45 of the most romantic Christmas movies to fall in love with this season

The end-of-year holidays are coming up fast, which means there's no better time to plop on your couch, turn on some Christmas tunes and watch a beautiful romance unfold in a beloved Christmas movie.

Popping some popcorn and watching a holiday rom-com is the perfect way to spend time with loved ones or take time during the busy season to treat yourself. Even if you don't celebrate the holidays, Christmas rom-coms will make you believe that when the snow falls and jingle bells start ringing anything is possible, especially finding your one true love.

Every year, the subgenre finds a new way to reinvent the classic story of a couple experiencing a magical romance during the holidays. Networks and streaming platforms release so many holiday-themed movies at the end of the year that it can be hard to know which ones are worth watching.

So, we've assembled a list of 45 of the greatest romantic movies based in or around Christmas (or Hanukkah!) to help you ensure the stage you set — with a cozy blanket, hot chocolate and cookies, we think — is both merry and bright. If you're looking for New York-set stories in particular, you'll find those in droves, too.

Plus, we made sure to include both classic holiday love stories and a few modern-day fairy tales.

And if you're hankering for more delightfully cheesy options, check out the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Channel's offerings, too.

Get ready to fall in love with a few movies that get better year after year.

'Christmas with You' (2022)

Pop singer Angelina (Aimee Garcia) takes a break from her routine to fulfill a young fan's dream in a small-town in New York, where she discovers not only the motivation to restart her career but also a chance at real love with Miguel (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a music teacher and single father.

‘Single All the Way’ (2021)

On a vacation home for the holidays, Peter (Michael Urie) convinces his closest buddy Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pretend to be his lover in an attempt to dodge his family's criticism of him for being unmarried.

'12 Dates of Christmas' (2011)

Kate (Amy Smart) is a young lady who finds herself reliving her first Christmas Eve date repeatedly. On Christmas Eve, she sets herself up on a blind date with Miles (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), a lovely guy, but ends up wrecking everything in a bid to win back her ex. Kate gets the opportunity to relive Christmas Eve twelve times in an odd turn of events.

'A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding' (2018)

Add the entire "Christmas Prince" saga to your queue list. The irresistibly ridiculous series follows a journalist who goes undercover at a castle and ends up winning the prince's heart.

'The Knight Before Christmas' (2019)

When a medieval knight (Josh Whitehouse) is brought to the present, he falls in love with a science teacher (Vanessa Hudgens) at a high school who has given up on love.

'The Shop Around the Corner' (1940)

Two gift shop workers (Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart) may be unable to stand one another, but it turns out they're actually falling in love as pen pals. During the Christmas season, they agree to finally meet in person, but needless to say things do not go smoothly. Fortunately, Christmas Eve is right around the corner! (And, yes, a version of this story was made with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as "You've Got Mail" in 1998.)

'Holiday Inn' (1942)

All Jim (Bing Crosby) wanted to do was retire from his song and dance act with Tim (Fred Astaire) and Lila (Marjorie Reynolds) (who he planned to marry), but then Tim and Lila fell for one another and, well, that upset everything. But Jim gets back on his feet again fast by planning to turn his farm into an inn open on holidays only, which provides lots of room for celebrating special days of all stripes, including Christmas. Lots of songs and dancing, and two of Hollywood's classic best. (Also, Irving Berlin wrote the songs, including "White Christmas," specifically for this film.)

'Christmas in Connecticut' (1945)

A city magazine writer (Barbara Stanwyck) pretends to be a married farm wife while writing about her made-up husband, baby and farm life. When her publisher (who is not in the know) insists she make a Christmas dinner for a returning war hero, she's got to take drastic action to keep up the charade. Bonus: If this version is too dated for you, feel free to give the Arnold Schwarzenegger-directed TNT remake starring Dyan Cannon, Kris Kristofferson and Tony Curtis from 1992!

'It’s a Wonderful Life' (1946)

Christmas bookends the tale of good guy George Bailey is driven to consider killing himself, after the town's wicked miser ensures an embezzlement charge is going to come down like a ton of bricks on his head. Enter an angel to show George what his life would have been like if he'd never been born (and never met the love of his life Mary) and start the Christmas bells a-ringing.

'Holiday Affair' (1949)

It's not exactly meet-cute how Steve (a department store employee played by Robert Mitchum) and Connie (a comparative shopper who works for a rival store, played by Janet Leigh) meet, but they do eventually forge a surprising relationship around Christmastime. It's also one of the few movies like this that deal with people who don't have a lot of money, and how it can affect their willingness to take risks with each other. A breath of fresh air. Plus, when did you last see Mitchum as a romantic lead?

'White Christmas' (1954)

Whaddya do after serving in WWII? Why, come home and form a singing, dancing partnership with your former Army buddy, of course! Phil and Bob (Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby) pair up with a sister act to try and save a struggling Vermont inn, and there's songs a-plenty (along with some romance), plus the tune you're pretty much obligated to hear every holiday season.

'Pocketful of Miracles' (1961)

Frank Capra's "Pocketful of Miracles" is more Christmas-adjacent than Christmas-specific, but there's plenty of decorations and trees to satisfy the Christmas-needy, plus it's from Capra! You know, the guy behind "It's a Wonderful Life"? In the movie, a gangster (Glenn Ford) believes buying apples from a peddler (Bette Davis) will bring him luck, but just when he needs her most, she gets tangled in a different web of her own weaving. Bonus: This is a remake of Capra's 1933 film, "Lady for a Day."

'Falling In Love' (1984)

Frank (Robert De Niro) and Molly (Meryl Streep) are married to others, but after a mixup over Christmas packages, they find themselves drawn to each other romantically. As their unions start to crumble, the question is: Will they find one another under each others' Christmas trees?

'Edward Scissorhands' (1990)

Edward (Johnny Depp) is a constructed man who was never finished by his creator, leaving giant blades for fingers on his hands. He lives alone until an Avon salesperson (Dianne Wiest) arrives and brings him into her pastel-colored suburban community, where he falls for her daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). Things progress in a way you might not expect, leading to the discovery that Edward can carve many things with his fingers, including ice on Christmas Eve. Bonus: The soundtrack by Danny Elfman is gorgeous.

'While You Were Sleeping' (1995)

There are some rom-com plots that only work if a) Sandra Bullock is starring in them and b) you remember it's just a movie, not real life. Because in real life it would be seriously weird if a woman pretended to be the girlfriend of a guy in a coma (whose life she saved on Christmas Day, at least give her that) after really, really deciding she likes his family. Fortunately, Bill Pullman shows up as Coma Guy's younger brother and real sparks fly ... but the big reveal is going to be kinda awkward!

'Serendipity' (2001)

Sam (John Cusak) and Sarah (Kate Beckinsale) run into each other while doing Christmas shopping, and kick off a series of life's little "signals," as Sara likes to think of them, that bring them together and pull them apart. Will they get the right sign that it's time for them to be together?

'About a Boy' (2002)

Royalties from a Christmas song his father wrote give Will (Hugh Grant) a life without responsibilities, and he uses it to meet women at single parent group meetings. The problem? He doesn't have a child. Then a young boy (Nicholas Hoult) who wants his mom (Toni Collette) to date Will blackmails the feckless grown-up into doing just that. But then he falls for Rachel (Rachel Weisz). Christmas fits in here in several places, but suffice it to say the best relationship Will ends up fostering is that of his with the kid.

'Love Actually' (2003)

Brought to you by much the same team that introduced the world to the fluttery, irresistible presence of Hugh Grant in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Love Actually" is an ensemble comedy with an amazing cast (including Grant, natch; plus Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley and Emma Thompson) who are all struggling to find their love match as the Christmas season approaches.

'Elf' (2003)

A seemingly-orphaned human baby (Buddy, played by Will Ferrell) has grown up at the North Pole, and it's Santa who gives him a push out of the nest, by sending him to meet his biological dad in New York City. Fish out of water merriment ensues, and it's up to Buddy not just to make friends with his long-lost father, but help him get an important book out by Christmas! Meanwhile, he falls head over heels with a department store worker named Jovie (Zooey Deschanel). This movie has it all!

'Surviving Christmas' (2004)

After being dumped by his girlfriend, Drew (Ben Affleck) discovers no one in his friends circle wants to have him over for Christmas, and on advice from his therapist returns to his family home (now occupied by a new family) and pays them to let him celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas with them. But while he's a bit of a tyrant about it, one member of the family might see a spark of something worth falling for.

'Last Holiday' (2006)

During Christmas season, a department store worker named Georgia (Queen Latifah) learns she has a brain tumor that will kill her in weeks, so she decides to go out with a bang, trying all kinds of scary, dangerous activities and spending her savings like it's going out of fashion. Meanwhile, a co-worker she's long had feelings for steps up to the plate and reveals his own long-standing feelings. To say more would give the game away, but if you'd like a more retro take on the story, there's a version of "Last Holiday" from 1950 with Alec Guinness in it, too.

'The Holiday' (2006)

When two women as amazing as Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet decide to swap houses for the holidays, they find that a little mixing up of their lives can lead to a fresh outlook on the world ... plus love, in this warm film from writer/director Nancy Meyers.

'Lovely, Still' (2008)

Robert (Martin Landau) is lonely. When starts falling for his neighbor's mother Mary (Ellen Burstyn), he finally agrees to spend Christmas with someone for the first time. Friends and neighbors are remarkably helpful in getting the older couple close as the holidays approach, but there's a sweet and melancholy twist to the tale.

'Four Christmases' (2008)

When one Christmas isn't enough, how about trying four? This film sports a terrific cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek and Kristin Chenoweth (for starters), and tells the tale of a couple who has to hit four Christmas parties when their vacation plans are canceled.

'Stuck in Love' (2012)

There's enough multi-generational romance in this film for three movies, including a divorced couple (Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly) who might find their way back to one another, and their kids, each reaching out into the world for their first loves in different ways. Also, there's sex in a closet on Christmas Day, as one does. Great cast, and plenty of romance to go around.

'Love the Coopers' (2015)

When you've got a cast including John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Timothée Chalamet and Olivia Wilde (with the voice of Steve Martin), do you really need a summary? Suffice it to say that the heads of the Cooper clan are holding their marriage together for one reason alone: To have one final perfect Christmas with the family before divorce splits them up. But is there a way for them to make amends?

'Carol' (2015)

It's the 1950s and women are not supposed to have love affairs, at least not publicly. But this doesn't stop Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara's characters from using the holiday season to leap into the deep end and find a connection they've been unable to discover in their public lives.

'Call Me By Your Name' (2017)

All right, it's true that most of this movie takes place during the sunniest days Italy can offer, but it is a romance and it does have a critical scene that takes place during Hanukkah, so we'll take what we can get. In the film, Oliver (Armie Hammer) and Elio (Timothée Chalamet) fall for one another, but Oliver's stay in the country is only temporary, and leads to heartbreak.

‘Love, Simon’ (2018)

Though not fully about Christmas, this warm-hearted tale about a closeted gay teen has a critical sequence during the holiday that turns everything around for him in the future. Plus, it's also very, very romantic. Add it to your stocking, or your list!

'Little Women' (2019)

Though any version of "Little Women" will do, the 2019 version feels the most true to the source material, about sisters living in genteel poverty in Civil War-era Massachusetts. Christmas is just one element of their lives, but is an important time when we see them truly being their best selves, by helping others who seem to need things more than they do.

'Last Christmas' (2019)

Inspired by the George Michael/Wham! 1984 song with the same name, "Last Christmas" is a different way to see Daenerys Targaryen (that is, Emilia Clarke) as Kate, a disillusioned year-round Christmas store employee who falls for Tom (Henry Golding) whose goodness inspires her to improve her own life. But Tom is not what he seems and the pair have a deeper connection than Kate could have ever expected.

'Let It Snow' (2019)

On Christmas Eve, Julie is returning home having secured a scholarship to Columbia University, but also a mother who is seriously ill — when she runs into pop star Stuart, who is new enough to fame that she doesn't recognize him at first, but also has screaming fans who she has to save him from. The visit back home involves including Stuart, a budding romance (or several, when Julie's friends back home all turn out to have exciting love lives), and a big holiday dance. What more could you ask for?

'Holidate' (2020)

Two singletons (Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey) agree to be each other's "holidate" for the Christmas season thanks to a combination of recent breakups and a disinterest in finding new romance. It's a tradition that continues throughout the following year, until they've finally spent so many "holidates" together that they just can't help falling in love. But can they see it through?

'Love Hard' (2021)

Just when you think all the goofy romantic holiday premises have been used, here's a new one: a writer known for documenting her disastrous dates via dating app is catfished by "Josh," something she only finds out after journeying to meet him for Christmas many thousands of miles away. But wait! Josh has a plan, and it involves her pretending to be his girlfriend for the holidays, after which he'll introduce her to his pal, whose photos he used on the app. This goes more or less where you think it will, but it's charming along the way.

'Happiest Season' (2020)

Abby and Harper (Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis) are girlfriends, and head to Harper's home for the Christmas holiday. But while Abby's ready to propose marriage, Harper reveals that she's not yet "out" to her parents, promising to come out after the holiday. Needless to say, nothing goes as planned during the visit...

'Something from Tiffany's' (2022)

This movie puts a twist on classic tropes like amnesia and a case of mistaken identity. Rachel's (Zoey Deutch) boyfriend Gary (Ray Nicholson) purchases Tiffany's earrings for her for Christmas. As he is leaving the store, he gets hit by a car and Ethan (Kendrick Sampson) helps save his life. After his heroic act, Ethan accidentally picks up Gary's gift and leaves his present, a Tiffany's engagement ring for his girlfriend Vanessa (Shay Mitchell), behind. Rachel finds the ring and Gary goes along with the proposal. Later, Rachel and Ethan meet and quickly become friends as he struggles to reveal the truth about her engagement ring.

'The Noel Diary' (2022)

Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) is a best-selling author who receives a call after one of his book signings that his mother passed away. He travels to his family home for the first time in 20 years and meets Rachel (Barrett Doss), whose birth mother used to be Jake's nanny. Jake discovers a diary belonging to Rachel's mother in the house and together, the new friends slowly learn more about Rachel's family.

'This Is Christmas' (2022)

Adam (Alfred Enoch), an idealist, rides the train to London every day and notices all the passengers barely interact with each other, choosing to travel in silence. So, he decides to invite his entire carriage to help him host a Christmas party. The strangers are unreceptive, but Emma (Kaya Scodelario), who also rides the same train every day, is open to attending. Soon, Adam and Emma develop a close bond with each other and the rest of the passengers as they throw a festive celebration.

'Boxing Day' (2021)

This British flick marks the acting debut of singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, of Little Mix fame, and it is also the UK's first Black Christmas rom-com, according to Reuters. Melvin "Smelly" Mckenzie (Aml Ameen) resides in Los Angeles but returns to London during the holidays to promote his new book. While at home, he decides to introduce his American girlfriend Lisa Dixon (Aja Naomi King) to his family. But, Melvin's relatives are still attached to his ex-girlfriend Georgia (Pinnock), who secretly harbors romantic feelings for him.

'Bridget Jones's Diary' (2001)

The first film of this beloved trilogy begins with Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) making a New Year's resolution to change her life. She lists her dreams in a diary, one being to find love. Her wish quickly come true as two men, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), fall for her. Caught in a love triangle, Bridget continues to chronicle her experiences in her diary as she figures out who is Mr. Right.

'Sleepless in Seattle' (1993)

Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is a widower caring for his eight-year old son, Jonah, after his wife dies from cancer. The father and son move to Seattle and one night Jonah calls a radio station. Sam gets on the phone and starts opening up about missing his late wife, as listeners around the country hear his tragic love story. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) is so touched by the story that she writes a letter to Sam asking him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. Jonah receives the letter and concocts a plan to get the two together.

'The Best Man Holiday' (2013)

In the second entry of "The Best Man" franchise, the college friends reunite after Mia (Monica Calhoun) invites them to a get together for Christmas. The longtime friends (Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau), who haven't seen each other for 15 years, meet and catch up. They quickly realize that they haven't put the past behind them and some romantic (and resentful) feelings still linger.

'Falling For Christmas' (2022)

Sierra Belmont (Lindsay Lohan) is a well-known hotel heiress who gets a new position at her father's ski resort in Aspen. Sierra and her boyfriend climb to the top of a mountain near the resort and he proposes to her. She says "yes" but loses her balance and falls from the mountain. When she wakes. up, Sierra is in a hospital bed and can't remember her name. While trying to rediscover her identity, she stays at a bed and breakfast run by Jake (Chord Overstreet), who has a daughter. As time goes on, Sierra and Jake grow closer but she wonders why no one is looking for her.

'When Harry Met Sally' (1989)

Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet at the University of Chicago after graduation. Harry, who is dating Sally's friend Amanda, needs a ride to New York City for a new job. Sally is starting journalism school in the Big Apple, so she agrees to drive the two of them. Along the way, Sally and Harry argue about their different views of relationships, with Harry believing that men and women can't be friends. When they arrive in New York City, they go their separate ways. But, the two repeatedly run into each other over the next 12 years, testing their "friendship."

'This Christmas' (2007)

As the holiday season arrives, Ma'Dere (Loretta Devine) wishes to bring her family, the Whitfields, together after four years apart. Her six children come home for Christmas, but she soon learns that many of them, like son Quentin, Jr. (Idris Elba), are keeping secrets. Daughter Lisa (Regina King) is also struggling to raise her two children with husband Malcolm (Laz Alonso), who is cheating on her. As more secrets are revealed, the family must learn to forgive and support each other.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com