Christmastime Is Here: Your 2023 Holiday Movie Preview

Cast: Skye Townsend, B.J. Britt

Synopsis: When Jeremiah’s band plays a show in his hometown, he is reunited with former love Willow when they work together on the big Christmas Jubilee.

First Impression: This follows the well known “exes reunite” storyline. But with the added twist of them being musically talented.

Cast: Mishael Morgan, Ronnie Rowe Jr.

Synopsis: For one woman, helping with her family’s Christmas carnival leads to romance.

First Impression: Does anyone find love as easily as they do in these movies when they go home for a visit?

Cast: Mignon Von, Allen Maldonado, Macy Gray

Synopsis: A couple who recently broke up run into each other at a Christmas singles retreat.

First Impression: I’m always wary of movies that make being alone at Christmas sound like a fate worse than death.

Cast: Michele Weaver, Jeff Pierre

Synopsis: After losing her job, Amy is challenged to say yes to everything at Christmastime. The craziness that follows leads her to new experiences, and of course, romance.

First Impression: This actually seems like it could be a lot fun and possibly inspire viewers to take on their own “Christmas of Yes” challenge.

Cast: Tia Mowry, Buddy Valastro, Luke Humphrey

Synopsis: Alicia Gellar enters the Kringle Cook Off to prove that she can become a successful chef.

First Impression: As a foodie, I’m excited anytime the culinary world becomes the focus of a Christmas movie.

Cast: Robin Givens, Raven Goodwin, Donny Carrington, Catfish Jean, Mario Van Peebles, Cameron Bailey, Samantha Neyland Trumbo

Synopsis: “A man abducts the love of his life from her holiday-themed wedding in a desperate last attempt to win her back.”

First Impression: Nothing says true love like kidnapping. With Robin Givens and Mario Van Peebles, this one is for the grown folks.

Cast: Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford, Juan Riedinger, Richard Harmon, Phylicia Rashad

Synopsis: Inspired by the Mickey Guyton hit, this story follows four strangers stuck in a diner as they try to reckon with and understand the troubles they’ve faced.

First Impression: I love the stories where people from different walks of life have to help one another understand how to deal with the obstacles they’re facing.

Cast: Tank, Darrel Walls, Loren Lott, Serayah, Lisa Arrindell, MC Lyte, Jekalyn Carr, Anthony Evans, directed by Robin Givens

Synopsis: The family must put their differences aside to reunite their singing group and save the church.

First Impression: We know the music is gonna be uplifting.

Cast: Javicia Leslie, Brad James

Synopsis: When a private investigator vows to find a missing portrait by Christmas Eve, she unexpectedly finds herself partnered with a police detective who also happens to be her ex.

First Impression: Honestly, a mystery/romance/Christmas comedy sounds like some old school fun. And Javicia Leslie and Brad James definitely have Moonlighting-style chemistry.

Cast: Tatyana Ali, Jesse Kove

Synopsis: While helping plan their friends’ Christmas engagement, exes feel a romantic spark.

First Impression: If this movie doesn’t end with a double wedding, what are we doing here?

Cast: Jackée Harry, Ciarra Carter and Vivica A. Fox

Synopsis: Cecilia (Jackée) is bored with retirement, so she visits her daughter and helps with her start-up, becoming an intern. There’s also an original song from Jackée.

First Impression: I can see it now, mom is helping out and making things better, which threatens the daughter’s independence. Of course, they make up at the end.

Cast: Tami Roman, Kandi Burruss, Brely Evans, AJ Johnson, Rayan Lawrence, Kendrick Cross, Stevie Baggs Jr, Zuri James

Synopsis: Over Thanksgiving weekend five friends decided what they really want from the holiday season and their lives.

First Impression: This sounds like a deep life exploration that could be a tearjerker.

Cast: Tanyell Waivers, Jaime Callica, Andrea Lewis, Golden Madison

Synopsis: Old friends reunite at Christmas and things get messy when old grudges, secrets and romances are brought up.

First Impression: Frankly, I feel like I’ve seen roughly 3 million versions of this story. I don’t think setting it at Christmas makes it feel any different.