The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and the scent of cinnamon spice is starting to fill the air. That can only mean one thing: the holiday season is just around the corner. And with it comes the heartwarming tradition of snuggling up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa and enjoying a good holiday movie. 2021 promises a sleigh-full of new releases, catering to every taste from heartwarming romances to hilarious family comedies and even animated adventures. Get ready to mark your calendars because this is your ultimate guide to the holiday movies coming out in 2021!
A Season of Romance: Holiday Rom-Coms Taking Center Stage
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of romance, and 2021 is delivering plenty of heartwarming stories about finding love during the most wonderful time of the year. These movies are perfect for those who believe in holiday magic and happily ever afters.
Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas: A Festive Staple
No discussion of holiday romance is complete without mentioning the Hallmark Channel’s annual “Countdown to Christmas.” This year, the network is bringing us a whole new lineup of original movies filled with cozy sweaters, charming small towns, and, of course, plenty of holiday cheer. Expect the usual formula of characters rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas, overcoming obstacles, and finding love in unexpected places.
Hallmark films are often characterized by their familiar tropes, but their consistent quality and focus on wholesome romance have earned them a dedicated following. Their appeal lies in their predictability and comforting familiarity. You know exactly what you’re getting, and for many viewers, that’s precisely the point.
Several familiar faces from Hallmark’s past will return, alongside some fresh talent, promising a diverse range of stories and characters. Themes of second chances, family reconciliation, and the importance of community will be prevalent throughout the season. Keep an eye on the Hallmark Channel’s website and social media for the full schedule of releases.
Netflix & Chill: Holiday Romance with a Modern Twist
Netflix is also upping its holiday rom-com game in 2021, offering a mix of original movies with diverse casts and contemporary storylines. Expect a blend of lighthearted comedies and more emotionally resonant dramas, all centered around the theme of love during the holiday season.
One particularly anticipated title is set to feature a diverse cast and explore themes of cultural identity alongside the traditional romantic plot. Netflix is known for taking risks and experimenting with different genres, so expect some unconventional twists on the classic holiday rom-com formula. Netflix’s holiday offerings tend to be more diverse and inclusive, reflecting a wider range of experiences and perspectives.
The streaming giant also offers a convenient way to binge-watch holiday movies, making it easy to get your fill of festive romance all season long. With a wide variety of titles to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone on Netflix’s holiday movie lineup.
Beyond the Big Networks: Indie Romances and Hidden Gems
While Hallmark and Netflix dominate the holiday rom-com landscape, don’t overlook the smaller, independent films that often offer a unique and refreshing perspective. These movies might not have the same level of marketing or star power, but they can often surprise and delight with their heartfelt stories and authentic characters.
Keep an eye out for films premiering at film festivals or being released on smaller streaming platforms. These hidden gems can offer a more nuanced and sophisticated take on holiday romance, exploring complex relationships and challenging traditional tropes. Independent films often offer a more authentic and less formulaic portrayal of love and relationships.
Family Fun: Holiday Comedies for All Ages
The holidays are a time for family, and what better way to celebrate than by watching a hilarious holiday comedy together? 2021 is bringing us a sleigh-load of family-friendly films guaranteed to bring laughter and joy to your home.
Slapstick Silliness: Over-the-Top Holiday Hijinks
For those who enjoy a good dose of slapstick comedy, there are several movies promising plenty of over-the-top holiday hijinks. Expect pratfalls, wacky characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that will appeal to both kids and adults.
These movies often rely on physical humor and exaggerated situations to create a sense of chaos and fun. The goal is to provide lighthearted entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together. Look for films featuring well-known comedians and actors known for their comedic timing. These movies are perfect for those who don’t take themselves too seriously and just want to have a good laugh.
Heartwarming Humor: Finding the True Meaning of Christmas
Not all holiday comedies are about pure silliness. Many films blend humor with heartwarming messages about the importance of family, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas. These movies aim to make you laugh while also tugging at your heartstrings.
Expect stories about families overcoming challenges, learning valuable lessons, and rediscovering the joy of the holiday season. These movies often feature themes of generosity, forgiveness, and the importance of giving back to the community. They are perfect for families who want to watch something that is both entertaining and meaningful.
Look for films that feature strong ensemble casts and relatable characters. These movies often explore complex family dynamics and the challenges of navigating the holidays together.
Animated Adventures: Holiday Magic for the Young and Young at Heart
Animated holiday movies are a staple of the season, and 2021 is delivering several new adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Expect stunning visuals, catchy songs, and heartwarming stories that will appeal to both children and adults.
These movies often feature fantastical worlds, magical creatures, and heartwarming messages about the power of belief and the importance of kindness. Animated holiday movies are a great way to introduce children to the spirit of the season and to create lasting memories together.
Look for films featuring well-known voice actors and talented animators. These movies often push the boundaries of animation technology and storytelling, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences.
Beyond the Cheer: Holiday Dramas and Thought-Provoking Stories
While holiday cheer is a dominant theme, some films offer a more nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the holiday season. These dramas explore complex themes such as loss, grief, and the challenges of family relationships, offering a more realistic portrayal of the holidays.
Facing Loss and Healing: Finding Hope in the Darkness
The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have experienced loss, and some films address this reality head-on. These dramas explore the themes of grief, healing, and finding hope in the darkness.
Expect stories about characters grappling with the absence of loved ones, learning to cope with their pain, and finding ways to honor their memories during the holiday season. These movies offer a space for viewers to connect with their own experiences of loss and to find comfort in shared humanity.
Look for films that feature sensitive and nuanced performances from actors who are able to convey the complexities of grief and healing. These movies often offer a more realistic and empathetic portrayal of the holiday season.
Family Conflicts and Reconciliation: Navigating Complex Relationships
The holidays can also be a time of heightened family conflict, as unresolved issues and long-standing tensions often surface. Some films explore these complex family dynamics, offering a realistic portrayal of the challenges of navigating relationships during the holiday season.
Expect stories about families struggling to communicate, overcome disagreements, and find common ground. These movies offer a valuable opportunity for viewers to reflect on their own family relationships and to consider ways to improve communication and understanding.
Look for films that feature strong ensemble casts and well-developed characters. These movies often explore the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of navigating the holidays together.
Social Commentary: Examining Holiday Traditions and Values
Some holiday movies go beyond the traditional themes of romance and family to offer social commentary on holiday traditions and values. These films may explore issues such as consumerism, social inequality, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
Expect stories that challenge viewers to think critically about the meaning of the holidays and to consider how they can make a positive impact on their communities. These movies offer a valuable opportunity for viewers to engage in meaningful conversations about important social issues.
Look for films that are thought-provoking and insightful, offering a fresh perspective on the holiday season. These movies often challenge viewers to examine their own beliefs and values and to consider how they can live more meaningful lives.
Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms and Theaters
With so many holiday movies coming out in 2021, it’s important to know where to find them. Here’s a breakdown of the major streaming platforms and theaters where you can catch the latest festive films:
- Hallmark Channel: As mentioned earlier, the Hallmark Channel is the go-to destination for heartwarming holiday romances. Check their website and social media for the full schedule of “Countdown to Christmas” movies.
- Netflix: Netflix offers a wide variety of holiday movies, from original rom-coms to family-friendly comedies and animated adventures.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video also has a growing selection of holiday movies, including original titles and classic favorites.
- Disney+: Disney+ is the perfect place to find animated holiday movies for the whole family.
- Theaters: Some major holiday movies will be released in theaters, offering a big-screen experience for those who want to celebrate the season in style.
Remember to check local listings and streaming platform schedules for specific release dates and availability. Happy watching!
Anticipated Titles: A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come
While a comprehensive list of every single holiday movie coming out in 2021 would be impossible to compile at this stage, there are several titles generating buzz and anticipation. Keep an eye out for these films, as they are likely to be among the most talked-about holiday releases of the year.
A Castle for Christmas: Brooke Shields stars as a famous American author who travels to Scotland to buy a castle, only to clash with the grumpy Scottish duke who owns it. Expect a charming romance with beautiful scenery and a touch of holiday magic.
Single All The Way: Peter asks his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays and pretend that they’re dating, hoping to avoid his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status. However, things get complicated when Peter’s mother sets him up on a blind date with her handsome trainer, James. A heartwarming and hilarious LGBTQ+ rom-com.
These are just a few of the many holiday movies coming out in 2021. With so many options to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. So grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and get ready to celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday movie. Happy holidays and happy viewing!
What are some of the most highly anticipated new Christmas movies coming out in 2021?
Several Christmas movies generated significant buzz in 2021. These included “Silent Night,” a darkly comedic take on the holiday gathering starring Keira Knightley, and “A Boy Called Christmas,” an origin story about Father Christmas based on the book by Matt Haig. Other notable releases included “Single All the Way,” a Netflix romantic comedy focusing on a gay man looking for love, and “8-Bit Christmas,” a nostalgic look back at the hunt for a Nintendo Entertainment System.
Beyond these, many viewers eagerly anticipated “The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star” on Netflix, continuing the Vanessa Hudgens-led franchise. Hallmark and Lifetime also released their usual abundance of holiday-themed movies, catering to those seeking lighter, feel-good entertainment. The sheer volume of options across streaming services and traditional television ensured a diverse selection for every viewer.
Where can I find new holiday movies to stream in 2021?
Streaming services were a major hub for new holiday movie releases in 2021. Netflix, in particular, offered a substantial selection of original movies, ranging from rom-coms to family-friendly adventures. Amazon Prime Video also contributed to the streaming offerings, as did Disney+, which presented festive films suitable for all ages. Hulu hosted a collection of movies, incorporating both original content and licensed titles.
Beyond these major platforms, smaller streaming services and cable network websites provided access to additional holiday movies. It was advisable to check these services regularly, as new titles were often added throughout November and December. Additionally, many cable networks streamed content on their apps, allowing users to watch films on demand with a cable subscription.
Are there any family-friendly animated Christmas movies coming out in 2021?
While not exclusively Christmas-themed, “Ron’s Gone Wrong,” released in October 2021, offered a family-friendly animated adventure suitable for the holiday season. The film centers on a socially awkward middle-schooler and his malfunctioning robot friend, providing heartwarming and humorous entertainment. Though not overtly Christmas-centric, its themes of friendship and acceptance aligned well with the holiday spirit.
Additionally, streaming services often featured animated Christmas specials and short films targeted at younger audiences. Checking platforms like Disney+ and Netflix proved fruitful for those seeking purely animated holiday content. Furthermore, some major animated studios re-released classic holiday films in theaters or on streaming, offering timeless options for families to enjoy together.
Will there be any new romantic comedies set during the holidays in 2021?
Romantic comedies were abundant during the 2021 holiday season. Netflix became a significant player in this genre with movies like “Single All the Way,” which offered a fresh perspective on the typical holiday rom-com formula. Other streaming services and cable networks also contributed to the market with a variety of feel-good romantic stories set against a festive backdrop.
Hallmark and Lifetime continued their tradition of releasing numerous holiday-themed romantic comedies, typically featuring predictable yet comforting storylines and happily-ever-after endings. These films provided a consistent stream of lighthearted entertainment for viewers seeking familiar and heartwarming content. The sheer number of choices guaranteed something to suit individual preferences within the rom-com genre.
Are any well-known actors starring in new holiday movies in 2021?
Several prominent actors appeared in new holiday movies released in 2021. Keira Knightley starred in “Silent Night,” a darkly comedic film that offered a different take on the traditional Christmas gathering. Vanessa Hudgens reprised her roles in “The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star,” continuing her popular holiday franchise on Netflix.
Neil Patrick Harris featured in “8-Bit Christmas,” adding a recognizable face to the nostalgic tale of a young boy’s quest for a Nintendo. Many other actors from television and film also starred in various holiday movies, particularly in the Hallmark and Lifetime lineups, enhancing the appeal of these festive productions with familiar faces and established talent.
Will there be any new Christmas movies in theaters in 2021?
The theatrical release landscape for Christmas movies in 2021 was somewhat limited compared to pre-pandemic years, but still present. While streaming services dominated the holiday movie market, some studios opted for theatrical releases for certain films. The family film, “A Boy Called Christmas,” received a limited theatrical release in some regions alongside its streaming debut.
Typically, major studios released at least one or two high-profile Christmas movies in theaters to capitalize on the holiday season. Checking local cinema listings and online ticketing platforms provided the most up-to-date information on theatrical releases in a specific area. The overall trend, however, shifted towards streaming, making online platforms the primary source for new holiday movies.
What can I expect from Hallmark and Lifetime’s holiday movie lineups in 2021?
Hallmark and Lifetime continued their tradition of delivering a substantial quantity of holiday-themed movies in 2021, primarily focused on romantic comedies and heartwarming family stories. Viewers could anticipate a consistent stream of feel-good movies featuring familiar tropes, such as small-town settings, unexpected romances, and themes of family and community. These movies typically offered a predictable yet comforting viewing experience.
The lineups typically featured a diverse cast of actors, including both established stars and rising talents. Hallmark and Lifetime maintained their commitment to providing a consistent stream of festive entertainment for viewers seeking lighthearted and emotionally uplifting content. The sheer volume of movies ensured a constant supply of new holiday options throughout the season.