A Unique Holiday Movie Guide for the Unconventional Viewer
Ho, ho, ho! If you’re looking for some holiday cinema but aren’t in the mood for the usual Christmas classics that focus on cheer and goodwill, then this list is perfect for you. While we all know that Shane Black has a knack for weaving Christmas into his films—like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Lethal Weapon—we’re steering clear of those well-worn favorites, including the ever-popular Die Hard. Instead, we’ve curated a selection of movies that might not be on your usual watchlist but are worth considering this season.
Batman Returns: A Gothic Christmas Nightmare
Starting with one that’s pretty obvious, but I couldn’t leave it out! Batman Returns is a cold, wintry film with a tinge of Tim Burton weirdness. From the opening shots, the movie sets a dark tone, beginning with the tragic abandonment of the Penguin. In the film, Batman faces off against the Penguin and Catwoman while Gotham prepares for the holidays. The Penguin plots to kidnap and murder all of Gotham’s firstborn sons during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The sets, with their colossal Art Deco statues, are stunning. Burton doubled down on darkness with this sequel, creating a gothic nightmare set during the most wonderful time of the year.
American Psycho: A Dark Take on Holiday Excess
If you’re looking for a horror film that doesn’t feel too obvious, consider American Psycho. Set in the late 1980s, the film follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who may or may not be a serial killer. Christmas decorations appear throughout, with office parties, seasonal excess, and Bateman in reindeer antlers. Director Mary Harron noted that the film examines a predatory society, with Christmas becoming another arena for status competition.
Carol: A Tragic Romance in Winter
For a somber holiday and a tragic romance, Carol is an excellent choice. Therese and Carol begin a forbidden romance in 1952, with pivotal scenes unfolding during the Christmas season. The film uses the holiday setting to heighten emotional stakes, as Carol must choose between her relationship and custody of her daughter. Shot on Super 16mm, the film captures the beauty of snowy exteriors and festive decorations.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: James Bond’s Christmas Adventure
If you’re looking for an action film that isn’t one of the usual suspects, try On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. George Lazenby’s only turn as James Bond sees the famous spy infiltrating Blofeld’s mountaintop research facility in the Swiss Alps. The film climaxes on Christmas Eve, with Bond racing to stop Blofeld’s plot. The film famously ends with Bond’s wedding and immediate tragedy, making it a unique blend of espionage and holiday cheer.
The Hateful Eight: A Western in the Snow
How about a Western that’s as cold as ice? The Hateful Eight features eight strangers trapped in a cabin during a Wyoming blizzard. Paranoia turns deadly, and there are several surreptitious nods to the holiday, such as a character playing “Silent Night” on the piano. Quentin Tarantino shot this entire film in Ultra Panavision 70mm, reviving a format last used in 1966.
The Thin Man: A Classic Holiday Mystery
I was fairly obsessed with The Thin Man movies growing up. Nick and Nora Charles, a wealthy couple who solve murders for fun, investigate the disappearance of an inventor on Christmas Eve in New York City. This 1934 classic helped establish the template for Hollywood’s Golden Age detective films, pairing murder mystery with sophisticated banter and a surplus of martinis.
Little Women (1994): A Warm Holiday Tale
For me, the ’90s version of Little Women is a must-watch. Winona Ryder’s portrayal of Jo is incredible, and the film’s cold exteriors contrast beautifully with the warmth of the March home. The 1994 version opens during Christmas, with the March family gathering for the holidays despite wartime hardship. Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation gets more attention these days, but Gillian Armstrong’s telling remains definitive for many viewers.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: A Frigid Nordic Thriller
Why not add some Fincher to your holiday plans? The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is set in a brutal Swedish winter, with journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigating a decades-old disappearance. The film takes place during a brutal Swedish winter, and the timeline spans from autumn through the Christmas season. DP Jeff Cronenweth shot the film on RED cameras in Sweden during sub-zero temperatures.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: A Magical Winter Tale
This film came out in December 2005, so it’s inextricably linked to the holidays. Four siblings discover a magical wardrobe leading to Narnia, a frozen land ruled by the White Witch. The entire film takes place on a perpetual Christmas Eve, with snow everywhere, but no actual holiday. When Father Christmas finally appears, it signals that the Witch’s power is breaking.
Hook: Peter Pan Reimagined
Peter Pan has grown up into Peter Banning, a corporate lawyer who’s forgotten his past, until Captain Hook kidnaps his children and drags him back to Neverland. The film opens during Christmas, with Peter missing his son’s baseball game because of work. The rest of the film is less Christmas-y, but it’s an amazing contrast for the adventure in the balmy tropical Neverland, making it feel even more magical. Spielberg is known as the master of wonderment, and Hook is a great example.
