The weather outside is frightful, but the fire (and the cinema) is so delightful. There is nothing quite like curling up under a blanket with your significant other, a hot drink, and a film that captures the magic of the holidays. But finding the right pick can be tough. Do you go for a cheesy romp, a tear-jerker, or a golden classic?
To save you from the endless scrolling doom on Netflix, we have curated the ultimate list of the best romantic Christmas movies to watch with your partner. Whether you are in a long-term relationship or sharing your first holiday, we have a movie for every mood.
The “Modern Classics” (Safe Bets)
These films are the gold standard. If you want high production value, A-list stars, and that “expensive” holiday feeling, start here.
1. The Holiday (2006)
The Vibe: Cozy cottages, British charm, and Hans Zimmer’s score.
The Plot: Two women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) swap homes for the holidays, one goes to sunny LA, the other to snowy Surrey, to escape their boy problems. Naturally, they find better romances in their new zip codes.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It balances male and female perspectives well. Plus, the chemistry between Jude Law and Cameron Diaz is arguably the peak of 2000s romance.
2. Love Actually (2003)
The Vibe: A chaotic, heartwarming mosaic of London life.
The Plot: Following eight very different couples in the frantic month before Christmas, this movie covers every angle of love: unrequited, new, betrayed, and long-lasting.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It is the ultimate conversation starter. You will end up debating which storyline is the best (and why the cue card scene is either romantic or creepy).
3. Serendipity (2001)
The Vibe: Magical destiny in New York City.
The Plot: Jonathan and Sara meet by chance in a department store, share a magical dessert, and then leave it up to fate to see if they will ever meet again.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s one of the best romantic Christmas movies for believers in fate and soulmates.
4. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
The Vibe: Charming, feel-good, mistaken identity.
The Plot: Lonely Chicago transit worker Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves the life of a commuter she has a crush on. While he’s in a coma, his family mistakenly believes she is his fiancée, and she falls for his cynical but sweet brother.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s a wonderful, funny exploration of falling in love with a family and finding real love when you least expect it. Sandra Bullock is at her absolute peak of charm.
The “Netflix & Chill” (Fun, Light & Flirty)
Perfect for when you want to laugh, roast the characters, and keep things low-stakes.
5. Holidate (2020)
The Vibe: Millennial cynicism turning into love.
The Plot: Tired of being single at family gatherings, two strangers agree to be each other’s platonic “holidates” for every holiday of the year.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It skips the sugary Hallmark tropes for R-rated humor that feels much more realistic to modern dating.
6. Love Hard (2021)
The Vibe: Catfishing mishaps and awkward comedy.
The Plot: An LA writer flies across the country to surprise her online crush for Christmas, only to realize she’s been catfished by his childhood friend.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s light, funny, and surprisingly sweet without taking itself too seriously.
7. Happiest Season (2020)
The Vibe: Family drama with a side of secrets.
The Plot: Abby plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, at her family’s annual holiday party, only to discover that Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet.
Why it’s perfect for couples: A great pick if you want a romance that deals with real family tension and acceptance.
8. Falling for Christmas (2022)
The Vibe: Classic amnesia plot, updated for the streaming age.
The Plot: A newly-engaged, spoiled heiress (Lindsay Lohan) gets into a skiing accident, develops amnesia, and is taken in by a handsome, small-town lodge owner and his daughter in the days leading up to Christmas.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s pure, uncomplicated fun. The chemistry between Lohan and the lead is light, and it’s perfect for zoning out and simply enjoying the holiday tropes.
9. Single All the Way (2021)
The Vibe: Sweet, witty, fake-date-turned-real-romance.
The Plot: Peter persuades his best friend, Nick, to pretend they are in a relationship for his family’s Christmas trip home. The plan unravels when his family tries to set him up with someone new, making Peter realize his feelings for Nick.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s a hilarious, genuinely heartwarming LGBTQ+ rom-com that deserves its place as a modern classic.
The Tear-Jerkers (Emotional & Deep)
Grab the tissues. These films focus on the deeper, sometimes bittersweet side of love.
10. Last Christmas (2019)
The Vibe: George Michael music and London lights.
The Plot: A cynical aspiring singer (Emilia Clarke) working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop meets a mysterious man (Henry Golding) who challenges her worldview.
Why it’s perfect for couples: It’s more than just a romance; it’s a story about healing. (Warning: The twist ending hits hard)
11. The Family Stone (2005)
The Vibe: Chaotic, awkward, and incredibly real.
The Plot: An uptight businesswoman visits her boyfriend’s bohemian, close-knit family for the holidays and feels completely out of place.
Why it’s perfect for couples: If you’ve ever been nervous about meeting your partner’s parents, this movie will resonate deeply.
12. Carol (2015)
The Vibe: Elegant, cinematic, and intense.
The Plot: Set in the 1950s, an aspiring photographer develops an intimate relationship with an older, glamorous woman.
Why it’s perfect for couples: For the cinephiles. It is visually stunning and captures the feeling of longing better than almost any other film on this list.
Old School Charm (Black & White Classics)
For a sophisticated night in with wine and popcorn.
13. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Vibe: Life-affirming and essential.
The Plot: George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others, is shown what the world would have been like if he had never existed.
Why it’s perfect for couples: The romance between George and Mary is the heartbeat of the film. It reminds you that building a life together is the greatest adventure.
14. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
The Vibe: Witty banter and secret admirers.
The Plot: Two feuding gift shop employees don’t realize they are falling in love with each other through anonymous letters.
Filmy Fact: This was the inspiration for You’ve Got Mail!
15. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
The Vibe: Witty, sophisticated deception, 1940s glamour.
The Plot: An unmarried city magazine writer (Barbara Stanwyck), famous for her fictitious column about her perfect Connecticut farm, husband, and recipes, is forced to host a returning war hero for a publicized Christmas dinner.
Why it’s perfect for couples: This film is a filmy treat. It’s a rapid-fire comedy of errors and mistaken identity, perfect for couples who appreciate classic screwball humor and a strong female lead.
FAQs
A: Check Hulu/Peacock for Love Actually and Netflix for originals like Holidate. The Holiday is usually available to rent/buy on major services (Prime, Apple TV).
A: No. Though set on Christmas Eve, we classify Die Hard as an Action Film. This list focuses strictly on movies where the central plot is driven by romance.
A: It’s a true Christmas movie! The snowy setting, the cozy atmosphere, and the need for the family to gather are all integral to the mistaken identity plot. Without the holiday, Lucy (Sandra Bullock) would never have been welcomed into the family’s home for so long.
