20 Best Christmas Movies to Put On After the Kids Go to Bed

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With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to relax with family and enjoy a holiday movie. There are plenty of family-friendly, PG-rated classics to choose from. However, once the kids are in bed, adults might prefer a slightly more mature, but still festive, Christmas film.

Okay, so once the little ones are asleep, I’ve got a list of Christmas movies for the grown-ups. We’re talking beyond the usual family fare here – a mix of classics and some newer stuff from the last ten years. There’s everything from seriously funny, slightly naughty comedies to even some Christmas horror! A few of these might be okay for older teens, but honestly, these are the movies I break out when it’s just the adults and we want something a little different to cozy up with. Definitely not your typical holiday viewing!

20
‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

If you enjoy darkly humorous movies, you should check out Bad Santa from 2003. Each year, Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and Marcus (Tony Cox) team up as a mall Santa and elf to rob stores around the mall. This year, Willie is particularly down on his luck, leading to a lot of chaotic and funny situations. Along the way, he gets involved with a woman and unexpectedly connects with a troubled child. Maybe, just maybe, Willie will discover the true spirit of the holidays – if he doesn’t drown his sorrows in alcohol first. The film also stars Brett Kelly, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, and the late John Ritter. It’s interesting to note that the Coen brothers initially came up with the idea for the movie, but Glenn Ficarra and John Requa were the ones who wrote the final screenplay.

“Bad Santa” is definitely one of the most adult Christmas movies you’ll find, filled with risqué humor and scenes. Billy Bob Thornton is fantastic as usual, playing a cynical and unlucky character – and he thought this role might ruin his career! While Willie is a criminal, he mirrors those less-than-cheerful Santas many people remember from the mall. The connection between Willie and a young boy named Thurman is the heart of the film, and his chemistry with Lauren Graham keeps the story engaging. Though it’s far from a traditional, heartwarming Christmas movie, it still manages to end on a surprisingly positive note.

19
‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

You really can’t go wrong with the hilarious classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The movie centers around the Griswold family and their chaotic attempts to enjoy a traditional Christmas. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is determined to create the perfect holiday for his family, even while stressed about work and a potential bonus. He spares no expense decorating, leading to plenty of funny mishaps as he tries to have the most impressive house on the street. Things get even more complicated when his quirky extended family arrives. The film boasts a fantastic cast, including Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, William Hickey, and Randy Quaid.

It’s easy to see why this movie is a beloved part of the holidays – it’s full of silly humor and lighthearted fun. This classic Christmas film is ideal for anyone looking for a good laugh, memorable lines, and a warm feeling of nostalgia. Families will definitely connect with Clark Griswold’s chaotic attempts to create the perfect Christmas, even if they are exaggerated. The clever script by John Hughes delivers a funny ending that also reminds us what the holidays are really about, and the movie’s unpredictable plot makes it a truly enjoyable experience.

18
‘Four Christmases’ (2008)

In the comedy Four Christmases, Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn play Brad and Kate, a married couple whose holiday plans fall apart. They’re forced to spend Christmas Day visiting all four of their divorced parents, leading to a chaotic and hilarious journey. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, Sissy Spacek, Mary Steenburgen, and Kristin Chenoweth.

If you enjoy heartwarming and funny romantic comedies, this Christmas movie is a great choice. It really captures the feeling of a busy, slightly crazy family holiday – especially if your own family is a bit chaotic! Despite all the craziness, the film has sweet moments and a lovely message about how important family is, even when they drive you a little nuts. Plus, it’s the first feature film directed by Seth Gordon, who later directed Horrible Bosses and worked on popular shows like Parks and Recreation and For All Mankind.

17
‘The Night Before’ (2015)

The movie The Night Before follows three lifelong friends – Ethan, Isaac, and Chris – as they embark on a Christmas Eve adventure in New York City. Every year, they try to find the best party, and this year they’re determined to top themselves by reaching the exclusive Nutcracker Ball. Their wild night out might just push their friendship to its limits. The film also stars Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Mindy Kaling, and Michael Shannon.

With plenty of alcohol and drug use, “The Night Before” offers a uniquely wild take on the holiday season. The three main actors deliver fantastic comedic performances and have great chemistry together. The movie is made even more enjoyable by its supporting cast, which includes a cameo by Miley Cyrus at a Nutcracker Ball scene. Jonathan Levine directed and co-wrote the film, following his 2013 hit, “Warm Bodies.” He collaborated on the script with Evan Goldberg, known for his work on comedies like “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express.”

16
‘Office Christmas Party’ (2016)

In “Office Christmas Party,” a struggling tech company faces potential layoffs. Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston), the interim CEO, says she’ll only cancel the cuts if the team lands a huge deal. Desperate to save their jobs, the employees come up with a wild plan: throw an over-the-top Christmas party to impress a key client and hopefully keep everyone employed. The film stars Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, and a hilarious supporting cast including Jillian Bell, Vanessa Bayer, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, and Kate McKinnon.

Office Christmas Party is a raunchy and hilarious comedy with a great cast. It cleverly tackles tough subjects like layoffs, but focuses on a company’s desperate attempt to land a big client, which quickly spirals out of control. It’s a wild and surprisingly well-made film that, like others in this collection, ends with a feel-good, heartwarming conclusion. Fans of directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon (known for films like Blades of Glory and The Switch) will recognize their signature style.

15
‘Scrooged’ (1988)

The movie Scrooged is a modern take on the timeless story A Christmas Carol. It centers around Frank Cross (Bill Murray), a heartless and self-centered television executive. He’s warned by three ghosts that his current path will lead to a sad and empty life. The film follows whether he’ll learn to change and rediscover the meaning of Christmas. The cast also includes Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, and Robert Mitchum.

Though Scrooged is family-friendly, it also offers a powerful message for working parents about work-life balance. It’s a heartwarming yet surprisingly insightful take on the classic story, infused with holiday spirit. Bill Murray gives an unforgettable performance as a grumpy boss demanding everyone work on Christmas Eve, despite reports of a difficult time making the film. The movie was even recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup, though it lost to Beetlejuice.

14
‘Krampus’ (2015)

You probably know Santa Claus, but have you heard of Krampus? This increasingly popular Christmas horror movie tells the story of a boy who loses his Christmas spirit after a big argument. When he rips up his Christmas list, he unknowingly unleashes an ancient demon that terrorizes his family. The film is directed and co-written by Michael Dougherty, known for Trick ‘r Treat and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and stars Emjay Anthony, Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, and Conchata Ferrell.

Rooted in European mythology, Krampus brings a spooky twist to Christmas traditions. The movie Krampus cleverly blends this folklore with the Christmas movie genre, offering a frightening but not overly graphic take on a classic story. Despite receiving somewhat mixed reactions from critics, the film was a box office success, earning $61 million with a budget of just $15 million. Ultimately, it’s a fun, thrilling horror movie that provides a nice contrast to all the typical holiday sweetness.

13
‘A Bad Moms Christmas’ (2017)

The holidays can be incredibly stressful, particularly for moms who want to create the perfect Christmas experience for their families. In the movie A Bad Moms Christmas, three overwhelmed mothers decide to ditch the usual holiday expectations, but things get even wilder when their own mothers get involved. This sequel to the 2016 hit Bad Moms brings back Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn, and is once again written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore.

Most Christmas movies don’t focus on moms, which makes “A Bad Moms Christmas” a fun and relatable choice for a girls’ night in. The movie features different types of mothers – some try too hard to please, others rarely leave the house, and some are always up for a party. The addition of Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon to the cast works perfectly, giving the main characters even more hilarious situations to react to. Ultimately, it’s a movie about mothers reclaiming the joy of Christmas, and it’s something many moms will really enjoy and connect with.

12
‘Die Hard’ (1988)

I absolutely think Die Hard is a Christmas movie – and one of the best! It all happens on Christmas Eve when John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation at a holiday party. He’s a really capable police officer, and he has to single-handedly take down these terrorists, led by the amazing Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber. It’s a total Christmas thriller! The movie also stars Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, and Paul Gleason, making it a truly iconic holiday action film.

For adults who don’t necessarily love traditional Christmas movies, Die Hard is a perfect choice. It’s set during Christmas, but that’s where the holiday connection ends. Forget heartwarming cheer and predictable messages – this film delivers Bruce Willis at his best, thrilling action from the director of Predator, and a memorable score by Michael Kamen (known for films like Road House, Highlander, and Lethal Weapon). Many people now consider Die Hard a Christmas classic worth watching every year.

11
‘Black Christmas’ (2019)

If you enjoy slasher films, Black Christmas is a great choice. The movie follows a group of college sorority sisters getting ready for the holidays, but their celebrations are interrupted by a terrifying killer. Filled with creepy messages, hints of black magic, and a disturbing plot, this film offers plenty of suspense. It’s directed by Sophia Takal and stars Imogen Poots, Alyese Shannon, Lily Donoghue, Brittany O’Grady, and Cary Elwes.

This new Black Christmas is a reimagining of the 1974 horror film, delivering plenty of scares and violence. The film’s unsettling performances and graphic scenes are sure to be chilling, and while opinions are divided, many viewers have praised its exploration of feminist ideas. With its quick-witted writing and fast-paced action, it’s a uniquely intense and compelling horror movie, especially for those looking for something different during the holidays.

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2025-11-23 05:06