Overview
- From December 21–23, multiple outlets published watchlists for the Christmas–New Year window, mixing perennial films with timely TV drops such as Apple TV+'s Pluribus finale on Christmas Eve, Stranger Things episodes on Boxing Day, and The Traitors' return on New Year's Day.
- Reason reports Netflix is promoting 31 holiday films this year, including five 2025 originals, with debut‑week views such as 19.3 million for Jingle Bell Heist, 18.1 million for My Secret Santa, and roughly 14.4 million for Champagne Problems.
- The long‑running discussion over what qualifies as a Christmas movie is front and center, with Esquire affirming Die Hard's holiday status and other outlets elevating border‑case and darker seasonal choices.
- Critics highlighted underrated or non‑traditional options including In Bruges, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Krampus, Trading Places, and the horror sequel Terrifier 3 for viewers seeking alternatives to feel‑good staples.
- Celebrities and influencers added to the recommendations, with Indian stars citing favorites such as Home Alone, The Polar Express, The Holiday and Netflix romances, while Zoe Sugg praised Netflix’s That Christmas as a new standout.