Last year, Yahoo Entertainment attempted to settle the decades-old debate about whether or not Diehard counts as a Christmas movie (spoiler alert, the country remains divided). And that question got us thinking, what other unexpected movies are our readers watching around the holidays? So we asked! Beyond the standard submissions such as Elf or It’s a Wonderful Life (both Christmas classics that we love, but not exactly unconventional picks around Christmastime), here are some of the most surprising holiday movies that our readers return to around this time of year.
Bad Santa (2003)
The movie recommended the most to us when we asked, Bad Santa isn’t exactly a surprising choice for Christmas, but it does subvert a lot of the Christmas movie expectations. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a conman masquerading as a mall Santa and elf with his partner in crime (Tony Cox). When he encounters a kid who needs to learn to stand up for himself, their Christmas heist is put into jeopardy. You can stream Bad Santa on Paramount+.
Reader recommendation: Teresa Blinn considers this movie “The antidote to too much Christmas smarm.”
‘Tis the season for superheroes:
Even Tony Stark takes some time off from saving the world to ring in the holiday season!
Iron Man 3 (2013)
While Iron Man 3 is mainly about Tony struggling personally after saving NYC from total destruction — and then battling an evil villain who wants to destroy him, as per usual — that all takes place against a subtle holiday backdrop. You can stream Iron Man 3 on Disney+.
Reader recommendation: “The jazzy Jingle Bells record in Tony’s workshop just really sets the tone from the start,” Maria Zerbe promises. “But the low-key Christmas film vibes continue with the addition of Tony’s kid-side-kick, Harley, and the quick cameo of young Jenna Ortega as VP Rodriguez’s daughter in need of Extremis. What more could I ask for in an unconventional holiday film starring RDJ?”
Batman Returns (1993)
Michael Keaton as Batman. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Danny Devito as The Penguin. Tim Burton’s touch of whimsy. What else 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 brooding performance makes this Batman a standout.
Seasonal(ish) stories:
Here are a few movies that play out against wintery backdrops (or tropical ones near Christmastime) but certainly don’t center on the holiday season.
The Snowman (2017)
If you’re really looking to avoid a feel-good holiday film, you may want to check out The Snowman. Michael Fassbender stars as a head detective working on the case of “The Snowman Killer” in this tense thriller. You can stream The Snowman on Netflix.
Reader recommendation: Of this chilling mystery, Ken simply said “Watch it and you will understand.”
We’re No Angels (1955)
Three escaped convicts attempt to blend in with the residents of the island they’re now trapped on during the holiday season. 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 features a host of stars… It’s black humor,” Larry Thoreson says. “And of course, a happy ending for all (except the truly bad guys).”
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 winds up being the craziest night of the year: Christmas Eve. You can stream Mixed Nuts on Peacock.
Reader recommendation: “Hysterically funny. Awesome performances by Steve Martin, Rita Wilson, and the incomparable Madeline Kahn,” Robin writes. “Sweetness throughout the hilarity makes it completely worth the watch.”
