Everyone always talks about Halloween having the best movies, and honestly, it’s true – there’s a ton of scary stuff to watch when October rolls around. But I think Thanksgiving gets unfairly overlooked. Sure, it’s not known for movies, but there are some gems, like the recent horror film actually called Thanksgiving and, of course, the classic Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. Still, let’s be real, Thanksgiving is basically just a pit stop on the way to the real movie marathon holiday: Christmas.
Everyone knows the classic Christmas movies – films like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story are rewatched every year. But beyond those favorites, there are plenty of other great Christmas movies that don’t get the attention they deserve. Here are five hidden gems to add to your holiday watchlist.
5) The Night Before
The 2015 comedy The Night Before isn’t a Christmas movie, but it’s set on Christmas Eve – the next best thing! The film follows a group of friends who get together every year and embark on a wild search for the ultimate party in New York City. Like many holiday stories, their plans go awry, and they’re forced to face their past errors.
Despite being a surprisingly heartfelt film about three friends facing change, The Night Before also delivers plenty of laughs thanks to the comedic talents of Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie. It’s an emotional story, but balanced with humor, making it a good choice even during potentially sensitive times of the year.
4) The Holdovers
Most kids eagerly anticipate winter break as a welcome time away from school and a chance to have fun. But not all children have a comfortable home to go to. The movie The Holdovers tells the story of students who remain at their boarding school during the break, along with a teacher who struggles to connect with others.
Though it was released recently, The Holdovers feels like a classic Christmas movie from the 1970s. Paul Giamatti gives an outstanding performance—worthy of an Oscar—and newcomer Dominic Sessa impressively stands alongside him.
3) Fred Claus
Look, being a good Christmas movie isn’t always about critical acclaim. Sometimes, it just needs to feel like Christmas, and honestly, Fred Claus nails that. It’s a fun, lighthearted story about Santa’s brother, who… let’s just say isn’t quite as jolly. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece; it just needs to capture that holiday magic, and it absolutely does.
You’ll want to watch Fred Claus for its fantastic cast – featuring Paul Giamatti, Vince Vaughn, Kathy Bates, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks, and Ludacris – but the heartwarming story about love and acceptance is what will really stay with you. It has a few awkward moments, but they’re quickly forgotten.
2) Anna and the Apocalypse
Zombie movies are a Halloween staple, but “Anna and the Apocalypse” does something different. This film brings a zombie outbreak to a small town in Scotland during Christmas! Anna, the main character, is already dealing with typical teenage issues when she suddenly has to fight for survival as zombies take over her home and town.
What makes Anna and the Apocalypse different from typical zombie films is that it’s a musical. The songs enhance the movie’s strange and dreamlike atmosphere and also put viewers in a festive, Christmassy mood. Plus, the movie doesn’t skimp on the action or the gore!
1) Iron Man 3
It’s risky to base a superhero movie around a specific holiday, as it might feel out of place at other times. But Shane Black successfully avoided this pitfall with Iron Man 3, diving deep into Tony Stark’s character while he and a young boy uncover a global threat.
The action scenes in Iron Man 3 are some of the most exciting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the extended airplane sequence is a standout example of thrilling storytelling. Plus, the movie has a feel-good ending, which makes it perfect for the holidays.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-22 23:13