We may not be in December yet, but Netflix’s cheesy Christmas movie season has kicked off already, snowing down an array of improbable rom-com shenanigans upon us.
Having offered up Lindsay Lohan, topless magical snowmen and a topless troupe of male dancers led by Chad Michael Murray in 2024, 2025’s roster of talent includes Alicia Silverstone, Minka Kelly and Sex Education and Barbie star Connor Swindells…
And yes a topless firefighting scene too, obviously.
This year’s slate comprises of A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Champagne Problems, Jingle Bell Heist and My Secret Santa.
But which of these new flicks are worthy of your time, whether for an enjoyably brainless 90-odd minutes of winding down – or even perhaps of a repeat slot in your annual festive viewing schedule?
Get personalised updates on all things Netflix
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Read on for my thoughts, as they’re released – and as I have time to watch them (hey, it would be nice to live in a world where this was all I had to do in a day). I’m ranking them as we go, tweaking the order, so check back again when they’re all out.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Currently, this is the best of the bunch in my eyes.
It has a different vibe to the lighter, full-on glossy affairs with its focus on older characters and an established relationship that’s in trouble – I was actually pleasantly surprised from the off as it starts with an animated explainer at the beginning to catch you up on the protagonist’s life.
Although, lest you think this is particularly serious, this is also the film that has a character strip to his underwear while attempting to fight an indoor fire, as you do.
Starring Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Pierson Fodé and Melissa Joan Hart, A Merry Little Ex-Mas follows Kate (Silverstone) and Everett (Hudson) as they attempt to quietly divorce after drifting apart over the years.
However, their plans to enjoy one last family Christmas together with their young adult kids is thrown off course when Everett’s glamorous new girlfriend (Jamil) unexpectedly arrives.
It’s still not the most original premise, but A Merry Little Ex-Mas does boast a script better than the bare minimum and decent performances. It’s exploration of family drama is a little bit different to the norm too, without being too deep.
Champagne Problems
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Champagne Problems is more of the usual frothy fare when it comes to a Netflix festive rom-com – you get Paris at Christmastime and some fun supporting characters.
It’s the perfect film to watch while ironing, folding laundry or decorating the tree – and while that seems faint praise, would I watch it again? Yes absolutely.
I was largely mesmerised by Tom Wozniczka (Slow Horses), out here oozing effortless French charisma as an avid reader wanting to open a bookshop that also serves wine (sign me up immediately).
It’s the standard comedy of errors and misunderstandings and Riley from Twilight pops up as Sydney’s work nemesis – you just know a serious businessman with that many highlights in his hair is bad news
die hard line had no right to go as hard as it did
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.