With the end of the year approaching, it’s time to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, or Ōmisoka, it’s one of the most cherished times of the year. However, Christmas is the most popular of these holidays, especially with the plethora of Christmas-themed movies available. There are classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and hundreds of adaptations of The Christmas Carol. But for those of you who want something different or are sick of Elf, this list is for you. Some of you may remember my list of the 10 Best Horror Films to Watch on Halloween back in 2018. This year, I’ve decided to list some Christmas movies that don’t get talked about much but are worth watching. Ladies and gentlemen, these are my 12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics!
Gremlins (1984)
Joe Dante has had quite the cult filmmaking career, from Pirahna and The Howling to Explorers and The Burbs. However, his 1984 horror-comedy Gremlins broke him into the mainstream, earning over $200 million worldwide on an $11 million budget. The film tells the story of Billy, a young man whose father gifts him a Mogwai for Christmas. He names the creature Gizmo, and he’s just the cutest, wearing a Santa hat, having expressive ears, and even singing. However, when Gizmo gets splashed with water, four other Mogwai spawn, turning into nasty Gremlins when they eat after midnight. What I love about this movie is how it starts cute and innocuous, only to take a complete 180. It’s wild, crazy, bombastic, and a lot of fun, and it even helped to establish the PG-13 rating. So, if you enjoy some monster mayhem with your Christmas spirit, check this one out.
Die Hard (1988)
Now, I know what some of you are thinking, “But FilmNerd, this isn’t a Christmas movie!” Well, it’s my list, so I can include whatever movies I want if I feel like it. While this may not be intrinsically linked with the holiday, it’s still one of the greatest action films ever made. Before this movie, Bruce Willis was only known as that guy from Moonlighting, but this shot him to the top. At a time when Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Norris dominated action movies, Willis came along as the unlikeliest action hero. As John McClane, he’s vulnerable, takes quite a few beatings, and is often scared that he’ll die at any moment. You’ve also got the late Alan Rickman as one of the best action movie villains, the master thief Hans Gruber. With a great cast, fantastic action sequences, and solid direction from John McTiernan, Die Hard is a classic.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
What else can be said about this controversial slasher film that several other reviewers haven’t already said? Yes, the movie caused an uproar that ultimately got it pulled from theaters, but it’s also an underrated horror film. While most slasher films focus on the victims and barely explain the killer, this focuses solely on the killer. From his early childhood to the moment he snaps, we see how Billy got to where he ends up. The movie doesn’t portray the killings he does in a positive light, but we do feel sympathy for him. Also, the kills may not be overly gruesome, but they’re memorable, including a girl getting impaled on deer antlers. Admittedly, there are a lot of slow spots that drag the film, but they’re not enough to ruin the experience. All in all, Silent Night, Deadly Night is a slasher film that deserves its cult status.
Black Christmas (1974)
Bob Clark is probably best known for making one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, A Christmas Story. However, a decade prior, he directed another Christmas movie that became a classic for entirely different reasons, 1974’s Black Christmas. While Halloween gets all the credit for popularizing the slasher genre, this is the one that established the tropes. You’ve got the POV shots, the creepy phone calls, an isolated setting, and a popular holiday used as the basis. Throughout the film, there’s an ever-present sense of dread where you feel like anything could happen at any moment. You’ve also got a memorable cast, including Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, Keir Dullea, Art Hindle, and John Saxon. What makes this film stand out is that we never learn who the killer is or what their motivations are. It offers no closure, which makes it a one-of-a-kind holiday slasher.
Krampus (2015)
Filmmaker Michael Dougherty is no stranger to holiday-themed horror movies, having also directed the Halloween anthology Trick ‘r Treat. In 2015, he decided to add a horror spin to Christmas with the holiday horror-comedy Krampus. For those who don’t know, Krampus is a giant horned figure who scares and punishes naughty children, essentially the anti-Santa. Here, Krampus is a demonic creature who punishes those that have lost their Christmas spirit, similar to Sam with Halloween. While young Max still believes, the rest of his dysfunctional family has lost their faith, making them an easy target. What follows is a playfully dark and gory monster movie with killer toys, evil Gingerbread men, and a horned giant. Even with its dark, dread moments, this film has a Christmasy vibe that permeates and adds to its charm. So, this Christmas, you better keep the faith lest you get a visit from Krampus.
Trancers (1984)
Much like Die Hard, this 1984 Charles Band sci-fi film isn’t intrinsically linked to Christmas. However, it counts since Christmas is mentioned frequently, and there’s even a fight scene with a mall Santa. Regardless, this is still a clever and unique time-travel story with a great mix of film noir elements. Sure, the film borrows elements from Blade Runner and The Terminator, but these elements are used in uniquely creative ways. What makes this film work so well is Tim Thomerson, who oozes charisma as the futuristic detective Jack Deth. His cocky, smartass attitude perfectly matches the film’s style, and he has fantastic chemistry with a then-unknown Helen Hunt. Also, the music by Phil Davies and Mark Ryder complements the futuristic and action-packed sequences, making them more dynamic. With an incredible lead, fun action, and a clever time travel method, it makes sense that Trancers became a franchise.
#TrancersIsAChristmasMovie
Christmas Evil (1980)
Ever wondered what Taxi Driver would’ve been like if Travis Bickle had a Santa Claus obsession? That more or less summarizes this forgotten 1980 Christmas-themed horror film from filmmaker Lewis Jackson given life by Troma Entertainment. The film tells the story of Harry Stadling, who witnessed his mother being groped by who he thought was Santa. Since this childhood incident, he has become obsessed with Santa and wants to become his idealized version of Kris Kringle. He sleeps in a Santa suit, spies on local children, and keeps records of their behavior in a book. Eventually, he becomes upset at the greed he perceives from his coworkers and decides to spread Christmas cheer. What helps sell the movie is Brandon Maggart, who delivers an excellently creepy performance as a mentally disturbed toymaker. While not as infamous as Silent Night, Deadly Night, Christmas Evil deserves more attention than it gets.
Jack Frost (1997)
No, I’m not talking about the family-friendly Michael Keaton movie about a man brought to life as a sentient snowman. Instead, I’m talking about a direct-to-video horror comedy about a killer snowman who terrorizes a small town during Christmas. Unlike many of today’s intentionally bad movies, this works because it’s mostly played straight by everyone involved. Except for Scott MacDonald, who’s having fun playing the titular snowman, the rest of the cast takes this situation seriously. The fact that the other actors aren’t acting like they’re in a comedy makes it that much funnier. Either way, this movie knows exactly what it is and has fun with its ridiculous premise. The film has fun over-the-top kills, with the snowman delivering corny one-liners sprinkled with a bit of Christmas cheer. So, if the idea of a killer snowman sounds entertaining, give Jack Frost a watch.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Since watching Three Days Of The Condor, writer/director Shane Black has injected Christmas into many of his projects. Whether it’s action classics like Lethal Weapon or multi-million dollar blockbusters like Iron Man 3, Black loves Christmas. In the middle of those is the 2005 crime thriller Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which marked Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback. Downey plays Harry Lockhart, a thief who gets flown to LA for a screen test by complete accident. He meets his high school crush Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan) and private investigator Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer) there. Soon, Harry and Perry get involved in a murder case, and they have to run around LA figuring out who’s responsible. At the heart of this thriller is the dynamic between Downey and Kilmer, leading to some hilarious dialogue between them. With its mix of satire and suspense, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is an underrated gem.
Dial Code Santa Claus (1989)
Everyone remembers the 1990 classic Home Alone, but not as many know about this oddball 1989 French thriller. While the original title was 3615 code Père Noël, it’s also known as Dial Code Santa Claus, Deadly Games, etc. Whatever label you use, this is one of the most bonkers Christmas movies you’ll ever see. The best way to describe this movie is that it combines elements of Home Alone, John Wick, and First Blood. It’s about a boy named Thomas, who’s all alone when he sees what he thinks is Santa killing his dog. A battle of wits follows between the tech-savvy kid and the crazed vagabond in a Santa suit. Everything in this film works, from the acting and set design to the cinematography and the music. Throw in a weirdly out-of-place Bonnie Tyler song, and it’s no wonder why Dial Code Santa Claus is so unforgettable.
Batman Returns (1992)
Upon its 1989 release, Tim Burton’s Batman was a smash hit at the box office that redefined comic book movies. Given its success, Warner Bros demanded a sequel, which Burton only agreed to if given more creative freedom. So, in 1992, we got Batman Returns, which has divided fans more than any other installment for thirty years. While many praised the performances, action, cinematography, and design, others have dismissed the darker tone and strange creative decisions. Even if it’s not as good as the original, this sequel still has much going for it. For one, Michelle Pfeiffer is stunning as Catwoman, and Danny DeVito is delightfully repulsive as The Penguin. Keaton delivers another solidly somber performance, Danny Elfman’s score is excellent, and the film presents a dark version of Christmas. Throw in Christopher Walken as an eccentric industrialist, and you’ve got a decent sequel to the 1989 blockbuster.
Don’t Open Till Christmas (1984)
1984 was quite the year for Christmas-themed slasher films between Silent Night, Deadly Night, and this lesser-known UK relic. Produced by exploitation producer Dick Randall, Don’t Open Till Christmas is a Christmas slasher film infamous for its production problems. First, the original director, actor Edmund Purdom, walked off the set and was replaced by the writer Derek Ford. Ford was dismissed after two days and ultimately replaced by the editor Ray Selfie, with Alan Birkinshaw doing rewrites. Despite these issues, there’s something weirdly fascinating about this incredibly sleazy slasher that even includes a cameo from Caroline Munro. Even if the plot doesn’t make much sense, there are some wickedly gruesome kills, including a castration at a urinal. The acting is mostly good, especially from Purdom, and there’s an exciting mystery about the killer’s motivation. While disjointed, Don’t Open Till Christmas is worth watching at least once, especially for the ending.
So, there you have my list of the 12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics to watch this holiday season. I’m sure there are probably many more that I overlooked, so let me know in the comments below. Also, let me know some of your favorite holiday movies, whether they be classics or something more unconventional. With how crazy this time of year can get, we often forget to spend time with our loved ones. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, spend it with your friends, family, and anyone else you care about. I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Boxing Day, and Happy Holidays. Also, I hope you all have a Happy New Year, and may next year be better than the last one. As always, I have more reviews and videos planned, so until then, I’ll see you in the next one. Take care!
