The Christmas Wish

Skip the formulaic version of this genre — The Christmas Wish earns its romantic beats. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. 20 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Neil Patrick Harris is the anchor, and the chemistry with the rest of the cast carries every scene. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

The Christmas Wish is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The chemistry between the leads is the engine that drives everything, and The Christmas Wish makes sure it fires. Returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him, slick and cynical Wall Street trader Will Martin feels decidedly out of place, and not at all in tune with the Christmas preparations being made by the local citizenry. But Will isn't really taking a sentimental journey at all: He's merely in town to modernize and streamline his family's real-estate company. While going through his grandfather's effects, Will and his grandmother come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian. Neil Patrick Harris and Debbie Reynolds lead a cast that makes the relationship feel genuine, not scripted. It hit screens in 1998. The relationship at the centre of The Christmas Wish develops at a pace that feels earned rather than rushed for plot reasons. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants romantic drama that respects their intelligence, The Christmas Wish is a strong recommendation. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Neil Patrick Harris carries the emotional throughline with real conviction. You will have strong feelings about it by the finale.

The Christmas Wish was released in 1998, directed by Ian Barry. The full 78-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.