Merry Christmas... Happy New Year (1989) movie backdrop
Merry Christmas... Happy New Year (1989) movie poster
1989100 minComedy, Drama
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Drama genre.

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.

It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.67 votes
100Minutes
1989Release Year
Visual Story
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Merry Christmas... Happy New Year Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1989, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on In this romantic story, a couple (Michel Serrault and Virna Lisi) who have been married for over forty years are forced to separate, one to each of their two children's families, when they can no longer pay the rent on their longtime apartment. Under the direction of Luigi Comencini, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Michel Serrault. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Merry Christmas... Happy New Year centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. In this romantic story, a couple (Michel Serrault and Virna Lisi) who have been married for over forty years are forced to separate, one to each of their two children's families, when they can no longer pay the rent on their longtime apartment. Absence, in this case, refreshes their memory of the love they have shared, and they take to meeting one another furtively in hotel rooms for sex and affection. One summer, as each of their daughters families takes them on separate vacations, they have had enough, and elope, finding contentment as lighthouse keepers off the coast of Sicily. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Merry Christmas... Happy New Year has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Merry Christmas... Happy New Year sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Merry Christmas... Happy New Year (1989): with an audience rating of 6.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Comedy, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Where to Watch Merry Christmas... Happy New Year Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Merry Christmas... Happy New Year has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year movie hit or flop?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year worth watching?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Merry Christmas... Happy New Year online?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
Merry Christmas... Happy New Year
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/merry-christmas-happy-new-year-359185" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Merry Christmas... Happy New Year</div></div></a>

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More with Michel Serrault

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year movie hit or flop?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year worth watching?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Merry Christmas... Happy New Year online?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of Merry Christmas... Happy New Year?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is a Comedy, Drama movie that follows: In this romantic story, a couple (Michel Serrault and Virna Lisi) who have been married for over forty years are forced to separate, one to each of their two children's families, when they can no long...

Is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year family friendly?

Yes, Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Drama movie.

What language is Merry Christmas... Happy New Year available in?

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

In this romantic story, a couple (Michel Serrault and Virna Lisi) who have been married for over forty years are forced to separate, one to each of their two children's families, when they can no longer pay the rent on their longtime apartment. Absence, in this case, refreshes their memory of the love they have shared, and they take to meeting one another furtively in hotel rooms for sex and affection. One summer, as each of their daughters families takes them on separate vacations, they have had enough, and elope, finding contentment as lighthouse keepers off the coast of Sicily.

Critic Reviews

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