If you loved the heartwarming and humorous twists of 'An Unexpected Christmas' (2021), you're in for a treat! This article highlights 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same festive charm, unexpected romance, and holiday magic. Whether you're looking for cozy Christmas tales or delightful romantic comedies, these picks will keep you entertained all season long.

Holiday Inn (1942)
Description: A classic musical romantic comedy set around a country inn that opens only on holidays. The film features festive songs, dance numbers, and a charming love story, making it a timeless holiday favorite.
Fact: The song 'White Christmas,' which debuted in this film, became one of the best-selling singles of all time and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.


The Santa Clause (1994)
Description: A family-friendly holiday fantasy comedy about a man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus. The film combines humor, magic, and heartwarming moments as the protagonist embraces his new role.
Fact: The movie's success led to two sequels, making it a beloved holiday trilogy that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.


Love Actually (2003)
Description: A festive ensemble romantic comedy that intertwines multiple love stories, all set during the Christmas season. The film captures the joy, heartache, and warmth of the holidays through its interconnected narratives.
Fact: The famous airport reunion scene at the end of the movie was filmed at Heathrow Airport, and the extras in the scene were real travelers who had no idea they were being filmed.


Elf (2003)
Description: A whimsical holiday comedy about a human raised as an elf at the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his real father. The film is filled with humor, heart, and a strong message about the spirit of Christmas.
Fact: The iconic scene where Buddy spills syrup on his spaghetti was improvised by Will Ferrell, adding to the film's spontaneous charm.


The Polar Express (2004)
Description: An animated holiday adventure that takes viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole. The film emphasizes themes of belief, wonder, and the joy of Christmas through its stunning visuals and heartfelt story.
Fact: The movie was one of the first fully animated films to use motion capture technology, creating a unique and lifelike animation style.


The Family Stone (2005)
Description: A family-centric holiday dramedy that explores themes of love, acceptance, and the complexities of family dynamics during Christmas. The film balances humor and heartfelt moments as the Stone family gathers for the holidays.
Fact: The movie was shot in sequence, which is rare for films, to help the actors develop their characters more naturally over the course of the story.


Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Description: A lighthearted holiday comedy about a couple who decide to skip Christmas, only to face the hilarious consequences of their decision. The film highlights the importance of community and tradition during the festive season.
Fact: The movie is based on the bestselling novel 'Skipping Christmas' by John Grisham, known for his legal thrillers, making this a departure from his usual genre.


The Holiday (2006)
Description: A heartwarming romantic comedy set during the Christmas season, featuring themes of love, self-discovery, and the magic of the holidays. The story revolves around two women who swap homes and find unexpected romance.
Fact: The movie's iconic English cottage was a set built specifically for the film, and it became a popular tourist attraction after its release.


A Christmas Carol (2009)
Description: A animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale about a miserly man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The story explores themes of redemption, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Fact: This version of the story was filmed using 3D motion capture technology, with Jim Carrey playing multiple roles, including Scrooge and all three ghosts.


Last Christmas (2019)
Description: A romantic comedy with a holiday twist, blending humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. The story follows a woman who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop and finds love during the festive season.
Fact: The film features several songs by George Michael and Wham!, including the titular track 'Last Christmas,' which plays a significant role in the storyline.
