Every holiday season, Hallmark reigns supreme with a seemingly endless parade of feel-good Christmas movies. But when it seemed like Hallmark owned the genre, Netflix stepped in with its own lineup of holiday magic. These specials didn’t just show up to play; they gave Hallmark a run for its money. Packed with charm, cozy vibes, and all the festive cheer you could ask for, Netflix's holiday offerings have quickly become favorites for Christmas movie enthusiasts. Between heartfelt love stories, laugh-out-loud comedies, and snowy escapades, these specials prove that Hallmark doesn’t have a monopoly on spreading holiday joy. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, your coziest blanket, and join us as we count down the Netflix Christmas specials that made Hallmark blush with envy.

1. The Christmas Chronicles

This one's a modern classic in the making. Starring Kurt Russell as a rock-n-roll Santa, The Christmas Chronicles flips the traditional jolly Saint Nick on his head. The story follows two siblings, Kate and Teddy, who accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh and scramble to save Christmas. Packed with adventure, humor, and a soulful musical number from Santa himself, this film has all the elements of a holiday blockbuster. Its sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, only builds on the magic, adding a villain, more elves, and a touching family story. Hallmark usually keeps things small-town, but Netflix went big here, giving us a polished, high-energy Christmas adventure.

2. A Christmas Prince

One could argue Netflix cracked the Hallmark code with A Christmas Prince. It has all the tropes we secretly love to love: a charming journalist, a reluctant prince, and a royal romance set during the holidays. Amber, an ambitious reporter, lands the assignment of a lifetime when she’s sent to cover the Prince of Aldovia, only to end up falling for him. The movie feels like a festive blend of fairy-tale magic and warm holiday cheer. Fans loved it so much that Netflix churned out two sequels, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby. This trilogy could easily sit alongside Hallmark’s royal lineup.

3. The Knight Before Christmas

Meet Vanessa Hudgens, the queen of Netflix Christmas, in her first time-travel holiday rom-com. A medieval knight gets transported to modern-day Ohio, where he meets Brooke, a science teacher disillusioned with love. Sparks fly as the knight adjusts to his new surroundings and learns what the season is all about. This film combines the goofy fun of magical fish-out-of-water scenarios with the heartwarming love story that keeps Christmas movie fans coming back for more. Hallmark also loves a good “magical twist,” but Netflix’s higher production value and playful writing elevate this one.

4. Holiday in the Wild

How do you mix holiday romance with an African safari? Netflix found a way. Starring Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis, Holiday in the Wild takes audiences far away from snow-covered towns to the sunny plains of Africa. After being left by her husband, Kate takes a solo trip to Zambia and ends up finding purpose (and new love) at an elephant sanctuary. This movie steps outside the traditional Christmas setting yet still delivers the hopeful, cozy vibes that make December feel magical. Hallmark may own snowy small towns, but Netflix proved you can create holiday magic anywhere.

5. The Princess Switch

Vanessa Hudgens shines in this delightful dual role as both Stacy, a small-town baker, and Margaret, a European duchess about to be married. They decide to swap lives for a few days, leading to plenty of romantic antics, baking montages, and heartfelt moments. The fun escalated with two sequels, The Princess Switch: Switched Again and The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star. While Hallmark loves doppelgänger stories, Netflix went big, giving this franchise an international backdrop and a charming level of quirkiness no one can resist.

6. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Musical holiday movies don’t always stick the landing, but Jingle Jangle nailed it. The film tells the story of Jeronicus, a toymaker whose life changes when his granddaughter comes into his life and helps him reclaim his magic and joy. Featuring show-stopping numbers, stunning visuals, and a diverse cast, this movie feels like an instant holiday masterpiece that families can watch over and over. Hallmark rarely ventures into big-budget musicals, but Netflix set the bar sky-high for this genre with originality, heart, and jaw-dropping performances.

7. Love Hard

Netflix took “online dating gone wrong” to hilarious holiday heights with Love Hard. Natalie, a writer, flies across the country to meet her online crush, only to find out she’s been catfished by Josh, a guy using another man's photo. Cue antics, holiday charm, and a surprising dose of heartfelt lessons about love and honesty. Unlike Hallmark’s sugar-coated romances, this one adds a bit of edge and humor, making it a standout for modern audiences.

8. Operation Christmas Drop

Inspired by a real-life tradition, this heartwarming movie follows Erica, a political aide sent to shut down a military base, and Andrew, the charming pilot who works there. The base’s annual custom of delivering holiday supplies to remote Pacific islands becomes the centerpiece of a story about generosity and finding unexpected holiday cheer. Mixing a humanitarian message with romance, Netflix delivered something meaningful that still feels festive and cozy.

9. A Castle for Christmas

Brooke Shields stars in this breezy holiday treat about an author who travels to Scotland to escape bad publicity, only to fall in love with a local castle and its grouchy (but dreamy) owner. Featuring gorgeous landscapes, Christmas charm, and witty banter, it’s the perfect movie for anyone who dreams of a holiday escape. Hallmark’s castle-themed movies can’t quite match the level of Scottish grandeur this Netflix gem delivers.

10. Dash & Lily

Ok, technically this is a mini-series, but it absolutely belongs here. Based on the YA novel Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, the series follows two teens exchanging a notebook of dares during the holiday season in New York City. It’s sweet, clever, and packed with festive spirit. Both the meet-cute energy and the vibrant city setting give Hallmark a run for its money. Plus, spreading the story over eight episodes means even more time to savor the holiday magic.