Overhyped Queer Holiday Movies

Queer holiday movies have seen a significant increase in production and visibility over the past several years. Major studios and cable networks have begun to prioritize inclusive storytelling during the winter season. These films often receive intense marketing campaigns and social media buzz due to their milestone status within the genre. Understanding the themes and cultural impact of these releases provides insight into the evolution of festive entertainment. This list explores several notable entries that have garnered substantial attention from audiences and critics alike.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

This romantic comedy stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis as a couple visiting family for the holidays. The plot centers on a woman who discovers her girlfriend has not come out to her parents before their arrival. It was marketed heavily as the first major studio holiday romantic comedy featuring a lesbian couple. The film explores themes of family acceptance and holiday stress within a traditional Christmas setting. It received wide viewership on streaming platforms during its initial release.

‘Single All the Way’ (2021)

A man named Peter asks his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays to avoid judgment about his single status. His mother sets him up on a blind date with a local trainer while he is visiting home. The story utilizes classic romantic comedy tropes such as fake dating and best friends falling in love. It was notable for being the first gay holiday romantic comedy produced by Netflix. The production features prominent actors including Michael Urie and Jennifer Coolidge.

‘The Holiday Sitter’ (2022)

This Hallmark Channel production features Sam who agrees to watch his niece and nephew during the Christmas break. He enlists the help of a handsome neighbor to manage the household duties and festive activities. The film represents a shift in cable holiday programming by focusing on a central gay romance. It explores themes of family responsibility and the joy of unexpected holiday connections. The story concludes with a romantic resolution typical of the holiday genre.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

The story follows the Mitchell family as they gather for the holidays to transform their home into a festive landmark. One of the sons returns home with his husband while they await news about their adoption application. This film was publicized as the first Hallmark holiday movie to feature a married same sex couple. It balances multiple subplots regarding family traditions and personal milestones. The production stars Robert Buckley and Jonathan Bennett.

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

Hugo returns to Milwaukee for the holidays and is set up by his mother with a former high school crush. The two men navigate their feelings while Hugo considers a major job promotion in London. This movie was the first LGBTQ+ centered holiday film produced for the Lifetime network. It includes traditional holiday activities such as neighborhood festivals and local bake sales. The film features real life spouses Ben Lewis and Blake Lee in the lead roles.

‘Dashing in December’ (2020)

Wyatt returns to his family ranch in hopes of convincing his mother to sell the property. He meets a handsome ranch hand who works hard to keep the holiday spirit alive on the farm. The film blends the Western genre with a holiday romantic comedy framework. It emphasizes the importance of preserving family heritage and finding love in unexpected places. The production aired on Paramount Network as part of their seasonal programming.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

The plot revolves around Alma and Charlie who cross paths during a search for the perfect holiday tree. Charlie is an expert tree scout who needs a specific evergreen for the governor’s holiday celebration. The two women find themselves at odds over the tree before developing a romantic connection. This Lifetime production focuses on the chemistry between the two female leads during the festive season. It utilizes common holiday themes such as local community pride and seasonal magic.

‘A New York Christmas Wedding’ (2020)

Jennifer is a woman facing the pressure of her upcoming wedding when she is visited by a guardian angel. She is given the opportunity to see what her life would have been like if she followed her feelings for her childhood best friend. The story explores themes of alternate realities and the courage to live authentically. It blends magical realism with the traditional holiday movie format. The film features a diverse cast and addresses serious social issues alongside its festive setting.

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ (2021)

This film is a holiday themed parody that stars numerous contestants from a popular drag reality competition. A workaholic fashion journalist is sent to a small town to dig up a story about a local Christmas festival. The plot parodies various tropes found in traditional cable holiday movies. It features elaborate costumes and comedic performances aimed at fans of drag culture. The movie aired on VH1 as a comedic alternative to more sentimental holiday fare.

‘Season of Love’ (2019)

This independent film follows the lives of three different female couples during the holiday season. The narratives intersect as the characters navigate new romances and existing relationship challenges. It was promoted as the first large scale holiday romantic comedy specifically for queer women. The production emphasizes diversity and inclusivity within its ensemble cast. Each storyline explores a different aspect of finding and maintaining love during the festive period.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

A massive snowstorm hits a small town on Christmas Eve and impacts the lives of several high school students. The ensemble cast navigates various romantic and social dilemmas as their paths cross. One of the central subplots focuses on a secret romance between two young women. The film is based on a popular young adult novel and was released on Netflix. It combines coming of age themes with a classic winter wonderland aesthetic.

‘Friendsgiving’ (2020)

Two best friends host a large Thanksgiving dinner that quickly becomes chaotic due to unexpected guests. The film features a diverse group of characters including a woman exploring her sexuality after a breakup. It relies on situational comedy and the dynamics of a modern chosen family. The production stars Kat Dennings and Malin Akerman in the lead roles. It explores the complexities of friendship and the stress of holiday hosting.

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ (2009)

Olaf is a college student who hides his sexuality from his parents while he is home for the holidays. His secret is threatened when his boyfriend Nathan shows up at the front door unannounced. The film explores the comedic and emotional consequences of coming out during a family gathering. It became a cult favorite within the LGBTQ+ community due to its early entry into the holiday genre. The story focuses on the importance of honesty and self acceptance.

‘Carol’ (2015)

Set in the nineteen fifties this film depicts a forbidden romance between a young photographer and an older woman going through a divorce. The story unfolds during the Christmas season and features lush period costumes and settings. It received critical acclaim for its performances and direction by Todd Haynes. While not a traditional holiday comedy it is frequently associated with the winter season due to its visual style. The film explores the social constraints and emotional depth of its central characters.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

The story takes place on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles and follows two trans women as they search for a cheating boyfriend. It was filmed entirely on smartphones and gained recognition for its unique visual approach. The narrative focuses on friendship and survival within the margins of the city. While set during the holidays it subverts the typical festive tropes with its gritty tone and fast paced dialogue. The film received praise for its authentic representation and energetic performances.

‘Christmas at the Ranch’ (2021)

An urban professional returns to her family ranch to help save it from foreclosure during the holidays. She meets a female ranch hand and begins to develop a romantic bond while working to preserve the property. The film follows a familiar structure often seen in holiday movies where a city dweller finds love in a rural setting. It focuses on the importance of family legacy and the healing power of the holiday spirit. The production features a central lesbian romance within a Hallmark style framework.

‘A Jenkins Family Christmas’ (2021)

Two sisters return home for the first Christmas after the death of their father. They struggle to maintain family traditions while dealing with their mother and various personal secrets. One of the sisters brings home her girlfriend which leads to tension and revelations within the household. The film explores grief and family dynamics during a time of celebration. It was released on a major streaming service and features an all Black cast.

‘Merry & Gay’ (2022)

A Broadway performer returns to her small hometown for the holidays and reunites with her high school sweetheart. The two women must navigate their past feelings while dealing with their meddling mothers. This movie focuses on the theme of returning home and rediscovering lost love. It includes musical elements and traditional holiday festivities to build its romantic atmosphere. The production aims to provide a lighthearted and festive experience for viewers.

‘A Christmas to Treasure’ (2022)

A group of childhood friends reunites for a holiday treasure hunt organized by a recently deceased beloved neighbor. Two former best friends find themselves rekindling their relationship as they follow the clues left behind. The film explores the value of shared history and the importance of community. It follows a structured plot that leads to a romantic and sentimental conclusion. The story is set against a backdrop of classic winter activities and holiday decorations.

‘Christmas on the Farm’ (2021)

A New York socialite inherits a farm in Australia and must convince a publisher that she is a hardworking farm girl to secure a book deal. She enlists the help of her cousin and her best friend to maintain the ruse during a holiday visit. The film incorporates comedic misunderstandings and a romance between the protagonist and a visiting executive. It offers a unique take on the holiday genre by setting the story in the southern hemisphere summer. The production was released on streaming platforms for the holiday season.

‘Candy Cane Candidate’ (2021)

Julia returns to her hometown after a public career setback and decides to run for city council. She finds herself competing against her high school rival who is also seeking the same position. The story focuses on their professional competition and the romantic tension that develops between them. It utilizes the holiday season as a backdrop for political and personal growth. The film is part of a larger trend of inclusive holiday programming on cable networks.

‘Holiday Heartbreak’ (2020)

A man who has been unlucky in love is cursed by his daughter to experience a series of comedic romantic failures. The film follows his journey as he tries to break the curse before the holiday season ends. It features a diverse cast and explores themes of family and the importance of genuine connection. The story includes a queer subplot involving the daughter and her romantic interests. This production was aired as a holiday special on a major television network.

‘The Jinglebell Jubilee’ (2023)

A city planner works with a local volunteer to save a historic community center before the annual holiday festival. The two men find themselves falling in love as they organize the event and decorate the town. The film emphasizes the power of community action and the beauty of small town traditions. It adheres to the established tropes of the holiday romance genre while featuring a gay couple. The story concludes with a successful jubilee and a romantic milestone for the protagonists.

‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)

A single mother navigates the challenges of the holiday season while caring for her teenage son who has autism. The film focuses on her journey toward independence and the support she finds from a new romantic interest. It includes a subplot involving the son and his own experiences with holiday traditions. The production was praised for its focus on neurodiversity and family resilience. It features a diverse cast and addresses real world issues within a festive context.

‘The Holiday Exchange’ (2024)

Two men decide to swap homes during the Christmas season to escape their personal problems and experience a new environment. One travels to a snowy small town while the other heads to a sunny coastal city. They each find unexpected romantic connections and learn valuable lessons about their own lives. The film utilizes the house swap premise to explore different holiday traditions and settings. It was released as a major streaming title for the festive season.

‘The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls’ (2021)

The Mitchell brothers compete in a high stakes Christmas decorating contest for a national television show. They must balance their sibling rivalry with the demands of their personal lives and families. The story continues the journey of the gay couple introduced in the first film as they navigate parenthood. It emphasizes the importance of family support and the fun of holiday traditions. The production features the return of the original cast members for the sequel.

‘Checkin’ It Twice’ (2023)

A professional hockey player and a real estate agent find their lives intertwined after a series of chance encounters. They work together to save a local ice rink while navigating their growing feelings for one another. The film includes a prominent queer subplot featuring the supporting characters. It combines sports themes with the classic holiday romance format. The story highlights the importance of teamwork and community during the festive season.

‘A Cowboy Christmas Romance’ (2023)

A real estate closer returns to her hometown to convince a stubborn rancher to sell his land. She finds herself drawn back into the cowboy lifestyle and develops an attraction to a local woman. The film explores the conflict between modern development and traditional rural values. It features a central lesbian romance and utilizes various Western and holiday tropes. The production was released as part of a seasonal lineup on a popular cable channel.

‘Rent’ (2005)

Based on the famous Broadway musical this film follows a group of friends in New York City as they struggle with life and love. The story begins on Christmas Eve and spans an entire year while focusing on the impact of the HIV epidemic. It features several prominent queer characters and relationships that have become iconic in musical theater history. The film explores themes of artistic integrity and the meaning of family during difficult times. Its opening and closing scenes are set during the holiday season.

‘The Family Stone’ (2005)

The Stone family gathers for the holidays and experiences various conflicts when the eldest son brings home his uptight girlfriend. One of the brothers is gay and deaf and he visits with his partner while they plan to adopt a child. The film is a comedy drama that addresses complex family dynamics and secret struggles. It has become a holiday staple for many due to its realistic portrayal of family tension and love. The production features a star studded cast including Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Please share your thoughts on these holiday films in the comments.