Unwrap 10 Must-Watch Films for a Holidate-Inspired Movie Marathon!

Despite being a popular genre, movies like Holidate have maintained their appeal, proving that holiday-themed romantic comedies are consistently favored by audiences. Holidate, released on Netflix in 2020, revolves around two individuals tired of being single during the holiday season who decide to pretend to be each other's dates. Naturally, their charade evolves into a genuine love story, captivating viewers with its heartwarming holiday atmosphere and uncomplicated plot. While not groundbreaking in originality, Holidate, along with similar films, encapsulates the essence of winter and captivates audiences with their enchanting tales of love and romance.

Romantic comedies set during the holiday season have been a staple of cinema since its early days, with some of the most beloved Christmas movies incorporating strong romantic and comedic elements. The genre gained tremendous popularity in the early 2000s with blockbuster hits like Love Actually, and the tradition of holiday romantic comedies has been further cemented by the Hallmark Channel. Holidate's familiar warmth and coziness evoke a collective nostalgic fondness among many viewers, and numerous other films have successfully captured the same sentiment.

Happiest Season (2020)

While movies like Holidate usually depict stories centered around heterosexual couples, Happiest Season, released in 2020, broke new ground by introducing LGBTQ+ love into the mainstream Christmas movie genre. The film follows Abby, played by Kristen Stewart, as she plans to propose to Harper, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, during the holiday season. However, Abby is taken aback when she discovers that Harper has not yet come out to her conservative parents. Similar to Holidate, Happiest Season skillfully incorporates humorous moments of awkwardness, resulting in delightful laughs. Additionally, the movie incorporates elements of farce, reminiscent of the LGBTQ+ classic, The Birdcage. With a talented cast and a compassionate portrayal of its subject matter, Happiest Season truly shines as an LGBTQ+ holiday romantic comedy.

Happiest Season can be streamed on Hulu.

Serendipity (2001)

John Cusack has built a successful career by starring in heartfelt romantic comedies, and a prime example is the 2001 Christmas rom-com Serendipity. In this film, Cusack plays Jonathan Trager, who encounters Kate Beckinsale's character, Sara Thomas, on Christmas Eve in a department store. They share a magical evening together and hope to reconnect years later. Unlike Holidate, Serendipity uses Christmas as a backdrop for its story about love and destiny. Nevertheless, the immense romance in Serendipity checks all the same boxes as Holidate. Stream Serendipity on Max.

The Holiday (2005)

Nancy Meyers' The Holiday offers a refreshingly unique premise for a romantic comedy, setting it apart as one of the most distinct films in its genre, much like Holidate. The movie follows the story of two women, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, who both reside in different countries, the United States and England, respectively. When their romantic lives face hurdles, they make a decision to exchange homes during the holiday season. Alongside its likable characters, The Holiday weaves a compelling and intricate romantic narrative. As with Holidate, The Holiday delves into the notion that love doesn't always unfold as planned, with the enchanting backdrop of the Christmas season captivatingly enhancing the storytelling.

You can stream The Holiday on Starz.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

The Best Man Holiday is streaming on Netflix.

The Family Stone (2005)

The Christmas movie Holidate portrays the holiday season as a joyful time, but The Family Stone, a dysfunctional family film, highlights the challenges that can arise during this time. In The Family Stone, successful businessman Everett Stone introduces his conservative girlfriend Meredith to his liberal family for the holidays, and she struggles to fit in. Like Holidate, The Family Stone explores how bitterness can transform into love during the holiday season, capturing the essence of a time that is meant to bring people together instead of driving them apart. You can watch The Family Stone on Prime Video and Starz.

Scrooged (1988)

The romantic elements of the 1988 film Scrooged may only play a small role, but this Bill Murray Christmas movie has become a beloved holiday classic. The storyline follows Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future in order to teach him a valuable lesson about becoming a better person. Out of all the adaptations of A Christmas Carol, Scrooged stands out for its modern approach that successfully captures the essence of Dickens' original ideas. Similar to the characters in Holidate, Cross becomes more endearing as the story progresses, ultimately allowing the joyous spirit of the holiday season to touch his heart. You can stream Scrooged on Hoopla.

Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually is undoubtedly one of the most cherished holiday romantic comedies in recent decades, having established itself as a cultural institution. Crafted by Richard Curtis, this expansive ensemble piece delves into the intertwined lives of diverse strangers, all bound together by their romantic entanglements during the Christmas season. While films like Holidate typically focus on a singular relationship, Love Actually sets itself apart with its assortment of captivating vignettes, ensuring there is something for everyone. With a cast comprised of renowned stars, Love Actually brings a contemporary perspective to holiday romance, much like Holidate.

Stream Love Actually now on The Roku Channel.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Sandra Bullock was a major box office star in the 1990s, especially known for her popular romantic comedy films like "While You Were Sleeping". During the Christmas season, Lucy (played by Bullock) comes to the rescue of Jack (played by Bill Pullman) when he falls off a train platform. When Jack wakes up from a coma, Lucy decides to pretend to be his fiancée, leading to a complicated love story that eventually turns into true love. Like the movie "Holidate", "While You Were Sleeping" also explores the theme of fake love blossoming into genuine feelings, with Christmas playing a significant role in bringing the characters together. Although Christmas is not the main focus, the storyline of these star-crossed lovers shares many similarities with "Holidate". You can now watch "While You Were Sleeping" on Disney Plus streaming platform.

Roman Holiday (1953)

William Wyler's Roman Holiday is a captivating romantic tale that offers much more than its misleading title suggests. Starring the talented Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann, the film takes viewers on a journey of love and discovery as she encounters an American journalist, played by Gregory Peck. Unlike typical holiday films, Roman Holiday weaves a compelling narrative that explores the deepening connection between these two characters. It embraces the charm of Rome, providing a picturesque backdrop for one of the greatest love stories in cinematic history. Stream Roman Holiday now on Paramount Plus.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When Harry Met Sally, directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, is a universally beloved romantic comedy that sits among the greatest examples of the subgenre. Despite culminating in a breathtaking holiday romance, the film revolves around the platonic friendship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who are perfect for each other but fear entering into a romantic relationship. The captivating will-they-won't-they tension, reminiscent of Holidate, drives the heart of the film, resulting in a romantic and hilariously satisfying payoff. The on-screen chemistry between Crystal and Ryan is truly electric, making the blossoming of their relationship a cinematic goldmine.

You can purchase or rent When Harry Met Sally on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Vudu.