Chloe Ford’s favourite wintery romantic comedy movies
One of my favourite things to do over the festive period is to plonk myself on the sofa, heating or fire on full blast, blankets applied, hot water bottle tucked under my hoodie, warm drink, copious amounts of snacks and devour a wintery romantic comedy. Is there really anywhere else you need to be? Sack off that work Christmas party. Ignore those extroverts trying to drag you away from your cosy little flat. Make a night of it and snuggle up!
Here are 10 wintery romantic comedies that will warm you inside, even if it’s bloody freezing outside.
1. The Holiday – let’s start out with the obvious. This classic Christmas movie gives its audience bucket loads of charm, cheesy humour (we all love a city girl in heels navigating the snowy back roads of Surrey, right?) and, of course, the delicious romantic payoff you’ve been craving.
2. You’ve Got Mail – another classic. It must be done. A bookstore in festive peril. Set in a time before WhatsApp and Tinder (so romantic – they didn’t know what they had). With the wintery backdrop of the Upper West Side of New York, and a minted well-read love interest – what more do you need?
3. The Hating Game – based on the book by the same name. This enemies to lovers comedy is set over the festive period with lots of wintery scenery and scrumptious romantic tension.
4. Single All The Way – queer, fun and festive. A classic take on the fake dating over Christmas to escape the family pressure trope – you can’t beat it. An easy, smooth Christmas romcom with the added zest of Jennifer Coolidge.
5. New Year’s Eve – a star-studded cast of intertwining love stories much like Love, Actually. If you’re done with Christmas and ready to move on with the New Year, this will get you in the right spirit.
6. Love, Actually – back to Christmas. Does this one need an introduction? I don’t think so. I have a sneaky feeling that if you watch this film, you’ll see that, love, actually, is all around.
7. How to Be Single – Ok – this is a romcom, technically. Sort of. There is romance. There are festive scenes. That said, there’s more to it than romance. But I personally believe (other than TSITP) this is some of the finest uses of Taylor Swift music in a TV/Movie/Series. You’re welcome, Swifties.
8. Elf – that’s right. I’m including a children’s film. This is whimsical, silly and funny. But it’s also a romance with a HEA. And yes, you, a fully grown adult, can watch it alone. You won’t find me judging. Enjoy the swirly, twirly gum drop mountains.
9. While You Were Sleeping – oops, you’ve been mistaken for this man’s fiancé and you’re a people pleaser, also, he’s in a coma. Walk your way out of that one. And probably don’t fall for his brother at the same time. At Christmas, no less! A classic joy of a romcom that will leave you in a festive stupor.
10. Bridget Jones – I don’t care what anyone says, this is a Christmas movie. It starts and ends with snow. So, don your most embarrassing sweater, drink like a Brit and enjoy Bridget’s (actually, super dated, but we have to accept the ways of the 90s) journey to love and acceptance.
Chloe Ford is the author of British set romantic comedies. Her new book House Party, a swoon-worthy rom-com set on New Year’s Eve, is out now. Follow her on Instagram for everything romance reading and writing.
