Ho ho oh no: Ranking the new Netflix holiday rom-coms

Move over, Hallmark; Netflix is getting festive and doubling down on mirth and merry with their Christmas-themed romance movies. This year, the streaming giant has added some seasonal selections to their lineup, including Hot Frosty, The Merry Gentlemen, and Our Little Secret. But are these movies worth watching while you sip your eggnog? Let’s dive in and find out whether they’re naughty or nice.

The Merry Gentlemen

A bizarre mix of wholesome and steamy, The Merry Gentlemen follows the Hallmark holiday movie playbook to the point of parody. The story begins with Britt Robertson as Ashley, a Broadway star who finds herself aging out of her place in the beloved Jingle Bells Broadway chorus line. With newfound time on her hands, she heads home to Sycamore Creek for the holidays.

In a classic small-town dilemma, Ashley’s parents are trying to save The Rhythm Room, the neighborhood bar and music spot, from closing down. To bring in more revenue, Ashley decides to turn the bar into a male strip club. Enter Luke, the hunky handyman played by Chad Michael Murray, who becomes Ashley’s choreographer for the unique dance performances.

Despite some sparks between the leads, The Merry Gentlemen falls flat with its lack of self-awareness and manufactured last-minute crisis. The film, with its Dollarama dancers and artificial snow, fails to deliver the charm and heartwarming moments expected in a holiday romance.

Rating: 2.5/5 candy canes

Our Little Secret

Lindsay Lohan leads the cast in Our Little Secret, a holiday-themed story of a former couple forced to hide their history. Lohan plays Avery, who reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Logan, played by Ian Harding, at a family gathering where they discover their partners are siblings. The pair must keep their past relationship a secret to avoid upsetting their current partners.

Unfortunately, Our Little Secret suffers from a weak premise and lackluster chemistry between the leads. With Harding’s smug and sulky portrayal of Logan and a storyline revolving around a business proposal due on Christmas Eve, the film struggles to capture the essence of a heartwarming holiday romance. While the Christmas climax adds some excitement, the overall film feels as appealing as old fruitcake.

Rating: 2/5 candy canes

Hot Frosty

In the small town of Hot Springs, local restaurateur Kathy, played by Lacey Chabert, finds her life turned upside down when a snowman named Jack comes to life. With a quirky concept and a charming performance from Dustin Milligan as the snowman, Hot Frosty manages to strike a balance between whimsy and heartwarming moments.

The film’s endearing goofiness and the cast’s willingness to embrace the absurdity of the storyline make Hot Frosty a delightful watch. Chabert shines as Kathy, adding a screwball sense of whimsy to the chaotic events that unfold. While the concept of a human snowman may be ridiculous, the film’s tone and performances elevate it into a heartwarming holiday rom-com.

Rating: 3.5/5 candy canes

In conclusion, Netflix’s Christmas-themed romantic comedies offer a mixed bag of holiday entertainment this year. While some films like Hot Frosty deliver on charm and humor, others like Our Little Secret fall short in capturing the magic of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky snowman romance or a nostalgic small-town story, Netflix has something for everyone this holiday season.