7 Good Christmas Movies to Watch That Aren’t Elf

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I’ve seen more Christmas movies than I can count. From the traditional classics like “Elf” to the modern gems that often slip through the cracks, I’ve always been on the hunt for something new and exciting to watch during the holiday season.

Every year brings a fresh opportunity to search for a Christmas movie that the whole family can enjoy. What makes these films special is that there’s always a new crop each season, yet few reach legendary status or become timeless classics. Often, viewers find themselves in a predicament – they don’t want to watch their favorite classic like Elf for the umpteenth time, but they’re also hesitant to explore the latest animated production or Hallmark romance of the season.

To top it all off, Christmas movies can be difficult to keep track of when they’re not new and not classic. These films can only be recommended for about six weeks per year at most, so if you don’t get around to it by December 25th, you have to keep it in mind for nearly a year. Fortunately, this list can help jog your memory. It consists of some of the best Christmas movies that are great, but just happen to be a little obscure, or are still on their way to becoming classics. Read on for the top 7 picks, and be sure to save this link in a reminder for next year just in case you don’t get to them all.

Office Christmas Party (2016)

If you’re considering an R-rated film for your Christmas gathering, “Office Christmas Party” could be a fantastic choice. This movie demonstrates that holiday themes such as unity, appreciation, and generosity don’t always have to be sugarcoated – it’s the risqué humor that makes this comedy truly amusing. The film features an impressive ensemble cast, many of whom have grown even more prominent since its initial release. Unfortunately, it’s not available on any streaming subscriptions this year, but you can rent or buy it from platforms like Apple TV.

Love the Coopers (2015)

The film “Love the Coopers” adheres to the traditional structure of a heartwarming Christmas family comedy, yet fails to reach the same acclaim as movies such as “The Family Stone.” Still, it’s worth giving a try, and with a quick look at its star-studded cast, you’ll find it hard to resist. Notably, it brings together former “The Office” stars Ed Helms and Jake Lacey, making it an enjoyable, comfortable viewing experience. Currently, “Love the Coopers” is available for streaming on Paramount+.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Remarkably, among its 34 films so far, only “Iron Man 3” has been labeled as a “Christmas movie.” The plot unfolds during the holiday season and transports Tony Stark out of California for much of the film, immersing him in snowy landscapes. This heartwarming tale is an enjoyable choice for audiences and serves as a delightful retrospect for casual fans to appreciate the progression of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Currently streaming on Disney+, don’t miss out on “Iron Man 3.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970)

If you usually find yourself tired of watching “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” during holidays, perhaps it’s time to try something new yet familiar – “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”. Although it doesn’t get as much airtime as Rudolph, this stop-motion animation offers a fresh perspective on the tale of Saint Nicholas. Kids who love delving deeper into the stories will find it captivating. You can watch it now on Prime Video.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

A less-acknowledged spin on the Christmas comedy centered around a chaotic family, “Home for the Holidays“, was helmed by actress Jodie Foster in her directorial role. During its initial release, it garnered critical acclaim, with special recognition given to its talented cast consisting of Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, Dylan McDermott, Geraldine Chaplin, Steve Guttenberg, and Claire Danes. Currently, you can enjoy this movie by streaming it on Paramount+.

Happiest Season (2020)

Happiest Season, currently making its mark as a cherished annual view for numerous families based on online feedback, serves as a nudge if you haven’t watched it yet. Featuring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis in the lead roles, the movie follows a couple returning home for Christmas, where Harper (Davis) hasn’t revealed her lesbian identity to her family yet. The film manages to keep humor at its core while tackling the emotional depth of such a plot without flinching. Originally released as a Hulu original, it remains accessible for streaming on Hulu this year.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Finally, if you’re looking for something that is “technically a Christmas movie” in a Die Hard type of way, consider Catch Me If You Can. If nothing else, this is a strong choice because it’s such a great movie by any measure that it will captivate almost any room full of people, regardless of your family demographics. It’s considered a career highlight for Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg. It’s available to stream now on Prime Video and Paramount+.

2024-12-14 06:42