Quite a few MCU audiences can rightfully claim Iron Man 3 as the best holiday movie with MCU actors in it. However, there are quite a few holiday movies outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the years that many different castmates were in. So, if viewers need a bit of holiday cheer with their favorite Marvel actors, then there are plenty of movies that can fit the bill for them to enjoy.
While some of these holiday movies are truly made for the season, others are lesser-known works that definitely capture that warmth that everyone seems to crave this time of year. Whether these MCU actors played a villain, like Kurt Russell, or are a staple of the universe, like Mark Ruffalo, these movies will make sure to bring some superheroic holiday cheer.
Diner (1982)
The oldest entry on this list belongs to the man who brilliantly brought Ivan Vanko - or Whiplash from Iron Man 2 - to life, the incomparable Mickey Rourke. The season's celebration is more of a backdrop to the main characters' stories than a significant plot point in this unconventional holiday movie.
Though they are gathered for a wedding and not for Christmas, the general feeling of togetherness and reflection that often permeates the season truly roots this movie in the Holiday film genre.
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
Another non-traditional holiday movie starring none other than the MCU's own Tony Stark, the legendary Robert Downey Jr. Having been in the movie business for years, RDJ has starred in many notable films over the years. One of his irreverent comedies also happens to be a tremendous out-of-the-box holiday movie with Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Fun fact: Shane Black, who directed Iron Man 3, was behind the camera for this film as well.
From a thief on the run to an unwitting actor to an accidental investigator, Downey's character of Harry Lockhart must go through the typical holiday trope of finding the good inside of him and coming to the side of good over the holidays. With a lot of tongue-in-cheek writing and perfect delivery from RDJ, the movie will make viewers laugh themselves into the holiday season.
The Grinch (2018)
Dr. Strange himself, Benedict Cumberbatch, lends his voice to the latest remake of the titular character in this 2018 animated take on Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Cumberbatch brings the green grump to life with his typical deadpan delivery in a way not seen before. Instead of simply hating Christmas, this iteration of the Grinch seems to dislike people in general as much as he hates the holiday.
This is not the first time Benedict Cumberbatch voiced an animated bad guy, of. course. Still, the disdain and sarcasm he can project through his voice is unmatched and makes this movie a fun watch for the whole family.
All Is Bright (2013)
The next entry on the list comes from Ant-Man's own Scott Lang, Paul Rudd. Like Robert Downey Jr., Rudd has been around the movie business for decades. With a resume as complete as Rudd's, the MCU's resident funny man, it's no surprise that he has a holiday movie on the list. In 2013's All Is Bright, Rudd plays against type. He's not the man striving for redemption but his shady ex-partner-in-crime who stole his wife while his con-man partner was in jail.
Selling Christmas trees and feuding with other salespeople looking for a quick buck peddling holiday wares to people on the NYC streets, Rudd still portrays a guy the audience can't help but fall for.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018, 2020)
In Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Kurt Russell plays Star-Lord's narcissistic and murderous father, Ego. The Christmas Chronicles, produced by Netflix, was released the following year with Russell doing a 180 from Ego as the big man himself, Santa. Starring alongside him is his longtime romantic partner Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus. The movie quickly sky-rocketed to the top of many family's must-watch holiday movies, and last year, the franchise's second entry came out.
Russell's patented gruff guy combined with the holly-jolly Santa audiences' love led to a reluctant and somewhat grumpy Kris Kringle, leaving the family's wanting more.
The Road To Christmas (2006)
If viewers are fans of the classic made-for-tv Christmas movie, look no further than this classic Lifetime holiday move. This stars everyone's favorite back from the dead S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg). Instead of being the uncompromising hero always willing to do whatever he needs to save his team or the world, Gregg plays the widowed father of a tween daughter who picks up a hitchhiker.
That hitchhiker turns out to be a famous photographer trying to get to her high-profile wedding. Blocked by snow, the two fall for each other over the Christmas holiday when she stays with them until the way is cleared. It's standard Christmas fare, but still sweet.
Four Christmases (2008)
In this star-packed Christmas rom-com, prolific director and actor Jon Favreau deviates from Tony Stark's loveable and delightful head of security, Happy Hogan, to take a turn as Vince Vaughn's character Brad's older brother, Denver. He is a rough and tumble wrestling-loving ex-convict father who is never willing to let his little brother Brad forget where he came from.
The movie focuses on the dysfunction many families feel when they are shoehorned back together during the holidays. It approaches the entire topic with light-hearted humor sure to make audiences comfortable laughing at situations that may hit closer to home than they would like.
This Christmas (2007)
There is not much that Idris Elba can't do on-screen. Before he picked up Hofund and stood sentry at the Bifrost in 2011's Thor, he played the debt-ridden Quentin Whitfield in 2007's This Christmas. In this movie, the Whitfield family has come together for the first time in four long years. In that time apart, many of the things that have happened in the lives of the four Devine children are being kept from the rest of the family.
With the secrets further deteriorating already strained relationships, the explosion simmering under the surface of a family trying to be there for their mom speaks to every sibling who dreads going home to face their brothers and sisters in the face of personal defeats over the holidays.
Home For The Holidays (1995)
It is only fitting that the man who led the MCU for its first three phases has two entries on this list. Though this nineties classic takes place over Thanksgiving, it is still a must-watch during the season for many RDJ fans. Never one to shy away from controversial or cutting-edge characters, Downey plays what then was an entry in both those categories - an out gay male bringing his partner home to his family.
This movie was one of the first to represent the complicated relationships many families had and continued to have surrounding LGBTQ+ family members around holidays. More importantly, it allowed the community to see themselves on screen, not necessarily in a cookie-cutter, fit in around the Hollywood mold way.
On The 2nd Day Of Christmas (1997)
There is no doubt that viewers love new movies, especially when streaming services like Netflix bring new entries to the holiday season. In the original made-for-television Lifetime Christmas movie, Mark Ruffalo stars as a somewhat grumpy—but not quite Hulk—security guard named Bert. When professional thieves Trish (Mary Stuart Masterson) and her niece ward (Lauren Suzanne Pratt) get busted shoplifting from the department store he works in, Bert is forced to watch them while the authorities are shut down for Christmas.
Of course, the two find themselves falling for each other, which ends in a new romance and outlook on life for the pair. The network has made dozens upon dozens of movies since this one started it all 24 years ago. Lifetime, however, honors its roots and plays this one every year as well.