This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

It’s that time of the season again – cuddling up with some hot cocoa (extra marshmallows for me!), cozy blankets, and a marathon of holiday movies that’ll either make you swoon or scream along to “Last Christmas” by Wham!

But with so many movies out there, it can be difficult to decide what to dedicate your binge day to. So many holiday rom-coms, so little time in the day. I’ve compiled a top-five list of my favorites, so turn on that TV, put your fuzziest socks on, and tune in this season!

Little Women (2019): While the romance between Jo, Laurie, and later Bhaer isn’t the central plot of the movie, and it’s also not technically a Christmas movie 100%, I have to give Little Women a spot on the list as it hits the mark on love during the holidays. There’s the romantic love of rooting for Jo and Laurie and the yearning the two feel for each other, but the film is also a great dissection of the love felt between sisters, especially when you’re cooped up together during the holidays. This movie is about love during the holidays, and every variation of love a person can feel.
Just Friends (2005): Fair warning, this movie’s “not like other girls” and fatphobic messages have not aged well. But, Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian gem, and this movie really encompasses the feel of heading back to your hometown and revisiting your past pre-college life, romance included. Reynolds, per usual, is a hilarious “Scrooge” type romantic anti-hero who, much like Mr. Darcy, who has to learn that women aren’t obligated to like you or respond to your romantic advances if you’re rude. Plus, Anna Faris is a total show stealer in true Anna Faris fashion.
Falling for Christmas (2022): This is a classic, Hallmark-level holiday rom-com. It hits every beat of a spoiled city girl who travels to a sleepy Christmas town and “learns the true meaning of Christmas!” through the help of a down-to-earth single dad who owns the local bed and breakfast type story. It’s the right amount of corny Christmas, plus, it marks Lindsay Lohan’s return to the screen after almost a decade of being blackballed in Hollywood.
Happiest Season (2020): This one is for the gals and pals. Featuring the bi icon of the century, Kristen Stewart, Happiest Season focuses on Abby (Stewart) as she attempts to spend the holiday with the family of the girl of her dreams, Harper. Except, Harper’s family has no clue about her sexuality or about the girl she’s brought home. Hijinks, drama, and miscommunications ensue. It’s a perfect movie for anyone looking for a laugh, wanting a sweet love story, or looking for a little reliability.
Last Christmas (2019): Fair warning, this one is incredibly sad. Like, made me raid a Target for Ben & Jerry’s to eat while I sobbed sadly. Emilia Clarke (love her!) plays a down-on-her-luck aspiring singer without much Christmas spirit who meets Tom, a charitable if not odd man who helps her find the value of life. And, that’s all I’m going to say unless I spoil a major plot twist. It’s lovable and charming when it needs to be, absolutely gut-wrenching towards the end, and leaves you with a smile while you cry.