‘Tis the season for cozy clothing, flavors and, most exciting: movies. But, with Christmas movies being such an over saturated market (that Hallmark has a monopoly on), how do you know which movies to use your valuable break time watching? Well don’t even worry, I’ve compiled 25 days of Christmas (movies).
Now this is going to be broken down into 3 categories: first the movies that are only technically Christmas movies (ex. Die Hard), then the comedies (ex. Elf), and finally the classics (ex. It’s a Wonderful Life). But don’t worry, if you don’t like some of my takes, I’ll leave some honorable mentions at the end to switch in at your disposal.
This article will be days 1-5 and contain the least jolly films. The next article, which will be published in a couple of days, will cover the comedies in days 6-16. Now, to avoid any more yapping, let’s get started.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
Alright, let’s get started with the movies that don’t quite feel like Christmas but are undoubtedly favorites either way.
December 1st: Die Hard
For the first movie of the holiday season, why not pick a controversial one? With hundreds of “is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” articles riddling the internet, I, when faced with this question decided yes.
Die Hard, a 1988 action movie, with a runtime just over two hours, is a well known and beloved movie. Starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman as the protagonist and antagonist respectively, the star-studded cast is supported by an interesting plot and an extremely quotable script.
Though not necessarily filled with holiday cheer, I would be remiss if I didn’t add it to this list.
December 2nd: Gremlins
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a weird alien with cryptic instructions in a boOoOox, or something. With the entire plot of the movie being caused by a mysterious Christmas present, is there really any doubt that this is a Christmas movie?
With a runtime of over an hour and a half, the 1984 comedy/horror movie is a Christmas cult classic. Its absurd plot and hilarious moments have left it cemented in the minds of thousands and its disturbing, yet cozy vibes have confused but comforted those very same people. Just no flash photography, please.
December 3rd: Edward Scissorhands
Though admittedly disturbing, the Christmas vibes are present, albeit in a quintessentially Tim Burton way. The eerie and unsettling vibes coexist with the snowy Christmas plot to make an interesting experience to start out the season.
This PG-13 rated 1990 fantasy/romance film has a run time of one hour and forty-five minutes and stars Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder as the unlikely couple the movie’s focus is on. Directed by Tim Burton, this film feels reminiscent of all his other works despite it being live action.
Between impressive make up, and a background track that perfectly adds to the mood, this eerie Christmas classic is a perfect way to blend fall into Christmas.
December 4th: Krampus
Based on the notorious horned beast, used to terrify children into good behavior, this movie is, though scary, undoubtedly holiday themed. Afterall it literally stars the EVIL VERSION OF SANTA.
With a runtime of just over an hour and a half, this 2015 Christmas/horror hybrid is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit despite its mixed reception. Though undoubtedly a B film, it blends a story of holiday cheer, monsters and odd comedy to make an unforgettable experience.
As the fourth movie of this season, Krampus will be sure to satisfy your desire to not quite let go of the creepiness suspense of Halloween.
December 5th: The Nightmare Before Christmas
The first but far from last Disney Movie on this list, this classic and favorited movie blends holidays as you get to follow a surprisingly deep story considering it coming from a stop-motion kids movie.
This 1993 musical has a run time of just over an hour and fifteen minutes and was directed by Henry Selick, though the original story was created largely by Tim Burton. Being the second Burton film on this list, it too blends the eerie with normal holiday cheer. However, it leans far more into its jolly side and is easily the most Christmassy so far on the list.
