Best. Christmas. Ever! is a 2023 American Christmas romantic comedy released by Netflix on November 16, 2023. It was directed by Mary Lambert from a screenplay by Todd Calgi Gallicano and Charles Shyer, and stars Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño. The film debuted at number one on Netflix in the United States and number two globally in its opening week, racking up more than 22 million hours viewed.
Since this page was first published the film has come and gone from its “coming soon” window — it has been streaming on Netflix since late 2023, so below is an updated, fact-checked guide to the cast, composer, and full soundtrack.
Quick Facts
| Title | Best. Christmas. Ever! |
| Release Date | November 16, 2023 (Netflix) |
| Director | Mary Lambert |
| Writers | Todd Calgi Gallicano & Charles Shyer |
| Composer | Jeff Rona |
| Genre | Christmas Romantic Comedy |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
| Runtime | 81 minutes |
Plot
Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham) and her husband Rob (Jason Biggs) live modestly and feel overshadowed by the seemingly perfect life of Charlotte’s college friend Jackie Jennings (Brandy Norwood), whose boastful annual holiday newsletter details her family’s achievements. When a mix-up sends the Sanders family to the Jennings’ house for Christmas instead of Charlotte’s sister’s, the two families end up snowed in together. Charlotte’s suspicion that Jackie and Rob (who once dated) are having an affair spirals into a full-blown investigation of Jackie’s “perfect” life — until Charlotte discovers the real, heartbreaking reason behind Jackie’s need to make every Christmas the best one ever, and the two families come together to honor it.
Full Cast
- Heather Graham as Charlotte Sanders
- Brandy Norwood as Jackie Jennings
- Jason Biggs as Rob Sanders
- Matt Cedeño as Valentino
- Wyatt Hunt as Grant Sanders
- Abby Villasmil as Dora Sanders
- Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix Jennings
Who Composed Best. Christmas. Ever!?
The original score is by Jeff Rona, a veteran American film and video-game composer born in Culver City, California. Rona got his start scoring Barry Levinson’s TV series Homicide: Life on the Street and went on to become a longtime member of Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures collective, contributing to scores including Gladiator, Traffic, and Black Hawk Down. His independent credits span the Rob Stewart documentary Sharkwater, the TV mini-series Traffic, the video game God of War III, the 2013 thriller Phantom, and the Tamil action film Veeram — all verified credits, along with later game work on Devil May Cry 5. Rona is also the founder and a past president of the MIDI Manufacturers Association.
Best. Christmas. Ever! Soundtrack List
Alongside Rona’s score, the film features 16 licensed Christmas songs. Brandy performs two of them on screen — “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and the film’s closing number, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
- “Better Together” – The Jilettes
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – Thomas Coster Jr.
- “Snow” – JJ Heller
- “O Holy Night” – Mike Tompa & Joshua Warren
- “O Christmas Tree” (Jazzy Version)
- “Santa Baby” – Serena Ryder
- “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” – Sophie Park
- “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – performed by Brandy
- “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” – Ritmos Latinos
- “Jingle Jangle” – Rehya Stevens
- “Beautiful Season” – AJ
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Grace Crugnale
- “All the Little Things” – Sarah DeFors
- “Just Cancel Christmas” – Kirsty Almeida
- “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” – performed by Brandy
- “That Holiday Feelin'” – Amy Stroup
Brandy also released her own holiday album, Christmas with Brandy, a week before the movie’s premiere, though the two songs she performs in the film aren’t on that album. You can find the film’s songs on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Reception & Where to Watch
Critically, Best. Christmas. Ever! landed a mixed 38% on Rotten Tomatoes (from 21 critics) and a 34/100 on Metacritic, with reviewers split on its broad, farcical tone. Audiences were far more enthusiastic: the film hit number one on Netflix’s U.S. chart and number two worldwide in its debut week, trailing only David Fincher’s The Killer. It remains available exclusively on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for Best. Christmas. Ever!?
The score was composed by Jeff Rona, whose other credits include Sharkwater, Traffic, God of War III, Phantom, and Veeram.
When was Best. Christmas. Ever! released?
It premiered on Netflix on November 16, 2023.
Who stars in Best. Christmas. Ever!?
The film stars Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño.
Does Brandy sing in the movie?
Yes. Brandy performs “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and closes the film with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
Where can I watch Best. Christmas. Ever!?
The film is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Related reading: Netflix | Movie Soundtracks | Streaming Hub