Holiday themed romantic comedies are a popular part of the genre that combines the joyous spirit of the holidays with a heartwarming journey to love. These movies take place during festive seasons such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Thanksgiving. The existing magic of the holiday season is enhanced by themes of love and family. The films have a light-hearted and feel-good tone filled with the added sentimentality of the holiday season portrayed.
Holidate
Rated: TV-MA; Runtime: 1h 44min
After being teased by their families for always being single, two people make a deal to be each other’s date during the holiday season. Holidate captures all of the stress, sentimentality and inherent human drama of a holiday season with family. Of course, the dealmakers have no idea what lays ahead as the holiday season progresses and deeper feelings are revealed. Suddenly the ground rules for their arrangement are an impediment to a real lasting relationship.
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The Holiday
Rated: PG-13; Runtime: 2h 16min
Before Airbnb and Vrbo became ubiquitous, The Holiday introduced the world to the house swap. After struggling with their romantic lives, Iris and Amanda decide to swap homes during Christmas. Kate Winslet’s, Iris, swaps her cozy cottage in Surrey for Cameron Diaz’s, Amanda’s, luxurious Los Angeles mansion. Soon the woman make connections with men in their new surroundings (Jude Law and Jack Black) and gain new realizations about themselves. The journey isn’t simple but the film is a delight for viewers.
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Serendipity
Rated: PG-13; Runtime: 1h 30min
Two strangers, Jonathan and Sara, meet by chance one night in NYC during Christmas. After spending a magical evening together they decide to part ways and leave their reconciliation to fate. As the ultimate test of true love, the pair do not exchange names or any means to get in touch with one another. Thus, this film shows their magical connection and all of the obstacles that complicate their reconnection. Perhaps all love should be created by serendipity? This film is a true joy to view any time of the year.
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“You don’t have to understand. You just have to have faith…faith in destiny.” -Serendipity