BY: Amanda Jane Stern

It’s that time of year again…the holidays! And that means a constant stream of sappy, formulaic Christmas movies churned out around the clock by Hallmark, Lifetime, and even Netflix. But, it can be fun to watch a movie you know is mediocre, either for sentimentality or because laughing at bad movies is fun. However, if you’re looking for a holiday movie that isn’t a chore to watch, then check out one of these ten films.

 

THE CLASSICS

It’s a Wonderful Life

This 1946 Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart is a classic for a reason. A guardian angel helps a suicidal man see all the good deeds he’s performed. It deals with heavy subjects, so don’t watch it with very young children.

You can stream It’s a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime

 

A Christmas Story

Even if you’ve never seen this 1983 classic, there’s a good chance you’ve seen parts of it. This movie continues to deliver from the “triple-dog dare” flagpole scene to the infamous leg lamp (now a popular Halloween costume). 

You can stream A Christmas Story on DirectTV

 

A Christmas Carol 

Since we’re talking about classics right now, we picked the 1938 version of this Charles Dickens story about crotchety old Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen), who is shown the error of his ways over the holidays. 

You can watch A Christmas Carol on HBOMax

 

FUN FOR THE KIDS TOO

Home Alone

When his family accidentally leaves him behind over the holidays, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) has to defend himself from wannabe robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Hijinks ensue.

You can watch Home Alone on Disney+

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

There are several versions of this Dr. Seuss story, but the one we’re going with is the 1966 TV movie, which is only a half-hour long. Who doesn’t love a flick that’s short, sweet, and to the point? Does it actually qualify as a mini-movie?

You can watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas on iTunes

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

This animated Tim Burton classic follows Halloweentown resident Jack Skellington. Bored by his usual routine, he stumbles upon Christmastown and decides to kidnap Santa Claus and take his place.

You can watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on Disney+

 

The Polar Express

Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis teamed up to make this slightly uncanny valley version of the Chris Van Allsburg book. A young boy takes a fantastic train ride to the North Pole to meet a particular Father Christmas.

You can watch The Polar Express on Fubo

 

JUST FOR ADULTS

Die Hard

Yes, this Bruce Willis action flick is a Christmas movie, and we won’t hear otherwise. If sappy holiday cheer isn’t your cup of tea, then watch John McClane (Willis) take down a bunch of terrorists who strike on Christmas Eve.

You can watch Die Hard on HBOMax

 

Carol

If you’re in the mood for a love story this holiday season, but not a cheesy Hallmark one, then watch this wonderful, sexy slow-burn. It follows the blossoming romance between shopgirl Therese (Rooney Mara) and the elegant Carol (Cate Blanchett).

You can watch Carol on Netflix

 

Bad Santa

If you’re feeling misanthropic, then Bad Santa is the movie for you. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a depressed, erratic conman who poses as a mall Santa to rob stores during the holiday season.

You can rent Bad Santa on Amazon