ultimate Christmas movie that is like The Holiday, Love Actually is absolutely the perfect choice. This movie does an amazing job of blending together stories, with a lot more than what The Holiday does, which gives audiences lots of different characters to invest in.
Love Actually covers every type of romance and emotion that Christmas covers, and from all walks of life. It's a beautifully written movie and one that has a truly unbelievable cast. Plus, just like The Holiday, it brings together some incredibly emotional moments with great comedy and an overall warm, festive feeling that will not disappoint.
