Cheeeesy Christmas Movies (2023)

Who doesn’t love a good cheesy Christmas movie around the holidays??? Every year around Thanksgiving, tv/streaming networks circulate a list of all upcoming Christmas movies that will appear on their platform and I for one live for these lists. I usually make a list from that list (sounds nerdy right) of each movie detailing when I’ll watch, if I’ve seen it previously, and subjectively, which movie I believe I’ll like more based upon the title alone.

More often than not, the plot is completely repetitive as viewers can almost guess what will happen within the first 20 minutes. For instance, there’s the small city girl on assignment from her glorious job in the city who runs into an ex from high school, the strangers who “pretends” to be a couple and end up falling in love and lastly, the girl who “accidently” falls in love with a Prince or someone with a royal bloodline. We’ve seen it all, yet we still faithfully watch year after year. One great thing I will point out is the inclusion of diverse leads in these movies– it’s about time and I’m so here for it!!!

Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of cheesy Christmas movies that I’ve binged recently to help you determine which to check out. There are six days until Christmas, so more than enough time to get a few views under your belt. I’d also love to hear your recommendations for any movies that I haven’t listed.

Candy Cane Lane (Amazon)

…starring Eddie Murphy. Synopsis: Family tries to win their neighborhood Christmas decorating contest. When they enlist the help of an evil elf, chaos ensues.  Review: Now I wouldn’t classify this as a cheesy Christmas movie, however it was a was a great family film (albeit not my favorite) which is why I’m adding it here.

Best.Christmas.Ever! (Netflix)

…starring Brandy Norwood. Synopsis: Woman sets out to prove that her friend’s life isn’t as perfect as she makes it seem. Review: Terrible!!! Now I love Brandy, but this movie was not only cheesy but an epic failure. Maybe because she’s Brandy and I think she’s a better actress than what she portrays in the movie, however, not only were the characters bad, but the overall plot was also just awful. You’ve been warned!

Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen (Hallmark Movies)

…starring Erin Krakow Synopsis: Sisters who run a party planning business don’t see eye to eye on how to move forward with their new client. Review: Very cheesy, very BAD! Watching this, I felt like the cast were just given their lines at the start of filming.

EXmas (Amazon)

…starring Robbie Amell Synopsis: Man surprises his family for the holidays only to realize they have kept in touch with the girl who broke his heart.  Review: although this movie fit the bill for being cheesy, it also had some genuinely funny parts. Robbie Amell has been in some of my favorite shows such as The Flash and Upload so he’s a pretty decent actor. Give this one a watch.

A Christmas Dance Reunion (Lifetime)

…starring Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman Synopsis: Girl returns to hometown to help save a resort with the help of her ex. Review: Cheesy but definitely watchable. Those of you who have kids who grew up watching the High School Musical movies which took the 2005/2006 era by storm will easily recognize many of the characters. Seems like some of the content was used as an ode to the old film.

Merry Swissmas (Lifetime)

…starring Jodie Sweetin Synopsis: Woman returns to hometown to discover that her ex and her best friend are dating. Review: Where do I begin with this one…. The plot could have been salvaged if it had a different cast. The cast members were stiff, wooden and didn’t have any chemistry whatsoever. Throughout the movie, every actor/actress had a weird blank stare as if to say, who am I and what am I doing here! If you are a fan of the tv shows, Full House or Schitt’s Creek, you’ll recognize the main leads. One good thing is that the scenery is absolutely stunning.

Yes Chef, Christmas (Lifetime)

…starring Tia Mowry Synopsis: Woman enters a Christmas cook-off and learns a huge family secret. Review: Tia Mowry was great in this and did a good job of bringing her character to life. The cameras captured some beautiful scenes that really stood out to me as a viewer, however although there was natural chemistry with the cast, she and her on-screen love interest had none. I felt like they really tried, but it seemed very forced. Luckily, it didn’t take anything away from the movie.

Christmas at the Chalet (Lifetime)

…starring Teri Hatcher Synopsis: Woman is coerced into spending Christmas in Aspen with her son, ex-husband and his new girlfriend. Review: I really liked this movie. I’ve liked Terri Hatcher since the Superman series and Desperate Housewives. I gotta say she was great in this, and the plot was far from cheesy. It definitely made me add Aspen to my list of wintery places to visit.

One Fine Christmas (OWN)

…starring Vanessa Williams Synopsis: Girl returns home from college to spend Christmas with her mother whose life is consumed with work. Review: I will say that the storyline was well written and some of the actors did a good job, but the main character was a bust. I’m unsure if it was just her acting skills or if it was because she was surrounded by veteran actors/actresses, either way, the story had a great meaning but terrible main character.

A Christmas Cruise (Tubi)

…starring Viveca A. Fox. Synopsis: Woman finds love on a holiday cruise. Review: Cheesy and Sappy! Love Viveca Fox but it seemed as if I were watching a really long soap opera. RIP to actor Kristoff St. John.

Something from Tiffany’s (Amazon)

…starring Zoey Duetch Synopsis: Woman’s lost engagement ring leads her on an unexpected path to love. Review: LOVED, Loved, loved this movie. I think I watched it three times. It was funny, witty and romantic, just an all-around feel-good movie. Save your Friday night wine for this one.

And there you have, my complete list of cheesy Christmas movies for 2023. I’m sure you will find a few gems within this list, so put on your favorite pjs, grab your favorite blanket and biggest glass of wine and start binging. Until next year…

Have a wonderful Christmas Movie Holiday Season

xo Kee