Cozy Up with These Christmas-Adjacent Movies** This Holiday Season!
Hey there, movie buffs! Are you ready to dive into the festive spirit but feeling a bit tired of the same old Christmas classics? Fret not! We've put together a list of Christmas-adjacent movies that capture the essence of the season without being too predictable. So, grab your hot cocoa, snuggle up, and let's explore some fantastic films that'll make your holidays merry and bright! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and christmas-adjacent movies.
What Makes a Movie Christmas-Adjacent**?
Before we dive into our list, let's clarify what we mean by Christmas-adjacent movies. These are films that aren't typical Christmas movies but share themes, aesthetics, or release dates that make them perfect for holiday viewing. They might be set around Christmas, feature holiday themes, or simply evoke that warm, fuzzy feeling we all crave during the season.
Our Top Picks for Christmas-Adjacent Movies**
1. Die Hard (1988) - Christmas Action at its Finest**
Kicking off our list is an action-packed classic that's become a staple for many during the holidays - Die Hard. Set on Christmas Eve, this movie follows NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he takes on a group of terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper. With its witty dialogue, thrilling stunts, and iconic one-liners, Die Hard is the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and explosive entertainment.
Fun fact: The film's release date was strategically planned to coincide with the holiday season, making it a Christmas-adjacent movie par excellence.
2. The Apartment (1960) - A Classic Rom-Com for the Holidays**
Director Billy Wilder's The Apartment is a timeless romantic comedy-drama set against the backdrop of Christmas in 1950s New York. The story revolves around C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a lonely insurance worker who lends his apartment to his superiors for extramarital affairs, hoping to climb the corporate ladder. When Baxter's boss starts seeing an elevator operator named Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), Baxter finds himself falling for her, leading to a complex web of love, deceit, and ultimately, redemption.
The Apartment is a heartwarming tale of love and loneliness, with its Christmas setting providing the perfect atmosphere for its poignant narrative. The film also features a memorable soundtrack, including the classic "Christmas Island" by Bobby Helms.
3. Edward Scissorhands (1990) - A Tim Burton Fairy Tale for the Holidays**
Tim Burton's whimsical Edward Scissorhands is a modern-day fairy tale that, while not explicitly a Christmas movie, captures the magic and wonder of the season. The story follows Edward (Johnny Depp), an artificial man with scissorhands created by an eccentric inventor (Vincent Price). After his creator's death, Edward is taken in by a kind Avon lady (Dianne Wiest) and her family, where he brings joy and beauty to their suburban neighborhood with his unique haircutting and topiary skills.
The film's enchanting visuals, quirky humor, and touching story make it a perfect choice for those seeking something a little different during the holidays. Plus, with its snowy setting and ice sculpting scene, Edward Scissorhands feels undeniably Christmas-adjacent.
4. Gremlins (1984) - A Horror-Comedy Classic for the Whole Family**
Joe Dante's Gremlins is a horror-comedy classic that's perfect for those who prefer their Christmas-adjacent movies with a side of scares. The story centers around a young man named Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) who receives a mysterious creature called a mogwai as a Christmas gift from his father. Despite the warnings that come with the mogwai, Billy neglects to follow the rules, leading to a series of chaotic events as the mogwai spawns a horde of mischievous gremlins that wreak havoc on the small town of Kingston Falls.
With its dark humor, inventive creature effects, and holiday setting, Gremlins is a unique and memorable addition to any Christmas movie marathon. Just be sure to avoid bright lights, water, and feeding them after midnight!
5. The Thin Man (1934) - A Classic Mystery for the Holidays**
For those who prefer their Christmas-adjacent movies with a dash of intrigue, The Thin Man is a must-watch. Based on Dashiell Hammett's novel, this classic mystery follows detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and his wife Nora (Myrna Loy) as they investigate the disappearance of a wealthy inventor during a Christmas party. With its witty dialogue, charming performances, and clever plot twists, The Thin Man is a timeless gem that's perfect for holiday viewing.
Fun fact: The film's Christmas setting was largely a coincidence, as the studio wanted to capitalize on the success of another Christmas-themed film, It Happened One Night, which was released earlier that year.
6. Lethal Weapon (1987) - Action-Packed Christmas Thrills**
Rounding out our list is another action-packed classic that's become a holiday tradition for many - Lethal Weapon. This buddy cop film follows mismatched LAPD detectives Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) as they investigate a drug trafficking ring while dealing with their own personal demons. With its explosive stunts, memorable one-liners, and heartwarming moments, Lethal Weapon is the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and high-octane entertainment.
Fun fact: The film's Christmas setting was initially intended to be a subplot, but the studio executives liked the idea so much that they pushed for a more prominent holiday theme.
Honorable Mentions: More Christmas-Adjacent Movies to Explore
While our top picks should provide you with plenty of Christmas-adjacent movies to enjoy, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a few more films that deserve your attention:
- Batman Returns (1992) - Tim Burton's dark and atmospheric superhero film features a memorable Christmas setting and a stellar performance by Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. - The Princess Bride (1987) - This classic fairy tale adventure may not be explicitly set during Christmas, but its snowy setting and themes of love, bravery, and redemption make it a perfect fit for the holidays. - Brazil (1985) - Terry Gilliam's dystopian sci-fi satire features a memorable Christmas scene that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human connection during the holidays. - Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Stanley Kubrick's final film features a memorable Christmas sequence that serves as a backdrop for the film's exploration of sexual jealousy and obsession. - The Man Who Would Be King (1975) - This adventure film from John Huston features a memorable Christmas scene that serves as a stark reminder of the power of friendship and loyalty.
Conclusion: Embrace the Christmas-Adjacent Movies This Holiday Season
There you have it, folks! Our list of Christmas-adjacent movies that are sure to make your holiday season merry, bright, and anything but predictable. So, whether you're in the mood for action, comedy, drama, or horror, there's a Christmas-adjacent movie out there for you.
Don't be afraid to think outside the box this holiday season and explore some new films that capture the spirit of the season in unique and unexpected ways. After all, the best gifts are often the ones we least expect, and the same can be said for the movies we discover along the way.
Happy holidays, and happy viewing! May your days be merry and your movie nights be bright.