As a film enthusiast with a penchant for all things cinematic, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is quite intriguing! It’s fascinating to see how various directors have managed to incorporate the holiday season into their stories, each one adding a unique twist to the traditional Christmas movie narrative.
Originally published on December 21, 2017, this article has since been refreshed with information about the most anticipated twin releases hitting theaters this festive season – namely, “Babygirl” and “Nosferatu.
Every time we reminisce about our preferred Christmas flicks, there’s usually that one individual (and it’s almost always a man) who interjects with “What about Die Hard?” Now, let me clarify, Die Hard is undeniably an excellent movie. However, labeling it as a fantastic Christmas film has become quite commonplace in discussions. If you’re seeking unique holiday-themed alternatives to watch in December, other than the traditional picks like It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, or any of the numerous adaptations of A Christmas Carol (the 1984 film with George C. Scott being my personal favorite), there are numerous films set during Christmastime that subtly capture the holiday spirit without the usual tropes and lessons. These movies might include festively lit trees, snowfall, or even a carol or two, but they don’t focus on the moral teachings associated with Christmas or filling in for Santa when he’s injured.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve compiled a list of 20 fantastic films set during the festive season, yet not strictly classified as Christmas movies. If you’ve turned Die Hard into an annual holiday tradition with your family, you might also enjoy diving into some of these gems. Happy viewing!
The Thin Man (1934)
As a film enthusiast, I often find that moviegoers overlook the fact that the classic film “The Thin Man” is actually set during the festive season of Christmas. What makes this movie stand out as an exceptional holiday-adjacent flick is its clever blend of detective work and Yuletide charm.
Lady on a Train (1945)
In this intriguing tale, a woman fond of mystery novels (Deanna Durbin) observes a murder on a train, yet her account is met with disbelief by others. Instead of leaving it to the authorities, she embarks on her own investigation and seeks assistance from her favorite author (David Bruce), who turns out to be less adept than anticipated. The film offers an entertaining blend of humor and suspense as Durbin remains unaware of the murderer’s identity, concealed behind a window shade. Could it be Dan Duryea? Ralph Meeker? Or perhaps the ominous manservant at the mansion? The story takes place during Christmas, evident in festive decorations and snowfall. Interestingly, Durbin sings “Silent Night” not to advance the plot but because she was also a singer, necessitating the inclusion of songs in the movie. —B.S.
Lady in the Lake (1947)
The story moves from a woman on a train to one set in a lake. This is the noir film directed by Robert Montgomery, who also plays the role of private investigator Philip Marlowe. The director employs a first-person camera technique, allowing us to perceive events as the main character does. We don’t see much of Montgomery, save for an introduction and mirror reflections. Although it’s not wholly effective (it’s utilized more effectively in Humphrey Bogart’s film Dark Passage from 1947), it’s undeniably intriguing. I have often pondered why Montgomery and screenwriter Steve Fisher decided to set this movie during Christmas when Raymond Chandler’s novel is set in summer.
In B.S.’s words, this film may not be the most traditionally Christmas-themed movie on the list, but it certainly has a festive feel! With its Christmas trees and decorations scattered throughout and the jingle of “Jingle Bells” playing during the opening credits, adorned with stylish holiday cards, it quickly gets you into the spirit. (By the way, if anyone knows where I can find those cards, please let me know!) Apparently, 1947 was a bountiful year for Christmas movies, as it also saw the release of “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Christmas Eve,” “It Happened on 5th Avenue,” and “The Bishop’s Wife.” That’s a perfect lineup for a Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Christmas marathon!
Cover Up (1949)
This lesser-known film noir is definitely worth discovering. The story revolves around an insurance investigator (Dennis O’Keefe) who visits a secluded midwestern town to determine if a supposed suicide was actually murder. Although it seems unnecessary since the company wouldn’t be liable for payout in a suicide case, this sets the stage for our mystery. Initially, the sheriff (William Bendix) and others refuse to cooperate due to the victim’s unpopularity. However, the investigator remains persistent and soon discovers that nearly everyone in town harbors secrets, even the woman he finds himself drawn to romantically.
Originally, the creators considered shifting the seasonal backdrop for the series ‘Cover Up’, as they felt the narrative wasn’t fitting for the holiday atmosphere. However, O’Keefe successfully argued against this change. Interestingly, the climactic twist in ‘Cover Up’ turns out to be surprisingly compatible with the holiday spirit, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the small town portrayed, despite initial reservations. —B.S.
The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder’s timeless comedy-drama, titled “The Apartment,” revolves around a workaholic executive (Jack Lemmon) who allows his superiors to conduct their extramarital affairs in his apartment. While the story could take place during any season, the Christmas-New Year’s setting gives it a touch of wistful sadness. This film is reminiscent of the TV series “Mad Men.” It features a merry, intoxicated Santa ringing bells at a bar, festive decorations throughout New York City, and Fred MacMurray (one of Lemmon’s unfaithful bosses) putting up a Christmas tree with his family while keeping his infidelities hidden. Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine (as the confused woman Lemmon develops feelings for), and Fred MacMurray deliver outstanding performances. The entire cast is exceptional, and the film was honored with several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. —B.S.
Blast of Silence (1961)
Instead of the Christmas-themed “Cover Up,” this stylish, low-budget crime drama, titled “The Hit Man’s Manhattan,” offers a unique twist. Unlike traditional holiday movies, it lacks overt Christmas elements, but instead, it immerses you in the early 1960s New York City during the Christmas season through the lens of cinematographer Merrill Brody. The film showcases some exceptional scenes of Manhattan’s Christmas spirit, offering a snapshot of what NYC looked like during that time, giving the movie an authentic “this is really Christmas” feel that you don’t often see in films like this.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Maybe it’s wrong to get a warm and fuzzy feeling from a movie where all of Robert Redford’s co-workers are murdered because he gets too close to a government conspiracy, forcing him to go on the run as he’s hunted down. But Three Days of the Condor is such a perfect film, it’ll become one of your holiday-adjacent favorites anyway. It actually filmed on location in a cold, wintry New York City, and it really does feel like a Christmas movie: In one scene, Redford hides from the bad guys in Central Park and buys a pretzel from a vendor while a band plays “Good King Wenceslas”; in another, Faye Dunaway buys equipment for a ski trip while “Silver Bells” plays. Fun fact: This was remade as a TV series, titled Condor, starring Max Irons, William Hurt, and Katherine Cunningham. —B.S.
Trading Places (1983)
Similar to “Lethal Weapon,” this movie follows a theme reminiscent of a buddy story, albeit with an unusual twist in the narrative progression. Two arrogant high-society figures, played by Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy, engage in a wager concerning the fate of another wealthy man, Dan Ackroyd. The bet revolves around redistributing his wealth to a homeless individual, portrayed by Eddie Murphy.
This film is filled with Christmas spirit, yet it could be argued that its timeless tale spans beyond just the holiday season, as it begins around Thanksgiving and concludes on New Year’s. Nevertheless, one of the most memorable comedy scenes from the ’80s features Dan Aykroyd in a Santa suit, drunkenly brandishing a gun and mumbling “Ho, Ho, Ho.” On a more personal note, the unforgettable scene involving Jamie Lee Curtis holds a special place in my heart from my teenage years. Although it has no direct connection to Christmas, I still find myself reflecting on it after 40 years. —B.S.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Despite being an L.A. action movie centered around death and drug dealers, “Lethal Weapon” maintains a holiday ambiance. The introductory scene features Bobby Helms’s “Jingle Bell Rock” playing during the credits, and later, there’s a scene where a Christmas tree lot serves as the backdrop for Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) going undercover in a drug deal, resulting in him using a classic Moe Howard move to blind someone. Although it starts with a woman jumping off a building and a violent drug deal, it still has a touch of Christmas cheer! Is that festive enough for you? To add more holiday spirit, there’s also a scene where Riggs shoots at a target shaped like a snowman.
Similar to “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” this film was also penned by Shane Black. It stands as one of the premier cop-buddy movies, boasting impressive action sequences and a stylish flair. I’m still puzzled as to why Gibson discards his gun after apprehending psychopathic assassin Gary Busey instead of just detaining him, but then they couldn’t have included the thrilling fight scene on Danny Glover’s lawn (complete with festive Christmas lights). The payoff was definitely worth it when Gibson and Glover fired at Busey simultaneously as he rose to attack them. There seems to be no better bonding experience during the holidays than sharing a kill together. —B.S.
Metropolitan (1990)
Many Christmas-themed films or those not typically considered as such often use the buildup to Christmas as a setting, with the holiday itself being the final joyous event in the story. However, Whit Stillman’s acclaimed indie film Metropolitan is set during the sluggish, dreamlike days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in New York City. The upper-class characters navigate Manhattan, depicted as a series of galas, after-parties, and luxurious apartments. Relationships are forged, hearts are shattered, and arguments escalate – doesn’t this sound familiar during the holiday season? –Ray Rahman
Batman Returns (1992)
Many people seem to underestimate the film “Batman Returns“, possibly due to finding Danny DeVito’s portrayal of The Penguin off-putting or the excessive carnival scenes. With multiple villains and a complex plot, it’s often criticized for having too much going on. However, I believe that “Batman Returns” is the most underrated of the Batman movies.
Little Women (1994)
Approximately 210 film adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s book have been made, but many fans consider this version to be the finest. You might already be familiar with the story (even Joey from ‘Friends’ read it!), but here’s a brief recap: The four March sisters – Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy, portrayed by an exceptional cast in this film – grow up and experience life and love while their father is away fighting in the Civil War, with their mother providing guidance.
The film is set during Christmas and concludes at the same time; the ladies are dressed in red gowns while the gentlemen sport puffy shirts, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Charles Dickens; there’s snowfall, horse-drawn carriages, and smoke rising from chimneys; traditional Christmas activities like caroling by candlelight around a piano are present; ice skating and snowball fights occur as well; and in the finale, Winona Ryder confronts Gary Busey on Danny Glover’s lawn adorned with festive Christmas lights. Additionally, it boasts an impressive soundtrack by Thomas Newman that successfully evokes the spirit of Christmas without relying on conventional holiday songs.
By the way, if you have any reservations about whether “Little Women” is a Christmas tale, remember that there’s a 2012 contemporary adaptation of the story called “The March Sisters at Christmas“, which clearly suggests it belongs in the holiday season. —B.S.
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Shane Black has a strong affinity for the holiday season, often setting his films against the backdrop of Christmas. Among these are Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Lethal Weapon (previously mentioned), The Nice Guys, and this action movie in which Geena Davis, a former spy disguised as an amnesiac housewife, recovers her memories and demonstrates both culinary skills for Christmas meals and the ability to karate-chop adversaries.
Similar to many films by Black, The Long Kiss Goodnight is remarkably unconventional. The movie features Davis firing a machine gun with her child in tow, multiple deer having their necks snapped, and a gruesome torture scene – all accompanied by Christmas tunes such as “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” and “Jingle Bells.” This unique blend of subversion, humor, gravity, and a non-traditional holiday classic makes it a standout film. —B.S.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
As a cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration for “Titanic” as an unquestionable cinematic masterpiece. Yet, it’s fascinating to consider that perhaps “L.A. Confidential,” a gripping drama adapted from James Ellroy’s novel, deserved the Best Picture Oscar that year instead. This captivating tale unfurls against the backdrop of police corruption and cover-ups within the LAPD during the early 1950s. The narrative commences on Christmas Eve, as a chaotic brawl erupts at the police station, with intoxicated officers brutally assaulting Hispanic and black suspects in their cells. The headline that graces the front page the following morning reads “Bloody Christmas,” eerily echoing another film’s title. The ensuing narrative revolves around Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, and Kevin Spacey as they unravel the mystery surrounding several murders at a diner, including Crowe’s partner, who was embroiled in the Christmas Eve scandal.
This all sounds dark and serious, and it is, but having the movie set at Christmas works as something of a mental balm, demonstrating that there are some good and nice things in this world, even if it is filled with dirty things and bad people. Appropriately, the soundtrack features “The Christmas Blues” by Dean Martin, one of the great “sad” Christmas songs that should be a lot more popular than it is. —B.S.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
To put it simply, while Nora Ephron’s masterpiece, widely acclaimed as such, isn’t primarily set during Christmas, there is an emotionally resonant Christmas section that significantly contributes to the film’s impact. The story unfolds with Kathleen (portrayed by Meg Ryan), a children’s bookstore owner, exchanging emails with Joe (Tom Hanks), a big-time bookstore executive, in the fall. The movie concludes in the spring, but the heartfelt Christmas scenes are undeniably poignant. Kathleen, yearning for her decearly missed mother, adorns her tree alone and reflects on cherished Christmases past. She also notes that Joni Mitchell’s “River” is a melancholic song with little connection to the holiday season itself. This sentiment could apply to the film You’ve Got Mail, but the Christmas scenes play such a crucial role in the plot that it would be misleading not to categorize it as a movie with strong ties to Christmas, even if indirectly. –B.S.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Released on December 25th, 2002, Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can might lack Santa and reindeer, but as Carrie Wittmer notes, it vividly portrays the sense of loneliness often felt during the supposed joyous holiday season. The film primarily revolves around Frank Abagnale Jr.’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) life as a skilled swindler, constantly evading Tom Hanks’s FBI agent Carl Hanratty. However, the narrative frequently returns to Christmas, with each Christmas Eve marking significant conversations between the two characters that forge an unusual bond despite their cat-and-mouse game. Fittingly, it is also in December when Carl finally apprehends Frank in France, with carolers singing in the background. Prior to confronting the full repercussions of his actions, Frank manages to evade custody and returns to his mother’s home. He finds her celebrating Christmas with her new family through the window, symbolizing how life has moved forward without him. This poignant Christmas scene underscores the comfort and happiness that Frank missed out on during his crime spree.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a film based on the first book in C.S. Lewis’s classic fantasy series. This movie transports four siblings (Georgie Henley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and William Moseley) into a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe. The story revolves around their mission to overthrow the evil White Witch’s rule with help from Aslan the lion (symbolizing God), his army, two beavers, and Father Christmas who gives them gifts for their journey. This movie is an enchanting initiation into fantasy for children, though we might skip mentioning its sequels. – Savannah Salazar
In Bruges (2008)
Following a failed assassination attempt on a priest, two hitmen (Colin Farrell and Brendon Gleeson) are dispatched to Bruges, a place where they’re supposed to relax amidst the holiday cheer and tranquility. However, their peaceful existence is quickly shattered as more troubles ensue. The film skillfully contrasts Farrell’s melancholy with the festive charm of Bruges – its twinkling lights, inviting fireplaces, churches, which crime boss Ralph Fiennes dismissively refers to as “all that picturesque fairy-tale stuff.” Despite the gravity of the situations, there seems to be a glimmer of hope woven throughout the narrative.
As a cinephile, if you enjoyed their previous collaborations, prepare for a reunion of Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleason, and visionary director Martin McDonagh in the 2022 film, The Banshees of Inisherin. —Yours truly, B.S.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Absolutely, Iron Man 3 has strong ties to the holiday season. The film features Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) hiding in a festively decorated town and even buying an oversized bunny as a Christmas present for Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow). Additionally, there’s a scene where Stark boogies to a groovy rendition of “Jingle Bells” while testing Iron Man tech. It seems like one of the cable networks ought to organize a Shane Black Christmas movie marathon soon. —B.S.
Phantom Thread (2017)
In many romantic comedies, Christmas often serves as a charming setting for the main couple to experience a heartwarming moment en route to their fairy-tale ending. However, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread deviates from this norm but still includes a significant holiday scene featuring its central duo, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Alma (Vicky Krieps). Reynolds, a complex fashion designer with peculiar preferences and a tendency to discard women when they no longer satisfy him, appears set on a solitary lifestyle. However, an encounter with poisonous mushrooms triggers a hallucination, leading him to propose to Alma, a waitress who tended to him during his recovery. In this retelling, the identity of the mushroom poisoner is not crucial for maintaining our romantic comedy parallel. Shortly after their wedding, the couple faces an issue at a Christmas gathering. A casual chat with a doctor takes an awkward turn, but all movie romances have their share of challenges. Despite their rocky start to the holiday season, this fated pair concludes the film on their path towards a unique (and somewhat twisted) happily ever after. Isn’t love more magical than candy canes and hot cocoa? —T.W.
Nosferatu (2024)
Bill Skarsgård takes on the role of the central monster, while Lily-Rose Depp portrays the woman he desires and Nicholas Hoult plays her about-to-be betrayed husband. The dark fantasy vision of director Robert Eggers reimagines F.W. Murnau’s 1922 horror masterpiece as a gripping tale of how a single real estate transaction can bring ruin to an entire city. At the same time, it offers a comforting experience that makes you yearn for the warmth of a blanket by a fireplace. This cozy atmosphere is achieved through Eggers’s exceptional ability to create rich, tactile details from his team’s meticulous period-specific production design. Every sound of a creaking floorboard and dust particle in the air is vividly captured. You can almost catch the scent of the wood-burning fire. Most of the film unfolds in the fictional town of Wisberg, which looks picturesque under snowfall. Just beware of the rats. In cinemas from December 25. — Nick Quah
Babygirl (2024)
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I find myself at our annual work holiday bash, surrounded by my dear husband, daughters, and an intern who’s been capturing my imagination. We share a clandestine moment outside before I, in the spirit of Babygirl from the blockbuster 2024 film, Babygirl, secretly pilfer his tie on the dance floor to tuck away in my handbag.
Read More
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- Excitement Brews in the Last Epoch Community: What Players Are Looking Forward To
- The Renegades Who Made A Woman Under the Influence
- RIF PREDICTION. RIF cryptocurrency
- Smite 2: Should Crowd Control for Damage Dealers Be Reduced?
- Is This Promotional Stand from Suicide Squad Worth Keeping? Reddit Weighs In!
- Epic Showdown: Persona vs Capcom – Fan Art Brings the Characters to Life
- Persona Music Showdown: Mass Destruction vs. Take Over – The Great Debate!
- “Irritating” Pokemon TCG Pocket mechanic is turning players off the game
2024-12-18 00:55