A cosy blanket, popcorns, hot chocolate (or wine whatever is your preferred drink) and some fascinating movies! The holiday season is here! What better way to spend this season than to binge on best holiday films? Keeping this in mind, I have curated a list of best movies to watch during this holiday season. But here is a catch, if you expect this list to be all about Christmas movies, you will be disappointed. This list does have some typical Christmas time movies, but I also other fun and romantic movies that will leave you with a smile and a good feeling. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down and enjoy!
Classic movies to watch on Netflix this Holiday season!
1. Forrest Gump (1994) IMBD:8.8
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Based on the 1986 novel of the same name, Forrest Gump is a comedy-drama but with a difference. Apart from a brilliant performance by Tom Hanks, the unique storyline makes it special. A man with low IQ, whose only desire is to reunite with his childhood sweetheart. The movie is set in the backdrop of major historical events like the events of Vietnam, Watergate etc. A perfect of sweet, bitter moments. Forrest Gump running for years while providing some solutions to people on the way is how I recollect this movie.
2. My best friend’s wedding (1997) IMBD: 6.3
Cast: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz
Jealous of her best friend getting married to someone, she decides to sabotage his wedding. The movie is entertaining and funny at the same time. Both Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz looks stunning. Type of movie you can watch again and again, especially if you are a Julia Roberts Fan.
3. Miss Congeniality (2000) IMBD: 6.1
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt
An FBI agent who has to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant after receiving a threat from Serial bomber. An entertaining & lighthearted comedy with no dull moments. Brilliant performance by Sandra Bullock as a nervous contestant landing into awkward situations.
4.Cast Away (2000)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt
What will you do, if you find yourself on an uninhabited island? This is what castaway is all about. Chuck Nolan finds himself on a remote island after a plane crash, his struggle for survival in his new home and how he escapes the island. The movie powerfully depicts emotions, some are sweet while in others, you can feel the loneliness. I would say, one of a kind movie, and everyone should watch it. An outstanding performance by Tom Hanks gives life to the character.
5. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001, 2004) IMBD:6.7
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
I loved Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones’s character. Clumsy, uncomfortable and shy. Some of the scenes (actually both the parts) will make you laugh hysterically. Bridget, 30 something single woman, struggling with issues like smoking, weight control, work etc. As a new year resolution, she decides to take control of her life and start maintaining a diary. Her life changes when two men fight for her affection. Both the parts are equally entertaining.
6. The Notebook (2004) IMBD: 7.8
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
The Notebook is a romantic drama based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. It’s a story of a country boy falling in love with a rich city girl during Summer vacation and how it turns out to be a lifelong relationship, only with a little twist in the end. A sweet and emotional love story. Ryan Gosling as a country boy is worth falling for.
7. The Terminal (2004) IMBD: 7.4
Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta Zones, Stanley Tucci
Produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie generates a plethora of emotions. Humour, Sadness, Love for motherland & to be thankful for the world. A must watch movie, showcases how the protagonist gets stranded at JF Kennedy airport in New York when war rages in his country. He is forced to stay at the airport until his original identity is confirmed. Unusual isn’t it! Needless to say, an impeccable performance by Tom Hanks.
8. Meet the Fockers (2004) IMBD: 6.3
Cast: Ben Stiller, Roberto De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand
Hilarious to say the least! Sequel to “Meet the Parents” (which is equally interesting), Meet the Fockers is about parents of a couple who is about to get married meeting each other. All the fun begins when these set of parents with different attitudes and background come together. It is engaging and entertaining with no dull moments.
9. No reservation (2007) IMBD:6.3
Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin
A romantic comedy showcasing how the life of a master chef obsessed with her work changes after she becomes the guardian of a young niece. The movie has an element of romance and how this reserved person (Catherine Zeta Zones) changes and opens up to people. A good one-time watch, if you haven’t seen it already.
10. Sex and the City (2008) IMBD: 5.6
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis
Forget about the ratings! One movie I enjoy watching, especially part 2. Tired of dealing with work, life and relationship pressures, Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte decide to take a break. They travel to Abu Dhabi with their friend Samantha, where her former partner is filming a movie. A lot of drama and fun unfolds on their trip. I wish to take a trip like this with my girlies someday.
11. Love per square foot (2008) IMBD: 7.2
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Angira Dhar
Light and fun romantic comedy that will keep you engaged and entertained throughout. Story of a boy and girl who enter the marriage of convenience to buy a house in Mumbai. Stealer performance by Vicky Kaushal.
12. The Hangover (2009) IMBD: 7.7
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (honestly Part 3 is not as good as the first two parts) all of them are hilarious with an element of surprise and drama. This trilogy revolves around a group of four friends who goof up on their trips (due to different reasons mostly Hangover) and land themselves in dangerous situations. They try to come out of the situation, at the same time trying to recollect what happened in the past few hours.
13. The Ugly truth (2009) IMBD: 6.4
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler
Katherine Heigl as a News producer and Gerard Butler as an on-air dating expert share cute chemistry. Irrespective of not so good reviews I loved watching this movie. It’s a fun and lighthearted romantic comedy. A perfect pick for the holiday season.
14. Eat Pray love (2010) IMBD: 5.8
Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Javier Bardem
One of my favourite Julia Roberts movies, Eat Pray Love, is based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. The movie takes the protagonist to different countries and helps her in searching the real meaning of life. Julia Roberts is spectacular as always.
15. Crazy Stupid Love (2011) IMBD: 7.4
Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
Romantic comedy starring big names. This movie revolves around Cal, a middle-aged man, who is into dating different women after his divorce. Story interlinks all the characters beautifully. It is funny, dramatic and engaging at the same time.
16. The Lunch Box (2013) IMBD: 7.8
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
A beautiful flick portraying, two strangers developing a bond of friendship over a mistaken delivery of a lunch box. The movie reminds of pen friend concept when people use to write letters to each other. It charmingly weaves together different emotions including the human need to bond and connect. I loved watching this unusual love story. Brilliant performance by Irrfan khan adds an extra charm to this sweet movie.
17. La La land (2016) IMBD: 8
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend
Beautiful and artistic, La La land is a musical love story where two individuals are drawn to each other by their love and desire for what they do. Beautiful songs, dance, the dreamy set makes it feast to the eyes. No doubts La La Land has won so many awards. It a must-watch, even if you are not a great fan of music and dance.
18. Holiday in the wild (2019) IMBD: 6.1
Cast: Rob Lowe, Kristin Davis, Fezile Mpela
When its Holiday time, we must watch typical holiday movies too! Holiday in the wild has a usual plot, A middle-aged woman meeting a stranger while holidaying in the wild and falling in love with him. However, addition is, Kate (whose husband ends their marriage) discovers her love for her new surroundings and working towards a good cause.
19. Jingle Jangle a Christmas Journey (2020) IMBD: 6.6
Cast: Forrest Whitaker, Keegan Michael
Jingle Jangle is Netflix latest addition to Christmas movies. Its magnificent sets, colourful costumes and splendid musical numbers make it a magical tale. The perfect recipe for a traditional Christmas movie worth watching with the whole family. Story of a toymaker who finds a new hope when his bright granddaughter appears on his doorsteps, Jingle Jangle a Christmas Journey will keep you entertained till the end.
20. Holidate (2020) IMBD: 6.1
Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth
Imagine having a date just for Holidays, sounds interesting. Fed up of being single during holidays, two strangers decide to date each other. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey share great chemistry in the movie. This latest Romantic comedy on Netflix enhances the Christmas and Holiday vibes.
That was all about my favourite Holiday season movies on Netflix.
In addition to this, I have some more favourites on other platforms. Sharing the list here!
Worth watching holiday movies on other OTT platforms
1. A wonderful life (1946) IMBD: 8.6
Cast: James Stewart, Frank Capra, Donna Reed
If you like watching black and white classics, go for this lovely Christmas fantasy Drama.
2. Home alone (1990) IMBD: 7.6
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara
One of the few movies, I like to watch every Christmas. All the parts of this family comedy Series are entertaining and must watch. Indulge into fits of laughter with naughty Kevin and his mischiefs.
3. Baby’s Day out (1994) IMBD: 6.1
Cast: Joe Mantegna, Jacob Joseph, Lara Flynn Boyle, Joe Pantoliano
Similar to home alone series but with an extra dose of cuteness. Adventures of baby Bink will make you laugh hysterically and keep you entertained. One of the best family movies.
4. Jingle all the way (1996) IMBD: 5.6
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman
Yet another must watch during Christmas season. It’s fun to watch Arnie juggling with other parents to grab the new Christmas special toy, the Turboman for his son.
5. Notting Hill (1999) IMBD: 7.1
Cast: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant
Classic romantic comedy, in which a British bookseller meets and falls in love with a high-profile American Actress.
6. Serendipity (2001) IMBD 6.9
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, John Cusack
Beautiful romantic drama with a twist. I loved the storyline and concept. If you have not seen it yet, do watch it.
7. The Holiday (2006) IMBD: 6.9
Cast: Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black
Would you like to swap your house with someone for Holidays? That is the whole story of the holiday is about. A beautiful romantic comedy with an equally pleasant backdrop.
8. The Proposal (2009) IMBD: 6.7
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White
One of my favourite romantic comedies. I can watch it again and again. Brilliant chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock.
Finally, we have come to an end of this endless list. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Do let me know if you find this list useful and interesting. Which is your favourite Holiday movie?
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