Unwrapping magic
Welcome to the world of Christmas movies where the magic of the season comes to life on the silver screen!! As the festive season approaches, the world of cinema is brimming with heartwarming Christmas movies that promise to fill your homes with laughter, love, and the quintessential holiday cheer. We're excited to share the inside scoop on the top new Christmas movies of 2023. From heartwarming tales to festive comedies, Hollywood Branded is here to guide you through the cinematic wonders that await.
Grab your favorite holiday treats, cozy up by the fireplace, and let's embark on a cinematic journey through the enchanting world of Christmas movies. In this blog, Hollywood Branded shares insights into the top new Christmas movies of 2023, offering a sneak peek into the festive magic and the potential for creative brand integrations. Get ready to discover the perfect lineup for your holiday movie marathon!
Best. Christmas. Ever!
In the festive spirit of the holiday movie season, Brandy Norwood and Heather Graham team up to spread joy and laughter in 'Best. Christmas. Ever!' Directed by Mary Lambert, the film revolves around the unexpected reunion of longtime frenemies, Jackie (played by Brandy) and Charlotte (played by Graham), just days before Christmas. While Jackie's seemingly perfect life is showcased in her boastful holiday newsletters, Charlotte, grappling with her own challenges, decides to challenge the narrative when a GPS mishap lands her family at Jackie's doorstep instead of their intended holiday destination. The heartwarming comedy explores themes of friendship, authenticity, and the true meaning of the holiday season, with Brandy and Graham delivering standout performances that reflect their genuine off-screen connection.
Where to watch: Netflix
Photo credit: SCOTT EVERETT WHITE/NETFLIX
Family Switch
In McG's star-studded Netflix comedy, featuring Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms, the Walker family takes an unexpected turn in "Family Switch." The classic advice of walking in someone else's shoes comes to life when, following a visit to an astrological reader, the Walkers undergo a comically inconvenient Freaky Friday-style body swap. Father and son, mother and daughter, and even the baby and the dog find themselves navigating the chaos of each other's lives. To revert to their original bodies, the Walkers must embark on a journey of genuine understanding and connection, a challenging task amidst a day filled with college interviews, soccer tryouts, and other pivotal moments. While "Family Switch" pays homage to the body-swap comedy tradition, it boldly stands out by daring to switch the bodies of a baby and a dog, promising a uniquely memorable experience for viewers.
Where to watch: Netflix
Photo credit: Netflix
Candy Cane Lane
In the heartwarming yet sinister holiday tale "Candy Cane Lane," the annual Christmas decorating contest in a local neighborhood becomes a battleground of magic and mischief. Determined to secure victory, Chris Carver strikes a perilous deal with the enchanting but malevolent elf, Pepper, who promises to transform his home into the most festive spectacle using her dark magic. Little does Chris know that Pepper's past deals have left a trail of victims turned into plastic dolls. Now faced with the consequences, Chris must unite his family to thwart Pepper's plans of spreading misery among friends and neighbors. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and featuring a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Robin Thede, Nick Offerman, Chris Redd, and Jillian Bell, "Candy Cane Lane" unfolds a holiday adventure filled with magic, danger, and the resilience of the Christmas spirit.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Photo credit: Amazon Studios
Dashing Through the Snow
"Dashing Through the Snow" introduces Eddie Garrick, a social worker from Atlanta, who harbors a deep disdain for Christmas stemming from a painful childhood experience. While spending Christmas Eve with his daughter Charlotte, Eddie inadvertently becomes entangled in a conflict with a local politician. However, an encounter with a mysterious man named Nick opens Eddie's eyes to the true joy and magic of Christmas. Directed by Tim Story and starring Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Teyonah Parris, and Lil Rel Howery, this 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy takes viewers on a heartwarming journey as Eddie and Charlotte rediscover the holiday spirit, overcoming obstacles and forging new connections along the way.
Where to watch: Disney+
Photo credit: STEVE DIETL/DISNEY
EXmas
Experience the perfect blend of romance and comedy in EXmas, starring Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell. When Graham, a work-focused game designer, surprises his family for Christmas, he discovers his ex-fiancée, Ali, already in attendance. The film unfolds into a hilarious battle of wits as the former couple competes to win the family's favor, all while navigating unresolved feelings. Enjoy this festive treat for free and witness the chaos and charm of unexpected reunions in 2023's must-see holiday film.
Where to watch: Freevee
Photo credit: Paulina Stevens/Exmas Film Inc.
What Happens Later
Meg Ryan is making a triumphant return to romantic comedies with Bleecker Street Films' latest release, "What Happens Later," where she stars alongside David Duchovny. Directed and co-written by Ryan herself, the film follows the unexpected reunion of ex-lovers Willa and Bill, played by Ryan and Duchovny, stranded at an airport overnight due to a snowstorm. As they unpack the complexities of their past relationship, the movie adds a fresh twist to the rom-com genre by exploring the dynamics of mature love. The ending will likely make viewers engage in lively debates about the fate of these characters who, like the yin-yang symbol, seem destined to continue their perpetual journey of finding balance and, perhaps, love. Ryan, who draws inspiration from Nora Ephron, describes the film as a blend of banter and rhythm reminiscent of classic '40s movies, offering a romantic and sexy take on the lives of older characters. This marks Meg Ryan's first acting role in eight years and her second time in the director's chair since her debut with "Ithaca" in 2015.
Where to watch: In theaters, streaming TBD
Photo credit: Bleecker Street
Silent Night
Silent Night, directed by John Woo, is not your typical cozy Christmas movie but is Christmas-related, blending the festive season with an intense action thriller. The film revolves around a father, played by Joel Kinnaman, seeking revenge for his son's death in the crossfire of warring gangs on Christmas Eve. Complicating matters, the protagonist is rendered voiceless due to an injury, adding a unique layer to the narrative. With a cast including Catalina Sandino Moreno and Scott Mescudi, this Jon Woo-directed thriller, devoid of dialogue, promises a gritty and adrenaline-fueled experience, catering to mature audiences who appreciate high-octane violence.
Where to watch: theaters, streaming TBD
Photo credit: Lionsgate
The Naughty Nine
Disney+ is set to captivate audiences with the release of "The Naughty Nine," a Christmas heist film directed by Alberto Belli. The story follows mischievous fifth-grader Andy Steele, played by Winslow Fegley, who, after landing on Santa's naughty list, orchestrates an elaborate plan to heist the North Pole with a team of eight fellow "naughty listers." The film delivers a delightful mix of holiday cheer, mischievous antics, and a lesson in redirecting talents for good. The ensemble cast, featuring Camila Rodriguez as Dulce, stands out, and the movie cleverly combines elements of heist and Christmas genres, promising a memorable and entertaining experience for families.
Where to watch: Disney+
Photo credit: Disney
It's a Wonderful Knife
"It's a Wonderful Knife," the 2023 Christmas comedy-slasher film penned by Michael Kennedy and directed by Tyler MacIntyre, boasts a star-studded cast including Jane Widdop, Joel McHale, Katharine Isabelle, and Justin Long. In this inventive twist on the classic "It's a Wonderful Life," Winnie Carruthers, portrayed by Widdop, discovers the horrifying consequences of her absence in an alternate reality, where a psychotic killer is unleashed once again upon her town, Angel Falls. The film cleverly blends holiday-themed horror-comedy with a teen slasher vibe, introducing unique characters and unexpected plot twists, while maintaining a balance of charm, blood, and angst that promises to captivate audiences during the festive season.
Where to watch: theaters, streaming TBD
Photo credit: RLJE / Shudder
A Christmas Frequency
In "A Christmas Frequency," Denise Richards stars as Brooke Walkins, a morning radio show host grappling with both personal and professional challenges. As her producer, Kenzie Parker, played by Ansley Gordon, strives to revive the show's dwindling ratings amid Brooke's secret separation from her husband, the two hatch a plan to feature live on-air blind dates. However, complications arise when Kenzie, inadvertently setting up her boss with potential suitors, finds herself drawn to one of the contenders, Ben, portrayed by Jonathan Stoddard. As the festive tale unfolds, Kenzie must navigate the complexities of balancing professional obligations with matters of the heart, culminating in a heartwarming Christmas resolution. Hulu's "A Christmas Frequency" brings a contemporary twist to the traditional holiday movie genre, exploring love, career, and the magic of the season.
Where to watch: Hulu
Photo credit: Brooke
Genie
"Genie," the enchanting holiday fairytale comedy from Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Richard Curtis, unfolds the whimsical story of Bernard, played by Paapa Essiedu, a workaholic facing a crumbling job, life, and family. When he inadvertently releases the magical genie Flora, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy, there's a slim hope she might help him fix the mess he's made of his life. As Bernard and Flora embark on a journey of unexpected friendship, they discover that love holds the key to a special holiday magic, offering a heartwarming twist on the classic tale of a man seeking redemption with the help of a mystical ally.
Where to watch: Peacock
Photo credit: Getty Images /Jose Perez, Bauer-Griffin
The Marketer's Perspective
As we conclude our journey through these eleven magical Christmas movies, Hollywood Branded reflects on the marketer's perspective. Discover the exciting opportunities for product placements and brand integrations within the enchanting narratives of these films. As a marketing and product placement agency, we're eager to spot potential moments for our clients in the midst of the holiday magic. Stay tuned for insights into how these Christmas movies can inspire innovative marketing strategies and elevate brand visibility during the festive season.
In conclusion, the 2023 Christmas movie lineup is a treasure trove of cinematic delights, offering something for every viewer. From heartwarming tales to laugh-out-loud comedies and mysterious adventures, these films capture the essence of the holiday season. As marketers, draw inspiration from the diverse themes and storytelling approaches presented in these movies, unlocking the potential for impactful brand integrations. So, gather your popcorn, embrace the holiday spirit, and enjoy a festive movie marathon that will make this Christmas season truly unforgettable. Happy watching!
Eager To Learn More?
Check out some of our other Hollywood Branded blogs below to stay in the know on what is happening in the world of fashion and product placement:
- Holiday Hustle: Mastering Marketing in the Festive Frenzy
- How Thanksgiving Movies Shape Our Holiday Spirit
- Harnessing the Nostalgic Power of Gen X Icons
- A Product Placement Christmas Story
- Queen of Christmas Partnerships
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