I like Christmas movies, but not the ones that focus on children or thin white women finding the love of their lives. Here are 10 movies I’ve enjoyed that have Christmas as a central part of the plot, but don’t feature any of that stuff. I originally posted these in December 2021, but this time they’re in order of how strongly I recommend them.
Black Christmas (1974)
A cult classic starring Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder and a profoundly disturbed serial killer. Even if you don’t watch the movie, you’ve got to see this trailer. It lasts over four minutes and gives a very good idea of how creepy this movie is, ringing hall phone and all. Its tag line was, “If this movie doesn’t make your skin crawl, it’s on too tight.”
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
I find it incredible that this one came out two and a half years before the pandemic. It’s a British zombie movie musical (with some decent songs) and it shows a virus that tears apart families and friendships and causes everyone to wonder: do we still get to be the people we were before this started? In particular it shows high school students wondering if there’s any hope for the dreams they had before everyone started getting infected. How did the writers predict that??
A Christmas Carol (2019)
No, not that version of Christmas Carol. Nor that one either. This is the FX version, or as I call it, the Black Mirror version of A Christmas Carol. You know it’s completely different when it opens on a scene of a boy urinating on a gravestone. FX returned Dickens’ tale to its origins as a ghost story. This film has horror elements, real world themes such as sexual abuse, and a view of the purgatory Marley suffers. It’s also unencumbered by the usual exuberant ending.
Bad Santa (2003)
One of my favorites stars Billy Bob Thornton, Lauren Graham, Tony Cox and Bernie Mac. This goofy swagger of a film was John Ritter’s last movie. His death was damn sad, but what a final act! This film violates every Christmas cliché and pulls off sympathy for a main character who’s terrible.
Trading Places (1983)
Starring Eddie Murphy at his most hilarious, Dan Ackroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis. A Christmas comedy that comes down on the anti-racist side of nurture over nature.
Die Hard (1988)
Just…yes.
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011)
Seven years after they went out for White Castle burgers and three years after they escaped from Guantanamo Bay, Harold and Kumar are in search of a Christmas tree…and stuff. Another good film if you like irreverent comedy.
All Is Bright (2013)
Paul Rudd and Paul Giamatti play two Canadians who try selling Christmas trees in New York City as a way to raise fast cash. There are heartwarming moments, but overall there’s minimal mush.
Await Further Instructions (2018)
Christmas sci-fi horror, anyone? A family gathers on Christmas Eve with the usual tensions families often have. But by Christmas morning, the house is sealed off and the television begins broadcasting instructions like “USE TRIAL VACCINATION KITS.” Apparently this is called “seige horror” and there isn’t a Santa suit in sight.
Dead End (2003)
A family is driving to a celebration on Christmas Eve and takes a shortcut. Bad idea. I’d call this a quirky comedy-horror movie. It’s not the best of this bunch, but it stars character actress Lin Shaye as the mom, who is great.
There they are. I’m not saying you’re going to love all these, but they do have Christmas as an integral part of the plot line and they do get you away from the gooey sweetness. Please comment if you watch any of these or if you have a movie to add.
Hi there, so funny . . . I’ve been looking for just such a list! I’m so tired of the mush and inevitable plot . . . all involving the Hallmark format. I just put several on hold at my library. Thanks, Regina!