Ranking of Netflix holiday movies from worst to best this year

Netflix has firmly positioned itself as a contender against Hallmark and Lifetime with its collection of original holiday movies. This year, the streaming service unveiled four festive films: My Secret Santa, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Champagne Problems, and Jingle Bell Heist. Their quality ranges from perplexing to genuinely entertaining.

4. My Secret Santa

My Secret Santa has been described as a "reverse Mrs. Doubtfire," which might be more confusing than helpful. The story follows Taylor Jacobsen (Alexandra Breckenridge), a single mom and former teen rock star, who must send her daughter to a pricey snowboarding school. To afford it, she takes a job dressing as an elderly Santa at a ski resort. Along the way, she meets Matthew (Ryan Eggold), the resort owner's son, whose romantic interest seems entirely arbitrary.

The plot feels backward, with random details like Taylors brother and his husband being obsessed with Halloween. Taylors Santa performance falls flat for much of the film, and Tia Mowrys character, Natasha, a competent resort employee, is unfairly overlooked for a promotion in favor of Matthew. Overall, the film lacks chemistry between leads and fails to offer the charm of its predecessors.

3. A Merry Little Ex-Mas

A Merry Little Ex-Mas is bizarre, but in a more enjoyable way. Alicia Silverstone stars as Kate, an architect-turned-stay-at-home mom, navigating life post-separation from her husband, Everett (Oliver Hudson). The town quirks, such as calling Kates house the Mothership, are never explained, adding to the absurdity. The plot includes Kates daughter bringing home a British boyfriend who behaves like a Harry Potter character, and brief appearances from Melissa Joan Hart.

The movies humor largely comes from Kates new boyfriend Chet (Pierson Fod) and Everetts girlfriend Tess (Jameela Jamil). The romantic arc between Kate and Everett feels underdeveloped, making their split seem unnecessary. Despite its oddities, the film delivers several laughs.

2. Champagne Problems

Champagne Problems is a charming holiday tale set in Paris. Minka Kelly stars as Sydney, a dedicated employee who travels to the French capital to pitch an acquisition of a local Champagne company. During her trip, she meets Henri (Tom Wozniczka), the son of the business owner she aims to acquire. The story includes quirky side characters and festive Parisian settings, making it visually delightful.

The chemistry between Kelly and Wozniczka is strong, and the film inspires a sense of wanderlust and holiday cheer. Its romantic plot is predictable, but the Paris backdrop and lighthearted tone make it an enjoyable watch.

1. Jingle Bell Heist

Jingle Bell Heist stands out as the best of Netflixs holiday lineup. The film avoids the overly bright yet flat aesthetic of the others, featuring Olivia Holt as Sophie, an American in London learning from her magician grandfather and working as a pickpocket. Connor Swindells plays Nick, a recently released convict and computer whiz. Together, they attempt to rob a department store on Christmas Eve, with plenty of unexpected twists.

Screenwriters Abby McDonald and Amy Reed deliver surprising plot turns, while director Michael Fimognari channels a 70s crime-thriller vibe. Steve Hackmans score adds an Oceans Eleven-like flair. While Sophie and Nicks romantic chemistry is underwhelming, the films cleverness and energy make it the most entertaining holiday movie Netflix released this year.

Author: Olivia Parker