Every Christmas, people return to curling up on the couch to watch the same beloved holiday classics without fail. These films are nostalgic and bring that festive warmth back to hearts and homes. But while tradition has its place, this year feels like the perfect time to make room for something refreshing. More specifically, something that almost ticks all the right boxes needed to be a Christmas movie, passing off as a Catfish Christmas Movie.

While Netflix has an interesting selection of movies, the 2021 Catfish Christmas Movie may just be the right one for those trying to strike a balance. 

The movie, often referred to as the Catfish Christmas Movie, is Love Hard, starring the beloved Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang (Josh), and Darren Barnet (Tag). The movie follows the story of Natalie Bauer, who travels to her perfect online match for Christmas, only to find out that she was catfished. While his was not the ideal surprise for Natalie, it explains why the movie is loosely referred to as Catfish Christmas. 

Although Natalie's story started on the wrong note, the movie ultimately ends with a valuable lesson. As for those wondering about the title, Love Hard, it seems to be a brilliant nod to Natalie and Tag (Josh acting as Tag)’s very first dating-app conversation, where they bond over their opposite favorite Christmas movies, with his pick being Love Actually and hers Die Hard resulting in Love Hard, a playful mash-up of both. 

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Released in 2021, this movie was loved by fans, so much so that the calls for a sequel still remain.

Netflix’s festive rom-com Love Hard quickly won hearts when it premiered in November 2021. From Nina Dobrev’s on-screen return to the hilarious scenes, fans were instantly captivated. As of now, Netflix has not officially announced Love Hard 2.

The film, however, performed strongly after its release, and Netflix has a solid track record of turning successful Christmas movies into franchises, as seen with The Princess Switch and The Christmas Chronicles. That said, Netflix’s plans are also often unpredictable.

Whether Love Hard will add another chapter, its book remains unclear, however, its legacy as the Catfish Christmas Movie remains as crucial as ornaments on Christmas trees.

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Will you watch Love Hard this Christmas? Let us know in the comments section below.