Netflix is one of the most common streaming services that college students use to unwind after a long day, relax on a rainy or snowy weekend, or to simply use as entertainment with friends. Netflix streams thousands of movies, television shows, and documentaries to about 60.2 million people every year. However, even though there are thousands of movies to watch somehow I often find myself scrolling through Netflix wondering what movie to watch, or even finding a movie that completely wastes my time. And, especially now that the holidays are coming up, I’m always looking for a good holiday movie to snuggle up to while sipping hot chocolate on a snowy day. So below are some of my favorite holiday movies, with different genres for different occasions, that you can find on Netflix. Now, in the future if you ever find yourself in this same situation as myself, you can use these ideas to find a great holiday movie that won’t disappoint.

The Holiday Calendar

The Holiday Calendar is a netflix original movie released in 2018 starring Kat Graham (as Abby Sutton), Quincy Brown (as Josh Barton), and Ethan Peck (as Ty Walker). Within this movie Abby is a struggling photographer who receives an advent calendar from her grandpa which turns out to be magical. Early in the movie we meet Josh, Abby’s old friend who has come back to town, and Ty, a new love interest met from the calendar. Through this movie Abby learns many lessons about love and predicting the future through her journeys with this advent calendar. If you are looking for a romantic comedy, this is a must!

Nailed It! Holiday!

There are lots of holiday specials on Netflix this time of year. One of my favorites is one of Netflix’s newer series, Nailed It! They have a holiday special that is perfect for everyone! There are “missing ingredients, impossible asks, and desserts that look delightfully sad!” This quirky show will give you a laugh and help you get into the holiday spirit!

The Princess Switch

The Princess Switch is another amazing romantic comedy Netflix original movie released in 2018. This one stars Vanessa Hudgens playing as two very different characters, Stacy (a young baker from Chicago) and Lady Margaret Delacourt (Duchess of Montenaro and fiancée of Crown Prince Edward of Belgravia). Within the movie Stacy and Lady Margaret Delacourt make a plan to swap places for two days, in order to switch back in time for important events they both must attend. However, things don’t go quite as planned, and we see these two women find out many new things about themselves. This movie is definitely a girls night type of movie, so grab that popcorn!

Unaccompanied Minors

Next, Unaccompanied Minors, is a great Christmas family comedy made in 2006. This movie shows 5 kids snowed in at an airport on Christmas Eve trying to get back to their families, but are sent to a UM room (Unaccompanied Minors room). Through this movie you see hilarious adventures of these kids trying to escape the UM room and  airport security guards to have some fun on Christmas. I would definitely recommend this for a fun family movie with your younger siblings.

Christmas with the Kranks

Another fun holiday family comedy made in 2004 is Christmas with the Kranks. This movie stars an older couple, Luther (played by Tim Allen), and Nora (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) who are deciding to skip Christmas this year and instead go on a vacation. However, this angers their neighbors and their daughter Blair’s plans change. Throughout the movie you see Luther and Nora being treated as social pariahs in their town, which leaves them with one question to debate- “Should they really go on vacation and skip Christmas?” If you are looking for a holiday comedy movie for you and your parents, I definitely would recommend this one.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Of course you can’t forget a Christmas classic, How The Grinch Stole Christmas! This movie made in 2000 is one of the most popular Christmas movies ever made. In case you don’t know what this is (which I hope you do), this movie is about the Grinch, a crabby Christmas hater, who tries to ruin the town of Whoville’s Christmas. But, throughout the movie you see Grinch’s character constantly changing between being good and bad. This classic is worthy of any ages, and is sure to be popular for awhile. Can you believe it is on Netflix? If you need something to put on in the background while you are studying, or to watch right before Christmas to get you in the spirit, this is the perfect movie!

The Great British Baking Show

This next show is great if you aren’t that into Christmas movies, but still would like to get in the holiday mood. The Great British Baking Show: Holidays,  is a show where people bake holiday treats and get judged on their quality. Not only do you learn to be a better baker, but you also becoming extremely hungry with all of the tasty treats shown! I definitely would recommend to watch with a group of your friends when you are feeling in a baking mood!

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Finally, the list ends with another classic. The modern take on the classic tale is a must see during the holiday season! The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a magical take on a traditional story. This movie is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Though I’m sure there are thousands of other holiday movies on Netflix, I wanted you to know some of my favorites that are sure to get in you in the holiday spirit. So, if you find yourself stuck inside on a cold day before the holidays, cozy up tight and play these movies and you are sure to have a jolly old time (no pun intended)!