Netflix has unveiled its four new Christmas films for 2026, with one releasing each week starting November 4. TV critic Kate Ellen has described the line-up as the streaming platform's "best yet."
Four films, one per week
In a TikTok video, Ellen highlighted past releases like Hot Frosty and The Merry Gentlemen as examples of previous successes. "Last year wasn't so strong, but this year I think it is their [Netflix] best line-up yet," she said.
The first film, A Dog's Perfect Christmas, arrives on November 4. It stars Dennis Quaid and Milo Ventimiglia as a talking Basset Hound. Ellen described Quaid's character as "a grumpy grandad who lost his wife a few years ago," with the plot centering on him, the dog, and his teenage granddaughter trying to save Christmas.
Netflix's synopsis reads: "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."
Tyler Perry and romantic comedies
On November 11, Tyler Perry's The Gospel of Christmas debuts. It follows a pastor, played by Tank, who inherits his family's church. Ellen noted he faces "temptation and doubt" and must "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."
November 18 brings Guarding Stars, starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki. Ellen reported that Padalecki plays an action movie star and Meester his bodyguard over Christmas. She noted Meester's prior role in the 2023 rom-com EXMas.
Netflix describes it as "a holiday romantic comedy movie about a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect a charming action star over the holidays."
Time-loop finale
The final film, In a Holidaze, arrives December 2, starring Maddie Ziegler. Ellen said Ziegler plays "a directionless 20-something" stuck in a time loop, reliving the same Christmas until she finds happiness.
IMDb 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."
Viewers have responded with excitement on TikTok, with one writing: "I'm so excited for In A Holidaze! Based on a book I hope it's good." Another noted that Fantasia, an American Idol winner, Grammy Award winner, and Golden Globe nominee, stars in The Gospel of Christmas.
