I promised a friend of mine to give some Christmas movie
recommendations, and decided to just make a list for all my friends who might
be looking for something new or forgotten to bring the holiday cheer this year.
Some movies you might associate with Christmas may not be on this list, but
that doesn’t mean they aren’t good, but just might be too obvious or not my cup
of tea. I’ll be listing movies in three categories: classics (1900-ca. 1975),
modern (1976-present) and alternative. Classics are obviously the ones that I
feel everyone should see as well as some forgotten from earlier years, which
often bring on the Christmas cheer, while modern is mostly the same, with a few
exceptions and alternative are movies that either have Christmas as a backdrop
to tell a darker story or movies that have violent or cynical views of the
holidays. Are you ready? Then let’s ho-ho-go!
CLASSICS
It’s a Wonderful
Life (1946), 130 mins.
One of my top three favorite films of all time, this, the story of George Bailey, a man with world sized dreams in the small town of Bedford Falls, is one of the most heart-warming things I have ever seen. It took me two viewings to fall in love with this movie, but since then it has been one of those movies that I have seen nearly a hundred times and it still makes me cry every time. A beautiful, sincere and near-perfect film. If you haven’t seen it, give it a chance.
One of my top three favorite films of all time, this, the story of George Bailey, a man with world sized dreams in the small town of Bedford Falls, is one of the most heart-warming things I have ever seen. It took me two viewings to fall in love with this movie, but since then it has been one of those movies that I have seen nearly a hundred times and it still makes me cry every time. A beautiful, sincere and near-perfect film. If you haven’t seen it, give it a chance.
Miracle on 34th
Street (1947), 96 mins.
When Macy’s Santa Claus, a man named Chris who claims to be the actual Santa Claus ends up in legal trouble, the lawyer he is staying with finds himself having to prove in a court of law that what Chris says is true. Meanwhile, Chris is concerned with the neighbor girl Susan (played brilliantly by a young Natalie Wood), who’s mother encourages her to not believe in what she can’t see, and making her and her mother see that belief and faith can be just as powerful as what is right in front of you. A brilliant movie, that was remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough, but if you can handle older movies I absolutely recommend the original movie, whether it be the black and white or colorized version of it.
When Macy’s Santa Claus, a man named Chris who claims to be the actual Santa Claus ends up in legal trouble, the lawyer he is staying with finds himself having to prove in a court of law that what Chris says is true. Meanwhile, Chris is concerned with the neighbor girl Susan (played brilliantly by a young Natalie Wood), who’s mother encourages her to not believe in what she can’t see, and making her and her mother see that belief and faith can be just as powerful as what is right in front of you. A brilliant movie, that was remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough, but if you can handle older movies I absolutely recommend the original movie, whether it be the black and white or colorized version of it.
The Thin Man
(1934), 93 mins.
Not a movie that really has Christmas as a focus, but more as a backdrop, this movie starring my favorite old Hollywood coupling, Myrna Loy and William Powell is the first in the six-part Thin Man series where husband and wife duo Nick and Norah Charles solve mysteries along with their pet dog Asta. Here, retired detective Nick is roped into a late December disappearance of a scientist, all while trying to get Christmas and New Year’s parties in order, and keeping stiff drinks in their hands. Not the most Christmassy of movies, but worth a watch all the same!
Not a movie that really has Christmas as a focus, but more as a backdrop, this movie starring my favorite old Hollywood coupling, Myrna Loy and William Powell is the first in the six-part Thin Man series where husband and wife duo Nick and Norah Charles solve mysteries along with their pet dog Asta. Here, retired detective Nick is roped into a late December disappearance of a scientist, all while trying to get Christmas and New Year’s parties in order, and keeping stiff drinks in their hands. Not the most Christmassy of movies, but worth a watch all the same!
The Shop Around
the Corner (1940), 99 mins.
Centered around a little shop in Budapest, we follow Alfred Kralik (James Stewart), assistant manager of the shop who clashes with new hire Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) at every turn. What neither of them knows is that the other is their pen pal, whom they are in love with and hope to marry someday. As Christmas approaches, the pressure mounts and the only question is: will Christmas make or break what very well could be the love of a lifetime? Highly recommended.
Centered around a little shop in Budapest, we follow Alfred Kralik (James Stewart), assistant manager of the shop who clashes with new hire Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) at every turn. What neither of them knows is that the other is their pen pal, whom they are in love with and hope to marry someday. As Christmas approaches, the pressure mounts and the only question is: will Christmas make or break what very well could be the love of a lifetime? Highly recommended.
Christmas in
Connecticut (1945), 102 mins.
Barbara Stanwyck stars as Elizabeth Lane, a magazine food columnist who writes about her life on an idyllic Connecticut farm, where she cooks delicious food and cares for her family and animals. One day her publishes decides that to boost the readership he plans to have Christmas at her farm, and invite a war hero to add a sense of drama to the whole event. The only problem? Elizabeth is a single New Yorker and her recipes she provides are all from a cook-friend of hers. She soon finds herself looking for a farm, husband and baby to fill the roles in the fake life she has promoted, and things only get more complicated when sparks begin to fly between her and the soldier that shows up for dinner.
Barbara Stanwyck stars as Elizabeth Lane, a magazine food columnist who writes about her life on an idyllic Connecticut farm, where she cooks delicious food and cares for her family and animals. One day her publishes decides that to boost the readership he plans to have Christmas at her farm, and invite a war hero to add a sense of drama to the whole event. The only problem? Elizabeth is a single New Yorker and her recipes she provides are all from a cook-friend of hers. She soon finds herself looking for a farm, husband and baby to fill the roles in the fake life she has promoted, and things only get more complicated when sparks begin to fly between her and the soldier that shows up for dinner.
Scrooge (1951), 87
mins.
The first of many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on this list, this version, starring Alistair Sim is a good, reaffirming telling of the tale. Sim plays a great, bitter Ebenezer Scrooge, who especially shines when the movie comes toward its ending and he begins to see the error of his ways. A recommendation, especially if you, like me, can’t get enough of this story.
The first of many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on this list, this version, starring Alistair Sim is a good, reaffirming telling of the tale. Sim plays a great, bitter Ebenezer Scrooge, who especially shines when the movie comes toward its ending and he begins to see the error of his ways. A recommendation, especially if you, like me, can’t get enough of this story.
How the Grinch
Stole Christmas (1966), 23 mins.
A classic in every sense of the word. This Chuck Jones-directed short based off of the Dr. Seuss classic of the same name, may have been the first cartoon to really hammer home why Christmas is more than just presents and decorations as long as you open your heart to its magic. Sadly, especially in Sweden, the vulgar insult starring Jim Carrey is by far more known, and whilst even I can get some enjoyment out of it, it has nothing on this short, which gets to the point quicker and better than the Ron Howard movie.
A classic in every sense of the word. This Chuck Jones-directed short based off of the Dr. Seuss classic of the same name, may have been the first cartoon to really hammer home why Christmas is more than just presents and decorations as long as you open your heart to its magic. Sadly, especially in Sweden, the vulgar insult starring Jim Carrey is by far more known, and whilst even I can get some enjoyment out of it, it has nothing on this short, which gets to the point quicker and better than the Ron Howard movie.
Santa Claus is
Comin’ to Town (1970), 51 mins.
This puppet stop motion film focuses on a younger Santa Claus, showing how he goes from a boy raised by a family of toymaking elves to the bearded present giver we all know and love. It’s silly, cheap and has some incredibly stupid moments in it, but the whole production has a level of sincerity and the cast including Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn and Fred Astaire has so much charm it more than makes up for its shortcomings.
This puppet stop motion film focuses on a younger Santa Claus, showing how he goes from a boy raised by a family of toymaking elves to the bearded present giver we all know and love. It’s silly, cheap and has some incredibly stupid moments in it, but the whole production has a level of sincerity and the cast including Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn and Fred Astaire has so much charm it more than makes up for its shortcomings.
Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), 55 mins.
Made by the same studio who made Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, this retelling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer takes a lot of liberties with the story, but still entertains, and in some ways almost warrants a watch because it changes things up. The Santa in this version is actually kind of a dick, and the plot additions to the story are ridiculously strange, but if you haven’t seen it at least once, you’re kind of missing out.
Made by the same studio who made Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, this retelling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer takes a lot of liberties with the story, but still entertains, and in some ways almost warrants a watch because it changes things up. The Santa in this version is actually kind of a dick, and the plot additions to the story are ridiculously strange, but if you haven’t seen it at least once, you’re kind of missing out.
A Charlie Brown
Christmas (1965), 25 mins.
Charlie Brown, bothered by the commercial nature of Christmas is searching for a way to truly get into the Christmas spirit. Linus suggests he take on the role as the director of the school’s nativity play, and Charlie Brown takes on the job. What follows is a typical Charlie Brownish set of misfortunes, but with a sweet and genuine ending that will leave you warm inside. One of my Christmas musts.
Charlie Brown, bothered by the commercial nature of Christmas is searching for a way to truly get into the Christmas spirit. Linus suggests he take on the role as the director of the school’s nativity play, and Charlie Brown takes on the job. What follows is a typical Charlie Brownish set of misfortunes, but with a sweet and genuine ending that will leave you warm inside. One of my Christmas musts.
The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek (TV-episode, 1960), 23 mins.
Of all the TV episodes I want to recommend, this is the one I just
couldn’t leave off (the rest are off due to lack of time, to be honest). This episode
from the show’s second season is about Henry Corwin, an alcoholic mall Santa Claus,
who after a particularly disastrous Christmas Eve finds a sack on the street
which gives whoever wields it exactly what they want. Tired of the commercial
and soulless attitude of many modern people’s Christmas, he decides to use the
bag for what for good, becoming a real Santa Claus. It is a touching and thoroughly
heartwarming in a way that is actually pretty impressive for a 23-minute
episode. A strong recommendation.
MODERN
Christmas Eve on
Sesame Street (1978), 60 mins.
I think the title says it all. It’s Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and everyone is getting ready. However, everything comes to a grinding halt when Oscar the Grouch asks Big Bird the simple question “how does Santa get down all those chimneys?” and no one can come up with a logical answer. What follows is an investigation across Sesame street as Big Bird, Grover, Kermit and others set out to answer the question. On top of this we get to see Bert and Ernie struggle to find presents for each other and Cookie Monster trying to resist eating Santa’s cookies.
It’s a sweet little piece that won’t do much for you unless you have nostalgia for Sesame Street, but if you do, it really brings on the warm fuzzy feelings within.
I think the title says it all. It’s Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and everyone is getting ready. However, everything comes to a grinding halt when Oscar the Grouch asks Big Bird the simple question “how does Santa get down all those chimneys?” and no one can come up with a logical answer. What follows is an investigation across Sesame street as Big Bird, Grover, Kermit and others set out to answer the question. On top of this we get to see Bert and Ernie struggle to find presents for each other and Cookie Monster trying to resist eating Santa’s cookies.
It’s a sweet little piece that won’t do much for you unless you have nostalgia for Sesame Street, but if you do, it really brings on the warm fuzzy feelings within.
The Snowman
(1982), 26 mins.
A boy builds a snowman. It comes to life and they fly away on a magical adventure that is the stuff of winter legends. It’s short, has magical music and an art style not easily forgotten. I don’t have much to say about it, but if you are one of the few who hasn’t seen this classic, make sure this year is the one you rectify that on!
A boy builds a snowman. It comes to life and they fly away on a magical adventure that is the stuff of winter legends. It’s short, has magical music and an art style not easily forgotten. I don’t have much to say about it, but if you are one of the few who hasn’t seen this classic, make sure this year is the one you rectify that on!
Home Alone (1990),
103 mins.
Who hasn’t seen this movie about young Kevin McCallister, who is forgotten at home as his family travels to Florida only to find himself having to fend off to burglars as they try to rob his house? I feel a lot of people spend so much time focusing on the pratfalls and the slapstick, which is indeed great, they miss the fact that the parts focusing on Kevin learning to handle himself and how much he actually misses his family. There are a lot of moments that are so heartfelt they make me teary-eyed.
The sequel is a bad retread of the first, now with the added subtraction of having a cameo by the worst president the U.S. has ever had. If you somehow want to go further down the line of sequels than that, make sure to stop after the third one, which has a few moments in an otherwise awful mess involving North Korean terrorists and advanced microchips and a young Scarlett Johansson.
Who hasn’t seen this movie about young Kevin McCallister, who is forgotten at home as his family travels to Florida only to find himself having to fend off to burglars as they try to rob his house? I feel a lot of people spend so much time focusing on the pratfalls and the slapstick, which is indeed great, they miss the fact that the parts focusing on Kevin learning to handle himself and how much he actually misses his family. There are a lot of moments that are so heartfelt they make me teary-eyed.
The sequel is a bad retread of the first, now with the added subtraction of having a cameo by the worst president the U.S. has ever had. If you somehow want to go further down the line of sequels than that, make sure to stop after the third one, which has a few moments in an otherwise awful mess involving North Korean terrorists and advanced microchips and a young Scarlett Johansson.
Arthur Christmas
(2011), 97 mins.
From the people who brought you Wallace & Gromit and The Chicken Run, comes this computer animated gem that is the most recent to-be-classic on this list. It is the story of Arthur Christmas, son of Malcolm Christmas, the current Santa Claus and second in line to the role of Santa. A bumbling oaf, he is relegated to working answering letters to children writing to Santa. However, what he lacks in poise and wit, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and Christmas spirit. When a child is missed, her gift left at the pole, Arthur, his grand Santa and a wrapping-obsessed elf set out to deliver the present and make sure that no child is left behind.
It may get a little too slapstick-y at times, but at its core, Arthur Christmas is a sweet movie that bypasses the new millennium’s cynicism, instead using much of that cynicism to reaffirm just why Christmas matters and is so beautiful. A classic in the making. And one of my highest recommendations.
From the people who brought you Wallace & Gromit and The Chicken Run, comes this computer animated gem that is the most recent to-be-classic on this list. It is the story of Arthur Christmas, son of Malcolm Christmas, the current Santa Claus and second in line to the role of Santa. A bumbling oaf, he is relegated to working answering letters to children writing to Santa. However, what he lacks in poise and wit, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and Christmas spirit. When a child is missed, her gift left at the pole, Arthur, his grand Santa and a wrapping-obsessed elf set out to deliver the present and make sure that no child is left behind.
It may get a little too slapstick-y at times, but at its core, Arthur Christmas is a sweet movie that bypasses the new millennium’s cynicism, instead using much of that cynicism to reaffirm just why Christmas matters and is so beautiful. A classic in the making. And one of my highest recommendations.
Joyeux Noël
(2005), 116 mins.
This is one of the heaviest Christmas movies ever made. And one of the best, also. Based on several different real-life events, this World War I period piece centers on a battlefield where German, French and Scottish forces are locked in trench warfare. That is until Christmas Eve, when the troops crawl out of the mud, shake hands and celebrate Christmas together. Knowing that this actually happened, along with strong performances and a dedication to authenticity gives this French, German, U.K. (among others) co-production to become something emotionally powerful and still, over a hundred years later, politically poignant.
If you are up for something deeper and more “real” this holiday season, then I sincerely recommend this beautiful movie, which gives me goosebumps whenever I think of it.
This is one of the heaviest Christmas movies ever made. And one of the best, also. Based on several different real-life events, this World War I period piece centers on a battlefield where German, French and Scottish forces are locked in trench warfare. That is until Christmas Eve, when the troops crawl out of the mud, shake hands and celebrate Christmas together. Knowing that this actually happened, along with strong performances and a dedication to authenticity gives this French, German, U.K. (among others) co-production to become something emotionally powerful and still, over a hundred years later, politically poignant.
If you are up for something deeper and more “real” this holiday season, then I sincerely recommend this beautiful movie, which gives me goosebumps whenever I think of it.
The Hogfather
(2006), 189 mins.
This two-part TV-adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s book of the same name centers around the Discworld equivalent to Christmas, Hogswatch, and how when The Hogfather (the Santa equivalent) goes missing, Death has to step in and fill the role to make sure that Hogswatchnight goes off without a hitch. We then follow Death, his granddaughter Susan and a various ensemble of other characters are they either attempt to find the Hogfather, destroy Hogswatch all together, or just survive the night’s events.
A long sit at three hours, it is worth the time if only for the scenes involving Death, who is both funny as well as surprisingly sweet, especially when it comes to his obvious affection for his granddaughter.
On the longer side, but if you want something a little more TV-esque in pacing, or are just looking to branch out, this might tickle your fancy.
This two-part TV-adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s book of the same name centers around the Discworld equivalent to Christmas, Hogswatch, and how when The Hogfather (the Santa equivalent) goes missing, Death has to step in and fill the role to make sure that Hogswatchnight goes off without a hitch. We then follow Death, his granddaughter Susan and a various ensemble of other characters are they either attempt to find the Hogfather, destroy Hogswatch all together, or just survive the night’s events.
A long sit at three hours, it is worth the time if only for the scenes involving Death, who is both funny as well as surprisingly sweet, especially when it comes to his obvious affection for his granddaughter.
On the longer side, but if you want something a little more TV-esque in pacing, or are just looking to branch out, this might tickle your fancy.
Ernest Saves
Christmas (1988), 95 mins.
Probably unknown to most non-American audiences, Ernest was a character played by Jim Varney in a series of comedies which saw the character go to jail, get scared stupid, etc. However, out of the movies starring the character, probably the best and most well-known is this Christmas-centric one where Ernest one day picks up a chubby old man from the airport only to find out that the man is an elderly Santa Claus, who is in town to approach a local children’s entertainer to take over as Santa in order to save Christmas. The two are soon joined by a teenage runaway as Ernest mugs at the camera and makes bad jokes for 90 minutes. The humor is stupid, the plot ridiculous and the setting of Florida doesn’t exactly scream “CHRISTMAS!”, so why should you watch it? Because the old Santa Claus (played by Douglas Seale) might just be the finest Santa Claus ever put to screen. He has a voice so sweet it brings a smile to your face (he also played the Sultan in Disney’s Aladdin for reference) and whenever he goes for maximum effect, it works without fail. A flawed film, but not without some merit.
Probably unknown to most non-American audiences, Ernest was a character played by Jim Varney in a series of comedies which saw the character go to jail, get scared stupid, etc. However, out of the movies starring the character, probably the best and most well-known is this Christmas-centric one where Ernest one day picks up a chubby old man from the airport only to find out that the man is an elderly Santa Claus, who is in town to approach a local children’s entertainer to take over as Santa in order to save Christmas. The two are soon joined by a teenage runaway as Ernest mugs at the camera and makes bad jokes for 90 minutes. The humor is stupid, the plot ridiculous and the setting of Florida doesn’t exactly scream “CHRISTMAS!”, so why should you watch it? Because the old Santa Claus (played by Douglas Seale) might just be the finest Santa Claus ever put to screen. He has a voice so sweet it brings a smile to your face (he also played the Sultan in Disney’s Aladdin for reference) and whenever he goes for maximum effect, it works without fail. A flawed film, but not without some merit.
A Christmas Carol
(1984), 100 mins.
Another adaptation of the timeless classic, this time starring the always fantastic George C. Scott. Not much to say about this one, but if you want a more straight, non-animated version of the story, but don’t want to go too far back for one, then this is a good one to choose.
Another adaptation of the timeless classic, this time starring the always fantastic George C. Scott. Not much to say about this one, but if you want a more straight, non-animated version of the story, but don’t want to go too far back for one, then this is a good one to choose.
Jingle All the Way
(1996), 89 mins.
Full disclosure, I know this movie is awful. The script is terrible, the child acting by Anakin Skywalker himself Jake Lloyd is awful and Sinbad is so not funny as Arnold’s foil, he might as well be writing a book on how to ruin your reputation, but there is something working in this movie’s favorite, and that is Arnold. He is so charming, that he makes this awful movie about a father trying to get the must-have toy for his son the day before Christmas, whilst also trying to keep his handsy neighbor (played by the late, great Phil Hartman) away from his wife, work. Not really a recommendation, but still something I just felt like throwing on the list.
Full disclosure, I know this movie is awful. The script is terrible, the child acting by Anakin Skywalker himself Jake Lloyd is awful and Sinbad is so not funny as Arnold’s foil, he might as well be writing a book on how to ruin your reputation, but there is something working in this movie’s favorite, and that is Arnold. He is so charming, that he makes this awful movie about a father trying to get the must-have toy for his son the day before Christmas, whilst also trying to keep his handsy neighbor (played by the late, great Phil Hartman) away from his wife, work. Not really a recommendation, but still something I just felt like throwing on the list.
Mickey’s Christmas
Carol (1983), 26 mins.
Another adaptation, this time starring Scrooge McDuck in the role he was created to play. A short, simple, yet affective version. It certainly doesn’t hurt the short that all the parts are played by characters we all have connections to before even seeing it. There isn’t much more to say about it, but that it is a good adaptation of the classic.
Another adaptation, this time starring Scrooge McDuck in the role he was created to play. A short, simple, yet affective version. It certainly doesn’t hurt the short that all the parts are played by characters we all have connections to before even seeing it. There isn’t much more to say about it, but that it is a good adaptation of the classic.
A Christmas Story
(1983), 93 mins.
From the same director that brought you the Christmas slasher movie Black Christmas (listed below in the alternative section), here we’re presented with the story of Ralphie Parker, a kid with one simple desire: getting a BB gun for Christmas. We follow Ralphie and his family as Christmas swiftly approaches, getting a slice-of-life-view of this white nuclear family in 1950’s America. And while this is an American classic, this last point works against the film in nearly any other part of the world. It’s too white, familial and American for me to relate to on many levels, yet still has some truly great moments in it, warranting at least one watch, just don’t go in expecting something life-changing.
From the same director that brought you the Christmas slasher movie Black Christmas (listed below in the alternative section), here we’re presented with the story of Ralphie Parker, a kid with one simple desire: getting a BB gun for Christmas. We follow Ralphie and his family as Christmas swiftly approaches, getting a slice-of-life-view of this white nuclear family in 1950’s America. And while this is an American classic, this last point works against the film in nearly any other part of the world. It’s too white, familial and American for me to relate to on many levels, yet still has some truly great moments in it, warranting at least one watch, just don’t go in expecting something life-changing.
Love Actually (2003), 136 mins.
I almost didn’t put this on the list, simply because I assume everyone who would want to see it already has. It has stars, stars and more stars in an ensemble picture with so many stories that even if you don’t care for all the plots, there will most likely be at least a few that do.
If there is any REAL reason for me to put this on the list it is to make sure that those who don’t know of the short film sequel Red Nose Day Actually are made aware, which while just sort of OK, does follow up on some of the characters and serves as a reminder of how good the original truly is.
ALTERNATIVE
Gremlins (1984),
106 mins.
Another of my Christmas Eve musts. Gremlins, despite at its core being about how the tiny town of Kingston Falls being overrun with the titular monsters, oozes Christmas through nearly every pore. Movies like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon take place on Christmas, but even if it factors in, it usually stays at an arm’s length from the plot, but not so much here. Christmas is everywhere here. When Billy Peltzer, son of a cooky inventor, is given mythical Chinese creature known as a Mogwai (named Gizmo) as a Christmas present along with a list of three rules by which he must abide by, it isn’t long before something goes wrong and the town is thrust into chaos. Can Billy, Gizmo and Billy’s friend Cate stop the gremlins and save the town or will Christmas be lost?
Another of my Christmas Eve musts. Gremlins, despite at its core being about how the tiny town of Kingston Falls being overrun with the titular monsters, oozes Christmas through nearly every pore. Movies like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon take place on Christmas, but even if it factors in, it usually stays at an arm’s length from the plot, but not so much here. Christmas is everywhere here. When Billy Peltzer, son of a cooky inventor, is given mythical Chinese creature known as a Mogwai (named Gizmo) as a Christmas present along with a list of three rules by which he must abide by, it isn’t long before something goes wrong and the town is thrust into chaos. Can Billy, Gizmo and Billy’s friend Cate stop the gremlins and save the town or will Christmas be lost?
Black Christmas
(1974), 98 mins.
This slasher horror movie is set in a sorority building in the fictional town of Bedford, where a killer lurks in the attic. As the Christmas break begins one by one the girls living in the house begin to disappear, as the killer, known only as Billy, picks them off one after the other. Since they are expected to go home over the holidays, it isn’t thought much about, until the third act of course, when it becomes apparent that the remaining girls aren’t the only ones living in the sorority house…
This slasher horror movie is set in a sorority building in the fictional town of Bedford, where a killer lurks in the attic. As the Christmas break begins one by one the girls living in the house begin to disappear, as the killer, known only as Billy, picks them off one after the other. Since they are expected to go home over the holidays, it isn’t thought much about, until the third act of course, when it becomes apparent that the remaining girls aren’t the only ones living in the sorority house…
Santa Claus
Conquers the Martians (1964), 81 mins.
Do you hate yourself? Do you love garbage? Then look no further than this Ed Wood-esque catastrophe of a “movie” about how Martians kidnap Santa Claus, since they don’t have one on Mars, and some people set out to get Santa back. Schlocky, campy and confusing, this is one of those movies that is so bad you almost HAVE to see it at least once in your life.
Do you hate yourself? Do you love garbage? Then look no further than this Ed Wood-esque catastrophe of a “movie” about how Martians kidnap Santa Claus, since they don’t have one on Mars, and some people set out to get Santa back. Schlocky, campy and confusing, this is one of those movies that is so bad you almost HAVE to see it at least once in your life.
Rare Exports: A
Christmas Tale (2010), 82 mins.
This strange Finnish horror comedy centers on two kids, who stumble upon the dark secret of Santa Claus, and how the Finnish mountain of Korvatunturi (rumored location of Santa’s workshop according to Finnish folklore) is actually a burial mound containing a bunch of Santa-like monsters, who want nothing more to punish bad little children by boiling them alive.
Now these two, anything-but-good boys must stop these Santas before it is too late.
This strange Finnish horror comedy centers on two kids, who stumble upon the dark secret of Santa Claus, and how the Finnish mountain of Korvatunturi (rumored location of Santa’s workshop according to Finnish folklore) is actually a burial mound containing a bunch of Santa-like monsters, who want nothing more to punish bad little children by boiling them alive.
Now these two, anything-but-good boys must stop these Santas before it is too late.
Die Hard (1988),
132 mins.
A movie I’m sure needs no introduction. Bruce Willis stars as New York police officer John McClane, who flies to Los Angeles to try and reconcile with his estranged wife Holly. He arrives at her office in the middle of the company’s Christmas party, and while John is resting in Holly’s office, the building is invaded by terrorists. What follows is some of the best American action ever put to film. Die Hard differs from so many of its contemporaries, in that it actually has weight to its action. You feel the falls, the hits and the bullets with John, as he swears, shoots and limps his way through Nakatomi Plaza, in a movie that hardly needs Christmas as an excuse to watch it, but is a must none the less.
Oh, Die Hard 2: Die Harder also takes place around Christmas and is a pretty solid sequel, but if you only watch one make sure it’s the first one.
A movie I’m sure needs no introduction. Bruce Willis stars as New York police officer John McClane, who flies to Los Angeles to try and reconcile with his estranged wife Holly. He arrives at her office in the middle of the company’s Christmas party, and while John is resting in Holly’s office, the building is invaded by terrorists. What follows is some of the best American action ever put to film. Die Hard differs from so many of its contemporaries, in that it actually has weight to its action. You feel the falls, the hits and the bullets with John, as he swears, shoots and limps his way through Nakatomi Plaza, in a movie that hardly needs Christmas as an excuse to watch it, but is a must none the less.
Oh, Die Hard 2: Die Harder also takes place around Christmas and is a pretty solid sequel, but if you only watch one make sure it’s the first one.
Tokyo Godfathers
(2003) 92 mins.
One of the last features by acclaimed Animé auteur Satoshi Kon, this story of three homeless people who find a baby in the garbage on Christmas eve deserves more attention. Much like the rest of Kon’s work, it is gorgeously animated and filled with both dark humor and heartfelt moments, and certainly isn’t afraid to handle more serious subjects, such as gender issues, depression, abuse and alcoholism. It’s a damn fine movie, and shouldn’t be missed.
One of the last features by acclaimed Animé auteur Satoshi Kon, this story of three homeless people who find a baby in the garbage on Christmas eve deserves more attention. Much like the rest of Kon’s work, it is gorgeously animated and filled with both dark humor and heartfelt moments, and certainly isn’t afraid to handle more serious subjects, such as gender issues, depression, abuse and alcoholism. It’s a damn fine movie, and shouldn’t be missed.
Movies to get expanded upon later due to time constraints:
Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Trading Places,
Nightmare Before Christmas, Bad Santa, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s
Christmas Vacation, Fred Claus, Santa Claus: The Movie, Scrooged, Krampus, Love
Actually, White Christmas, It Happened on 5th Avenue
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