With the Holiday season approaching, we see an influx of low-effort mediocre movies being pushed on all streaming services in the guise of being ‘Christmas Movies.’ Being a movie lover and bored of rewatching old Christmas Classics, I decided to watch some different, good content this season! From heavy action to dark comedies to thrillers to sci-fi and queer romance, here’s a not-so-typical Christmas watchlist to keep you entertained this season!
If you’re someone like me who’s sick of the over-the-top holiday cheer all around and feeling a bit grinchy this season, then these are movies that’ll keep you entertained and in Christmas spirits, while not forcing miracles and exaggerated joy down your throat.
Die Hard (1988)
Source: IMDb
Taking place on Christmas Eve & set during a Christmas party, Die Hard starring Bruce Wilis is an action-packed movie that’s perfect to take a break from the usual soppy Christmas viewings.
Rent it on Amazon Prime
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Source: IMDb
Directed by Tim Burton, featuring Johnny Depp & Winona Ryder, Edward Scissorhands explores themes like self-discovery, acceptance & isolation during the Christmas season.
Watch it on Hotstar
White Christmas (Black Mirror: Season 2, Episode 4)
Source: IMDb
This enthralling episode of the acclaimed sci-fi anthology series explores three interconnected stories on technology, told by two men in a remote cabin during the Christmas season.
Watch it on Netflix
In Bruges (2008)
Source: IMDb
Martin McDonagh’s feature film debut is a black comedy that blends comedy & crime and has become a classic over the years. Set in the city of Bruges during the holiday season, the movie explores the chaos & loneliness that comes with the holiday season but also explores the bond of friendship and the existence of hope for the otherwise hopeless.
Rent it on Amazon Prime
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Source: IMDb
Set during Christmas time in Los Angeles, Shane Black’s debut feature film starring Robert Downey Jr. & Van Kilmer is a neo-noir black comedy crime film. It’s the perfect Christmas movie to watch when you feel like you’ve overdosed on all the cheesy family-friendly festive movies.
Watch it on Jio Cinema
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Source: IMDb
A tense psychosexual thriller using holiday cheer as a backdrop, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut offers a unique perspective on the madness and chaos which can thrive during the Christmas season.
Rent it on Apple TV
Happiest Season (2020)
Source: IMDb
A holiday rom-com, Happiest Season follows the journey of a young woman who struggles to come out to her conservative parents when she and her girlfriend visit them on Christmas. Making it the perfect watch on your Christmas movies watchlist.
Watch it on Netflix
