15 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Christmas Movies

• 01

  Batman Returns (1992)

  via Unseen Trailers

  "Batman Returns" might not top your list of cozy, heartwarming holiday flicks, but hear me out. It's set in a wintry Gotham, complete with twinkling lights and decorations that somehow make the city's dark corners even moodier. Sure, you've got a penguin-man lurking in the sewers and a whip-cracking Catwoman on the rooftops, but that's all part of the offbeat magic. Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you get Danny DeVito's Penguin eating raw fish, and Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman taking the heads off several mannequins in a row (she did it in one try!) 

  It's a Christmas movie for those of us who prefer a little grit with our holiday sparkle—something unexpected and just a bit twisted. And hey, nothing says "holiday spirit" like a masked vigilante brooding beside a giant, neon-lit Christmas tree, right?

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• 02

  Violent Night (2022)

  via Universal Pictures

  If you're itching for a holiday movie that strays from the usual "cozy fireplace and cocoa" vibe, "Violent Night" has you covered. It's like someone handed Santa a baseball bat and said, "Alright, big guy, let's see what you've got." Instead of the same old carols, you get chaos, comedy, and more action than your average Christmas special would ever dare. This one's for when you've had your fill of Hallmark cheer and you're ready to watch the holiday spirit get shaken up like a snow globe on steroids. In other words, "Violent Night" Is what would happen if "Die Hard" was a Christmas movie… Wait a minute…

• 03

  Die Hard (1988)

  via 20th Century Studios

  "Die Hard" is my all-time favorite Christmas movie—yeah, I said it, and I'm not taking it back. I don't want to hear any "It's not a Christmas movie" nonsense, because, sorry, it absolutely is. It's got holiday parties, twinkling lights, and a soundtrack that's more festive than half the "official" Christmas flicks out there. Plus, it's set on Christmas Eve, which pretty much seals the deal in my book. Sure, John McClane isn't exactly sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the "rooftop" scene involves more gunfire than tinsel, but it's that perfect clash of holiday cheer and high-stakes action that makes it so iconic. It ain't Christmas until Hans Gruber falls off the top of Nakatomi Plaza!

• 04

  Go (1999)

  via Unseen Trailers

  "Go" (1999) is a cleverly interwoven, adrenaline-fueled trip through a wild night of mistaken identities, sketchy deals, and rave-fueled misadventures, all unfolding against the backdrop of the Christmas season. Told from multiple perspectives, it's a snapshot of late-90s youth culture caught off guard by some very grown-up consequences. While it doesn't serve up traditional holiday warmth or snowy nostalgia, the film provides a refreshing alternative: an energetic, offbeat reminder that the festive spirit can manifest in the most unexpected ways.

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• 05

  The Ice Harvest (2005)

  via Allusion to Shadow

  "The Ice Harvest" is one of those underrated Christmas movies that hits differently. Set on a bleak Christmas Eve in Wichita, Kansas, it follows a mob lawyer (John Cusack) and a strip club owner (Billy Bob Thornton) trying to pull off a heist while everything, predictably, goes completely off the rails. It's not the kind of holiday movie that warms your heart, but that's what makes it great. Instead, it leans into the chaos, the absurdity, and the morally questionable decisions that seem just a little more forgivable under the glow of Christmas lights. "The Ice Harvest" is a sharp, funny, and oddly festive treat that deserves a spot on your December watchlist.

• 06

  In Bruges (2008)

  via Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

  "In Bruges" is one of those movies that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it's just a dark comedy about two hitmen hiding out in a picturesque medieval town during the holidays. But then it hits you—it's not just funny, it's layered, emotional, and kind of brilliant. The film is set against the backdrop of a cold, Christmas-lit Bruges, which somehow manages to make all the swearing, bloodshed, and existential angst feel... weirdly cozy?

• 07

  The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

  via FlickDirect Trailer Vault

  I absolutely adore Geena Davis. Not only is she an incredible actress, but did you know she's also an Olympic-level archer? Seriously, is there anything she can't do? Whether she's road-tripping across the desert, haunting a house in Beetlejuice, or, in the case of The Long Kiss Goodnight, kicking serious butt as an amnesiac super-assassin, she always brings something unforgettable to the screen.

  And let me tell you, The Long Kiss Goodnight was John Wick before John Wick was even a thing. Geena plays Samantha, a sweet suburban mom with no memory of her past, who suddenly starts channeling Jason Bourne levels of lethality. Pair her up with Samuel L. Jackson as her wisecracking sidekick, and you've got an action-packed, holiday-themed rollercoaster. It's over-the-top in all the right ways, with one-liners, explosive set pieces, and Geena Davis proving once again that she can do just about anything.

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• 08

  Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

  via Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

  Before Robert Downey Jr. suited up as Iron Man and became the face of the MCU, he was already king in my book, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a big reason why. This movie is peak RDJ—sharp, snarky, and endlessly watchable. He plays Harry Lockhart, a petty thief turned wannabe actor who somehow ends up in the middle of a murder mystery during Christmastime in LA. Add Val Kilmer as "Gay Perry," the world's most no-nonsense private detective, and you've got one of the funniest, twistiest neo-noirs ever made.

• 09

  Gremlins (1984)

  via Warner Bros. Entertainment

  Gremlins (1984) is hands down one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made—fight me on this. I still remember going to see it with my friends on opening night, completely clueless about what we were walking into. The trailer made it look like a quirky little family movie, but oh no, we were not ready for what came next. By the time those adorable Mogwai turned into cackling, chaos-causing Gremlins, we were half-laughing, half-horrified, and 100% hooked.

  It's the perfect mix of holiday cheer and dark, twisted fun. The snowy, small-town Christmas setting is almost too wholesome, which makes the carnage that much funnier.

• 10

  The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

  via SearchlightPictures

  The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is nothing short of a triumph. Every aspect of it—story, acting, humor, and that jaw-dropping cinematography—is pure perfection. Wes Anderson takes you on a whimsical, bittersweet journey through the quirky yet elegant world of the Grand Budapest, weaving together an ensemble cast that's just as colorful as the hotel's wallpaper. The humor is razor-sharp, the characters are unforgettable, and the layered storytelling feels like peeling back the pages of a beautifully illustrated book. 

  The Grand Budapest Hotel might not scream "Christmas movie," but it absolutely fits the bill in its own quirky way. The snowy landscapes, cozy interiors, and moments of heartfelt connection give it just enough holiday spirit to make it a perfect watch for December.

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• 11

  Edward Scissorhands (1990)

  via JohnVexer

  Edward Scissorhands (1990) is the movie that made me fall head over heels for Tim Burton—and for Winona Ryder, Johnny Depp, and Dianne Wiest, too. It's one of those films that grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go. Honestly, it has more charm in its opening ten minutes than most modern movies manage in their entire runtime.

  The snowy, suburban setting feels both magical and melancholic, and the story of Edward—a sweet, misunderstood outsider—cuts right to the heart (pun intended). It's a fairy tale, a love story, and a biting commentary on conformity, all wrapped up in Burton's signature style. And let's not forget Danny Elfman's hauntingly beautiful score—it's the perfect finishing touch on a holiday classic that's unlike any other.

• 12

  Jumanji (1995)

  via Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

  You just can't beat Robin Williams. He's the absolute best, and Jumanji (1995) is one of his crowning jewels. Sure, on the surface, it's a wild adventure about a magical board game that brings chaos to life, but watch it again—it's so much deeper than you remember. Beneath all the stampeding animals and dice rolls, it's a story about facing your fears, making amends, and finding your way back to the people who matter most.

  And let's not forget: it ends with a Christmas party! That's all the excuse you need to revisit this gem during the holidays. It's not just a family adventure—it's a reminder of why Robin Williams will always be in a league of his own.

• 13

  The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

  via Warner Bros. Entertainment

  Wait, hear me out! Yes, it's set in Middle-earth, thousands of years ago, with hobbits, wizards, orcs, and a Balrog—but here's the kicker: the Fellowship leaves Rivendell and begins their epic journey on December 25th. That's right, Christmas Day! You can't argue with that logic—it's practically begging to be part of your holiday tradition.

  So, this is your perfect excuse to binge-watch the entire trilogy (extended editions, of course) and force your family to join in. It's epic, it's magical, and honestly, isn't the battle for the fate of Middle-earth the kind of bonding experience every family needs during Christmas?

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• 14

  12 Monkeys (1995)

  via Arrow Video

  12 Monkeys is proof that Die Hard isn't Bruce Willis's only controversial Christmas movie—it's right there in the running! Probably my favorite Terry Gilliam film, this mind-bending, time-traveling masterpiece takes you on a journey that's equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking. The storytelling is so intricately crafted, and honestly, the plot wouldn't work if it weren't set at Christmas—the day the virus outbreak began and humanity's downfall was set into motion.

  It's a film that keeps you guessing, makes you think, and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. If you're looking for a holiday movie that's unconventional, gripping, and unforgettable, 12 Monkeys is one you can't miss.

• 15

  Star Trek: Generations (1994)

  via Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

  Star Trek: Generations (1994) might not be the first film that comes to mind when you're looking for a Christmas movie, but trust me, it deserves a spot on the list. Hear me out: Captain Picard's Nexus fantasy is set during the holidays, complete with a warm, cozy Christmas scene that reflects everything he's longed for but could never have. It's heartfelt, bittersweet, and honestly, it gives the film an unexpectedly festive touch amid all the starships and temporal anomalies.

  As far as Star Trek movies go, this one has it all—two legendary captains, a villainous Malcolm McDowell, and plenty of action. But it's that quiet, reflective holiday moment that makes it stand out. If you're a Trekkie (or just someone who loves a good mix of sci-fi and seasonal vibes), Generations is a great excuse to revisit the crew of the Enterprise this Christmas. Bonus points if you convince your family to join you!

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