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- Classic and modern classic Christmas movies are nostalgic to turn to each year, with characters, quotes, and families that have become familiar after so many viewings. But there are so many other movies about the winter holidays to check out. While it's fun to revisit the world of A Christmas Story with the 2022 release A Christmas Story Christmas, those looking for even more festive picks can seek out these movies. There are more serious family stories, a heartwarming stop-motion film about Santa Claus, and a horror movie that is definitely a darker take on this time of year.
Every year, people around the world watch their favorite holiday movies over and over again. Films like Home Alone, A Christmas Story, and Love Actually have become just as much as part of the holiday season as candy canes and mistletoe.
But there are a lot of great holiday movies out there that have been overlooked or forgotten about throughout the years. For anyone looking for something new or different to spice up their holiday movie lineup, here are a few excellent movies that have been overlooked.
Updated on December 8th, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras:
Classic and modern classic Christmas movies are nostalgic to turn to each year, with characters, quotes, and families that have become familiar after so many viewings. But there are so many other movies about the winter holidays to check out. While it's fun to revisit the world of A Christmas Story with the 2022 release A Christmas Story Christmas, those looking for even more festive picks can seek out these movies. There are more serious family stories, a heartwarming stop-motion film about Santa Claus, and a horror movie that is definitely a darker take on this time of year.
Love The Coopers (2015)
Stream on DirecTV
Love the Coopers is an emotional comedy about a family dealing with big changes during the winter holidays. While Charlotte and Sam are getting divorced, they feel that telling their grown-up kids about this choice will be a bad idea around Christmas. Of course, this news causes tension and drama anyway. It's a relatable movie to watch at Christmas since not everyone's holiday goes smoothly each year.
The movie has a great cast of Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, and Alan Arkin. Steve Martin voices the family dog Rags, who also serves as a narrator explaining the events of the movie.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)
Rent on AppleTV
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town is a Christmas movie to watch with the whole family. The stop-motion movie, which was released in 1970, is inspired by the famous song. Mickey Rooney voices a character and Fred Astaire narrated the film.
The movie follows characters like Kris Kringle and a mailman who is bringing gifts and holiday joy to everyone in town. The story shows the excitement that people of all ages have for the holiday season and is a sweet watch.
The Fitzgerald Family Christmas (2012)
Rent on Google Play
Edward Burns wrote, produced, and directed The Fitzgerald Family Christmas, which is about a family of seven kids who have a tough relationship with their dad. This year, everyone is going to get together, which means there's a lot of emotion, nerves, and pain to deal with.
Many classic Christmas movies are sad, and this 2012 release definitely has some serious moments. The family members are trying their best to put on a brave face and have a nice holiday as they go through ups and downs.
Happy Christmas (2014)
Stream on Starz and DireCTV
Some Christmas family movies have dark moments, and other holiday films show that it might not always be the most joyous time of year. In Happy Christmas, Jenny is heartbroken and stays with her brother Jeff and his wife Kelly. Jenny and Carson, her pal from their teenage years, begin hanging out again.
This makes Kelly think about topics like happiness and the future in a different way than she used to. It's a riveting Christmas movie that is a break from more cheesy family-friendly fare.
Home For The Holidays (1995)
Stream on Fubo and DirecTV
Jodie Foster made her directorial debut in 1995 with Home for the Holidays, a movie about a dysfunctional family coming together during the holiday season. The film is full of talented actors, like Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Claire Danes, Dylan McDermott, and more.
Foster and Downey Jr. were particularly praised by critic (via Roger Ebert) for the way they managed to "bring out all the complexities in the characters." It's also often cited as a precursor to another forgotten holiday classic, The Family Stone, which coincidentally, also starred Claire Danes.
The Family Stone (2005)
Stream on Starz and DirecTV
Upon release in 2005, The Family Stone received little fanfare. However, as the years have gone on, viewers have discovered that the movie was clearly ahead of its time. The Family Stone is one of the most rewatchable Christmas movies.
The film, similar to Home for the Holidays, centers around a dysfunctional family coming together for Christmas. But whereas Foster's film was more of a drama, The Family Stone implemented more comedic touches. As the years go by, viewers relate more and more to the Stone family and the film gains ever more appreciation.
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Stream on Disney+
In Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest P. Worrell, the popular character played by Jim Varney, is working as a cab driver in Orlando when he happens to pick up Santa Claus. Santa informs Ernest that he's on his way to announce the next Santa who will take his place.
In classic Ernest style, this heartwarming Christmas film is full of wacky antics and tons of characters, all of whom are portrayed by Varney. Despite being a success upon release, the movie has since drifted into obscurity.
Last Holiday (2006)
Stream on Prime Video
In this remake of the 1950 classic, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) receives a diagnosis that she has a terminal disease and will soon die. After spending her life cowering in the corners, she decides her last weeks will be well spent.
She drains her bank accounts and heads to the luxurious Grandhotel Pupp in the famed ski village of Karlovy Vary for Christmas and New Years. The movie isn't just a great holiday film, it's also a wonderful movie for anyone who loves travel and adventure.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Rent on AppleTV
In this disturbing grindhouse classic, a young boy watches his parents get murdered by a man dressed as Santa. Years later as an adult, he now dons the Santa suit himself and goes on his own killing spree. The concept of a killer Santa, combined with portraying a psychologically traumatized killer, caused swift backlash and the film was removed from theaters after its first week. But for many, it's one of the best horror movies set at Christmas.
Ultimately, the controversy caused the movie the gain popularity and has made it a cult favorite for decades. It's the perfect Christmas movie for anyone who doesn't actually like Christmas movies.
Mixed Nuts (1994)
Stream on Peacock
Mixed Nuts bombed upon release, and it's easy to see why. The movie is irreverent, all over the place, and it's not a typical holiday film. Taking place in LA during Christmas, the story follows several people as they navigate the holidays while a notorious serial killer, the "Seaside Strangler" is on the loose.
The movie stars comedic legends like Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, and Liev Schriber in his very first role. The film was too obscure and offensive for '90s audiences but has since become known as an overlooked classic.
Noel (2004)
Stream on Fubo and Tubi
Noel was supposed to be America's answer to Love, Actually and centered around a group of interconnected storylines taking place during Christmas in New York City. The film had an all-star cast including Paul Walker, Susan Sarandon, Alan Arkin, Penélope Cruz, Robin Williams, and even Billy Porter in one of his early film roles.
However, the movie only received a limited release and then drifted into obscurity. But it's the perfect option for any fan of ensemble films like Love, Actually and Valentine's Day.
A Madea Christmas (2013)
Stream on Prime Video
A Madea Christmas, the seventh film in the Madea series, is a Christmas movie like no other. For starters, the movie engages with the theme of racism. Secondly, it has one of the strangest casts in cinematic history, including Chad Michael Murray, Larry the Cable Guy, Kathy Najimy, Tika Sumpter, and of course, Tyler Perry as Madea.
Viewers might not believe it would work with such a random ensemble, but it does come together nicely. The movie manages to find the perfect balance between comedy and festive cheer while also tackling the rampant inequality within society.
Just Friends (2005)
Stream on Peacock
Just Friends was one of Ryan Reynolds' first starring roles after his breakout performance in Van Wilder. In the film, Reynolds portrays Chris, a bullied teenager who grows up, runs away to LA, and becomes a big-time record producer. The movie follows him as he unwillingly heads home for the holidays. It's a Christmas rom-com with some tropes.
Easily the best part of the film is Anna Farris, who plays an out-of-control superstar just signed to Chris' label who is now running amok in his hometown.
Miracle On 34th Street (1994)
Stream on Disney+
In recent years, audiences have rediscovered an appreciation for holiday classics from the 40s and 50s, which is awesome. However, sometimes it's important to remember quality remakes as well, such as 1994's Miracle on 34th Street.
Set in Manhattan's largest department store, Cole's Department Store hires a man named Kris Kringle to be the store's Santa...but little do people know, he may be the real deal. The movie remains a holiday favorite for 90s kids everywhere.