10 new Christmas shows to binge on in 2022

1. Spirited

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1/10

Starring: Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer, Patrick Page, Aimee Carrero

The premise: A modern retelling of the classic Charles Dickens’s tale A Christmas Carol, this must-watch Christmas special is a musical comedy packed with singing, dancing, and a hearty dose of energetic holiday entertainment. For the first time, the story is told from the perspective of the ghosts, with original songs by Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land).

What the Internet is saying: Adding an impressive amount of star power to this film, Ferrell and Reynolds teaming up together make for an undisputedly charismatic duo with excellent comedic timing. This is also the Deadpool actor’s first on-screen musical, and though he describes filming as ‘obscenely challenging and scary’, he succeeded all expectations with his delivery and energetic dance moves.

Watch it on: Apple TV+

2. Something From Tiffany’s

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2/10

Starring: Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, Ray Nicholson, Shay Mitchell

The premise: It’s a classic case of romcom confusion that results in a ‘meet cute’ moment between the main leads: two men purchase two very different gifts – one is buying earrings and the other, an engagement ring – for their partners at Tiffany’s in New York. When an accident occurs and their shopping bags get mixed up, confusion arises with each other’s significant other. The plot is based on a novel of the same title by author Melissa Hill, and the show is produced by Reese Witherspoon.

What the Internet is saying: Excitement is at an all-time high with this feel-good romantic comedy. The general consensus is that the casting is perfect with great chemistry, if the comments section on the official YouTube trailer with 4.4 million views is anything to go by.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

3. Falling for Christmas

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3/10

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, Olivia Perez, George Young

The premise: Mean Girls queen Lindsay Lohan makes her highly anticipated comeback with this festive rom-com by Netflix. She stars as a young, newly engaged, and also incredibly spoiled hotel heiress who has a skiing accident right before Christmas. Surprise, surprise – she gets amnesia as a result of the accident, but luckily for her, she’s taken in by a handsome local widower and his daughter, who both teach her the true meaning of Christmas.

What the Internet is saying: As far as plots go, it's a predictable heartwarming rom-com storyline formula, but hey, that’s the cheesy charm of romantic comedies that we love to indulge in. Fans have been celebrating Lohan’s return to the screen, and this film proves that her screen presence and effortless magnetism has not diminished one bit.

Where to watch: Netflix

4. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

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4/10

Starring: Luke Evans, Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Jonathan Pryce

The premise: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens takes another form this Christmas through this animated adaptation. This supernatural musical is slightly more family-friendly though, with Evans lending his voice as a miserly old man who finally discovers the true meaning of Christmas after a series of hauntings from ghostly friends.

What the Internet is saying: Everyone seems to love the ghosts in this animated film, and there’s lots of praise for their creative portrayals in the show. Amusingly, the British monarchy from The Crown stars in this film – Olivia Colman portrayed the Queen in season three and four, while Jonathan Pryce portrays Prince Philip in season five and six.

Where to watch: Netflix

5. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

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5/10

Starring: Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn

The premise: Your favourite Guardians of the Galaxy characters are back on the (small) screen, wrapped in tinsel. Filmed during the production of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, this 42-minute holiday special follows Mantis (Klementieff) and Drax (Bautista) as they set out on a quest to find the perfect Christmas gift for fellow Guardian and leader Peter Quill (Pratt).

What the Internet is saying: This light-hearted Christmas special is one that both hardcore Marvel fans and newcomers can delight in. Expect the usual Guardian mischief and chaos wrapped in a fun, festive plot, and keep an eye out for hidden Easter eggs throughout the film.

Where to watch: Disney+

6. Violent Night

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6/10

Starring: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder

The premise: When a group of mercenaries attack a wealthy family’s estate and take them hostage, who better to save the day than Santa Claus? Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow) stars in this action-comedy film as a foul-mouthed, cynical Santa looking to add some names to his naughty list – better watch out, Santa Claus is coming to town.

What the Internet is saying: Expect some gory bloodshed to spill across your screen, as well as some snarky one-liners from a Santa who was also a former Viking warrior. It’s a film that shares a similar tone with Deadpool in terms of hilarity and gratuitous violence. There are already rumours from the production team regarding a spin-off, which will centre around Mrs. Claus.

Where to watch: Out in theatres now

7. Disenchanted

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7/10

Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel

The premise: The sequel to the 2007 Disney film Enchanted, Disenchanted is not a Christmas movie per se, and the plot has no Santa, elves, or reindeers. However, it’s still part of Disney’s festive shows line-up, and the movie’s fairytale premise is entirely enchanting and celebrates the magical spirit of Christmas. The movie takes place ten years after the events of the first film, where Giselle (Adams) and Robert (Dempsey) try to figure out what happily ever after truly means.

What the Internet is saying: Though many miss the simplicity of its predecessor, Disenchanted is a worthy follow-up and a nostalgic watch for many who recall the original Enchanted film.

Where to watch: Disney+

8. Your Christmas or Mine?

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8/10

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Daniel Mays, Angela Griffin

The premise: A young couple – Hayley and James – are madly in love with each other but are forced to be apart for the holidays. When they’re on their individual trains, they both make the same split-second decision to swap trains and surprise each other. As all romantic comedies go, they unwittingly pass by each other at the station, and as a result, they inadvertently swapped Christmases.

What the Internet is saying: While the main romantic leads spend more time apart than together as compared to other films of the same genre, this feel-good festive film offers the same warm and cosy feeling with its wholesome narrative. If you’re currently in a long-distance relationship, prepare tissues – the film is all too relatable.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

9. I Hate Christmas

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9/10

Starring: Pilar Fogliati, Beatrice Arnera, Fiorenza Pieri

The premise: Based on the Norwegian Netflix series Home For Christmas, this Italian remake stars a 30-year-old single nurse who is desperate to find a partner by Christmas after lying to her family about having a boyfriend. Her dates along her quest are a wildly mixed bag, leaving viewers to wonder – is love really on the cards for Gianna?

What the Internet is saying: This classic holiday rom-com series addresses a common situation single women tend to face at family gatherings or holiday parties – pressure from their family or society to be in a romantic relationship and to bring a plus-one home for the holidays. Everyone is rooting for Gianna to actually find that partner before Christmas.

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery

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10/10

Starring: Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Maya Rudolph

The premise: The Christmas special of the hit comedic murder-mystery television series sees senior detective Terry Seattle (Arnett) – who hates Christmas – setting out on a mission to save the holidays by finding out who killed Santa. As with all other Murderville episodes, guest stars Bateman and Rudolph, who both star as trainees, have no idea what will happen to them as they aren’t being given a script; they’ll have to improvise through the case as they find and name the killer.

What the Internet is saying: Bateman and Rudolph’s improvs shine through in the Muderville’s tried-and-tested formula, and there are already calls for the guest stars to star in the regular line-up. Arnett’s comedic talents are, as always, a dose of entertainment.

Watch it on: Netflix