10 Festive Movies Like The Merry Gentlemen | Similar-List

Netflix’s The Merry Gentlemen breaks away from the traditional holiday rom-com formula with a daring and sultry approach. Featuring a Magic Mike-inspired male revue woven into a heartfelt holiday narrative, this film adds a provocative twist to the cheer season. With Chad Michael Murray at the helm, the movie brings star power and emotional depth to Netflix’s ever-expanding lineup of festive films.

While critics are divided, audiences have embraced its daring mix of sensuality, romance, and Christmas spirit. It’s a story for viewers who appreciate the magic of the holidays but with a bold, contemporary flair. For fans of The Merry Gentlemen, the following films offer similar blends of romance, humor, and holiday charm, each with its unique take on seasonal storytelling. What sets The Merry Gentlemen apart is its audacious pairing of steamy performances with heartfelt, family-centered holiday moments. It dares to explore adult themes while remaining true to the warmth and joy of the season.

Netflix has become a powerhouse of festive content, often connecting its holiday films through subtle nods and recurring themes. The Merry Gentlemen stands out with its unique tone while seamlessly fitting into this beloved cinematic universe. The chemistry between Ashley, a vibrant single mom, and Luke, a mysterious yet charming performer, anchors the film. Their evolving connection captures the beauty of second chances and the courage to open one’s heart during the holiday season.

10 Festive Movies Like The Merry Gentlemen

A Bad Moms Christmas (2017): A Perfect Blend of Humor and Holiday Chaos

A Bad Moms Christmas brings the same irreverent humor and adult edge that made the original Bad Moms such a hit, now with a festive twist. As the sequel to the 2016 comedy, this film introduces the mayhem of Christmas with the same fun-loving moms who are just trying to get through the holiday season without losing their minds. While it diverges from The Merry Gentlemen in terms of plot and romantic themes, its bold, mature tone makes it an excellent recommendation for fans of The Merry Gentlemen, who crave a similar mix of holiday chaos, humor, and a little bit of heart.

Unlike The Merry Gentlemen, which focuses on romance and family reconciliation through a more intimate and sensual lens, A Bad Moms Christmas is a full-throttle comedic ride, where the primary plot revolves around the moms trying to survive Christmas with their own mothers in tow. While it lacks the romance central to The Merry Gentlemen, it shares an edgy, adult-driven sensibility that would appeal to viewers who enjoyed the unfiltered, grown-up approach to holiday themes in The Merry Gentlemen.

Though the characters and dynamics in A Bad Moms Christmas don’t mirror those of Ashley and her family in The Merry Gentlemen, both films deal with the challenges of balancing personal desires with familial expectations during the holiday season. The addition of their mothers in A Bad Moms Christmas adds an extra layer to the comedic chaos, much like how Ashley’s evolving relationship with Luke brings emotional depth to The Merry Gentlemen.

Despite mixed critical reviews, A Bad Moms Christmas was a commercial success, proving that its wild humor and no-holds-barred take on the Christmas season resonated with audiences. It’s the perfect movie for a girls’ night in, offering laughter, a touch of sentimentality, and a lot of fun, making it a worthy pairing for a double feature with The Merry Gentlemen.

Bad Santa (2003): A Raunchy Christmas Comedy with an Unexpected Heart

For those who enjoy holiday films that break the mold, Bad Santa is a must-watch. This darkly comedic classic takes the Christmas genre in an irreverent direction, featuring a deeply flawed yet oddly endearing protagonist, Willie T. Soke (Billy Bob Thornton). As a conman posing as a department store Santa to rob stores during the holiday season, Willie’s life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a reluctant bond with a quirky, lonely child.

Unlike The Merry Gentlemen, which intertwines romance and emotional depth with a sensual flair, Bad Santa leans heavily on raunchy humor and sharp wit. However, the two share a unique quality: a surprising amount of heart beneath their unconventional exteriors. Both movies stray from traditional Christmas storytelling, offering fresh perspectives for viewers who crave something more daring than the usual holiday fare.

Bad Santa is also a story of redemption, albeit told through a much cruder lens. Willie’s gradual transformation, spurred by his unlikely connection with the young boy, mirrors the themes of personal growth and emotional vulnerability seen in The Merry Gentlemen. This makes it a fascinating companion piece for fans who appreciate layered character development and a twist on the holiday spirit.

Critics praised Bad Santa for its bold humor and Thornton's stellar performance, with the film becoming a cult favorite over the years. Its unapologetic take on Christmas tropes offers a refreshing alternative to the saccharine sweetness of many seasonal films. If you enjoyed the mix of adult themes and heartfelt moments in The Merry Gentlemen, Bad Santa delivers a similarly satisfying experience—albeit with a far naughtier twist.

Falling for Christmas (2022): A Sweet and Heartwarming Holiday Romance

For those who enjoyed the blend of romance and festive cheer in The Merry Gentlemen, Falling for Christmas offers a delightful, albeit sweeter, alternative. Starring Lindsay Lohan in her much-anticipated return to rom-coms, this 2022 film brings all the charm and magic of the holiday season, wrapped in a heartwarming love story. While Falling for Christmas may lack the bold sensuality of The Merry Gentlemen, it provides a similar sense of rediscovery and emotional connection against the backdrop of the most wonderful time of the year.

The plot revolves around Sierra Belmont (Lohan), an heiress who, after a skiing accident, loses her memory and is taken in by a charming small-town man, Jake. As she slowly recovers, Sierra becomes enchanted by the simple pleasures of life and the blossoming romance with Jake, all while learning more about herself and what truly matters in life. This tale of self-discovery and second chances mirrors some of the emotional depth found in The Merry Gentlemen, albeit without the edge.

What sets Falling for Christmas apart is its strong focus on family dynamics and the importance of personal growth during the holidays. While The Merry Gentlemen intertwines steamy romance with emotional vulnerability, Falling for Christmas leans more heavily into the magic of the season, offering a lighter, more whimsical approach to holiday love stories. For fans of The Merry Gentlemen who enjoy the charm of holiday movies with a focus on rekindling romance and family ties, Falling for Christmas is a perfect, feel-good compliment.

Lohan’s performance, filled with her trademark humor and sweetness, adds a refreshing layer to this traditional holiday formula. While it may not push the boundaries as The Merry Gentlemen does with its bold themes, Falling for Christmas captures the essence of what many love about holiday films—hope, second chances, and the power of love to heal all wounds. If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still filled with heart, this is the perfect film to curl up with during the holidays.

Love Hard (2021): A Quirky and Heartfelt Holiday Love Story

If you loved the mix of romance, humor, and festive charm in The Merry Gentlemen, Love Hard offers a fresh, modern take on the holiday rom-com formula. This 2021 Netflix original dives into the complexities of online dating and modern relationships, blending the magic of Christmas with a contemporary twist.

The plot follows Natalie (Nina Dobrev), a successful but unlucky-in-love woman from Los Angeles, who falls for a charming man named Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) after meeting him on a dating app. However, when she travels to his small town for Christmas, she discovers that Josh isn’t exactly the man he portrayed online. Instead, she finds herself face-to-face with his friend, Tag (Darren Barnet), who is the real object of her affection. What ensues is a delightful, if unconventional, love story filled with comedic misadventures and heartwarming moments.

Much like The Merry Gentlemen, Love Hard explores the theme of self-discovery but with a more lighthearted and humorous approach. The movie takes a playful look at the ups and downs of modern romance, especially in the digital age, where first impressions can be deceiving, and relationships require honesty and vulnerability to truly flourish. The underlying message about the importance of being true to oneself resonates deeply with viewers, making it an excellent companion piece to The Merry Gentlemen, which also delves into the emotional complexities of love and personal growth.

While The Merry Gentlemen is driven by a more steamy, adventurous romance, Love Hard takes a more humorous and endearing route, mixing romance with lighthearted comedy and unexpected twists. Both films, however, feature a strong, independent female lead navigating the challenges of love and personal fulfillment—making them great picks for viewers who enjoy films with strong character development and an emotional payoff.

The charm of Love Hard lies in its relatable storyline, witty dialogue, and memorable performances. Dobrev’s portrayal of Natalie captures the balance between vulnerability and strength, while the film’s festive setting ensures the Christmas magic is ever-present. If you're looking for a film that combines humor, romance, and a little bit of chaos, Love Hard is a perfect holiday pick that offers a unique spin on the traditional love story.

Holidate (2020): A Perfect Match for Fans of Playful Holiday Romance

If The Merry Gentlemen left you craving a festive romance with a fun, dynamic twist, Holidate is another holiday film that beautifully balances humor, heart, and the evolving relationship between two unlikely partners. Released in 2020, Holidate follows the story of Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey), two singles who agree to be each other's "holiday dates" for every seasonal celebration, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

Much like The Merry Gentlemen, Holidate centers around the unexpected chemistry between its two protagonists, whose initially platonic arrangement transforms into something much deeper. The film is full of witty banter, touching moments, and plenty of heartwarming holiday magic. The evolving romance between Sloane and Jackson mirrors the playful tension seen between Ashley and Luke in The Merry Gentlemen, as both couples start with skepticism and grow into genuine emotional connections.

One of the key themes of Holidate is how the holiday season can push people to reevaluate their views on love and relationships. Much like the steamy yet heartfelt tone in The Merry Gentlemen, Holidate plays with the idea of using a holiday setting to explore personal growth, with both Sloane and Jackson learning valuable lessons about love, family, and self-acceptance.

While The Merry Gentlemen leans more toward sensuality and an edgy holiday vibe, Holidate opts for a charming blend of rom-com humor and the sweet build-up of a slow-burn romance. The film appeals to viewers who enjoy a little more lightheartedness in their holiday films but still crave the satisfying emotional payoff that comes with a love story.

Both films excel at portraying the nuances of relationships and the unexpected nature of love, making Holidate an ideal pick for fans of The Merry Gentlemen who are looking for something equally fun and heartfelt. With its sharp humor, relatable characters, and undeniable chemistry between the leads, Holidate is sure to be a hit for anyone searching for a feel-good holiday movie with a dash of romance and comedy.

Single All The Way (2021): A Heartfelt and Charming Friends-to-Lovers Holiday Romance

For viewers who were captivated by the mix of romantic tension and heartfelt moments in The Merry Gentlemen, Single All The Way offers a delightful holiday alternative with a focus on love, family, and the joy of self-discovery. This 2021 LGBTQ rom-com centers on Peter (Michael Urie), a man who convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pose as his boyfriend during the holiday season to avoid his family’s constant questioning about his single status.

What makes Single All The Way especially compelling for fans of The Merry Gentlemen is its slow-burn romance, where a deep friendship transforms into a tender love story. While The Merry Gentlemen navigates the chemistry between Ashley and Luke, a mix of sensuality and sincerity, Single All The Way leans into the emotional journey of two friends, slowly realizing that their connection goes beyond friendship.

The film expertly captures the complexity of relationships, from the ups and downs of family dynamics to the subtle shift in feelings that gradually bloom into something deeper. Just like Ashley’s journey in The Merry Gentlemen, Peter learns to embrace his true self and understand what truly matters in his relationships. The setting, with its cozy Christmas vibes, helps foster this growth, providing the perfect backdrop for love and personal revelations.

While The Merry Gentlemen has its steamy moments, Single All The Way offers a more wholesome yet equally moving exploration of love and acceptance. The humor is light and charming, but the heart of the film lies in the deep connection that builds between Peter and Nick over the course of the movie. This shared emotional growth and gradual romance is what gives Single All The Way its special appeal, especially for fans of slow-burn stories where love quietly sneaks up on the characters and viewers alike.

Both films also emphasize the importance of family—whether it’s the chaotic but loving family dynamic in The Merry Gentlemen or the close-knit, supportive family in Single All The Way. At their cores, both films offer an exploration of relationships that go beyond the romantic, highlighting the value of familial bonds and the joy of spending the holidays with loved ones.

For fans of The Merry Gentlemen who are looking for a holiday movie with more heartfelt charm and a focus on slow-burn romance, Single All The Way is a must-watch. Its endearing characters, sweet chemistry, and emotional depth make it the perfect addition to your festive movie marathon.

Meet Me Next Christmas (2024): A Magical Blend of Romance and Christmas Music

For fans of The Merry Gentlemen who are drawn to the heartwarming combination of romance, holiday spirit, and music, Meet Me Next Christmas (2024) is the perfect festive watch. This musical romance blends the magic of Christmas with the allure of captivating performances, offering a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story paired with a strong musical element.

The film follows a group of people who come together on Christmas Eve to participate in a holiday scavenger hunt, with each clue leading them to discover not only the magic of the season but also deeper connections with those around them. Along the way, they’re treated to iconic holiday melodies, with performances by the renowned a cappella group Pentatonix, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the holiday magic.

What makes Meet Me Next Christmas especially compelling for fans of The Merry Gentlemen is its seamless blending of music and romance. While The Merry Gentlemen presents a spicy, seductive romance within the context of a Christmas celebration, Meet Me Next Christmas offers a more wholesome yet equally captivating take on love during the holiday season. The enchanting performances, coupled with the evolving relationships among the characters, create an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and heartfelt connection.

Like The Merry Gentlemen, this film is also centered around emotional growth and discovery. The characters not only find romantic connections but also learn about themselves in the process, navigating personal obstacles and opening their hearts to new possibilities. The combination of a festive scavenger hunt and music provides a fresh take on the Christmas romance genre, making it a standout for anyone looking for a feel-good holiday movie.

For viewers who loved the musical energy and dynamic relationships in The Merry Gentlemen, Meet Me Next Christmas offers a similarly captivating experience but with an emphasis on holiday music and the sense of wonder that Christmas brings. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, music, or a feel-good holiday film that leaves you with a smile, Meet Me Next Christmas is an excellent choice to add to your holiday movie lineup.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989): A Hilarious, Grown-Up Take on Holiday Chaos

For those who love the offbeat charm and family-centered antics of The Merry Gentlemen, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) is an essential addition to your holiday movie list. While it doesn’t dive into the romantic or sultry elements like The Merry Gentlemen, it shares the same irreverent humor, festive chaos, and heartwarming family dynamics that make it a perennial favorite among adults during the holiday season.

This Christmas classic follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he goes to extreme lengths to create the perfect holiday for his family. From over-the-top Christmas lights to unexpected family visits, the film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that come from the absurdity of trying to make everything perfect. Much like The Merry Gentlemen, Christmas Vacation doesn’t shy away from the challenges and mishaps that come with the holiday season—only in this case, they’re more exaggerated and uproarious.

What makes Christmas Vacation stand out is its combination of slapstick humor and genuine emotional beats. While the film is known for its wild set pieces and outrageous characters, it also touches on themes of familial love, the pressure to live up to holiday expectations, and the simple joys of being together with loved ones. This deeper undercurrent of heart is what makes the movie more than just a collection of gags—it's a nostalgic and relatable exploration of the imperfect but lovable holiday experience.

For fans of The Merry Gentlemen, Christmas Vacation provides a more mature yet equally humorous take on the family holiday experience. Instead of sultry romance or dramatic tension, this film focuses on the hilarious trials of navigating family dynamics at Christmastime. It’s a great fit for those looking for a laugh-filled, slightly more grown-up holiday film that still delivers a warm, satisfying conclusion.

If you’re in the mood for an uproarious yet heartfelt holiday film, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a perfect companion to The Merry Gentlemen. Both movies explore the complexities of family, holiday expectations, and the chaos that often ensues when trying to create the "perfect" Christmas, making them ideal picks for viewers who enjoy humor, nostalgia, and a bit of holiday mayhem.

Happiest Season (2020): A Heartfelt Exploration of Identity, Love, and Family at Christmas

If you enjoyed the bold mix of romance, family dynamics, and holiday spirit in The Merry Gentlemen, Happiest Season (2020) will resonate with you. Like The Merry Gentlemen, this festive rom-com brings together themes of self-discovery, family acceptance, and love during the holiday season, but it adds the layer of LGBTQ representation and explores the complexities of navigating personal identity within the confines of family expectations.

The movie centers around Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), during the holidays. However, Abby soon learns that Harper has not yet come out to her conservative family. What begins as a seemingly idyllic holiday trip quickly unravels as Abby is forced to hide her true identity and navigate the awkwardness of a family that doesn’t know about her relationship. In this delicate balance of love, secrecy, and family dynamics, Happiest Season explores the pressures and emotional hurdles many face when coming to terms with their identity and the desire to be accepted by those they love.

For fans of The Merry Gentlemen, Happiest Season offers a similarly tender yet complex take on familial bonds and personal growth. While The Merry Gentlemen brings a more sultry, modern approach to romance, Happiest Season keeps the focus on emotional vulnerability with moments of humor and heartfelt connection. Both films emphasize the importance of acceptance, understanding, and personal authenticity, particularly during the holiday season when family and traditions can complicate things.

Happiest Season also provides a refreshing portrayal of LGBTQ relationships during the holidays, a subject not often explored in mainstream Christmas movies. It manages to balance humor, drama, and the awkwardness of family interactions, while offering a heartwarming message about the importance of love, honesty, and finding your true self. For those looking for a movie that blends holiday cheer with meaningful emotional depth, Happiest Season is an ideal pick.

If you're a fan of heartfelt, family-centered Christmas movies with a bit more emotional depth and a modern twist, Happiest Season should definitely make it onto your watch list. Much like The Merry Gentlemen, it explores the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both laughs and a touch of sentimentality in their holiday viewing experience.

Hot Frosty (2024): A Magical and Heartfelt Romance for Fans of The Merry Gentlemen

For those who enjoyed the unique blend of romance, holiday spirit, and a touch of spice in The Merry Gentlemen, Netflix’s Hot Frosty (2024) is the perfect follow-up. This charming holiday movie weaves a magical story about love, second chances, and a heartwarming holiday twist. With a fantasy element and relatable themes of rediscovery and family bonds, Hot Frosty resonates with audiences who appreciate the mixture of heartfelt sentiment and a bit of enchantment, much like The Merry Gentlemen.

Hot Frosty centers around a widow, Susan, who is struggling to embrace the holiday season after the passing of her husband. Her world is turned upside down when a magical snowman, Frosty, comes to life with the ability to grant wishes. As Frosty helps Susan find a path toward healing and love again, the movie adds a whimsical yet grounded layer to the romantic holiday formula. The film’s fantasy angle provides an extra layer of warmth and wonder, appealing to viewers who love a magical touch in their Christmas movies, similar to the unexpected twists seen in The Merry Gentlemen.

Like The Merry Gentlemen, Hot Frosty balances its romantic moments with family dynamics, making it a feel-good movie that touches on both personal growth and emotional healing. The holiday setting brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort, while the magical snowman acts as a whimsical catalyst for Susan to rediscover the joy of the season. The tone of the film, much like The Merry Gentlemen, effortlessly blends festive cheer with deeper themes of love, loss, and finding new beginnings.

What makes Hot Frosty a perfect companion to The Merry Gentlemen is its ability to offer both the charm of a holiday romance and the unique angle of magical realism. While The Merry Gentlemen features sultry romance mixed with family dynamics and holiday cheer, Hot Frosty introduces an element of fantasy that elevates the traditional holiday movie formula. If you enjoyed the blend of family-focused warmth and adult themes in The Merry Gentlemen, Hot Frosty provides a lighthearted but emotional follow-up that will keep you engaged and entertained.

Whether you’re drawn to the enchanting premise or the delightful holiday romance, Hot Frosty is a great addition to your holiday movie lineup, offering a mix of magic, love, and festive fun that mirrors the themes you loved in The Merry Gentlemen. The two films make a perfect double feature for anyone looking for something fresh and heartwarming this holiday season.

The Merry Gentlemen redefines the boundaries of holiday storytelling, offering a unique mix of boldness and tradition. Its fresh take on romance, engaging characters, and festive setting make it a standout among Netflix’s holiday offerings. If you’re seeking more films that echo its charm and creativity, the recommendations above provide something for everyone—whether you crave laughs, love, or a touch of holiday magic. Explore these titles to keep the spirit of The Merry Gentlemen alive throughout the season and beyond!