Netflix viewers have officially crowned a new festive favorite, and it’s one few expected to dominate the holiday season so completely. Bursting onto the platform

with little warning, My Secret Santa has surged straight to the top of Netflix’s most-watched movies list, earning glowing reviews, near-perfect ratings,

and comparisons to one of the most beloved family films of all time. Fans are calling it “Mrs Doubtfire at Christmas”—and they mean it as the highest possible compliment.

In a year already crowded with seasonal staples and glossy holiday romances, My Secret Santa has managed to cut through the noise, delivering a warm, laugh-out-loud story that blends heartfelt emotion with classic holiday chaos. Anchored by a standout performance from Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge, the film has quickly become a must-watch for audiences craving both comedy and comfort during the festive season.

A Holiday Lineup Full of Competition

Netflix’s Christmas catalogue is no small affair. Each year, the streaming giant rolls out a mix of beloved classics and shiny new originals designed to dominate living rooms throughout December. Longtime favorites like The Holiday and Diane Keaton’s The Family Stone continue to draw viewers back for nostalgic rewatches, while newer titles such as Champagne Problems and Jingle Bell Heist promise modern twists on seasonal romance.

Yet despite this crowded lineup, My Secret Santa has emerged as the unexpected breakout hit. Within days of its release, the film climbed to number one, fueled by enthusiastic word of mouth and social media buzz that refuses to slow down. For many viewers, it’s not just another Christmas movie—it’s the Christmas movie of the year.

Alexandra Breckenridge’s Bold, Brilliant Turn

At the heart of the film’s success is Alexandra Breckenridge, best known to Netflix audiences as Mel Monroe from Virgin River. In My Secret Santa, Breckenridge takes on a radically different role, proving her versatility and impeccable comedic timing.

She stars as Taylor, a devoted single mother whose life is turned upside down when she’s suddenly made redundant just before the holidays. Facing financial pressure and desperate to provide a magical Christmas for her child, Taylor makes a daring—and deeply unconventional—decision. Disguising herself as an elderly man, she lands a seasonal job as Santa at a luxurious ski resort.

The premise alone is ripe for comedy, but Breckenridge elevates it with nuance and heart. Beneath the beard, padded suit, and gravelly voice is a woman fighting to hold her life together, masking fear and uncertainty behind forced cheer and jingling bells. Her transformation is so convincing that viewers repeatedly praise how completely she disappears into the role.

Romance Complicates the Ruse

Things take a delightfully complicated turn when Taylor, still in disguise, begins interacting with Matthew Layne—the resort owner’s son—played by Ryan Eggold, known for his roles in New Amsterdam and 90210. Matthew is charming, observant, and far more emotionally perceptive than Taylor expects, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance layered with misunderstandings and near-misses.

As Taylor alternates between her real identity and her Santa persona, the emotional stakes rise. She finds herself falling for Matthew while trapped in a lie that could cost her both her job and her chance at happiness. The film cleverly balances romantic tension with comedic mishaps, as Taylor scrambles to keep her secret intact while navigating growing feelings that threaten to expose everything.

Eggold brings warmth and sincerity to the role, providing the perfect counterbalance to Breckenridge’s high-wire performance. Their chemistry is effortless, grounding the film’s more outlandish moments in genuine emotional connection.

A Modern Mrs Doubtfire—With Christmas Magic

One of the most common reactions from viewers has been the comparison to Robin Williams’ iconic performance in Mrs Doubtfire. Like that beloved classic, My Secret Santa uses disguise as a gateway to explore deeper themes: parental devotion, identity, and the lengths people go to for love.

Fans have been particularly impressed by Breckenridge’s ability to make her Santa alter ego feel real rather than cartoonish. Her physicality, voice work, and subtle emotional shifts have been widely praised, with many calling the transformation “shockingly believable.” For some, the performance evokes the same bittersweet blend of laughter and heartache that made Mrs Doubtfire unforgettable.

Yet My Secret Santa never feels like a copy. Instead, it updates the concept for a modern audience, weaving in contemporary concerns about job insecurity, single parenthood, and finding stability in uncertain times.

Social Media Erupts With Praise

The response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers have taken to X, IMDb, and other platforms to share their enthusiasm, with many awarding the film a perfect “10 out of 10.” Comments describe it as “fresh,” “adorable,” and “hilarious,” with repeated praise for its emotional payoff.

One fan declared it “the best Christmas movie this year” and promised to rewatch it repeatedly throughout the season. Others highlighted the film’s music, festive atmosphere, and smart casting, noting how rare it is for a holiday comedy to land both laughs and genuine emotional depth.

Supporting performances also add to the film’s charm. Tia Mowry, beloved for her roles in Sister, Sister and Family Reunion, appears in a key supporting role, bringing warmth and familiarity that longtime fans immediately recognize.

Why This Film Struck a Chord

Part of My Secret Santa’s appeal lies in its balance. It embraces classic holiday tropes—mistaken identities, festive hijinks, last-minute revelations—while grounding them in relatable emotional struggles. Taylor’s fear of failure, her determination to protect her child, and her longing for connection resonate deeply, especially during a season that often magnifies both joy and stress.

For fans of Virgin River, the film offers a delightful chance to see Breckenridge in a completely new light, while still delivering the same emotional authenticity that made her a fan favorite. For everyone else, it’s simply a reminder of why holiday movies endure: they make us laugh, cry, and believe—if only for two hours—that everything might just work out in the end.