11 Romantic Christmas Movies
Christmas love stories make for extra cozy viewing, especially during our first December in quarantine
There are few things cozier than putting on a romantic holiday film at the end of a long day, Christmas lights twinkling and casting a soft, warm glow all over your home, a cup of hot chocolate in your hand. As we make our way through our first December in quarantine, we’ve rounded up 11 romantic movies set during Christmas for your viewing pleasure, from The Shop Around the Corner to Happiest Season.
Romantic Christmas movies
Romantic Christmas movies
Carol (2015)
Based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, Carol follows Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a photographer who works at a department store during the holidays, where she meets Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman going through a divorce. Like many of the films on this list, it’s not about Christmas, but is set during the season—and watching two women fall in love amidst Christmas trees, snow, and wrapping presents is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
The Holiday (2006)
This holiday classic by Nancy Meyers follows Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), two women from different countries who swap homes for the holidays, their lives changing unexpectedly when they fall in love with two locals, played by Jack Black and Jude Law. The Holiday is a Christmas tradition for many—how could you not be enticed by the sheer cozy vibes this film exudes?
Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season, directed by Clea DuVall and starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, tells the story of Harper and Abby, girlfriends who decide to spend Christmas together with Harper’s family. The only problem is she’s not out to them. Happiest Season has it all, from sapphic panic to family drama; from Dan Levy to Aubrey Plaza.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
An adaptation of a Hungarian play called Parfumerie, You’ve Got Mail stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as warring bookstore owners who, on the internet, are strangers falling in love with each other. This film is the very epitome of cozy, from Meg Ryan’s turtlenecks and pajamas to the glorious, gorgeous shots of New York during Christmastime.
Let It Snow (2019)
Adaptated from the book by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, Let It Snow follows a group of midwestern teenagers on Christmas Eve as they form friendships, find love, and yes—learn the true meaning of Christmas. Dare I say it’s Love Actually for the teen movie crowd, with just as much as heart and charm.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
While You Were Sleeping, the film that made a star out of Sandra Bullock, follows Lucy, who saves the life of Peter (Peter Gallagher), who ends up in a coma and is mistaken as her fiancé. At his home, she finds herself falling for Peter’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman). This film might even strike a chord with audiences this year, especially, as we head into a lonely Christmas season.
Love Actually (2003)
In the beloved ensemble romcom Love Actually, eight couples whose lives are intertwined in one way or another, discover just how complicated—and beautiful—love actually is. Growing up, Love Actually is how I imagined Christmas would feel as an adult, and I’m pleased to report that I was correct (in that it’s stressful, joyous, sad, and beautiful all at once).
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
This early 2000s romcom classic follows Bridget (played by Renée Zellweger): 32, single, and ready for Mr. Right. Her life changes when she is pursued by two men: Daniel Cleaver, her handsome boss, and Mark Darcy, a childhood acquaintance of hers.
Serendipity (2001)
Starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack, Serendipity tells the story of the romance between Jonathan and Sara, two individuals who meet in their 20s—he’s convinced it’s love at first sight; she believes that if they’re meant to meet again, they will.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Beloved romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally follows two individuals, Harry and Sally, over the course of twelve years. Their chance meetings, their friendship, and the love borne out of it.
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
An earlier adaptation of Parfumerie, The Shop Around the Corner follows Klara (Margaret Sullavan) and Alfred (James Stewart), two general store employees who are always fighting and bickering—but are actually anonymous pen pals falling in love through their letters to each other.
Photos from IMdB
