This Hallmark film gets the holiday romance formula exactly right. It features a simple, charming story where the romantic chemistry feels completely natural, avoiding the typical misunderstandings. For viewers who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, it’s a genuinely nice touch of representation done with real respect. | © Universal Pictures
This animated Adam Sandler comedy is a raunchy and musical take on the holidays, following a foul-mouthed man sentenced to community service with a youth league referee. It’s definitely an adult-oriented cartoon, packed with Sandler’s signature humor and surprisingly catchy songs. At its core, though, it’s a surprisingly heartfelt story about redemption, second chances, and finding your community during the festival of lights. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
While not a holiday film, Call Me By Your Name features a pivotal Hanukkah scene that serves as its emotional finale. The gathering, with its latkes and menorah, grounds Elio’s story in a specific cultural warmth just as he receives heartrending news. It’s a beautiful, poignant moment where family tradition meets the ache of first love, making the holiday feel integral to the story’s soul. | © Sony Pictures Classics
This story follows Christina, a woman who discovers through a DNA test that she’s Jewish and reaches out to meet her biological family. Mia Kirshner delivers a beautifully believable performance as someone cautiously embracing new roots and an unexpected romance. The film treats Hanukkah with real significance, weaving its traditions genuinely into a narrative all about finding family and connection. | © Hallmark
This uplifting Disney film follows a struggling Jewish high school basketball team that gets help from an unexpected coach. It's a classic underdog sports story that naturally weaves in traditions, offering a nice introduction to Hanukkah customs. The performances are solid, making it a feel-good, family-friendly movie that hits all the right notes. | © Disney Channel
This holiday comedy follows three lifelong friends on their final epic Christmas Eve adventure in New York City. It’s packed with sharp dialogue and strong performances that lift the familiar premise into something genuinely entertaining. The film feels refreshingly made for adults, balancing crude humor with real heart without ever getting too heavy-handed or schmaltzy. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
When Sara starts receiving anonymous gifts for each night of Hanukkah, the mystery adds a fresh twist to the holiday romance. The real charm comes from the fantastic chemistry between Inbar Lavi and Jake Epstein, who make their long-time friendship feel genuinely warm and believable. While you might guess the secret admirer early on, watching their connection slowly unfold through the eight nights makes for a cozy watch. | © Hallmark
Menorah in the Middle offers a family-friendly story where the Hanukkah celebration is central, not just a backdrop. It features a fantastic cast, including Sarah Silverman, who truly shines in her role. The movie warmly showcases traditions and foods, making it a genuine and much-appreciated piece of holiday representation. | © Hallmark
Hitched for the Holidays follows Rob and Julie, who pretend to be engaged to satisfy their families over the holidays. Their plan gets complicated as a Catholic and a Jew try to quickly learn each other's traditions, leading to some genuine laughs and connection. With a great cast and a script full of heart, it’s a fun twist on the seasonal romance that warmly includes both Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations. | © Hallmark
After a bad breakup, Brooke recruits an actor named Joel to play her fake boyfriend for a family Christmas, with the twist that he’s actually Jewish. While it follows a familiar fake-dating setup, the leads have a believable dynamic that carries the film. It’s genuinely funnier than many other holiday movies, and the inclusion of Hanukkah traditions is a welcome, fresh touch, even if some of the classic Hallmark miscommunication tropes pop up. | © Lifetime
A Merry Holiday follows two people who agree to teach each other about Hanukkah and Christmas. The concept works wonderfully, offering a sweet romance alongside a genuine, non-cringey look at holiday traditions. The leads share a great, easy chemistry that makes their cultural exchange feel both heartwarming and naturally educational. | © Hallmark
Round and Round is a clever time-loop romance feels like a breath of fresh air for the holiday genre. It’s smart and self-aware, playing with its “Hanukkah Groundhog Day” premise in genuinely funny and unexpected ways. You’ll enjoy it not just for the warm holiday feeling, but also because the writing is surprisingly sharp and the cast’s chemistry makes every repeat moment fun. | © Hallmark
Hanukkah on Rye is a delightful update of the "You've Got Mail" formula, following two deli owners who start falling for each other online. Jeremy Jordan and Yael Grobglas share fantastic, straightforward chemistry that makes their romance completely believable. The script is witty and heartfelt, with plenty of funny moments as the story takes its own charming detours. | © Hallmark
While Hanukkah on the Rocks follows some familiar Hallmark patterns, it is a fun, festive change of pace focused on adults celebrating Hanukkah. Stacey Farber is great as the lead, but the real standout is Marc Summers, who brings genuine warmth and charm to his role. The story is genuinely heartwarming, and you just wish it had skipped the one forced misunderstanding to let its mature tone shine through completely. | © Hallmark
Double Christmas stands out by getting the holiday romance formula exactly right. It features a simple, charming story where the romantic chemistry feels completely natural, avoiding the typical misunderstandings and silliness. For viewers who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, it’s a genuinely nice touch of representation done with real respect. | © Hallmark
Looking to mix some new traditions into your holiday watchlist? These 15 movies celebrate Hanukkah with charm, humor, and a lot of heart. Light the menorah, grab some latkes, and get ready for a fantastic festival of films.
