10 of the Best Christmas Movies That Aren’t on Hallmark
It’s that time of year when our screens are filled with hours upon hours of made-for-TV Christmas movies—so sugary sweet they could rival a candy cane.
Make no mistake. I love a cheesy Christmas romance movie as much as the next person. But sometimes, those movies can get a little repetitive. You know what I’m talking about—the small-town charm, the cozy fireplaces, and the inevitable happy ending. Christmas movies aren’t all about star-crossed lovers finding holiday magic under the mistletoe.
So, as the season kicks into full gear, why not explore some of the best Christmas movies out there? Here are ten must-watch recommendations that made it to the top of the list of a recent message board vote. Grab your cocoa and hit play!
National Lampoon‘s Christmas Vacation (1989)
When the Griswolds head out on vacation, chaos is guaranteed. But staying home for Christmas with relatives you’re not exactly thrilled to see? That’s where the real fun happens—plus a chance to reflect on family, love, and good vibes. Christmas Vacation is hands down the best of the National Lampoon series. Sorry, not sorry.
Chevy Chase delivers laughs that’ll make your stomach hurt. This flick is a perfect reminder of the holiday mayhem we all know and love. And hey, when you’re lighting up your house this Christmas, you might want to keep a nuclear reactor nearby—just in case.
Home Alone (1990)
Oh, come on. Do I really need to convince you that Home Alone is one of the best Christmas movies ever? It’s silly and over-the-top, but that’s what makes it so entertaining! The plot is wild (a kid left alone must defend his house from burglars on Christmas Eve), but who cares? It’s funny, heartwarming, and perfect for the season.
Macaulay Culkin’s performance was everything you could ask for, and Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci are total scene-stealers as the bumbling burglars. Throw in the festive cheer and John Williams’ iconic score, and you’ve got yourself a holiday classic. Just don’t forget to set those traps!
Die Hard (1988)
Don’t tell me Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie. It’s set on Christmas, except you get to see a lifeless henchman with “Ho-ho-ho” written on him. Oh, and one of the memorable lines for me was, “It’s Christmas, Theo. It’s the time of miracles.”
I know your parents might’ve had other favorites when you were younger, but maybe it’s time to make Die Hard your holiday tradition.
The Holdovers (2023)
When I heard The Holdovers was filmed at Fairhaven High School in Massachusetts with real snow from a storm, I knew it had to be special. But the cinematography is just one of the many great parts of the film. It’s got Paul Giamatti as this grumpy teacher stuck at school over Christmas break. He meets this troubled kid and a lonely cook, and they all kind of find each other.
It’s the perfect holiday movie: funny, heartwarming, and a bit heartbreaking. You know, the kind you want to watch on a cold winter night, wrapped in a blanket with a glass of eggnog. I bet it’ll leave you feeling all fuzzy inside and maybe a little misty-eyed, too.
Family Switch (2023)
I know this movie has its haters, but be honest—it’s a fun, lighthearted family flick perfect for Christmas. It’s the kind of film you can watch with your eight-year-old and your 13-year-old, and everyone ends up laughing. Think classic “Disney-esque” holiday vibes, with festive bells jingling through every scene and just the right amount of holiday cheer.
The body-swapping premise is totally ridiculous but steady enough to keep you hooked. Sure, it’s predictable, but it’s not painfully corny. It’s not winning awards, but it’s definitely worth making your annual Christmas watchlist.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Young Ralphie Parker is on a mission to convince everyone—his parents, teacher, and even Santa—that a Red Ryder BB gun is the ultimate Christmas gift. Nostalgia can be a tricky thing to nail, but this movie absolutely gets it right. I didn’t dream of a BB gun as a kid, but I had my own Christmas wish, and let me tell you, I schemed just as hard as Ralphie to make it happen.
The characters are so relatable, and every scene feels like a silly moment you’ve lived through during the holidays. If you haven’t seen A Christmas Story, you’re seriously missing out.
Klaus (2019)
I know it’s only been a few years, but Klaus has already become a must-watch every Christmas for so many of us. The voice acting and the animation check all the boxes.
Ever wonder why Santa says “Ho! Ho! Ho!” or how he got his reindeer? This story, centered on Jesper and his mission to transform a bitter town, answers it all. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even in the coldest places, kindness can ignite a spark.
Scrooged (1988)
At the end of Scrooged, Bill Murray declares, “I get it now!”—but apparently, not everyone did. The story follows Frank, a selfish, cynical TV exec, as he’s haunted by three spirits with a few holiday lessons to share.
It’s a modern spin on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—loud, brash, and absolutely hilarious. Sure, the ending’s a bit cheesy, but isn’t that what Christmas movies are all about? I’ll admit it: I watch this one every year, and it never fails to crack me up.
A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
At some point, you’ve probably wondered: is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? For me, it’s Christmas—just with nightmare monsters who hilariously twist the holiday. Not out of malice, but because, well, they’re nightmare monsters who don’t know any better.
Only Tim Burton could dream up characters like these. The Halloween Town with monsters, ghouls, witches, and goblins. The story’s simple enough for kids but packed with humor for adults, too. And let’s be real—Jack Skellington could own any holiday he wants. Christmas? Halloween? Why not both?
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A Boy Called Christmas is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s the origin story of Father Christmas—who he was, where he came from, and how he became the beloved icon we all know. It’s charming, heartwarming, and surprisingly entertaining for the whole family (no boredom for the grown-ups, I promise!).
One minute, it’s touching; the next, it’s gritty—just like life. So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and let the Christmas spirit take over!
Source: Reddit
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