By Monika Gerges
Since Christmas is almost upon us, Netflix has added Christmas movies to spread the holiday cheer. Here are some you can watch with your family, a warm blanket and hot chocolate.
While this movie is not a Netflix Original, it’s a phenomenal movie nonetheless. This movie’s comedic aspects are what give it its well-deserved first place on this list. “Christmas with the Kranks” couple Luther (portrayed by Tim Allen) and Nora Krank (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) who are attempting to “skip Christmas” for a year to go on a Caribbean cruise instead. The movie follows the couple as they struggle to pull off this daring stunt with their Christmas-obsessed neighbors and fanatic town holding them back. If you want a good laugh, then this hilarious film is a must-watch.
Up next in second place, “The Christmas Chronicles.” It isn’t as funny and charming as “Christmas with the Kranks,” but it’s a delightful Christmas movie for the whole family to enjoy. Brother-sister duo Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) usually don’t get along, especially after the passing of their father. But when Christmas Eve comes around, the siblings work together to try to catch Santa Claus and are unexpectedly successful. After doing so, they go on a fantastic adventure in which they learn more about each other and recognize the true meaning of Christmas. This film is a fresh spin on the classic Christmas plot that often features Santa Claus, a sad background and themes such as family and friends. Give this one a try if you want a feel-good movie that will make your heart warm.
3. “The Princess Switch“
“The Princess Switch,” another Netflix Original, features a creative plot for a Christmas movie. In this romantic film, Chicago baker Stacy DeNovo (Vanessa Hudgens) is competing at a baking competition in Belgravia and stumbles upon Margaret (Vanessa Hudgens), the Duchess of Montenaro, who astonishingly looks identical to her. The two decide to switch lives for two days and end up being a perfect fit in each other’s lives and even fall in love with the characters they were destined to be with. In the beginning, both Margaret and Stacy struggle to fill each other’s shoes but end up realizing they belong to their newfound soulmates. All around, this film has an interesting plot and a satisfying ending. In light of the true Christmas spirit, the film ends in a happy ending for everyone.
4. “Dear Santa“
“Dear Santa” has an odd plot but the movie ends up being quite heartwarming. In this movie, Crystal Carruthers (Amy Acker), a rich girl who is about to get cut off by her parents, stumbles upon a letter addressed to Santa in the street. The letter was written by seven-year-old Olivia (Emma Duke) who asked Santa for a new mom and wife for her single father. Upon finding the letter, Crystal attempts to find the family and get to know Olivia’s father while hiding the truth about the letter. This movie embraces the single parent cliche but it’s interesting to watch how the plot ends. Overall, “Dear Santa” relies on Christmas magic to hide the bizarre exposition. If you look past that, then you have an innocent and sweet Christmas movie.
5. “The Holiday Calendar“
The last movie you should watch this Christmas season is “The Holiday Calendar.” It’s rank fifth on this list because it’s a forgettable movie; however, it does have a contemporary and captivating plot. Photographer Abby Sutton (Kat Graham) receives an advent calendar from her grandfather just around the same time when her friend Josh Barton (Quincy Brown), a photographer as well, just returned from his travels. Each day, Abby finds an item in the calendar that resembles a significant item in her day, and one of these items leads her to Ty Walker (Ethan Peck), who she thinks is “the one.” But as the film progresses, Abby learns that Josh is her true beau and the two get together. Similar to “The Princess Switch,” this romantic film is cheesy but still fulfills the desire for a feel-good Christmas movie.
Among all the other Christmas movies on Netflix, these five shine as bright as the star on top of your tree.
