Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- sentimental
- christmas viewing
- cozy night in
What critics said
Critics generally found the film charming, sweet, and emotionally touching, while considering its fairy-tale premise and romantic comedy formula overly predictable and overlong.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Amanda and Graham's Surrey relationship unfolds alongside Iris and Miles's Los Angeles connection, with both stories receiving sustained attention.
Amanda and Iris exchange homes for the Christmas holiday, using unfamiliar domestic spaces to recover from painful relationships.
The English cottage, Christmas gatherings, fireside conversations, and sentimental resolutions create the film's strongly comforting atmosphere.
Amanda works in movie trailers, Arthur is a veteran screenwriter, and the dialogue repeatedly acknowledges romantic storytelling formulas.
Films like The Holiday, and why
Love Actually
shared holiday romance, emotional self-discovery, witty dialogue, and cozy relationship-centered storytelling
Something's Gotta Give
shared female-centered romantic comedy, warm domestic settings, personal reinvention, and conversational humor
While You Were Sleeping
shared Christmas atmosphere, intertwined love stories, sentimental tone, and ensemble romantic comedy structure
Movie Details
- Director
- Nancy Meyers
- Release Date
- 2006-12-05
- Runtime
- 136 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (5762)
Cast
- Cameron Diaz
- Kate Winslet
- Jude Law
- Jack Black
- Eli Wallach
- Edward Burns
- Rufus Sewell
- Miffy Englefield
- Emma Pritchard
- Sarah Parish
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Holiday about?
- Two heartbroken women trade homes for Christmas and discover unexpected love, friendship, and renewed confidence across Los Angeles and the English countryside.
- What is The Holiday like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Holiday as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Holiday violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Holiday.
- What did critics think of The Holiday?
- Critics generally found the film charming, sweet, and emotionally touching, while considering its fairy-tale premise and romantic comedy formula overly predictable and overlong.
- Which films are like The Holiday?
- Films with a similar feel include Love Actually, Something's Gotta Give, and While You Were Sleeping.
- How long is The Holiday?
- The Holiday runs 136 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Holiday?
- In United States, The Holiday is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex.
