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During the holiday season, radio stations play Christmas music nonstop, and various streaming platforms like Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video release a plethora of new heartwarming Christmas movies for viewers to enjoy by the fireside. The extensive range of options ensures there’s something for everyone among the festive films of 2023.
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New Christmas Movies Coming To Streaming Services In 2023
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday — Netflix
Fans of the 2022 animated adventure “The Bad Guys” can enjoy a special treat this holiday season on Netflix. In “The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday,” the mischievous animals plan a holiday heist, only to have their plans thwarted when the holiday gets canceled. Now, they must revive the festive spirit to proceed with their plan to steal joy and cash. While not a standalone film, this holiday special expands on the original with a tone consistent with the original movie. It makes for a great addition to a double feature, and it’s available for streaming on Netflix starting November 30th.
Best. Christmas. Ever! — Netflix
Director Mary Lambert, known for her work on the 1989 horror film Pet Sematary, seems to have shifted away from horror with her recent festive films. Best. Christmas. Ever. marks her second holiday film in a row. The story revolves around Charlotte (Heather Graham), who annually sends a boastful holiday newsletter to her friends, including Jackie (Brandy). Jackie, now at Charlotte’s doorstep for the holidays, is determined to prove to her boyfriend that Charlotte’s seemingly perfect life isn’t as it appears. While not the highest-rated new holiday film of 2023, Best. Christmas. Ever. is charming, featuring excellent chemistry between Brandy and Graham, making it a worthwhile watch on Netflix starting November 30.
Candy Cane Lane — Prime Video
Candy Cane Lane revolves around a determined patriarch striving to win his neighborhood’s Christmas decoration contest. To enhance his chances, he strikes a deal with an elf named Pepper, only to discover that she may not be as she seems.
Reasons to watch it include the captivating performances of Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, though the true standout is Jillian Bell in a hilarious antagonist role. Despite the somewhat predictable plot, Murphy and Ross add their charm to the film until the entry of the enigmatic elf adds a twist to the narrative.
Dashing Through the Snow — Disney+
For fans of Lil Rel Howery, “Dashing Through the Snow” is a delightful treat as he effortlessly steals the spotlight. The story revolves around social worker Eddie Garrick (Ludacris), who harbors bitter sentiments towards the holiday season due to a past incident with a mall Santa. In an attempt to find closure, Eddie encounters a different mall Santa. The film stands out for the excellent chemistry between Howery and Ludacris, leaving audiences wishing for a better script to complement their dynamic. Despite its charm, “Dashing Through the Snow” takes narrative risks, deviating from the typical clichés found in generic Hallmark films.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever — Disney+
In the upcoming film “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever,” young Gregg Heffley is determined to impress Santa and his parents as Christmas approaches. However, earning brownie points becomes challenging when he, his brother, and parents find themselves stuck together in a snow-surrounded cabin. The movie, an adaptation of the book with the same name, is the seventh installment in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and the third in animated form. Scheduled for release on December 8 on Disney+, the film promises yuletide mayhem and has received positive early reviews, making it a noteworthy addition to the franchise.
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EXmas — Prime Video
EXmas, a delightful Christmas romantic comedy, unfolds the story of an awkward holiday reunion. When Graham (played by Robbie Amell) returns home for Christmas, he discovers that his ex-fiancée is already present. Initially, he had informed his family that he wouldn’t make it, leading them to invite his ex instead. With a sudden change in plans, the situation could either result in the worst Christmas ever or mark the start of a rekindled relationship.
While EXmas may not boast the finest acting in cinematic history and doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table, it offers a pleasant escape. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and will be free with ads on Freevee starting November 17.
Family Switch — Netflix
Several years after her role in “13 Going on 30,” Jennifer Garner makes a comedic comeback in “Family Switch.” The storyline revolves around a family of five experiencing a rare planetary alignment that causes them to swap bodies. As the parents and their three kids navigate life in each other’s shoes, hilarity ensues. Set to debut on Netflix in the last month of the year, “Family Switch” is poised to be a streaming success. With its family-friendly appeal and standout performances by Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms, the film promises entertainment for viewers of all ages.
Genie — Peacock
Melissa McCarthy has consistently been a beloved figure in Hollywood, often portraying endearing characters. This trend continues in Peacock’s “Genie,” where McCarthy takes on the role of a genie tasked with assisting a man named Bernard in getting his life back on track. The film, penned by Richard Curtis of “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill” fame, boasts delightful and witty dialogue. Alongside McCarthy, the cast includes strong comedic performances from Marc Maron and Alan Cumming, making “Genie” a worthwhile watch, currently available for streaming on Peacock.
It’s a Wonderful Knife — Shudder
In 2023, Justin Long starred in two outstanding horror films that left a lasting impact. The first, “Barbarian,” is hailed as a modern horror masterpiece with a captivating twist. The second, “It’s a Wonderful Knife,” adds a comedic touch to the horror genre, drawing inspiration from the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” However, this time, the gender-switched protagonist reflects on past interactions that led to saving a life rather than analyzing flaws. The film initially premiered exclusively on Shudder, a fitting platform for a movie that skillfully blends genres, maintains a cheeky tone, and delivers the gore and scares that horror enthusiasts crave.
Merry Little Batman
“Merry Little Batman,” directed by Mike Roth and co-written by Etan Cohen, follows Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. In this animated film, Damian finds himself in a situation similar to Kevin McAllister in Home Alone but with more significant challenges than just dealing with low-level cat burglars.
There are compelling reasons to watch this film, including its stunning animation style and a cast of familiar voices, with Luke Wilson portraying Batman. The movie promises to offer an entertaining expansion of the well-established Batman universe. Scheduled to start streaming on Amazon Prime Video on December 8, “Merry Little Batman” also serves as a backdoor pilot for the upcoming series “Bat-Family.”
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