Traditionally Christmas movies are full of joy, laughter, lovable characters, complicated romances and happy endings. If you’re looking for family-friendly tales they will frequently involve Santa, reindeers, elves and present delivery related dramas, along with a good old fashioned moral. Mostly these festive tales are sweet and saccharin with extra candy canes and twinkling lights. But what if you hate that?
For those of you who are more Grinch than gift-giver or who simply want to watch something that you haven’t already seen so many times, we’ve pulled together a list of non-traditional Christmas movies. Just be warned that we’re stepping outside of the gift box here.
Some of these movies are only tenuously linked to the festive season with their setting or some elements of content. However, one thing they all have in common is that they are great films that should be on your alternative Christmas movie playlist.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
A controversial choice, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday hybrid, combining both Halloween and Christmas. As such the engaging tale of lovable pumpkin king Jack Skellington, who tries to replace Halloween with Christmas should be standard viewing for both occasions. As for its Christmas roots, it has gifts, decorations and a unique take on Santa, what more could you ask for?
The quirky story, fantastic animation, and family-friendly content mean this is an unconventional but great choice for anyone of any age who wants their festive fun to be a little more offbeat.
Rise of The Guardians
This 2012 animation is an often overlooked gem that sees Santa become an action hero. Alongside a band of unlikely heroes which includes the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny and the most emo Jack Frost the world has ever seen, Santa must save the world from evil spirit Pitch.
The stellar voice cast, great animation, and well-written story mean this movie is a must-see. If you’ve not discovered this Christmas related caper then this year is the time to do so. You won’t regret it.
Batman Returns
Everyone knows that Batman Returns is one of the most bizarre incarnations of the franchise we’ve ever seen. It combines the dark brooding stylings of Tim Burton with some quite frankly surreal script choices. Luckily the randomness is passed off as genius and the result is an enjoyable caper, which is still great fun to watch.
Looking back now, the setting echos the dark broodiness of the more modern movies, yet the script reflects a more kitsch and camp style, reminiscent of the animated series. It’s a perfect combination that has not been matched since. Just don’t follow it up with a viewing of Batman and Robin, whatever you do.
Iron Man 3
We’ll admit this one’s a stretch but it has Christmas gifts and a festive setting so we’re counting it. After all, the season needs more superhero movies and we feel confident enough to shoehorn this one into the lineup, alongside the caped crusader.
While it’s far from the best Marvel movie ever made, Iron Man’s third outing is none the less an enjoyable caper. There’s a lot of retribution and redemption in this tale as Tony Stark seeks to rebuild his world after everything he held dear suffered at the hands of the Mandarin. A great choice for Marvel fans to dive into during December.
Edward Scissorhands
Further cementing Tim Burton as a master of alternative festive movies is Edward Scissorhands, the classic romance drama from back in 1990. It follows the tale of Edward, an artificial man left with scissors for hands after his creator dies.
After living a solitary life for years he is eventually brought into the local community by Peg, who wants him to experience all the world has to offer. While the story is still heartwarming, it’s far from a traditional Christmas tale, yet it still makes for great festive viewing.
Gremlins
While not quite as family-friendly as some choices, Gremlins is still a must for your festive viewing list. This classic comedy horror sees chaotic green gremlins terrorize the neighborhood after Billy Peltzer fails to follow the simple rules given to him along with Gizmo, the lovable creature with a sinister side.
All he had to do was keep him away from water and bright light and not feed him after midnight. You wouldn’t think that would be too difficult, would you? Apparently it was as Peltzer flaunted the rules, causing total comedic chaos.
Bad Santa
The most controversial Santa to ever live, Billy Bob Thornton’s Bad Santa is an anti-Christmas, Christmas movie that you need to add to your viewing list.
Posing as Santa in order to pull off a huge con, Thornton’s character Willie Stokes gets distracted by a series of chaotic events come Christmas eve and the knock-on effects make for entertaining viewing.
An entirely bizarre, pretty dark but incredibly funny take on being Santa, Bad Santa provides the comedy alongside the crime in this dramatic caper that makes for fantastic festive viewing.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
It wouldn’t be Christmas with a James Bond film on the television and if you want to go truly Christmas themed then On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a solid choice. While George Lazenby sadly cannot live up to Sean Connery’s legacy the movie is still a great watch.
The story is strong and Diana Rigg is fantastic as Tracy. Lazenby is also an underrated Bond. He gets a lot of stick but mostly it’s simply because the Connery legacy is too great to match. The plot combines all the action, romance and drama you want in a Bond movie and it’s setting adds some festive vibes to the occasion.
Trading Places
Starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd, this classic movie sees businessman Louis Winthrope sent to the streets and replaced by street hustler Billy Ray Valentine. The trade is a result of a bet between two wealthy businessmen. The consequences of this decision are hilarious as well as heartbreaking as the two men are thrown out of their comfort zones.
The December setting and the most awkward Christmas party you’ve ever seen help put this movie on the festive favorite list. If you’re in the mood for a great Christmas comedy, with some added drama and despair, then look no further.
Die Hard & Die Hard 2
Before you shout me down hear me out as I justify the final, and likely most controversial, choice.
Die Hard (and its immediate sequel) are what I personally like to call Schrodinger’s Christmas movies. Due to their setting at Christmas time, if someone suggests watching a Christmas movie then Die Hard counts (as should any other movies which are set during the holiday season.)
However, as Die Hard is primarily an action franchise (and one which everyone should have the freedom to watch all year round) then at all other times they are NOT Christmas movies. Thus just like the cat is both dead and alive, the Die Hard movies are both Christmas movies and not Christmas movies. As such you can ensure they have a place on your festive movie list, along with our other choices.
