Streaming giant Netflix has unveiled its list of brand new Christmas films that will be released on their platform one per week beginning on November 4
Netflix subscribers have four new Christmas films to look forward to(Image: Chris Large/Netflix)
TV schedules are always a major talking point when Christmas approaches – and it appears Netflix are embracing the festive spirit early by unveiling their Yuletide films for 2026, much to their subscribers’ excitement.
Even though we tend to go for the classics of Home Alone, Elf and The Grinch, it can be nice to try a new film, even if it does end up with you not being able to get back two hours of your life. It can be a chance to laugh, cringe, or even debate with family while spending that all-important time together.
Annually, the streaming platform adds four seasonal offerings to its already vast catalogue of movies. And now this year’s titles have been unveiled, as television critic Kate Ellen discussed.
“Every year Netflix announces four films in the run-up to Christmas, and we’ve had some real bangers,” she began in a TikTok video, highlighting Hot Frosty and The Merry Gentlemen as past examples. “Last year wasn’t so strong, but this year I think it is their [Netflix] best line-up yet.”
Kate proceeded to list each title, the first of which is available on Netflix early next month, with the others following every Wednesday.
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas – November 4
Ellen revealed that the first to arrive is A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, which lands on Netflix as early as November 4. She said: “It stars Dennis Quaid and Jess from Gilmore Girls [Milo Ventimiglia] as a Basset Hound who apparently can talk.
“Apparently Dennis is like a grumpy grandad who lost his wife a few years ago, and this year it’s up to him, the Basset Hound and his teenage granddaughter to pull the family together and save Christmas.”
Netflix adds in a brief synopsis: “From the bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, a tale of a family in crisis where a teenager, her grandfather and his trusty basset hound struggle to keep the household together at Christmas.”
The Gospel of Christmas – November 11
Seven days later, Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas arrives on Netflix.
“This one is set in New York and follows a pastor [played by actor and singer, Tank] who has inherited his family’s church,” Ellen went on.
“Apparently he’s going to be battling temptation and doubt – and needing to rediscover his faith before Christmas.”
Netflix’s synopsis adds: “Hark! The herald angels sing – and that’s not all they’re getting up to. A brand-new Tyler Perry movie is being gift-wrapped and tied up with a ribbon, right on time for the holiday season, and it features a series of vocal performances that are not to be missed.”
Guarding Stars – November 18
A week later is when “things get really exciting”, according to Ellen.
“This [Guarding Stars] stars Blair from Gossip Girl [Leighton Meester] and Dean from Gilmore Girls [Jared Padalecki],” she reported. “Jared plays an action movie star and Leighton is his no-nonsense bodyguard who is there to protect him over Christmas.”
Ellen also pointed out that Meester has already proven she is “good in Christmas romances”, having starred in the 2023 rom-com EXMas.
Netflix describes the film with this synopsis: “An upcoming holiday romantic comedy movie about a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect a charming action star over the holidays. Of course, sparks fly, secrets unravel, and Christmas gets a lot more complicated!”
In a Holidaze – December 2
Rounding off Ellen’s list as December approaches is In a Holidaze, starring former Dance Moms favourite Maddie Ziegler.
She said: “She’s [Ziegler] playing a directionless 20-something who, after a romantic mistake of epic proportions, gets stuck inside a time loop, living the same Christmas at her family’s cabin again and again. And apparently she keeps going until she finds out what makes her happy.”
IMDb further explains: “Maelyn Jones’ holiday takes an unexpected turn when her wish for happiness at her family’s snowy Utah cabin results in a time-loop, forcing her to relive Christmas repeatedly.”
Writing in response to Kate’s clip, one TikTok user exclaimed: “I’m so excited for In A Holidaze! Based on a book I hope it’s good.”
A second person shared: “Oh I’m excited!” While a third pointed out: “You forgot to mention the leading lady for ‘the Gospel of Christmas’ is Fantasia who is a American Idol winner and Grammy Award winner and Golden Globe nominated.”
So, as you can see, this year’s festive schedule is absolutely jam-packed!