In recent years Netflix subscribers have been finding an array of original Christmas films added to their libraries, with many of them becoming some of the platform’s most popular titles.
And, starting with 2017’s Christmas Inheritance, many of the films exist in their own tinsel-covered ‘Netflix Christmas Universe’ (or NCU), with eagle-eyed viewers spotting recurring stars, locations, themes amd characters – along with numerous other fun crossovers and ‘Easter eggs’.
Is that character really watching one of the other Netflix Christmas films on television? Is the Belgravian royal family in The Princess Switch the same family that appear in A Christmas Prince? Is the Aldovian tree ornament in The Knight Before Christmas the same as the one that is a major plot point of A Christmas Prince? Does that even make sense without time travel? Exactly how many Vanessa Hudgens are there?
These are just a few of the questions that may – or may not – be answered by a festive binge-watch.
So, here are 13 (or 19 if you include sequels) films to enjoy this December – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas, and an extra for the big day.
Is that character really watching one of the other Netflix Christmas films on television? Is the Belgravian royal family in The Princess Switch the same family that appear in A Christmas Prince? Is the Aldovian tree ornament in The Knight Before Christmas the same as the one that is a major plot point of A Christmas Prince? Does that even make sense without time travel? Exactly how many Vanessa Hudgens are there?
5. The Princess Switch
Starring Vanessa Hudgens as both a down-to-earth Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess, The Princess Switch is an updated version of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. When the two find out they look identical they hatch a cunning plan to switch places and experience each other's lives. The caper proved so successful that another two films have been made - Switched Again and Romancing the Star - both with remarkably similar plots to the first in the trilogy. Photo: Netflix
6. The Holiday Calendar
One of the more high-concept festive offerings from Netflix, The Holiday Calendar's plot revolves around the titular magic antique whose doors refuse to open until the corresponding day of advent. Photographer Abby has inherited the curio from her grandmother and notices that the pictures revealed have parallels with her life and seem to be directing her towards (gasp!) love. Photo: Netflix
7. The Knight Before Christmas
The Knight Before Christmas is a time travel festive romcom featuring yet more Vanessa Hudgens - the go-to star of the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe. Medieval magic sends a 14th-century knight to modern-day Ohio, where he falls for a high school science teacher who's disillusioned by love. It's a confusing concept that it's best not to think about for too long - particularly when it comes to the 'fourth Vanessa Hudgens paradox'. Photo: Netflix
8. Holiday in the Wild
Starring (relative) A-listers Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis, Holiday in the Wild takes the Netflix Christmas CInematic Universe to Africa for the first time. When her husband abruptly ends their marriage, empty nester Kate embarks on a solo second honeymoon in Zambia, finding purpose and the inevitable romance. Photo: Netflix