Some people might balk at the idea of watching so-called, non-traditional Christmas movies – but hey, you’re not ‘most people”.
If you love the holidays but find that the cute and fluffy Christmas movies aren’t quite your style, then you need this list.
We’ve compiled an awesome collection of darker-than-average Christmas movies that will get you into the holiday spirit. Don’t worry though, these non-traditional tales won’t leave you full of more sap than a Christmas maple tree!
A number of these movies can be watched now for free via this link to an Amazon Video free month trial
If you are wanting to make theater quality popcorn at home these are what you need – it’s…just…so good…
Want to shop all our cooking picks in one place? Check out our dedicated shopping page, full of all our best finds from the interwebs!
- Gremlins 84% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
What kid wouldn’t want to get an adorable, singing mogwai for Christmas? Unfortunately, Billy Peltzer is about to learn that the responsibilities of pet ownership go way beyond anything he was expecting. He’s the only one who can save his beloved home town from a deranged army of show tune-loving Gremlins. Older kids and adults will love this movie. - Die Hard 93% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
The undisputed king of non-traditional Christmas movies: If you’re dreading the awkward small talk at this year’s office party, then spare a thought for the workers over at Nakatomi Plaza. Luckily, snarky New York cop, John Maclaine, is here to save the day (and Christmas) – and he’s brought all his best one-liners with him. You’ll be quoting this movie for days. - Bad Santa 78% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
While it’s not exactly a compliment to say that Billy Bob Thornton was born to play a drunk shopping-mall Santa, but he obviously has a lot of fun as this potty-mouthed, womanizing, Christmas anti-hero. This modern redemption movie, set around a small-time crook, has more in common with other Christmas stories than you might expect. - Batman Returns 79% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
You might not find any Christmas carolers or reindeer on the mean streets of Gotham City, but you will find bats, cats, and penguins, with a couple of killer clowns thrown in. If you’re in the mood for action that hits atmospheric noir notes and oozes style at the same time, then this is a must-watch. - Just Friends 42% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
This laugh-out-loud rom-com pretty much invented the ‘friend zone‘. – And anyone who had an unrequited teenage crush during the 90s will be able to relate to all the nostalgic cringe moments in this movie! Plus don’miss, Julie Hegerty, AKA Elaine from Airplane! in a supporting role. - Trading Places 87% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
The fish-out-of-water/identity swap movies of the ’80s get a festive makeover in this non-traditional, ‘reverse Pygmalion’ story. It shows that Christmas is truly a time to put aside your differences if only to get even with the stockbrokers who tried to ruin your lives.
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
Stream it, rent it or buy it on Amazon here
