A heartwarming holiday romance has captured the imagination of Netflix viewers worldwide, with Hot Frosty snowballing its way to the summit of the global streaming charts, accumulating an impressive 16 million views.
The enchanting tale features Mean Girls alumna Lacey Chabert as a young widow who discovers magic in the most unexpected place when she brings a snowman to life. The transformed snowman, portrayed by Dustin Milligan, charms his way into her heart with his endearing innocence, though their romance faces an inevitable obstacle – the arrival of warmer weather.
Since its Netflix debut on November 13, the film has melted critics’ hearts, initially achieving a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes before settling at an impressive 82% – surpassing even the anticipated Gladiator 2. Within its first five days, viewers spent over 24 million hours watching the magical romance unfold.
The film’s success extends beyond global charts, dominating Netflix rankings across multiple territories including the UK, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Critical reception has been notably positive, with industry experts praising its self-aware charm and deeper meanings.
TheWrap’s William Bibbiani highlighted the film’s intentional whimsy, noting how it successfully navigates its fantastical premise. Meanwhile, GQ’s Jack King discovered profound meaning beneath the surface, praising its exploration of love and memory.
Social media has erupted with enthusiasm for the unconventional romance. Viewers have flooded platforms with glowing reviews, with many declaring it a perfect seasonal watch worthy of multiple viewings.
However, the film hasn’t completely escaped criticism. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at 57%, with some viewers less enchanted by its whimsical premise. Yet for those willing to embrace its magical elements, Hot Frosty has proven to be a delightful addition to the holiday movie lineup.
The streaming service’s festive offerings continue to captivate audiences, with Meet Me Next Christmas securing the second spot in Netflix’s global rankings. This romantic tale, which garnered 11.8 million views last week, follows a romantic’s adventure through New York City in search of a coveted Christmas concert ticket, leading to an unexpected love connection.
Hot Frosty is available to stream on Netflix.
