Last year, Yahoo Entertainment tried to settle the decades-old debate over whether or not to Diehard counts as a Christmas film (spoiler alert, the country remains divided). And That This question got us thinking: what other unexpected movies do our readers watch around the holidays? So we asked! In addition to the standard entries such as Eleven or It’s a great life (both Christmas classics that we love, but not exactly unconventional choices around Christmas time), here are some of the most surprising holiday movies that our readers return to around this time of year.
Bad Santa (2003)
The movie we recommended the most when we asked: Bad Santa isn’t exactly one surprising choice for Christmas, but it subverts many of the Christmas movie expectations. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a con artist who pretends to be a Santa Claus and elf in a mall, along with his partner in crime (Tony Cox). When he encounters a child who must learn to stand up for himself, their Christmas heist is in jeopardy. You can stream Bad Santa on Paramount+.
Reader recommendation: Teresa Blinn considers this film “The antidote to too much Christmas smarm.”
Stream on Paramount+
‘Tis the season for superheroes:
Even Tony Stark is taking some time off from saving the world to kick off the holidays!
Iron man 3 (2013)
While Iron Man 3 is mostly about Tony struggling personally after saving NYC from total destruction – and then battling an evil villain who, as usual, wants to destroy him – it’s all set against a subtle holiday backdrop. You can stream Iron man 3 on Disney+.
Reader recommendation: “The jazzy Jingle Bells record in Tony’s workshop really sets the tone from the start,” promises Maria Zerbe. “But the subdued Christmas movie vibes continue with the addition of Tony’s childhood side-kick, Harley, and young Jenna Ortega’s quick cameo as Vice President Rodriguez’s daughter who needs Extremis. What more could I ask for in an unconventional holiday movie starring RDJ?”
Stream on Disney+
Batman returns (1993)
Michael Keaton as Batman. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Danny Devito as the penguin. A touch of whimsy from Tim Burton. What more could you want in a Christmassy superhero movie? You can stream Batman Returns on Max.
Reader recommendation: “The movie takes place at Christmas,” LC assures us, and apparently Michael Keaton’s somber performance makes this Batman a standout.
Stream on Max
Seasonal(ish) Stories:
Here are a few movies that are set against a wintery backdrop (or a tropical one around Christmas time), but are definitely not themed around the holidays.
The Snowman (2017)
If you really want to avoid a feel-good holiday movie, you might want to take a look The Snowman. Michael Fassbender stars as the lead detective working on the case of ‘The Snowman Killer’ in this suspenseful thriller. You can stream The Snowman on Netflix.
Reader recommendation: Of this chilling mystery, Ken simply said, “Watch it and you will understand.”
Stream on Netflix
We are not angels (1955)
Three escaped convicts try to blend in with the residents of the island where they are now trapped during the holidays. Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray star in the quirky 1955 Christmas comedy. You can stream it for free with ads on Pluto TV.
Why Readers Recommend It: “It’s got a lot of stars in it… It’s dark humor,” says Larry Thoreson. “And of course a happy ending for everyone (except the real bad guys).”
Watch PlutoTV
Mixed nuts (1994)
This underrated black comedy from Nora Ephron stars Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Rita Wilson, Anthony LaPaglia, Garry Shandling, Rob Reiner, Juliette Lewis, Adam Sandler and Liev Schreiber. Mixed nuts follows the employees of a suicide prevention hotline on what ends up being the craziest night of the year: Christmas Eve. You can stream Mixed nuts on Peacock.
Reader recommendation: “Hysterically funny. Great performances from Steve Martin, Rita Wilson and the incomparable Madeline Kahn,” writes Robin. “The sweetness and hilarity make it absolutely worth watching.”
Look at Peacock
