'The Holdovers': Fans Call It The Most 'Underrated' Yet 'Masterpiece' Christmas Film, 'Absolutely..'

With December being well underway, it's finally that time of the year that most people look forward to the most. As you might already be aware, Christmas is fast approaching with only a few more days left. For those of you who are already in the festive mood, this is the perfect time to curl up indoors with a cracking Christmas film. We have the best movie recommendation for this occasion, an option that could have easily passed you by. This film is none other than the comedy-drama, The Holdovers.  

Social media users call The Holdovers a "masterpiece" 

The Holdovers was released two years back in the United States on October 27, 2023. While global release dates may vary, the movie finally made its way to the popular streaming service, Netflix, at the beginning of December 2025. Since its release, many have described it as one of the most "underrated" festive films out there. Not only that, it is a film most viewers are not yet aware of. If you are one of them and are searching for a fresh film to watch, we can confidently say that this film will be worth your while. This is especially true if you want to watch something a little different from the typical Christmas movies released every year. 

If you are not yet convinced, let us tell you that audiences have often called The Holdovers a "masterpiece", despite it being frequently overlooked. The movie recently gained attention on the platform, Reddit, when one user asked a question that most people wonder about around this time of the year: "What are some underrated Christmas movies? Movies that most people haven't heard of, but that are better than Hallmark?"  

Various people began sharing all sorts of recommendations and praising the films they think are best for Christmas. However, among the many comments, one recommendation stood out the most. For many users, this is a Christmas film that hits just the right notes. In the comment in question, a user simply wrote, "The Holdovers." Agreeing to this recommendation, a second user commented, "Just watched that last night and totally agree." A third viewer penned a long note on how the movie is a "masterpiece", stating: 

"The Holdovers is a masterpiece. Absolutely loved the movie from start to finish, and it's one of my favourites among Alexander Payne's rich filmography. Production design, cinematography, costumes and music were all perfect for the film as it really captures the spirit of the holiday season." 

Another fan of the movie added, "I can definitely see it joining the ranks of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Miracle on 34th Street' as a Christmas classic in years to come." Many similar comments filled the comment section. Additionally, according to a Mirror report, The Holdovers is regarded as a “great film” across social media. Several viewers also believe that it is one of the strongest contenders when it comes to other Christmas movies.  

More about The Holdovers  

The film evokes nostalgia, as it is set in 1970. Coming to the plot, it revolves around a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school. As it happens, he is tasked with looking after a small group of students left behind at the school during Christmas break. Although Netflix had no part in the film's production, The Holdovers arrived just in time on the streaming platform for the festive period.  

Although the movie is called “underrated,” it does not mean it hasn't received critical acclaim. In fact, in reality, it is quite the opposite, as it has secured a place on both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute's lists of the top 10 movies released in 2023. The film's production also won two awards at the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Awards. To top it off, the film received five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards.  

Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts after watching The Holdovers this festive season. 

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