10 Must-Watch Movies for Virgin River Season 5 Part 2 Fans

After the conclusion of the last two holiday-themed episodes of Virgin River Season 5 on Netflix, here are 10 romantic Christmas movies to enjoy this week for a similar dose of festive drama.

In Part 2 of Season 5, Virgin River fully embraced the charming qualities of a Hallmark Christmas movie with its holiday-themed episodes. Based on the books by Robyn Carr, the romance drama filled the screen with tinsel, fairy lights, and holiday cheer following a tumultuous and tragic first part of the season.

The review of Virgin River Season 5 Part 2 describes it as a delightful embrace of small-town drama with charming Hallmark qualities. The show briefly ventures into a whimsical, festive alternate reality, showcasing the heartwarming, Christmas-themed goodness. Netflix is known for releasing modern Christmas classics and Virgin River seamlessly fits into this beloved genre. The series is filled with familiar holiday traditions and activities, from romantic ice skating dates to cheerful Christmas tree decorating and plenty of hot cocoa, making it a delightful holiday treat that leaves viewers wanting more of its feel-good, festive spirit.

After our recommendations of the best TV shows to watch if you love Virgin River, here’s a roundup of the best festive films to watch if you love the seasonal episodes.  

Movies to watch if you loved Virgin River Season 5 Part 2

The Holiday 

The Holiday is the perfect example of a heartwarming and uplifting film. Once again, viewers can journey with big city resident Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) as she exchanges homes and lives with heartbroken Londoner Iris (played by Kate Winslet) for the holidays, offering a delightful escape to the British countryside.

Filled with a delightful house swap, charming cottages, luxurious baths, and warm hot chocolate, The Holiday is a story about discovering love in unexpected places, taking chances, and finding the courage to open your heart after facing adversity. In essence, if Jude Law happens to show up at your doorstep, have the courage to welcome him in.

Where to stream: Hulu

The Princess Switch 

Back in 2018, Netflix kick-started a new festive film series fronted by Vanessa Hudgens with The Princess Switch. 

Stacy, an enthusiastic baker, travels to the Kingdom of Belgravia to participate in a renowned baking competition. During her visit, she encounters her identical counterpart, who happens to be a Duchess. The two women agree to switch roles to experience each other's lifestyles and pursue their respective romantic interests. Picture a holiday-themed blend of "The Parent Trap" and "The Princess Diaries."

As their romantic entanglements become complicated, they bake numerous festive biscuits and uncover long-lost relatives. While Stacy doesn't quite experience country life, Belgravia's opulent Christmas decorations give Virgin River a run for its money.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Santa Clause 

Can’t get enough of complicated family dynamics at Christmas? Look no further than The Santa Clause. 

You can watch this beloved holiday film on Disney+! Join the journey of workaholic businessman Scott Calvin as he accidentally takes on the role of Santa Claus after knocking him off his roof. It's a heartwarming story about rediscovering the magic of Christmas from our childhood and bringing joy into our adult lives.

The Christmas Train 

While some may argue that all Hallmark Christmas movies are predictable, a few movies truly shine and earn a place in the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Among them is the 2017 film featuring Dermot Mulroney and Kimberley Williams-Paisley. The heartwarming story follows a journalist who embarks on a cross-country train ride from Washington to Los Angeles during the holiday season. However, this isn't just any train ride - it's the Christmas Train, where unexpected encounters, including a reunion with his past love Eleanor, unfold in a magical way.

Stream the charming tale of second chances and following your heart, based on the best-selling novel by David Baldacci. This corny Christmas goodness features stellar casting including Joan Cusack and Danny Glover. Available on Prime Video.

A Christmas Prince

Recently, Netflix has gained a reputation for producing a collection of romantic holiday movies that offer viewers a much-needed escape and joy. For instance, in the film A Christmas Prince, a young journalist named Amber is assigned to cover a story on a prince who is expected to become king. What was supposed to be a simple trip ends up getting more complicated when Amber goes undercover as the princess' tutor in order to get closer to the prince and ultimately finds herself falling in love with him.

Despite its charming wintry facade, the story is packed with betrayals and surprising turns that will fill the void left by the absence of Virgin River in your life. If it captures your heart, you can also enjoy two sequels: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby, available for streaming.

Where to stream: Netflix

Love Actually 

Revel in the romantic comedy magic of Richard Curtis' timeless Christmas classic, Love Actually, with its incomparable ensemble cast. Let the charming intertwining lives of these chaotic families make you fall in love all over again.

Where else can you witness the Prime Minister dancing in Downing Street, a boy sprinting through an airport to confess his love to a girl, and a lobster appearing in the Nativity scene?

Before the heartwarming ensemble of Virgin River, Love Actually tugged at our heartstrings with a Joni Mitchell CD. And twenty years later, it remains a beloved holiday season tradition.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Noel Diary

If you loved the treasure trail to find Mel’s very own father Christmas in Virgin River, then add The Noel Diary to your watch list. 

Stream on: Netflix

Christmas With You

During the holiday season, people seek a break from the demands and stress of everyday life. To spread some cheer, famous Angelina chooses to fulfill a Christmas wish for a teenage fan. Unexpectedly, she forges a bond with the girl's music teacher and father, and they even team up to create a festive song.

Led by Freddie Prinze Jr, it’s decked out with a great cast and all the festive tropes we know and love.  

Where to stream: Netflix

New Year’s Eve

Garry Marshall’s New Year’s Eve is an irresistibly charming ensemble romcom that may not be a traditional holiday movie, but it certainly belongs on our list with its festive lights and close proximity to Christmas. This star-studded film, from the creator of Princess Diaries, beautifully intertwines joyous celebratory moments with the bittersweet realities of life. Just like Virgin River, New Year’s Eve serves as a heartwarming testament to the value of cherishing our chosen family and the preciousness of life itself.

Where to stream: Prime Video

Single All the Way

Would it be Christmas without blind dates and family members commenting on your love life? Of course not. 

In Single All the Way, Peter finds a new way to avoid family scrutiny by asking his best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend for the holidays. His plan turns complicated when he is set up on a blind date. Will Peter choose Nick or his new date? This love triangle is definitely less complicated than Brie's situation in Virgin River season 5.

Equally, Jennifer Coolidge also dresses up as a Christmas fairy, if you need another reason to watch this endlessly charming romcom. 

Where to stream: Netflix

Season 5 Part 2 of Virgin River is now available for streaming on Netflix. You can find our review of the latest episodes as well as our analysis of the ending. Be sure to explore our additional coverage below. And if you choose to click on any product links on this page, please be aware that we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Editor's P/S

As a Virgin River fan, I was thrilled to hear about the release of 10 must-watch movies for Part 2 fans. I couldn't wait to dive into these festive films and experience the same heartwarming and uplifting feeling that I get from watching Virgin River.

I started my movie marathon with The Holiday, a classic romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. This delightful film follows two women who swap homes and lives for the holidays, leading to unexpected love and adventure. I loved the charming British countryside setting and the heartwarming story about taking chances and opening your heart.

Next, I watched The Princess Switch, a Netflix original film starring Vanessa Hudgens. This fun and festive film follows a baker who travels to a kingdom and discovers her identical counterpart, a duchess. The two women switch roles, leading to hilarious hijinks and romantic entanglements. I loved the beautiful Christmas decorations and the heartwarming message about finding love in unexpected places.