Santa’s sleigh may be loaded with festive cheer, but not everyone is in the mood for sugarplum fairies and twinkling lights this holiday season. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected movies—the ones with a little grit, a lot of action, or even a touch of darkness—that make the season bright. With Netflix’s new Carry On film being hailed as a better Christmas movie than Die Hard (gasp!), let’s unwrap 10 not-so-Christmas movies that belong on your holiday watchlist.
10. Carry On (2023) 🎁
When a mysterious stranger forces TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) to let a dangerous package through security on Christmas Day, the result is a high-stakes thriller with holiday vibes. Jason Bateman’s chilling villain adds a frosty layer to this festive tale.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: The yuletide tension will have you gripping your hot cocoa tighter than ever.
9. Go (1999) 🛷
This fast-paced comedy-drama follows the wild misadventures of several characters over one unforgettable Christmas Eve. From drug deals to Vegas escapades, Go delivers holiday chaos with a darkly comedic twist.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: It’s like Christmas got tangled in tinsel and neon lights—messy, but oh-so-fun.
8. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) 🎄
Deep in the snowy wilderness of Finland, villagers stumble upon the terrifying truth about Santa Claus. This dark, fantastical tale reimagines Christmas with a creepy yet captivating twist.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: It’s Santa—just not the one you grew up with.
7. Edward Scissorhands (1990) ❄️
Tim Burton’s whimsical tale of a misunderstood man with scissors for hands is set against a snowy suburban backdrop. With a blend of bittersweet romance and holiday spirit, Edward’s story is as magical as it is heartwarming.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why It’s Festive: Snowfall, twinkling lights, and the power of acceptance—all wrapped up in Burton’s signature style.
6. Lethal Weapon (1987) 🎅
Deck the halls with explosions! This action-packed buddy-cop film follows Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) as they take on drug smugglers in a plot set during the holiday season.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: The Christmas setting adds a playful irony to all the gunfire and stunts.
5. Trading Places (1983) 🎁
What happens when a wealthy investor (Dan Aykroyd) and a street hustler (Eddie Murphy) switch lives during the holiday season? A hilarious and sharp commentary on class, greed, and human connection ensues.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why It’s Festive: Christmas trees, holiday parties, and plenty of laughs—it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
4. Krampus (2015) 🌨️
When a dysfunctional family loses its holiday spirit, they awaken Krampus, the demonic anti-Santa. This horror-comedy blends scares and laughs in a darkly festive tale.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: It’s a reminder to stay on Santa’s nice list—or else.
3. Eyes Wide Shut (1999) 🎄
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological drama takes place during the holiday season, weaving a mysterious, surreal tale of marital tension and temptation. Christmas lights provide an eerie glow to this haunting journey.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why It’s Festive: Twinkling lights and unsettling parties—it’s a holiday dream (or nightmare).
2. Gremlins (1984) 🎅
Cute, cuddly Gizmo becomes the source of chaos when mischievous gremlins wreak havoc on Christmas Eve. This dark comedy is a blend of holiday charm and horror.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why It’s Festive: It’s a reminder that every gift comes with rules—and consequences.
1. Die Hard (1988) 🎄
The OG not-so-Christmas movie! John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) in a high-stakes showdown at Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve. Explosions, holiday music, and witty one-liners make this an unforgettable holiday classic.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why It’s Festive: Yippee-ki-yay, holiday lovers! Nothing says Christmas like a barefoot action hero saving the day.
Final Wrap-Up:
Sorry, Carry On fans. While it’s a thrilling addition to the holiday season and Jason Bateman shines as a frosty villain, Hans Gruber remains the gold standard of Christmas bad guys. Whether you’re in it for the action, the dark humor, or the unconventional holiday cheer, these not-so-holiday movies are sure to add a little sparkle to your season.
Merry movie-watching, and yippee-ki-yay y’all!