Netflix viewers have spoken—and George Clooney isn’t winning this round.
His new star-studded dramedy Jay Kelly, featuring Clooney, Adam Sandler, Emily Mortimer, Riley Keough, Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig and Laura Dern, debuted on the streamer after a theatrical run and quickly climbed to… number two. Respectable, sure—but not the top.
Because sitting at number one is something no one saw coming: Meet My Secret Santa, a cozy, low-stakes Christmas rom-com starring Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge and Tia Mowry. Yes, a festive, feel-good, Hallmark-style movie just beat a Golden Globe–nominated Clooney film.
Plot-wise, the contrast couldn’t be sharper.
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Jay Kelly follows an aging movie star spiraling through an existential crisis.
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My Secret Santa follows a single mom who literally dresses up as Santa to land a job at a ski resort.
But critics don’t seem as divided as you’d expect: Jay Kelly holds 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, while My Secret Santa sits close behind at 73%.
The verdict? Holiday comfort is winning over awards-season prestige.
If you’re stuck choosing, make it a double feature—the only debate is whether you want your existential drama before your Christmas cheer, or after.
