Heading into the holiday season, many students look for ways to decompress during a stressful finals season or get into the festive mood. While the traditional “Home Alone” franchise and “Polar Express” are nostalgic films, they have been watched and re-watched hundreds of times. The Daily Texan compiled a list of newly released and currently trending holiday films to offer a new perspective and sense of community during the holidays.
“Christmas on Duty” – Released Nov. 1 on The Hallmark Channel
This film adds a Christmas twist to a traditional enemies-to-lovers romantic-comedy trope. It stars Janel Parrish as Blair Birch and Parker Young as Josh Cannon, who play two rival Marines who are forced to spend Christmas together. Slightly straying away from typicalities like mistletoe and jingle bells, this story focuses on making amends, burying the hatchet and forming newfound connections amidst the holiday season.
“A Merry Little Ex-Mas” – Released Nov. 12 on Netflix
This movie offers a new take on the traditional small-town Christmas film by highlighting a newly divorced couple who are struggling to keep up with their Christmas traditions amidst new households and new families. Starring Alicia Silverstone as Kate and Oliver Hudson as Everett, “A Merry Little Ex-Mas” highlights how intertwined a family can be, despite their seeming distance.
“A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” – Released Nov. 14 on Disney+
This Christmas story follows Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas, famously known as the Jonas Brothers, on their trip home from a concert, plagued by strained relationships and reclaiming their brotherhood. It offers a perfect watch for all Jonas Brothers fans who want to experience a musical holiday season and are able to connect over expansive vocals and familiar characters.
“Champagne Problems” – Released Nov. 19 on Netflix
Starring Minka Kelly as Sydney Price, this film takes a creative approach to a traditional Christmas romantic comedy. Highlighting the budding relationship between a Parisian tourist and the heir to a global champagne company, “Champagne Problems” explores balancing holiday festivities and career ambition, highlighting that even amidst complex workplace environments, social connection can remain a priority.
“The Family Plan 2” — Released Nov 21. on Apple TV
This sequel to “The Family Plan” stars Mark Wahlberg as an assassin character who has put his killing days behind him and spends the holiday season on vacation with his kids, only to accidentally put his family in danger. This film pays homage to “Die Hard” in that it’s not inherently a holiday film, but an adventure film set during the holidays.