Like many families during the holidays, we’re big fans of Christmas movies. It’s not really Christmas until I’ve seen Rosemary Clooney in that stunning black dress in the Carousel Club, or I’ve heard Vince Guaraldi’s classic melodies in A Charlie Brown Christmas.
But as much as everyone loves these tried and true favorites, they can lose their magic after several decades of seasonal viewing.
If you’re looking to find your new favorite Christmas movie, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve wrangled up a list of eighteen Christmas movies that fly below the radar.
From asking friends to scouring Reddit and throwing in a couple of my favorites, here are 17 underrated Christmas movies you should watch this holiday season. (You know, once the thought of watching another Claymation movie makes you want to hurl your eggnog.)
Family-Friendly Christmas Movies
We’ll start with movies the entire family can enjoy.
1. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Staring a young Judy Garland and set in the early 1900s, the musical film follows the Smith family as they navigate love, life, and the anticipation of the 1904 World’s Fair while experiencing an important family shift during Christmas.
Why it’s great: If you’re a sucker for an old-fashioned musical, this ticks all the boxes. The costumes and a glimpse into turn-of-the-century life make this a classic musical, even if it’s not a classic Christmas film. Judy Garland singing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” will bring tears to your eyes.
2. Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
If you know, you know. If you don’t, join the club as fast as you can. I was one of the lucky kids who grew up with this movie. In this charming musical (you’ll be humming the songs for days) featuring some of Jim Henson’s most endearing creatures, Emmett and his mother each enter a talent contest to win money for Christmas gifts, discovering the true meaning of giving and family.
Why it’s great: This wonderful film is filled with nostalgia, delightful characters, and is a brilliant showpiece of Henson’s ability to create a world we all want to visit.
3. Arthur Christmas (2011)
With such unforgettable voices as Hugh Lorie, Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, I’m amazed that Arthur Christmas is such a well-kept secret. Arthur Claus, Santa’s clumsy son who works in the mail room, embarks on a mission to deliver a misplaced gift to a child before Christmas morning, aided by his grandfather and a stowaway elf from the wrapping department. Hilarity ensues as the rest of the Claus family sets out to find Arthur.
Why it’s great: Displaying all the typical dysfunction of the average family, the Clauses remind us that no family is perfect and behind every great Santa is a Mrs. Claus who still has to look over a treaty with Greenland before she makes the gravy for Christmas dinner. Arthur Christmas combines humor and heart that will delight young and old viewers alike.
4. The Polar Express (2004)
A young boy, voiced by Daryl Sabara, embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole, discovering the wonder of believing in Santa Claus along the way, with Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters, including the conductor. The film offers stunning animation and a heartfelt message about belief and the spirit of Christmas that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Why it’s great: The stunning animation and tear-jerking soundtrack make it a hit. Not to mention it’s worth watching if only to see Steven Tyler of Aerosmith as one of Santa’s elves.
5. The Snowman (1982)
Based on Raymond Briggs’ picture book (a true classic), this animated film tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on a magical adventure with a motorcycle ride, secret snowman parties and a visit from Santa.
Why it’s great: This is one of those stories that’s incredibly simple yet deeply moving. From the enchanting colored pencil-like visuals to the profound story about friendship and loss, this sweet story will stay with you long after you watch it. The haunting melody of “We’re Walking in the Air” is part of what makes this movie great. It was even nominated for an Academy Award in 1983 (Best Animated Short)
6. Gremlins (1984)
A young man (Zach Galligan) receives a mysterious (and adorable) creature called Gizmo as a pet, but when he breaks certain caretaking rules, the town becomes overrun by mischievous and chaotic gremlins. An important note: extremely young viewers might find the gremlins scary, but older kids tend to love them.
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for alternative Christmas and huge 80s nostalgia, this is the Christmas movie for you.
7. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
An angel, played by Denzel Washington, is sent to help a preacher, portrayed by Courtney B. Vance, who is struggling with his faith and his marriage, leading to comedic and romantic situations during the Christmas season. Whitney Houston delivers a memorable performance as the preacher’s wife, adding depth to the story. This film combines humor, romance, and an uplifting message about love and faith, all set against a Christmas backdrop.
Why it’s great: Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, ‘nuf said.
8. The Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
This is our all-time favorite version of the classic “A Christmas Carol.” Retold with Muppet characters, featuring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Its delightful mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and catchy songs brings a fresh and family-friendly take on a timeless Christmas story that tends to be a bit too spooky in other versions.
Why it’s great: Rizo the Rat’s one-liners make this spectacular, and Caine’s performance as Scrooge is hard to top.
Mature Audience Christmas Movies
Save these for when the smaller household members have gone to bed.
9. The Holiday (2006)
Two women, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, from different countries swap homes for the holidays to escape their personal problems and unexpectedly find romance and friendship, with Jude Law and Jack Black as charming love interests. Its themes of love, healing, and new beginnings resonate during the holiday season, making it a feel-good film.
Why it’s great: When you need a break from the Hallmark Channel’s romantic Christmas movie formula, this is a breath of fresh air.
10. The Family Stone (2005)
This is my favorite on this list. A conservative woman, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, visits her boyfriend’s liberal family during Christmas and faces unexpected challenges and conflicts, leading to personal revelations, with Dermot Mulroney as her boyfriend and Diane Keaton as his mother.
Why it’s great: It addresses family dynamics, acceptance, and the complexities of love during the holiday season. As usual, Diane Keaton’s wardrobe is on point, and we can all stand to learn how to let our freak flag fly. “I didn’t know!”
11. The Ref (1994)
This is at the top of nearly every Reddit thread about underrated Christmas movies. A cat burglar, portrayed by Denis Leary, takes a bickering couple, played by Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey, hostage on Christmas Eve, forcing them to confront their issues.
Why it’s great: Its dark humor and sharp dialogue provide a unique take on family dysfunction during the holidays.
12. Love Actually (2003)
An ensemble romantic comedy featuring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Alan Rickman (among many others) interweaves multiple love stories during the Christmas season, exploring themes of love, loss, and connection. Its heartfelt moments and relatable characters capture the spirit of love and the importance of relationships during the holidays. The film’s charm and wit make it a beloved holiday classic.
Why it’s great: Really, it’s the cast and the humanness of each vignette. It’s hard to pick your favorite storyline from the movie, as they’re all great.
13. The Family Man (2000)
A successful Wall Street executive, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, wakes up on Christmas morning to find himself living a life he could have had if he had made different choices, exploring the importance of family and relationships, with Tea Leoni as his wife. The engaging performances and emotional depth resonate with audiences.
Why it’s great: It’s a real tear-jerker that reminds us of a time before Nick Cage got weird.
14. Die Hard (1988)
NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) fights against a group of terrorists who take hostages in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. We all know the movie, and many of us feel very strongly that it’s a Christmas movie. Enough said.
Why it’s great: While an action film, its Christmas setting make it a cult favorite during the season.
15. Scrooged (1988)
A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” featuring Bill Murray as a cynical television executive who learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by three ghosts. It’s the perfect blend of humor, heart, and a timeless message about redemption, making it a memorable holiday film.
Why it’s great: The 80s cast and Murray’s acerbic wit are what truly make this a great film. “Look, Frank, what is it? It’s a TOASTER!”
16. Trading Places (1983)
A snobbish investor, played by Dan Aykroyd, and a homeless con artist, portrayed by Eddie Murphy, find their lives turned upside down when they are unwittingly made part of a social experiment during the holiday season. The film’s witty script and classic humor from both Murphy and Aykroyd make it a holiday favorite.
Why it’s great: This comedy addresses themes of class, race and morality while providing sharp social commentary, set against Christmas in the big city.
17. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
This is one of the most highly recommended “alternative” Christmas films on Reddit. If you’re looking for something a bit more on the dark side, you’ll want to check it out. A young boy, played by Onni Tommila, discovers the true and sinister origin of Santa Claus in a remote Finnish village, with Jorma Tommaila playing his father. Its, ahem, unique take on Christmas folklore adds an intriguing twist to traditional holiday narratives, appealing to those who enjoy darker stories. The plot and atmospheric visuals create a memorable viewing experience. You’ve been warned.
Why it’s great: Its unique take on Christmas folklore adds an interesting twist to traditional holiday stories, appealing to those who enjoy darker stories.
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