Last year, Yahoo Entertainment attempted to end the decades-old debate over whether or not Irreducible counts as a Christmas movie (spoiler alert, the country remains divided). And that This question got us thinking: what other unexpected films are our readers watching over the holidays? So we asked! Beyond standard submissions such as Elf Or It’s a wonderful life (both Christmas classics that we love, but not exactly unconventional choices around Christmas time), here are some of the more surprising holiday movies that our readers come back to this time of year.
Bad Santa (2003)
The movie recommended to us the most when we asked, Bad Santa is not exactly a surprising choice for Christmas, but it upends many Christmas movie expectations. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a con man posing as Santa Claus and a mall elf with his accomplice (Tony Cox). When he meets a child who must learn to defend himself, his Christmas heist is jeopardized. You can broadcast Bad Santa on Paramount+.
Reader Recommendation: Teresa Blinn calls this film “the antidote to too much clever Christmas.”
It’s superhero season:
Even Tony Stark takes some time to save the world and celebrate the holidays!
Iron Man 3 (2013)
While Iron Man 3 is mostly about Tony struggling personally after saving New York from total destruction – and then fighting an evil villain who wants to destroy him, as usual – it all takes place against a subtle holiday backdrop. You can broadcast Iron Man 3 on Disney+.
Reader’s recommendation: “The jazzy record Jingle Bells in Tony’s workshop sets the tone from the start,” promises Maria Zerbe. “But the low-key Christmas movie vibe continues with the addition of Tony’s sidekick, Harley, and the quick appearance of young Jenna Ortega as Vice President Rodriguez’s daughter in need of Extremis. What more could you want from an unconventional holiday movie starring RDJ?
Batman returns (1993)
Michael Keaton as Batman. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Danny Devito as the Penguin. Tim Burton’s touch of fantasy. What else could you want in a Christmas 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 remarkable character.
Seasonal Stories(ish):
Here are a few films that take place in wintery settings (or tropical settings in the run-up to Christmas) but are definitely not centered around the holiday season.
The snowman (2017)
If you’re really looking to avoid a feel-good holiday movie, you might want to watch The snowman. Michael Fassbender plays a lead detective working on “The Snowman Killer” case in this tense thriller. You can broadcast The snowman on Netflix.
Reader Recommendation: Of this chilling mystery, Ken simply said, “Look at it and you’ll understand.”
We are not angels (1955)
Three escaped convicts attempt to blend in with the residents of the island they are now trapped on during the holiday season. Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray star in the offbeat 1955 Christmas comedy. You can stream it for free with ads on Pluto TV.
Why readers recommend it: “It features a multitude of stars… It’s dark humor,” says Larry Thoreson. “And of course, a happy ending for everyone (except the real bad guys).”
Mixed nuts (1994)
This underrated dark 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 turns out to be the craziest night of the year: Christmas Eve. You can broadcast Mixed nuts on Peacock.
Reader Recommendation: “Hysterically funny. Great performances from Steve Martin, Rita Wilson and the incomparable Madeline Kahn,” writes Robin. “The sweetness throughout the hilarity is definitely worth it.”