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The Holiday

The Holiday

It's Christmas Eve and we are going to go celebrate being young and being alive.

2006136 minPG-13Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
Director
Nancy Meyers
Starring
Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black

Two women, one American and one British, swap homes at Christmastime following bad breakups. Each woman finds romance with a local man but realizes that the imminent return home may end the relationship.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Holiday?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Holiday streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Holiday?

The Holiday earns 10 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Star-studded.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Holiday worth watching?

The Holiday's Midcredits score is the 82nd percentile of all films, from 1.5M ratings across 6 sources. 71% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

82nd percentile

Better received than 82% of films

88th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)80th

70 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 2000s

Critics 52 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

71% liked it

80th percentile of all films

86th percentile among Comedy78th percentile among 2000s
71% rated it 7–1029% rated it 1–6

Critics 51% · Audience 80%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 12 noms overall

99th percentile

1.5M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 40 days to Oct 26Down 25% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$85M
Opening weekend$13M
Domestic gross$63M
Worldwide gross$205M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a formulaic romantic comedy that relies on the charm and chemistry of its star-studded cast.

Fans praised

  • chemistry between leads carries the romance
  • charming and heartwarming feel-good tone
  • supporting performances elevate the material

Detractors panned

  • overacting and cringe-worthy dialogue
  • formulaic and predictable romantic comedy
  • Jack Black's performance feels grating and miscast

What stands out

Atmosphere80

festive and cozy, but overly idealized England

ActingDivisive65

chemistry among leads praised, but overacting seen by detractors

Emotional impactDivisive65

heartfelt moments but can feel manipulative

CharactersDivisive60

relatable but flawed leads, some find them annoyingly self-analytical

DialogueDivisive55

some sharp lines, but often spoon-fed and unrealistic

Pacing50

runtime feels stretched, especially in the middle

Plot and storyDivisive45

predictable and formulaic, but with a few interesting twists

Originality30

standard rom-com formula, rarely breaks new ground

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 15 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Holiday like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle and funny, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
WarmRomanticJoyfulBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with earnest affection, never winking at the audience, treating its characters' romantic dilemmas with genuine warmth.
The rideThe film sustains a cozy, easygoing emotional register, with a slightly heavier early stretch as both women face breakups, but resolves into pure warmth and hope.
StructureConventional linear narrative following two parallel storylines with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a warm, uplifting feeling with belief that love and change are possible.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% (this title) · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo women swap homes for Christmas and each finds unexpected romance, following the classic romantic comedy pattern.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how love—both romantic and platonic—can restore a person's sense of worth and capacity for vulnerability.
StanceThe film affirms romantic love as a healing force and presents vulnerability and emotional honesty as virtues to be celebrated.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · hybrid · Hans Zimmer
SettingLos Angeles luxury home and English countryside cottage during Christmas
MusicHans Zimmer's score blends lush orchestral themes with holiday-appropriate warmth; the soundtrack also features licensed songs from artists like Diana Krall and The Cars.

Content guide

Is The Holiday okay for kids?

PG-13

The Holiday is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (10/100), sexual content at moderate (37/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at minimal (7/100). Overall it is heavier than 29% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany0
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil10
  • AustriaAA
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark7
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland16
  • RO18
  • Spain7
  • SwedenBtl
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 22% of all filmsHeavier than 29% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 9%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 68%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 5%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 70% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Holiday have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Holiday?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Cameron Diaz
as Amanda
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kate Winslet
as Iris
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jude Law
as Graham
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jack Black
as Miles
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Eli Wallach
as Arthur
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Edward Burns
as Ethan
Rufus Sewell
as Jasper
Miffy Englefield
as Sophie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Emma Pritchard
as Olivia
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sarah Parish
as Hannah
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Holiday?

Movies like The Holiday include Something's Gotta Give (2003), My Secret Santa (2025) and About Fate (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, most are whirlwind romances, and several are Christmas films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its feel: romantic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Holiday?

4.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: whirlwind romance. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.