As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to spice up your movie marathon with some lesser-known gems. Moving beyond the traditional Christmas films, here’s a roundup of eight unconventional Christmas movies that offer a different flavor to your holiday.
8. Black Christmas
Bob Clark’s ‘Black Christmas‘ is a thriller in the holiday movie genre. This tale of sisters facing a stalker during Christmas breaks the mold with its suspenseful plot and an antagonist who remains uncaught. Despite its dark theme, the film achieved box-office success. Interestingly, Clark is also the director behind the family-friendly ‘A Christmas Story.’
7. Better Watch Out
This psychological thriller directed by Chris Peckover mixes the tension of a home invasion with the dark humor of holiday chaos. Centering on a babysitter and her young charge, the film gives us unexpected plot twists, blending elements of classic thrillers with the Christmas spirit. It’s a fresh take on the slasher genre, perfect for those seeking a holiday movie with a twist.
6. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
We see Shane Black’s way of setting crime comedies during the festive season in ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.‘ The film pairs Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in a murder mystery in Los Angeles. The Christmas setting adds a backdrop to this story filled with twists and humor.
5. Krampus
Director Michael Dougherty’s ‘Krampus‘ offers a blend of humor and scares. This PG-13 horror-comedy revolves around a dysfunctional family’s encounter with the mythical European creature, Krampus, during Christmas. With its narrative, the film strikes a balance between being family-friendly and appealing to horror enthusiasts.
4. Carol
In ‘Carol,‘ director Todd Haynes presents a story of forbidden love set against the snowy backdrop of 1950s New York during Christmas. The film follows the romance between a young photographer and an older woman navigating a tough divorce. Praised for its storytelling and visuals, ‘Carol’ extends beyond the typical Christmas narrative with its themes.
3. Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick’s final film, ‘Eyes Wide Shut,‘ is a dramatic exploration of marital trust and fantasy. The Christmas setting serves as a contrast to the film’s narrative, which follows a New York doctor’s odyssey after his wife’s startling confession. One of Kubrick’s most discussed films in terms of its symbolism, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ presents a festive season with psychological depth.
2. Catch Me If You Can
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Catch Me If You Can‘ blends the excitement of a cat-and-mouse chase with the Christmas season. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, delves into the life of a young con artist and the FBI agent on his trail while bringing forward their loneliness during Christmas.
1. The Green Knight
David Lowery’s ‘The Green Knight‘ is a recent addition to alternative Christmas cinema. The film starts on Christmas Day in King Arthur’s court, where Sir Gawain accepts a challenge that leads him on a year-long quest. Combining elements of medieval legend with the ambiance of the holiday season, ‘The Green Knight’ offers a visually pleasing and narratively rich experience.
