Movies
Critics Rank 2025 Christmas Movies: A Diverse Holiday Lineup
As the holiday season approaches, new Christmas movies are regularly released across theaters and streaming services, offering audiences a blend of sequels, remakes, and original stories. With family and togetherness as central themes, 2025 promises a diverse array of films to enjoy. Critics have begun reviewing and ranking these offerings, considering various criteria to guide viewers in their holiday movie selections.
Streaming Platforms Bring Holiday Cheer
Streaming platforms have become popular venues for holiday movie viewership, providing convenient access to new releases. Netflix, known for its original content during festive seasons, introduces a variety of films including "A Merry Little Ex-mas" and "Champagne Problems." The latter stars Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, promising a unique take on holiday narratives.
Apple TV+ contributes to the holiday spirit with "The Family Plan 2," releasing on November 21, featuring Mark Wahlberg. Additionally, "The First Snow of Fraggle Rock" is set to premiere on December 5, adding to the platform's festive offerings.
BET+ Expands Holiday Movie Collection
BET+ has an extensive lineup for Christmas 2025, starting with "Son of the Preacher" on November 27 and continuing with "Love After Holidays" on December 4. The platform will also release "Never Alone for Christmas: Memphis" on December 11, "Vera’s Holiday Flop" on December 18, and "A Soulful Christmas" on the day itself, December 25. These films are expected to appeal to a wide audience, emphasizing themes of love, community, and holiday spirit.
Hallmark+ and OWN Join the Festive Release
Hallmark+ and OWN are also part of the 2025 Christmas movie lineup. Hallmark+ will release "She's Making a List" on December 6, while OWN offers "Very Merry Mystery" on December 13. These films continue the tradition of heartwarming stories synonymous with the holiday season, focusing on personal growth and festive intrigue.
Critics' Initial Impressions
Critics have begun evaluating these new releases, applying various criteria to assess their storytelling, acting, production quality, and alignment with holiday themes. While the complete rankings are yet to be finalized, early reviews indicate a positive reception for several films, particularly those featuring well-known actors and unique narratives.
As audiences prepare for the holiday season, the 2025 selection of Christmas movies provides a rich tapestry of stories to explore, each offering a different perspective on the spirit of the season. Whether through a streaming platform or a traditional theater experience, viewers have a multitude of options to enjoy during this festive time.