If you’re a fan of the charming 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black, then you know there’s nothing quite like curling up with a heartwarming movie during the chilly winter months. The Holiday has it all – a picturesque English cottage, sunny Los Angeles, budding romances, quirky humor, and that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling.
While nothing can quite match the magic of The Holiday, there are plenty of other delightful movies out there with similar themes and vibes. Whether you’re in the mood for another house swap story, a sweet seasonal romance, or just something to make you laugh and feel good, we’ve got you covered. Grab a cozy blanket, whip up some hot cocoa, and get ready to fall in love with these 15 movies that fans of The Holiday are sure to adore.
1. The Family Stone (2005)
The Family Stone follows a similar formula as The Holiday – a woman leaves her comfort zone and spends Christmas in an unfamiliar place with a dysfunctional but lovable family. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as the uptight Meredith, who struggles to fit in with her boyfriend’s eccentric family during the holidays. Chaos, hilarity, and unexpected romance ensue. With a stellar ensemble cast that includes Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Luke Wilson, and Rachel McAdams, this movie will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your loved ones.
2. Love Actually (2003)
No list of feel-good holiday movies is complete without the modern classic Love Actually. Featuring an all-star cast of British actors like Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Keira Knightley, this charming film follows multiple storylines that all revolve around love during the holidays. From the Prime Minister falling for his assistant to a washed-up rock star trying to make a comeback, each tale is infused with humor, heart, and holiday cheer. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside by the end.
3. The Holiday Calendar (2018)
For another take on the “holiday” theme, check out this cute Netflix original movie. The Holiday Calendar stars Kat Graham as Abby, a struggling photographer who inherits an antique Advent calendar that seems to predict her future – including a budding romance with a handsome admirer. As Abby follows the calendar’s advice, she learns to take chances and open her heart to love and happiness. Sweet, lighthearted, and brimming with holiday magic, this movie is perfect for a cozy night in.
4. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Fans of The Holiday’s British charm and quirky humor will love Bridget Jones’s Diary. Based on the bestselling novel by Helen Fielding, this hilarious romantic comedy stars Renée Zellweger as the lovably awkward Bridget, a 30-something singleton who resolves to improve her life and find love. With her relatable struggles, laugh-out-loud mishaps, and a swoon-worthy romance with Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy, Bridget will have you cheering her on from start to finish. Pour a glass of wine, put on your coziest pajamas, and enjoy this delightful film.
5. The Proposal (2009)
In The Proposal, Sandra Bullock plays Margaret, a high-powered book editor who ropes her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) into pretending to be her fiancé to avoid deportation. When they travel to Andrew’s hometown in Alaska for the holidays, Margaret gets a crash course in family, love, and letting loose. The snowy setting and family hijinks will remind you of The Holiday, while the hilarious banter and sizzling chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds will keep you entertained from start to finish.
6. Just Like Heaven (2005)
For a more supernatural take on the romantic comedy genre, try Just Like Heaven. Reese Witherspoon stars as Elizabeth, a workaholic doctor who gets into a car accident and becomes a spirit haunting her old apartment. Enter David (Mark Ruffalo), a depressed architect who moves into the apartment and is the only one who can see and communicate with Elizabeth. As they work together to figure out what happened to her, they unexpectedly fall in love. This unique, funny, and heartfelt film is sure to lift your spirits.
7. Serendipity (2001)
Serendipity is a charming romantic comedy that will make you believe in fate and destiny. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale star as Jonathan and Sara, two strangers who meet by chance one magical Christmas Eve in New York City. Though they feel an instant connection, they part ways and leave their future up to fate. Years later, they each embark on a search for one another, leading to near-misses, humorous mishaps, and an unforgettable ending. This sweet, whimsical film is perfect for hopeless romantics and anyone who loves a good love story.
8. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks reunite in this delightful romantic comedy about two rival bookstore owners who unknowingly fall in love online. Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly, the owner of a small children’s bookstore, while Hanks is Joe Fox, the owner of a big chain bookstore that threatens to put Kathleen out of business. As they battle it out in real life, they develop an anonymous online relationship, not realizing they are each other’s nemesis. With witty dialogue, charming performances, and a sweet, old-fashioned romance, You’ve Got Mail is a classic that never gets old.
9. The Lake House (2006)
The Lake House reunites Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves for a romantic drama with a sci-fi twist. Bullock plays Dr. Kate Forster, who lives in a glass lake house in 2006. When she leaves a note for the next tenant, architect Alex Wyler (Reeves), they begin a correspondence and fall in love – only to discover that Alex is living in 2004 and they are communicating across time through a magical mailbox. As they try to navigate their impossible romance, they must also confront the challenges and choices in their own lives. This unique, beautifully filmed movie is a must-see for fans of unconventional love stories.
10. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Sleepless in Seattle is another classic romantic comedy that pairs Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Hanks plays Sam, a recently widowed father whose son calls into a radio talk show to find his dad a new wife. Ryan is Annie, a reporter who hears the call and falls in love with Sam, even though she’s engaged to someone else. Fate keeps bringing them together, but will they ever meet and fall in love for real? With its heartwarming story, memorable scenes, and undeniable chemistry between the leads, this movie is a timeless favorite.
11. Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season is a refreshing LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com that will give you all the warm, fuzzy feels. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis star as Abby and Harper, a couple who visit Harper’s family for Christmas. The only problem? Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet, forcing the couple to pretend to be platonic friends. As Abby navigates the challenges of being true to herself while trying to fit in with Harper’s family, she learns valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of the holidays. This funny, heartfelt film is a modern holiday classic.
12. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Something’s Gotta Give is a smart, sophisticated romantic comedy that proves it’s never too late to fall in love. Diane Keaton stars as Erica, a successful playwright who finds herself unexpectedly falling for her daughter’s much older boyfriend, Harry (Jack Nicholson). As Erica and Harry navigate their complicated feelings for each other, they must also confront their own fears and insecurities about aging, love, and taking chances. With sharp dialogue, stellar performances, and a mature, realistic take on romance, this movie is a must-see for anyone who believes in second chances.
13. It’s Complicated (2009)
It’s Complicated is a hilarious and heartfelt romantic comedy about the messy, wonderful world of relationships. Meryl Streep stars as Jane, a divorced mother of three who starts a secret affair with her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), even though he’s remarried to a much younger woman. Things get even more complicated when Jane also starts dating her architect, Adam (Steve Martin). As Jane navigates her complicated love life and rediscovers her own desires and dreams, she learns valuable lessons about love, family, and starting over. With its all-star cast and witty, relatable humor, this movie is a joy to watch.
14. Last Holiday (2006)
Last Holiday is a heartwarming comedy that will inspire you to live life to the fullest. Queen Latifah stars as Georgia, a shy department store employee who receives a terminal diagnosis and decides to spend her last days living it up at a luxurious European hotel. As she indulges in the finer things in life and befriends a charming chef (LL Cool J), Georgia discovers a new sense of purpose and joy. This uplifting, feel-good movie will remind you to seize the day and follow your dreams, no matter what life throws your way.
15. New Year’s Eve (2011)
New Year’s Eve is a star-studded ensemble comedy that follows multiple storylines on the last night of the year in New York City. From a couple trying to have the first baby of the new year to a woman looking for her mystery date, each character has their own hopes, dreams, and challenges to overcome before the clock strikes midnight. With a cast that includes Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, and many more, this movie is a fun, festive romp that will get you in the holiday spirit. Pop some champagne and enjoy the ride!
If you’re a fan of The Holiday and looking for more movies that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, these 15 films are the perfect place to start. From classic romantic comedies to modern holiday favorites, each of these movies has its own unique charm and heart. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up under a cozy blanket, and get ready to fall in love with these delightful films. Happy watching!
