A psychologist explains why your brain loves cheesy holiday movies

'Tis the season for friends, family and cheesy holiday movies. 

Whether you're a fan of the Christmas classics or prefer the dozens of streamable and made-for-TV specials, experts say there's a reason holiday-themed movies are so popular — even the most corny and predictable. In fact, this is part of what keeps us coming back, says Dr. Pamela Rutledge, a media psychologist and director of the Media Psychology Research Center.

"You would almost be disappointed if they weren't a little cheesy and predictable, because that's why you're there. You're there to have a feel-good movie," she says. "This lowers stress, and it reinforces feelings of hope and renewal and all of those things that Christmas is supposed to bring."