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- Christmas is just around the corner and audiences are diving straight back into their favorite holiday classics. There will be a few Grinches out there who are not quite ready to get into the festive spirit, so it's time to update that roster of near-Christmas hits that feature just the right amount of cheer. Even those who don't have the holiday spirit are likely to find joy in these films.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for some, the Christmas films that are paraded out every December have all become a bit much. Considering people flock to certain films for the festive period, there aren't many alternatives out there.
But even the Scrooges can get behind some of these cinematic classics that happen to be perfect for the Christmas season, without actually being straight-up films made for the holidays. From family favorites to action films that somehow managed to align themselves with Santas and sleighs, there's a little something for everyone among these hits.
UPDATE: 2022/12/09 09:08 EST BY GEORGE CHRYSOSTOMOU
Christmas is just around the corner and audiences are diving straight back into their favorite holiday classics. There will be a few Grinches out there who are not quite ready to get into the festive spirit, so it's time to update that roster of near-Christmas hits that feature just the right amount of cheer. Even those who don't have the holiday spirit are likely to find joy in these films.
Gremlins (1984)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
The iconic Gremlins has always been a strange premise, but with the movie set around the holiday period, it's no surprise that many wait until the year's end to get stuck into the monster mayhem. With the cute and cuddly Gizmo becoming a ticking time bomb, there is a horror edge to this family film.
As a franchise, it has stood the test of time and there are any number of comically memorable moments that cement this release. However, it never feels too Christmassy, with the movie getting caught up in the slapstick visuals and destructive characteristics of its titular antagonists.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Available To Stream On Disney+
The debate will forever rage on as to whether this is truly a Christmas film or one of Disney's many Halloween hits. That ambiguity is perfect for those who aren't feeling festive quite yet. The Nightmare Before Christmas offers a genuine alternative with gothic visuals and stop-motion beauty.
From an animation perspective, this film is stunning, but when breaking down the voice performances and the fantastic musical numbers that were created for the production, it's hard to ignore the quality at every level of this picture. Plus there is a Santa cameo even in spite of the All Hallow's Eve settings.
Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
Available To Stream On Peacock And fuboTV
2015's Pitch Perfect 2 was the entry into the series that confirmed the franchise had more to it than just the initial surprise hit. The acapella crew are back, this time with a world tour that puts them up against some of the greatest singing groups featuring a few familiar faces.
It doesn't fully scream Christmas, although that Snoop Dogg rendition of Winter Wonderland surely provides just enough festivity to warrant an inclusion. Plus as a family film, it's a great piece to bring everyone together around, thanks to its killer soundtrack and humor that hits all ages.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Available To Stream On Prime Video, Disney+ & fuboTV
Another piece that relies on gothic horror and strange body modifications despite the snowy backdrop and holiday elements, Edward Scissorhands is a very personal story in many ways, with a leading performance that has captivated audiences.
This is dripping in Tim Burton tropes, many of which seem to work so well for the Christmas period. However, the darker themes, gritty qualities, and ultimately that strange premise creates another alternative route for audiences to go in when picking their watch lists.
Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Available To Stream On fuboTV
As after-life-based comedies go Ghostbusters 2 is simply one of the best. It's another Halloween-themed picture that belongs at the end of the year, but because it takes place over the holiday period and even includes that iconic New Years' scene, it might be worth watching soon.
It has to be noted that compared to the original this simply doesn't hold up and there are a fair few criticisms levied at the motion picture. However, it's fun, completely out there in its gags, and portrays an intriguing story for everyone's favorite poltergeist hunters to embark on.
Mean Girls (2004)
Available To Stream On Paramount+
Mean Girls has very obvious connections to Christmas thanks to its iconic dance sequence, but the film is so much more than the festive period. In fact, it's probably one of the most beloved teen films of all time.
People still wear pink on Wednesdays thanks to the influence of a film that has come to define many teenage years. With huge stars like Lindsey Lohan and Amanda Seyfried, this charming film is perfect for anyone who wants to relive the 2000s this December.
Die Hard (1988)
Available To Stream On Starz
There's a constant debate over whether Die Hard really is a Christmas film. There's certainly no debate whatsoever though over whether the film could be considered an action classic. It launched Bruce Willis to the next level and has always been heralded as one of the greats.
Plus, since it can just about get away with being a Christmas movie, it's one for the action lovers who don't fancy watching Elf once again and instead want to enjoy one of the career-defining performances of the late Alan Rickman.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Available To Stream On Disney+
With no other Christmas films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man 3 perhaps comes the closest to bringing some festive cheer. It's hardly a surprise that the third installment in the franchise when this route, considering Shane Black is the director.
While there may be a lot of arguments over whether the movie is actually fantastic or ruined by that controversial twist, the minor Christmas scenes definitely give Marvel fans an excuse to skip The Knight Before Christmas and enjoy some Tony Stark action instead.
Rise Of The Guardians (2012)
Available To Stream On Amazon Freevee
One of the most underrated movies from DreamWorks, the visually striking Rise of the Guardians wowed audiences by bringing together classic fantasy characters like the Easter Bunny, Sandman and Santa Claus, in a thrilling family adventure.
Based on the classic novel The Guardians of Childhood, the movie has just enough festive elements but also takes them in a completely new direction. With a completely stacked cast, Alec Baldwin's Santa is unlike anything in cinema today.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
The Harry Potter franchise can be and should be enjoyed at any time of the year, but something about the Sorcerer's Stone feels a little extra Christmassy. Perhaps it's the long sequences playing wizard chess in the Great Hall, or the snowy fields that surround the castle.
The movie is a great family classic and for fans of the series in the UK, it's also a film that seems to be featured on TV on repeat throughout the festive period. Plus, the movie really captures the magic of the season in a unique way.
Frozen (2013) And Frozen 2 (2019)
Available To Stream On Disney+
Frozen and its sequel Frozen 2 were never meant to be Christmas films. Sure there are festive spin-offs featuring the same characters, but the sequel was even released in the middle of summer; of course only matching that original summery song.
Due to the movies finding their inspiration in the story of the Ice Queen, it's difficult not to connect the reindeer and snow to Christmas. For families that haven't had this move played on a constant loop throughout the year though, December may be a great time to visit Arrendelle once again.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Available To Stream On fuboTV
Another Shane Black classic and this is perhaps one of his most famous incidences of using Christmas as part of the narrative despite the plot not necessarily calling for it. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is also the film that helped secure Robert Downey Jr's role as Iron Man!
For murder mystery fans and those who love a bit of extra violence to break up this joyful period of time, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang contains the blood and gore of great action films, while also adding in some crime elements linked to a few big twists.
Batman Returns (1992)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Tim Burton may be linked to a different film that's part Halloween, part Christmas, but fans of his work seem to overlook the Yule time elements included within Batman Returns. The Penguin can already be considered to be a festive foe.
But linked with the huge Christmas tree, Alfred's shopping trip, and the snowy scene across the city, and suddenly it becomes clear that this is Burton's take on how Gotham would celebrate the time of year. Of course, the holidays do not stop Bruce Wayne from suiting up and probably should stop fans from watching!
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)
Available To Stream On Disney+
The Narnia series may have petered out before all of the novels could be adapted, but it was not intended to be a Christmas franchise. However, the first installment is the perfect wintery movie for the family to enjoy.
With a magical world inside a wardrobe that has been taken over by the White Witch, this is a fantasy epic unlike any other. Let's not forget that a version of Santa Claus actually turns up in the film, although the gifts he dishes out aren't exactly child-friendly.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Available To Stream On Disney+
Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia; they are all characters that have somehow become associated with Christmas. Perhaps it's the recent winter release dates for the new Star Wars films, or maybe it's the mania linked to the toys back when the movies were first released which made every parent dread going to the store.
Empire Strikes Back seems especially festive, because despite its grim ending the movie does open up on the snowy planet of Hoth, which is just brilliant for the winter season. There are certainly plenty of households that have come to visit the galaxy far far away as a yearly tradition.