It is officially that time of the year! Mariah Carey has defrosted, and everyone has a Starbucks red cup in hand! If you are looking for a good Christmas movie to cozy up on the couch with and watch, then look no further. Here are my top 5 romantic Christmas movies I rewatch every year to get me in the holiday spirit!
1. The Holiday
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black
After two unlucky in-love ladies, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Camera Diaz) decide to swap houses for the holiday season, they unexpectedly find love when trying to escape from men. Amanda heads to London, and Iris goes on holiday in California!
I love watching this movie every year because it is lighthearted, and it is always interesting watching two perspectives on love and heartbreak as these feelings are amplified by the stress of the holiday season. Its ending is always heart-warming because we finally get to see women who are scorned by heart ache find love in not just a romantic way but also through the family and friendships they gained throughout the movie.
2. You’ve Got Mail
Cast: Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Kathleen (Meg Ryan) and Joe (Tom Hanks) begin to form an online relationship not realizing they own rival bookstores in real life.
I always love seeing the contrast in the types of bookstores that each of them manages. This coupled with their realization that they are not rivals, but love each other always brings a smile to my face and makes me want to spend a substantial amount of money at the Bookstore.
3. While You Were Sleeping
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher
Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves her crush Peter (Peter Gallagher) from being hit by an oncoming train while working. However, in the hospital later that day there is some confusion with the family believing she is his fiancé and not a stranger. Lucy then ends up falling in love with his brother Jack (Bill Pullman) while Peter is sleeping.
One thing that I love about this movie is the family. Peter and Jack’s family do not hesitate to take in Lucy even though they never met her before. Lucy gets the love of a family and falls for Peter’s brother which is always an intriguing trope. Another thing that keeps me captivated by this movie is the suspense of whether or not the family will find out she is not Peter’s fiancé.
4. Serendipity
Cast: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale
Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) have an instant connection and share a magical night together. However, despite that connection Sara, heavily believes in the idea of destiny and believes if they are meant to be together, they will find each other again … in 10 years!
I simultaneously love and get frustrated by this movie. Throughout this movie they are so close to finally seeing each other again, it just makes you want to scream at the screen. However, the New York setting during Christmas always eases my frustration and creates the most romantic and picturesque setting for a movie like this.
Does this movie always frustrate me? Yes
Will I still watch it every year? Also Yes
5. Dash and Lily [TV Show]
Cast: Austin Abrams, Midori Francis
In this series, Dash (Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis) start the Christmas thinking that they will be alone. They have different perspectives on Christmas; Dash being pessimistic while Lily being optimistic. Dash and Lily exchange a notebook full of dares and questions without ever meeting until Christmas Day.
I know this is not a movie, but it is still worth binging every single year. It is the perfect cute romance for every bookish person out there. There is a cute bookstore and adventures all over New York City. Even though it is slightly frustrating with their close encounters, like Serendipity, but they are still getting to know each other and get out of their comfort zones before they are ready to be in a relationship.