Are you one of the people that think that all Christmas movies suck? With this list, you can enjoy some movies during the holiday season that will not make you want to die. Say goodbye to the typical “city girl goes back to hometown for Christmas and falls in love” movie, and welcome some new unconventional movies surrounding Christmas instead.
10. Moonstruck (1987)
Classic romantic comedies are not that bad when you want an easy relaxing movie to watch. Moonstruck gives you exactly that as your ideal film for this holiday season. Following the story of Loretta, played by the iconic Cher, the viewer dives into a love triangle with Johnny and Ronny. Even the names of the characters in this movie tell you that it is an easy watch.
9. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Most people are familiar with the story of Edward Scissorhands, embodied by Johnny Depp. The movie presents a humanoid that has scissors instead of hands and who has to deal with everyday tasks and emotions while being profoundly misunderstood and unable to touch. Edward Scissorhands is by itself, quite unconventional, but it could also be the unconventional Christmas movie you are looking for.
8. Gremlins (1984)
Horror movies do not have to be out of the question to be watched during the holiday season, and Gremlins is the perfect example for that. After Randall acquires a strange pet in December, he soon discovers that this pet may not be as cute as he thinks it is. Beware of beautiful creatures because they could turn into terrifying demons by the second. By now, this movie has become a classic, and if you haven’t watched it yet, this Christmas may be the perfect time for it.
7. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
The legends of cinema themselves, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, appear in a comedy about rivalry. The two protagonists seem to have a great dislike towards each other and are in constant competition to put the other one down. With the arrival of a new tenant in a house nearby during the holiday season, these grumpy old men are driven to interesting scenarios in order to call her attention. This is a great option to watch with your family or by yourself if you are looking for some good laughs.
6. Carol (2015)
Forbidden love is a topic to which many can relate to, and it is no stranger as a focus of Christmas movies. Carol tells the story of exactly that between Carol and Therese in the 1950s. This period drama film does not only pose forward a romantic plot, but also delves into the reality of women and homosexuality in the past century. If you still want to be immersed in a story about love, maybe this is an ideal movie you can opt for during these holidays.
5. Departures (2008)
The japanese film Departures tells the story of a young cello player, Daigo, who after encountering several problems in his life starts working for funerary services. The movie presents the trajectory of the main characters and others dealing with death through humourous, sad, and complicated circumstances. Death is probably not one of the topics that people want to discuss during the holiday season, yet the tone and placement of the story during Christmas celebrations make it an interesting and sensible option for those who do not like conventional Christmas movies.
4. Mysterious Skin (2004)
Disclaimer: this movie involves potentially traumatic images and plot involving sexual abuse.
After undergoing abuse and violence during their childhoods, the protagonists Neil and Brian take you on an uncomfortable and harsh dive into ways of handling trauma. A portion of it takes place during the Christmas celebrations which creates an important contrast that forces its viewer to see different realities during the holidays. Mysterious Skin is not necessarily the most ideal Christmas film given the nature of the subject, but if you are looking to encounter a more profound, emotional, and analytical watch, this might be the one for you.
3. Little Women (1994)
The story of the four March sisters is often a good one to re-visit, if it has been seen before, and if it hasn’t, there is no better time than the holidays for that. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy take you on a journey around growing up, disease, death, love, and friendship. The film examines femininity as the characters’ personalities, hopes and dreams evolve. This movie will fill you up with its warmth as it goes through during a cold Christmas Eve.
2. Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard also falls into the classic category that should be on the top of your holidays watchlist. Along the detective John McClane, the movie takes the viewer to a terrorist attack taking place during Christmas Eve. A little crime and action might be the best combination for your ideal Christmas movie.
1. Tangerine (2015)
If you want to integrate social issues with the Christmas spirit, perhaps Tangerine is the ideal option for you to watch this December 25. Centered on the lives of Sin-Dee and Alexandra, the movie delves into complications in the lives of transgender sex workers. Following the main characters, the public confronts the reality, dreams, and romantic spheres that take place during the holiday season. This is not the average Christmas movie, but it will be the best Christmas movie you have ever seen.
