The Sparkle of Netflix Christmas Films: Rom-Coms to Light Up Your Festive Season
As the festive season draws closer, there’s nothing quite like cosying up with a cup of hot chocolate, some festive lights and a few sparkly pieces of jewellery to get in the spirit. Netflix’s Christmas movies are like that favourite pair of earrings, bespoke bracelet or your very own birthstone necklace. Dazzling, familiar and comforting in the best way.
Let’s take a look at five signature films from the Netflix Cinematic Christmas Universe, each a precious gem with a twinkle of romance, a gleam of festive magic and a flash of sparkle that reminds us of diamonds under the mistletoe.
Amber’s journey shows that when it comes to love, like gemstones, it’s often the little imperfections that make things truly priceless. But will Amber’s secret identity be the missing piece or her undoing? Spoiler alert, the film was so successful that it spawned two sequels and multiple in-universe crossovers. Grab some mince pies and prepare to be royally entertained.
The Princess Switch
Imagine finding someone who looks just like you, except they’re a royal. Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens), a perfectionist baker from Chicago, ends up in the small kingdom of Belgravia for a Christmas baking competition because, of course, she does. In this geographically ambiguous cross between Aldovia and Genovia, Stacy bumps into Duchess Margaret, her spitting image and soon-to-be royal bride. Margaret (also Vanessa Hudgens) longs for a taste of the ‘ordinary’ life before marrying into the monarchy, and Stacy (still Vanessa Hudgens) is very much up for the switch.
It’s a charming and fun frolic with all the glitz of a bejewelled crown. In true Christmas spirit, this switch brings not only holiday surprises but also love, laughter, and a good dash of understated Christmas decorations. Expect everything in this royal rom-com to sparkle brighter than a princess cut solitaire.
The film was such a hit, topping the most-watched lists in many countries all over the world. It spawned two sequels, which brought in yet another character for Vanessa Hudgens to play.
The Knight Before Christmas
When a medieval knight (Josh Whitehouse) is magically transported to the present day, things are bound to get interesting. Sir Cole (yes, that’s his name) finds himself in a new world filled with technology, a whirlwind of twinkling lights, crowded streets, and a delightful stranger (welcome back, Vanessa Hudgens). Brooke, a modern-day science teacher with a guarded heart, helps him navigate 21st-century life as he seeks to fulfil his quest, but could it be love that’s actually his destiny? There’s a fantastic meta scene where Sir Cole watches Netflix, an in-universe connection to their other Christmas movies and a character whose actual name is Old Crone.
This fun rom-com is a true holiday gem, reminding us that love transcends time. It’s about finding joy and love where you least expect it, like stumbling upon a perfect pair of earrings that feel like they were meant just for you.
Hot Frosty
One of the newest additions to the festive line-up, this charming, frosty tale proves romance can warm the coldest of hearts. When widow Cathy (Mean Girls‘ Lacey Chabert) builds a snowman, she’s not prepared for him to come to life. Who would be, right? In true Taylor Swift style, there’s a magical red scarf involved. They share some wonderful moments in the snow, finding joy and love just before he’s destined to melt. Or is he?
There’s a bittersweet beauty in their love story, like the fleeting sparkle of a snowflake caught on a diamond ring. This tale reminds us that love, like snow, is often beautiful precisely because of its transience. Also, we get to see Dustin Milligan shirtless.
So, slip on your favourite ring, jingle your bracelets and treat yourself to a gem from Netflix’s lineup of Christmas presents. Let these beautiful baubles bring you the gift of festive cheese, joy and just a dusting of holiday magic.