As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect Christmas movie becomes a topic of lively discussion. While traditional favorites like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Home Alone” are staples, there’s a wealth of films offering a fresh take for those looking to explore beyond the usual lineup. This selection highlights diverse films that cater to various moods, presenting an alternative view on what constitutes a Christmas movie.
Wes Anderson’s 2014 film, ‘Grand Budapest Hotel,’ might not be a typical Christmas movie, but its intricate designs and layered storytelling offer a feeling akin to unwrapping a gift. Available for digital rental, this movie’s charm lies in its unique narrative structure, much like a Russian doll.
For those who fantasize about debutante seasons in New York, ‘Metropolitan’ (1990) by Whit Stillman provides a glimpse into the lives of privileged Upper East Side youth. Streaming on platforms like Criterion, Hulu, and Prime Video, it’s the perfect film for an elegant, virtual evening.
‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’ (1992) brings a delightful twist to Charles Dickens’ classic, with Michael Caine delivering a noteworthy performance as Scrooge amidst a cast of beloved Muppet characters. This film can be streamed on Disney+ and offers a blend of humor and tradition.
Although not exclusively a Christmas movie, Jacques Demy’s ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ (1964) features a climactic scene set during the holiday season, making it a fitting choice. Its vibrant colors and poignant score make it an ideal holiday experience, available on The Criterion Channel.
Shane Black’s ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005) is another non-traditional choice, with its Christmas backdrop adding irony to this neo-noir black comedy. Featuring Robert Downey Jr., the film is available for digital rental.
‘The Holiday’ (2006) is a romantic fantasy that embraces its sentimental nature. Streamable on Hulu and Prime Video, it features Cameron Diaz in a whimsical narrative filled with classic movie references.
Sydney Pollack’s ‘Three Days of the Condor’ (1975) intertwines espionage with a holiday setting, offering a thought-provoking story available on Paramount+. This film questions togetherness in a post-Watergate context.
Sergio Pablos’ animated film ‘Klaus’ (2019) reimagines the Santa Claus origin story through a unique lens. Available on Netflix, it stands out among the glut of holiday films as a standout narrative about kindness and community.
For a shorter viewing experience, ‘Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas’ (2021) offers a delightful 30-minute adventure. This family-friendly film, streaming on Netflix, is perfect for young audiences.
Robert Benton’s 1994 film ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ starring Paul Newman, spans the holiday season in a small-town setting. Its emotional depth and strong performances, available on Kanopy and digital rental options, evoke the warmth of the season.
Todd Haynes’ ‘Carol’ (2015) weaves a tender romance set against a Christmas backdrop. The film, available on Netflix, Paramount+ and MUBI, explores themes of love and longing with a vintage flair.
The 1945 screwball comedy ‘Christmas in Connecticut,’ starring Barbara Stanwyck, examines the facade of the perfect holiday. Streaming on WatchTCM, its enduring appeal lies in its humor and timeless message.
Both the 1994 and 2019 adaptations of ‘Little Women’ capture the essence of Christmas through familial love and seasonal imagery. Stream the 2019 version on Hulu or rent the 1994 version digitally to enjoy this classic.
Lastly, ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ (1940) with Jimmy Stewart offers a charming love story amidst a holiday setting. Available on WatchTCM and Max, this film is a timeless choice for holiday viewing.
Exploring Christmas movies beyond the conventional allows viewers to experience the season’s magic in new and unexpected ways. From animated tales to romantic dramas, there is a film for every mood, ensuring that this holiday season can be as diverse as the films that celebrate it.
Source: Apnews
