Holiday romance movies carry a special kind of magic, mixing the warmth of the season with the joy, heartbreak, and hope that love can bring. Since the turn of the 21st century, filmmakers have continued to explore that spirit through stories of drama, laughter, and longing set against the cozy glow of Christmas. From bustling city streets dusted with snow to countryside cottages, these modern films are a reminder of why romance and the holidays are such a perfect cinematic match.
The best holiday romances of the 21st century stand out for their ability to blend sentimentality with real emotion. They don’t just rely on Christmas lights or romantic clichés, but they explore love’s complexities amid the most wonderful (and often chaotic) time of the year. These movies capture the heart of what makes both Christmas and romance so irresistible.
10
‘Serendipity’ (2001)
Few romance films capture the idea of fate quite like Serendipity. Directed by Peter Chelsom, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack as Sara and Jonathan, two strangers who have a magical meet-cute during the Christmas shopping rush. Sparks fly instantly, but because of distance, they part ways, leaving it up to destiny to bring them back together. As time goes by, the wonder of the holidays lingers between them, with the two finding their way back to each other through the years.
A Story About Love and Taking Chances
Despite only being bookended by Christmas, it remains enduring as a holiday romance because of the magical feeling of Yuletide surging throughout the entire movie. It also features some of the most wonderful Christmas backdrops, from the Waldorf Astoria hotel to the ice skating rink in Central Park to Manhattan’s Bloomingdale’s, with the city itself becoming a character that sparkles with possibility. The story reminds viewers that true love always finds its way.
9
‘Love Actually’ (2003)
The divisive Love Actually may have its flaws, but it’s one of the most popular romantic Christmas movies of the 21st century, and remains essential viewing for many. Its star-studded cast includes Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, and Andrew Lincoln. With interwoven stories of love, loss, and longing, the film follows a range of characters as they navigate the highs and lows of romance leading up to the holidays.
A Modern Classic of Holiday Romance
What makes Love Actually such an enduring Christmas cult classic is its sincerity. It is able to balance humor, heartbreak, and joy without ever losing sight of its emotional core. The movie embraces the messiness of love, while celebrating its resilience and reminding viewers that connection, both romantic and platonic, is what makes the season so special.
8
‘The Family Stone’ (2005)
Written and directed by Thomas Bezucha, The Family Stone captures romance and family drama during the holidays. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as the tightly wound Meredith, who accompanies her boyfriend Everett (Dermot Mulroney) home to a small New England town for Christmas. Feeling wildly out of place and receiving a not-so-warm welcome from his family, she calls her sister (Claire Danes) to come to her rescue. Relationships are tested and romance grows in unexpected places over the tumultuous holidays.
A Heartfelt Story About Love and Acceptance
Among the cast are also Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser, Craig T. Nelson, Brian J. White, and Tyrone Giordano. What sets the film apart is its mix of sharp comedy and genuine emotion. Parker delivers one of her most underrated performances, balancing her character’s closed-off nature and vulnerability beautifully. Ultimately, The Family Stone reminds us that while love and family are messy, complicated, and imperfect, they’re the most important things in the world.
7
‘Just Friends’ (2005)
In Just Friends, Ryan Reynolds stars as Chris Brander, a formerly overweight high-schooler who returns to his hometown as an accomplished music executive and record producer. There, he finds himself reunited with his childhood best friend and longtime crush, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart), and becomes determined to finally get out of the “friend zone.” Of course, with a rival in Dusty (Chris Klein) and a needy pop singer (Anna Faris) following him to town, nothing goes as planned.
Full of Charm, Nostalgia, and Seasonal Chaos
The movie leans into slapstick humor but grounds itself with sincerity. Reynolds’ comedic timing and Smart’s genuine warmth make their chemistry simply irresistible. Not only is it one of the funniest, most relatable Christmas romcoms of all time, but Just Friends has a lot to say about rediscovering authenticity. It also teaches viewers that love never cares about image or status.
6
‘The Holiday’ (2006)
A list highlighting the best Christmas romance movies of the 21st century wouldn’t be complete without this Nancy Meyers film. The globe-trotting story follows two women seeking a fresh start after heartbreak — one in sunny Los Angeles and one in a quaint English village — who swap homes over the holidays. Cameron Diaz is Amanda Woods, the type A owner of a movie trailer company, and Kate Winslet plays Iris, a journalist and hopeless romantic. Both end up finding love in unexpected places.
A Dreamy Holiday Romcom
The two polar opposite women are entirely sympathetic and deeply relatable for different reasons. Watching each of their journeys play out is like getting full on comfort food. Their stories are about rediscovering joy, connection, and the courage to open up and love again. With a cozy aesthetic, charming performances, and a hopeful message about new beginnings, The Holiday remains endlessly rewatchable year after year.
5
‘Last Holiday’ (2006)
Queen Latifah delivers one of her most charming performances as Georgia Byrd, a reserved woman who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, is forced to stop playing it safe. Liquidating her assets and savings, she decides to spend her last holiday season at a lavish resort in the Czech Republic. Believing she has nothing left to lose, she finds adventure and starts truly living. Along the way, she discovers the self-love and confidence she never knew she had — and also contemplates love.
A Romantic Holiday Movie About the Joy of Living Fully
Last Holiday is one of the most underrated Christmas romance movies of the 21st century. Not only is it about love, but it’s an inspiring story that teaches the importance of embracing life and loving yourself fully. The wintry European setting adds an irresistible sense of wonder, with Latifah’s warmth and charisma lighting up the screen. After watching, viewers are reminded that the best gift one can give themselves is welcoming the present with open arms.
4
‘Carol’ (2015)
Written by Phyllis Nagy and directed by Todd Haynes, Carol is an achingly beautiful romance set against the backdrop of 1950s New York during Christmastime. Rooney Mara stars as Therese, a young shop girl and aspiring photographer who falls in love with a sophisticated woman going through a difficult divorce named Carol, played by Cate Blanchett. Their connection, tender yet forbidden, unfolds in a world where sapphic love comes at a great cost.
A Portrayal of the Ache and Intimacy of Love
Carol is more than just a holiday romance film — it’s an exploration of longing, self-discovery, courage, and the female struggle for independence. An icon in queer cinema, the movie uses the holiday not only as a backdrop, but as a symbol of warmth and hope in a cold world. Blanchett and Mara deliver breathtaking performances, with their chemistry speaking volumes in even moments of silence. Its emotional resonance and quiet beauty make it one of the most moving love stories of the 21st century.
3
‘Last Christmas’ (2019)
Last Christmas may seem like a standard romcom at first glance, but beneath the festive sparkle of this whimsical story lies something deeper. Emilia Clarke stars as a directionless young woman and aspiring singer named Kate, who works a dead-end job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Her life takes a turn when she meets Tom (Henry Golding), a charming young man who seems to appear when she needs him the most.
More Than Just a Love Story
Inspired by the music of George Michael and WHAM!, the movie weaves melancholy and humor into a surprisingly emotional story. Clarke brings charm and vulnerability to Kate’s journey of self-discovery, while Golding radiates warmth. With its heartfelt message about compassion, healing, and living fully, it captures the bittersweet side of the holiday season. The movie also explores important topics like immigration and racism. Delivering both laughs and tears, it’s the ultimate holiday romcom to watch this season.
2
‘Let It Snow’ (2019)
Let It Snow is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle. Set in the town of Laurel, Illinois, it follows a group of teens whose lives intersect during a Christmas Eve snowstorm. As they navigate friendship, heartbreak, and new love, the film delivers multiple dazzling storylines that converge in one joyful, snow-filled night. The cast includes Isabela Merced, Kiernan Shipka, Shameik Moore, Liv Hewson, Odeya Rush, Mitchell Hope, and Jacob Batalon.
A Feel-Good Favorite for a New Generation
With charming romance and surprisingly funny moments, Let It Snow brings Christmas cheer even into the greenest of Grinch hearts. Capturing the spirit of young love and the thrill of possibility that comes with the holidays, this is a fresh, youthful entry into the holiday romance genre. If you’re looking for a movie filled with Christmas magic and wrapped in cozy, small-town nostalgia, look no further.
1
‘Happiest Season’ (2020)
When Happiest Season premiered on Hulu, it became an instant holiday favorite. The queer romcom stars Kristen Stewart as Abby, who accompanies her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), home for the holidays, where she plans to propose to her. Once they arrive, Abby realizes that Harper’s family doesn’t know she’s gay and believe them to be roommates. The ensuing Christmas days are filled with chaos, comedy, and moments of genuine emotion.
A Holiday Romcom About Loving Openly
Stewart and Davis bring depth and nuance to their roles, while Dan Levy provides scene-stealing comic relief as a supporting actor. Happiest Season isn’t just a holiday romance, but a story about finding joy in being your true self, embracing imperfection, and learning to open up to family. Funny and full of heart, the queer Christmas movie has become a modern holiday classic.