Netflix’s new 2025 Christmas movies ranked from worst to best

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Netflix is getting a jump start on the holiday season! They’ve already begun releasing their Christmas movies for 2025, and one in particular is getting rave reviews from critics.

Starting in early November, the platform launched four new romantic comedies with a holiday theme, perfect for cozying up and watching during the festive season.

These movies feature well-known actors in familiar, feel-good stories, and they’re gaining a lot of popularity on Netflix, frequently appearing on the platform’s top ten list.

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A Merry Little Ex-Mas

The first holiday movie to be released – on November 12th, over a month before Christmas – is A Merry Little Ex-Mas. It currently has the lowest rating of any Christmas film on Netflix, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson play Kate and Everett, a couple going through a divorce and still holding onto past hurts. They decide to spend one final Christmas together, but things get complicated when Kate discovers Everett is already seeing someone new – Tilly, played by Jameela Jamil – who will be joining the holiday festivities.

Critics gave A Merry Little Ex-Mas a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 16 reviews. While the actors gave strong performances, reviewers found the storyline predictable and the romantic elements unconvincing.

Critics found the film to be unoriginal and lacking in quality, failing to be even mildly memorable. Digital Mafia Talkies called it silly and predictable, while The Guardian pointed out that it relies on broad, unfunny physical humor. They also criticized the over-the-top acting, which didn’t suit the cast’s abilities.

Champagne Problems

Next up at number 3 is the romantic comedy Champagne Problems, filmed in France. Minka Kelly plays an investment executive who goes to Paris to buy a champagne company called Champagne Château.

The businesswoman unexpectedly finds herself drawn into something bigger when she meets the attractive Henri (Tom Wozniczka), who offers to show her around. What she doesn’t know is that Henri is actually the son of Hugo Cassell, the owner of a Champagne vineyard.

The film currently has a 71% approval rating based on 14 critic reviews, with many praising its light and funny style.

Reviewers have noted the film’s lighthearted and festive spirit, with Decider comparing it to the bubbly enjoyment of champagne. While TheWrap found the romance a bit weak, they praised the film’s humor as being stronger.

Jingle Bell Heist

Coming in at number two is the action-comedy Jingle Bell Heist, featuring Olivia Holt, known from Cruel Summer, and Connor Swindells from Sex Education.

Okay, so I just watched this movie that came out on November 26th, and it’s about Sophie and Nick. They’re both seriously broke and decide to team up and rob a huge department store in London. Turns out, it’s not just about the money – they’re actually trying to get revenge on the store owner, this guy named Maxwell Sterling, played by Peter Serafinowicz.

The movie Jingle Bell Heist received a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many of the 19 critics calling it enjoyable and a bit more exciting than other films Netflix released in 2025.

According to Decider, Jingle Bell Heist is a delightful and funny holiday movie set in London, featuring a talented cast and a satisfying story of getting back at those in power.

According to The Guardian, Netflix’s holiday releases aren’t particularly impressive, but Jingle Bell Heist is slightly better than its other, weaker offerings.

My Secret Santa

The newest Netflix Christmas movie, My Secret Santa, is currently the most popular.

Alexandra Breckenridge, known from Virgin River, stars as Taylor Jacobson, a single mom who takes a job as Santa at a ski resort by cleverly disguising herself as an elderly man. While working there, she develops feelings for the resort owner, Matthew Layne, played by Ryan Eggold from New Amsterdam.

The film currently has a very high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on early reviews – 7 out of 9 were positive – it’s projected to score around 78%.

Reviewers have given high marks to Breckenridge’s acting and the film’s makeup, and have described the movie as surprisingly enjoyable (according to Digital Mafia Talkies).

According to FandomWire, the makeup artists brilliantly captured the classic Santa Claus appearance, and Breckenridge’s performance perfectly embodies the warmth and happiness we all connect with Santa.

According to Screen Rant, the movie’s stars have a delightful and believable connection. However, even with the director’s history of feel-good Christmas movies and the actors’ charm, the film is held back by a story that feels too familiar.

Netflix has a bunch of holiday movies to watch, including ‘My Secret Santa,’ ‘Jingle Bell Heist,’ ‘Champagne Problems,’ and ‘A Merry Little Ex-Mas,’ along with its own original Christmas films from past years.

Enjoy the holidays with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s packed with 14 days of listings to help you plan your festive viewing, and it’s available now for just £4.75 at all good magazine shops.

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2025-12-09 20:20