Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adults rediscover the meaning of family in holiday romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Joy to the World
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Joy (Emmanuelle Chriqui) is a best-selling cookbook and lifestyle author in JOY TO THE WORLD. Her "brand" is based on a perfect home life she has described for the world, including a family which, it turns out, is entirely invented. When a cooking channel show hosted by the curious Liza (Ayesha Curry) announces it will visit her home for a live taping during the holidays, Joy quickly slaps together a makeshift family. That includes best friend and potential love interest Max (Chad Michael Murray), cleaning lady Marta (Helene Lohan Cameron), mailman Freddie (Guy Sprung), and neighbor kids Hawk (Josh Reich) and Sabrina (Taya Messier). But of course, nothing will go to plan—and that might be okay.
Is It Any Good?
This Christmas movie falls flatter than a carved turkey. Everything feels familiar in Joy to the World, but that sought-after holiday comfort shouldn't replace good character development and solid storytelling. Instead, ingredients are thrown together at the service of well-worn themes like the bonding of a makeshift family and the blossoming of unexpected romance. Murray, an increasingly familiar face in the genre, Chriqui, and the rest of the cast have a pleasant enough chemistry, but the scenarios, pacing, and music all combine to undermine their efforts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the characters learn about the meaning of family in Joy to the World.
What holidays does your family celebrate? Do you have any unique family traditions?
How does this film compare with other holiday romances you've watched?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2025
- Cast : Emmanuelle Chriqui , Chad Michael Murray , Ayesha Curry
- Director : Jerry Ciccoritti
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hulu
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Baking , Cooking , Family Stories , Friendship , Holidays
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 4, 2025
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