Sometimes, in the dead of summer, you need an extravagantly cheerful Christmas movie to beat the heat. Even with predictable plots and corny acting, it’s hard to resist that winter wonderland appeal when it's 90 degrees outside.
When you're in the mood for a "Christmas in July" marathon, Netflix is the place to go. They have some of the best Christmas romance movies with an extra dose of cheese factor, perfect for a mid-summer binge. While you may roll your eyes, these films are sure to leave you with warm feelings, no matter how hot it actually is outside.
So grab an iced cocoa, crank up the AC and get cozy with these festive flicks. They prove you don't need snow on the ground to get into the holiday spirit.
'Holidate'
No one wants to attend a holiday party alone. Emma Roberts' Sloane and Luke Bracey's Jackson are tired of terrible dates and meddling family members. When they run into each other while returning presents at a store, they decide to become each other's plus one for all upcoming holiday parties. The two never intend to fall in love, only to ease the burden of awkward family gatherings.
The movies feature holidays all year, starting with New Year's Eve and ending with Christmas. However, as the story progresses, a romance emerges, encouraging you to root for their relationship to come together. The excellent chemistry between Roberts and Bracey and the strong supporting cast, including the ever-delightful comedienne Kristin Chenoweth, make this a film you will surely enjoy.
Stream on Netflix
'Holiday in the Wild'
"Holiday in the Wild" isn't your stereotypical Christmas movie, which actually makes it a perfect watch in mid-summer. Kristen Davis stars as Kate Conrad, who surprises her husband with a second honeymoon trip to Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, he confesses he's in love with another woman, leaving Kate with one thought: Should she go on the trip anyway?
Obviously, she does leave for the trip. However, when her pilot, Rob Lowe's Derek, has to land the plane in the wild, she becomes involved in his life as an elephant conservationist. She bonds with a baby elephant she helps save, gently delivering an essential message to viewers about the threat of poachers on the elephant community. It's a charming movie to watch with everyone in your family.
Stream on Netflix
'A Castle for Christmas'
There is nothing like traveling to a foreign country to escape your problems. Famous author Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields) gets to do that when she goes to Scotland to flee the backlash of killing off one of her most famous characters. Fortunately, she discovers that the fans there love her books, including the most recent novel that gave her the most trouble in the United States.
While in the area, she also explores her family roots, visiting the castle where her father worked as a groundskeeper. She discovers it's for sale and faces off against the disgruntled duke, Cary Elwes' Myles Dunbar. He only agrees to sell it to her if she stays with him for 90 days. The unexpected happens, and the two begin to fall in love. While the plot line is incredibly predictable, you'll relish every moment of this charming Christmas romance.
Stream on Netflix
