Best movies like Secret Santa
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Newspaper reporter Rebecca Chandler, who feels she got no fair chance to prove her worth in her thee years career, looks forward to a Hawaian holiday with her fiancé Ryan, but instead of a ring he brings her- walking orders, he found better. So she accepts again to be the bachelor on duty in the Christmas season, and write the annual romantic non-news feel good-story, once more about the elusive Secret Santa in small-town Hamden, where the Christmas spirit it said to last all year. Bad luck follows her from Indianapolis: her car breaks down, she can only get lodgings in a home for the elderly without Internet, and nobody wants to help her unmask the secret Santa. Soon she guesses it must be the only rich philanthropist, but the popular Mr. John Martin Carter doesn't grant her an interview and isn't tricked either, in fact meets her at the worst repeatedly without her knowing him.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 652
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, entertaining, disturbing
Best tv shows and movies like Secret Santa (2003):
Similar in 86%
Silver Bells (2005)
Plot Summary:
Manhattanite Catherine O'Mara (Heche) bonds with a young man who has run away from his father. When the father returns to New York a year later to sell his Christmas trees, he and Catherine cross paths.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 81%
Country Christmas Album (2018)
Plot Summary:
After country music starlet Tess Stapleton’s album sales keep dropping, her label forces her to record a Christmas album with ex-teen heartthrob and pop-star, Derek Copeland, in an attempt to resurrect each’s career. Reluctantly, Tess agrees. At first, they appear to be polar opposites; clashing over song styles and irritated that they were forced together. However, to their combined surprise, as the album shapes up, they find themselves growing closer over their shared love of music. As they finish the album sparks begin to fly and love blooms just in time for Christmas.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 551
Genere: Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: sincere, romantic, feel good, captivating, entertaining, disturbing
Similar in 75%
A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love (2020)
Plot Summary:
After 15 years, Pat moves home from Hawaii with his two sons and through a series of coincidences, or Godwinks, ends up stuck in traffic next to his high school sweetheart, Margie, at Christmas.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: light, romantic, captivating, romantic comedy, entertaining
Similar in 77%
Christmas vs. The Walters (2021)
Plot Summary:
Diane Walters, an over-burdened mother of two with a third child on the way, strives to create the perfect Christmas while her loving but dysfunctional family falls apart around her.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 365
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, entertaining, satirical, disturbing, independent film
Similar in 78%
Christmas 9 to 5 (2019)
Plot Summary:
Jennifer is a tough crime beat reporter who gets the assignment of her life: to find the true meaning of Christmas. When she goes undercover in a department store as a 9 to 5 sales clerk from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, she finds her true calling and meets the man of her dreams. It's a Christmas she will never forget.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 673
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 87%
A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (2021)
Plot Summary:
When a family faces loneliness and loss of faith, Mrs. Miracle swoops in to renew their Christmas Spirit, and they experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 954
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 88%
Forgotten Christmas (2019)
Plot Summary:
Carpenter Andersen and Santa Claus are back and this time they have to help little Elise save christmas before it's too late.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 427
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Country: Norway
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: funny, captivating, entertaining, disturbing
Similar in 78%
Home for the Holidays (2005)
Plot Summary:
After their parents are killed in a terrible accident, the four McMurrin children live with their loving Aunt Martha. Martha wants to adopt the children but the town's bitter old banker stands in their way. However, the children's courage and ingenuity triumph and they become a family just before the holidays.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 272
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, captivating, melancholic
Similar in 75%
Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember 2 (2019)
Plot Summary:
As Darcy and Aiden prepare to celebrate their second Christmas together, an unexpected guest and a fight to save the beloved community center unites everyone for an unforgettable holiday.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: light, sincere, feel good, captivating
Similar in 87%
Two Turtle Doves (2019)
Plot Summary:
Dr. Sharon Hayes searches for a beloved family heirloom in a small Christmas town. When she unexpectedly discovers an adorable little girl and her disheartened father, she realizes that Christmas miracles really do happen.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: light, sincere, romantic, captivating
Similar in 89%
Home by Christmas (2006)
Plot Summary:
Julia Bedford is a homemaker who's left with next to nothing after a divorce. When Julia finds herself homeless, she begins her comeback and discovers what is really valuable in life.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 917
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 89%
Silver Bells (2013)
Plot Summary:
An overly win-driven sportscaster goes too far and must perform community service during December as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 409
Genere: Family
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: funny, sincere, feel good, captivating, entertaining, semi serious
Similar in 89%
Our First Christmas (2008)
Plot Summary:
Cindy and Tom Baer-Neil have been married for nearly a year, each having lost their first spouse. With the holidays just around the corner, Cindy and Tom are determined to make the new family’s first Christmas perfect. But their respective children have different plans.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 597
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: funny, light, feel good, humorous, entertaining
Similar in 88%
Wish For Christmas (2016)
Plot Summary:
When a high school senior finds out from her parents that she must miss the town's winter dance in order to attend church, she successfully wishes their faith away, bringing disastrous consequences to her family and community. To restore their faith, she is led through a series of Christmas adventures that change her heart and those around her.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 961
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: christian film, light, feel good, humorous, entertaining
Similar in 86%
Christmas in the Heartland (2018)
Plot Summary:
Kara and Jessie are two teenage girls from very different worlds, but with a little Christmas magic, they find they have much more in common than they ever imagined.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, captivating, entertaining, disturbing
Similar in 78%
A Country Christmas Story (2013)
Plot Summary:
A starry-eyed young girl journeys from the mountains of Appalachia to the stage at Dollywood, where she discovers the impact of African-Americans on the world of country music - while at the same time competing in a country music competition for kids, hosted by Dolly Parton herself.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 669
Genere: Drama, Family, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, captivating, realistic, semi serious, humorous, stylized
Similar in 84%
Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses (2019)
Plot Summary:
Single mom Abbey takes a leap of faith to pursue her passion for interior design. When she gets hired to decorate the estate of local businessman Nick, Abbey must complete the job by Christmas Eve. With the holidays fast approaching, Abbey must figure out how to break down the wall between her and Nick, as this could be the opportunity that jump-starts her career.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, sentimental, feel good, humorous
Similar in 84%
When Angels Come to Town (2004)
Plot Summary:
Max, an angel in exile, walks around the United States to help humans. In a small town in Maine, he meets a young woman without a family named Sally. As she struggles to get custody of her younger brother, Max immediately believes that his new mission is to help Sally. But Jo, a strict angel, is sent to explain to his colleague that this is not exactly what is expected of him. Indeed, Max's mission is not to help Sally, but Karl, the manager of a small factory of Christmas decorations. His business is barely surviving because its traditional products do not meet the success of yesteryear. First bored, Max notices that Karl knows Sally.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 675
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: light, sincere, touching, feel good, captivating, entertaining
Similar in 90%
A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
Plot Summary:
A developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family - and their whole rural community - to participate in a local shelter's inaugural "Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.".
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, sentimental, sincere, captivating, christmas special, humorous, semi serious, realistic, entertaining
Similar in 81%
All I Want for Christmas (2013)
Plot Summary:
After being told by her boss that the company needs to attract more clients, Elizabeth, a skilled executive, meets one of Santa’s helpers, who blesses her with an extraordinary gift allowing Elizabeth to hear everyone’s unspoken thoughts. While first using her new-found power to get ahead at work, she soon learns to become a better person, turning an office rivalry into romance while learning the true meaning of Christmas along the way.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 737
Genere: Comedy, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: feel good, sincere, captivating, entertaining, semi serious
Similar in 81%
Feliz NaviDAD (2020)
Plot Summary:
David Morales, an Arizona high school principal and single dad, has lost the holiday spirit after also losing his wife a few years ago during the Christmas season. Now, David will do anything to avoid Christmas so he moonlights as a delivery driver during the holidays. But this year David’s 14-year-old daughter, Noel, and his live-in sister, Marissa, are determined to bring the yuletide spirit back to the family and, with a little luck, also help David find love again via online dating. So when Sophie, a witty musician and customer on David’s delivery route, swipes right on him, something magical happens between them.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 784
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: romantic, light, sincere, feel good, captivating, entertaining
Similar in 81%
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
Plot Summary:
To escape a scandal, a bestselling author journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle -- and faces off with the grumpy duke who owns it.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, entertaining
Similar in 75%
The Christmas Blessing (2005)
Plot Summary:
Nathan Andrews is all grown up. As a young doctor, Nathan finds himself questioning his career choice, so he goes to his hometown to soul search and reconnect with his father. Once home, a blossoming romance with teacher Megan Sullivan and a fast friendship with student Charlie Bennett teach Nathan to live life in the moment and embrace the time he has with friends and family.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family, Romance
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: sincere, captivating, entertaining
Similar in 81%
Defending Santa (2013)
Plot Summary:
Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, goes on trial for mental competency in Small Town U.S.A.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 527
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: sincere, romantic, captivating, entertaining, disturbing, semi serious
Similar in 78%
Merry Ex-Mas (2014)
Plot Summary:
When misleading photos are published of security company chief Jessie Rogers purportedly caught in a love nest with his rock star client, his humiliated wife, Noëlle, swiftly files for divorce. Unable to convince her of his innocence, Jessie fights in vain to win Noëlle back when a Christmastime blizzard snowbounds the family.
IMDB Rating: 4.4
IMDB Votes: 611
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: captivating, satirical, disturbing, semi serious
Similar in 76%
Christmas for a Dollar (2013)
Plot Summary:
America is in the midst of the Depression, and the Kamp family is struggling to get by, especially after Mrs. Kamp's untimely death. Now little Ruthie, with her mother gone and her father overwhelmed by doctor bills resulting from her brother's polio, expects another Christmas without presents or festivities. But when her father brings home one dollar in change and lets the children use it to buy special gifts for each other, the Kamps come to find that money isn't what fills Christmas with joy, love, and miracles.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 686
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, feel good, disturbing, christian film
Similar in 76%
A Wish for Christmas (2016)
Plot Summary:
Sara Shaw is the type of woman who prefers to sit on the sidelines at work, but when her big idea for a Christmas initiative is stolen, she makes a wish to Santa that she'll finally have the courage to stand up for herself. Santa grants her wish, but only gives her 48 hours. As the clock ticks, Sara will discover how to channel the Christmas magic and speak her mind all on her own.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: light, feel good, humorous, sweet, entertaining
Similar in 90%
The Claus Family (2020)
Plot Summary:
When his grandfather suddenly falls ill, holiday-hating Jules learns of his family's magical legacy and realizes he's the only hope to save Christmas.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Country: Belgium
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: sincere, feel good, captivating, entertaining, semi serious
Similar in 80%
My Santa (2013)
Plot Summary:
A young, single mother, Jen, begins to lose her faith in the magic of Christmas. However, when she takes her son Eric to see the local mall Santa, Jen immediately feels an attraction and connection with Chris, the young, attractive man filling the suit. As they begin spending time together, she begins to rediscover her belief in Christmas.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, semi serious, touching
Similar in 86%
A Christmas Wedding Tail (2011)
Plot Summary:
Jennie Garth of "90210" stars as Susan, an unemployed Los Angeles museum curator and widowed single mom temporarily living in a small California town with her three sensitive sons. Jake (Brad Rowe of "General Hospital") is a single dad of two tomboys who owns a local winery. When Susan's dog Rusty (voiced by Jay Mohr of "Ghost Whisperer") falls for Jake's poodle Cheri (voiced by Nikki Cox of "Las Vegas"), these canine matchmakers help their owners fall in love too. Now with a Christmas Day wedding to plan -- and major complications threatening to unravel it all -- can two mismatched broods find a way to make one happy family? Tom Arnold and Catherine Hicks ("Seventh Heaven") co-star in this heartwarming holiday film from the producer/director of The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation and Your Love Never Fails.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 717
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, captivating, light, touching, realistic, semi serious