As the holiday season winds down, Netflix's annual batch of feel-good Christmas rom-coms has once again proven their irresistible appeal, racking up 70.7 million views across four new originals in their debut weeks.
While this falls short of last year's 81.2 million - largely boosted by Lindsay Lohan's blockbuster "Our Little Secret" with 32.4 million debut views - the 2025 lineup demonstrates that subscribers crave cozy escapism more than A-list glamour.
In a year of economic caution and quieter celebrations, these mid-budget tales of love, mishaps, and festive redemption hit the sweet spot for blanket-and-hot-cocoa viewing.
The 2025 Holiday Hits: Solid Performances Without the Hype
Netflix rolled out its slate starting in November:
- A Merry Little Ex-Mas (starring Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson) kicked things off with 12.8 million views in its debut week, landing at No. 2 on the English-language films chart.
- Champagne Problems (Minka Kelly) followed strongly, topping the charts with 20.5 million views.
- Jingle Bell Heist (Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells) brought a heist twist, debuting with 19.3 million views.
- My Secret Santa (Alexandra Breckenridge) wrapped the season at No. 1 with 18.1 million views.
These numbers reflect a deliberate shift: Netflix opted for relatable casts over mega-stars, betting on the genre's built-in comfort factor. As one analysis notes, viewers flock to these "small-to-mid-budget rom-coms that channel the spirit of the season," even without the buzz of prior years' Lindsay Lohan or Kristen Chenoweth vehicles.
Why Holiday Movies Remain Netflix's Secret Weapon
The streamer's holiday strategy taps into a universal desire for low-stakes joy amid real-world stress. No deep plots or heavy drama - just predictable warmth, snowy backdrops, and happy endings. This year, with global uncertainties lingering, subscribers clearly prioritized unwinding: Cue the salads, blankets, and autoplay.
Interestingly, evergreen content like the famous Yule Log fireplace video continues to draw millions, proving that sometimes the simplest offerings win.
Netflix's formula - reliable sentimentality over spectacle - keeps costs down while delivering massive engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Recipe for Continued Success
Though down from 2024's peak (driven by "Our Little Secret"'s outlier performance), 70.7 million views underscore the enduring power of holiday escapism. As Netflix competes with Hallmark's expanding catalog (thanks to a 2025 licensing deal), expect more of these cozy confections in 2026.
For now, if you're still in the festive mood, these films offer the perfect no-thinking-required binge - proof that sometimes, less star power means more heartfelt hits.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
