Christmas is a time for coming together with the family and watching all the classics we know and love. Whether it’s Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life or The Muppet Christmas Carol, there’s plenty of iconic seasonal films to pick from and keep you going throughout the holidays. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit different this year that may be more in line with your regular viewing habits, then we may have some recommendations for you.
Here are 12 films you can watch this December that may not be the first things that come to mind for this time of year but will keep you in the Christmassy mood in their own unique way…even if some of are more of a stretch than others.
Batman Returns (1992)
It’s not a Get Your Comic On list if we don’t mention Batman at some point and low and behold, there is a Batman film set at Christmas. Tim Burton’s second film featuring the caped crusader is a much darker, more sinister outing than the first. It doubles down on its gothic aesthetic while being a lot more violent and graphic in the process, all of which is nicely juxtaposed against the setting of Gotham during Christmastime.
Batman Returns is available to rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play & Sky Store.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A coming of age, musical, romantic comedy….with zombies…set at Christmas? If that doesn’t sound like a recipe for disaster than I don’t know what does. Thankfully, Anna and the Apocalypse is a joyous, tongue in cheek film that blends these genres way better than it has any right to. It’s funny, entertaining as hell and the fact it’s got a Christmas setting is truly the icing on the cake.
Anna and the Apocalypse is available to rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube & Sky Store.
Gremlins (1984)
Over the years, Gremlins has become a bit of a Christmas cult classic. It’s always been fondly remembered by many as a fun horror comedy but its status as a Christmas film has only been more and more solidified in recent years, which is quite surprising considering just how festive the film is. Either way, Gremlins is an 80s classic that should be regularly watched every holiday season with all the family and mogwai’s alike.
Gremlins is available to watch on Now TV.
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s directorial debut is a masterclass of darkly comedic writing and surprisingly potent emotional drama. It’s so effective at being a black comedy that most of you probably forgot that it is technically a Christmas film. Whilst you’re caught up in all the hilariously brutal insults and dramatic undertones, most people tend to overlook the fact that the city of Bruges is getting ready for Christmas whilst all of this is happening. It doesn’t necessarily add much to the film itself, but it helps give the story a slight festive charm that perfectly underplays the constant violence and swearing.
In Bruges is available to watch on Netflix.
Prometheus (2012)
Right, this one might seem like an odd choice (because it is) but hear us out. Though this Alien prequel may not look or feel that festive, there is substantial evidence during the film that cements its seasonal setting and therefore allows it to be in the running as a alternative holiday film. There are several references to it being Christmastime from multiple characters, Janek (played by Idris Elba) is seen decorating a Christmas tree at one point and when the ship lands on the alien planet, the crew of the Prometheus clearly acknowledge the fact that it is December 25th (a.k.a. Christmas Day). The connection isn’t at the forefront of this film…but it is there whether you like it or not.
Prometheus is available to watch on Disney Plus.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
A staple of Shane Black’s films is that most of them tend to be set at Christmastime which, in some way, plays into the story. The Nice Guys, The Long Kiss Goodnight and even Lethal Weapon all take the comedic buddy cop dynamic and sprinkle in Christmassy elements throughout and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is no exception. Arguably Black’s funniest film to date, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a crime comedy that thrives off of the two central performances of Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer whilst reminding you at every given opportunity that it is set in December.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is available to rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube & Sky Store.
Black Christmas (1974)
Horror and Christmas seem to go hand in hand more often than people think and Black Christmas is one of the earliest film examples of these two tones/genres colliding. This is a slasher that is both intelligent and incredibly suspenseful. It balances its festive and horror elements perfectly, never letting one outweigh the other and when it needs to get violent it does so in a very chilling and effective manner.
Black Christmas is available to watch on Tubi.
Krampus (2015)
Based on the Austro-Bavarian folklore, Krampus is an over the top horror comedy that revels in its absurdity. Though this film may not be to everyone’s liking, there’s certainly a lot to admire as a horror fan from the creative creature designs to the endlessly bonkers fantastical elements that take the uplifting things we expect to see at Christmas and comically warp them in increasingly twisted ways.
Krampus is available to watch on Now TV.
Little Women (2019)
If horror isn’t your thing and you fancy something that is a bit closer to your traditional Christmas film, then Greta Gerwig’s wonderful adaptation of Little Women is just for you. From the performances to the direction, everything about this film is so warm and inviting and keeps you engaged with its beautifully well realised characters. In many ways, this is the perfect film to watch in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Little Women is available to rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play & Sky Store.
12 Monkeys (1995)
If you thought we would have Die Hard on this list, you can think again. Instead we’ve opted for Terry Gilliam’s 1995 sci-fi thriller…which also happens to star Bruce Willis. Amongst all of its bizarre quirkiness and time traveling escapades is the backdrop of Christmas. It isn’t essential to the plot but all of the scenes set in “the past” are during the festive period and there are always visual reminders of this throughout the whole film ranging from the subtle to the glaringly obvious. Plus, it helps add a certain personality and uniqueness to the growing tensions of the film’s main narrative.
12 Monkeys is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
L.A. Confidential is one of the best crime films of the 90s with its interwoven plot, great performances and a beautifully realised take on 1950s Los Angeles. However, for those who haven’t seen the film, Christmas is more prevalent than you’d initially think. As well as being part of the backdrop of this film it also plays an integral part within the story, opening with the 1951 “Bloody Christmas” beatings which were a real event that happened. So yes, L.A. Confidential is certainly a Christmas film…you just have to look pass all the corruption and violence first to appreciate it.
L.A. Confidential is available to watch on Prime Video & Disney Plus.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
You didn’t think we’d have just one comic book film in this list, did you? Yet another example of Shane Black setting his films at Christmas, Iron Man 3 is an often overlooked entry in the MCU. Many people forget this film is set during the festive season but once you start watching it, the seasonal setting is hard to miss. Shane Black doesn’t get enough credit for what he did with this film as he subverts expectations just as much as he delivers entertaining set pieces. A throughly enjoyable Marvel film that should be remembered more fondly.
Iron Man 3 is available to watch on Disney Plus.
These are just a few suggestions to sink your teeth into this Christmas. As previously mentioned, some of these films are more justified than others but if you’re looking to mix up your festive viewing this December then we hope these recommendations will help in some way.
