Your ultimate guide to cheesy Christmas rom-coms streaming on Netflix

THE COUCH – Yes, it’s easy to make fun of, with predictable storylines and dialogue, but there’s something uniquely comforting about curling up on the couch with a blanket and watching a Hallmark-style Christmas romantic comedy .

And once you’re drawn into the Netflix Christmas cinema universe, you’ll dive down a delightful rabbit hole of time travel adventures, snowmen who become real men, and Scottish castles.

Don’t know where to start? Luckily, I watched them in bulk, so you can save time sifting through Netflix (we all know how long it can take to decide what to watch). The following list is a non-comprehensive overview of some of the best – and most good/bad – Christmas movies – rated on a scale of 0 to 3 snowflakes.

“Hot Frosty” – 2½ snowflakes

This film is exactly what the title suggests. A “hot” snowman (actually more of an ice sculpture, because I don’t know how you could make the traditional spherical, carrot-nosed snowman attractive) turns into a real man and the woman who accidentally brings him to life has to help him figure out what it means to be human. Although the film’s premise is obviously ridiculous, the film seems self-aware in this regard. If you can suspend your disbelief – like you did when you saw “Frosty the Snowman” as a child – then it’s a fun outing. The film stars Craig Robinson, who played Darryl Philbin on “The Office,” bringing a comedic touch as the town’s sheriff.

“The Knight Before Christmas” – 2 snowflakes

A school teacher played by Vanessa Hudgens has lost faith in love after her boyfriend cheated on her and tells a heartbroken student that there is no knight in shining armor. Well, in the NCCU (Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe), those words are just asking for trouble. Meanwhile, in the Middle Ages, a knight meets an “old woman” who sends him forward in time to complete his knight’s task. They meet when she hits him with her “steel steed” (car), and he begins his quest – a quest to win her heart.

“Our Little Secret” – 2½ snowflakes

Lindsay Lohan’s third Christmas movie for Netflix is ​​the best in terms of script, production value and acting. It’s the story of former best friends turned couples and exes who reappear in each other’s lives after 10 years apart. To avoid upsetting their respective current partners, who happen to be siblings, Lohan and her ex, played by Pretty Little Liars’ Ian Harding, act like they don’t know each other during the family’s Christmas festivities. and jokes ensue. This film has light adult themes/humor and a scene involving (accidental) drug use. Kristin Chenoweth shines as the overbearing, perfectionist mother of Lohan’s boyfriend and Harding’s girlfriend.

“A Biltmore Christmas” – 2 snowflakes

A screenwriter tasked with writing a modern adaptation of a classic Christmas film in the style of “A Wonderful Life” struggles with the film’s ending. So her boss sends her to the Biltmore mansion, where the original film was filmed, to find inspiration. Instead, she is transported to the time when the film was made and meets its main characters. Although of course predictable, I was pleasantly surprised by this film. There are some nice comedic moments as the screenwriter, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, tries to fit in with the 1940s – and a sweet little love story. Those who enjoy classic Turner films may enjoy the Old Hollywood nostalgia woven into this film.

“Christmas with you” – 1 snowflake

Kids of the 90s ready to feel old? Freddie Prinze Jr. plays a widow with a teenage daughter who accidentally meets a Latin pop star. They get snowed in and write a Christmas song together because their record label happens to require one. The chemistry between the characters seems a bit lacking in this film, but it’s a nice, enjoyable film.

“Meet Me Next Christmas” – 2 snowflakes

This film begins with a “Serendipity” style friendly meeting at an airport. Then follows Layla, played by Christina Milian, a year later as she tries to reunite with the man she met at the airport but runs into one obstacle after another. This movie is really very cute and entertaining. There are some adult themes. It features a cappella group Pentatonix and presents their music, so fans of their Christmas music will likely enjoy this aspect. The acting is also of a higher standard than many Hallmark-style Christmas movies, if you know what I mean.

“A California Christmas” – 3 snowflakes

The spoiled son of a trucking and logistics company is sent to a farm to convince the owners to sell it to his family’s company as a storage location. In the case of mistaken identity, he is instead hired as a new servant and decides to join in to better position himself and persuade them to sell. It’s a familiar pauper prince image, but this film has a lot of heart and the chemistry between the leads is great (they’re actually married in real life). If you like this film, there is even a sequel, A California Christmas: City Lights, which isn’t as great as the original but is still worth watching. The films have some slightly suggestive scenes.

Do you have any recommendations for this list? Feel free to add them in the comments below and send your film suggestions to [email protected].