One of my favorite things about the Holiday season is lighting a winter candle and snuggling up in bed to watch my favorite Holiday-themed films. As a self-proclaimed “movie buff” I’m always on the lookout for new films. Don’t get me wrong I love Elf (2003) and Home Alone (1990) as much as the next guy, but when people tend to watch only Holiday films during this time of year I sometimes feel that many quality films are overlooked. Especially since streaming has become so popular, many of us now have access to a plethora of great movies. So, if you’re tired of watching the same old classics or you just want to branch out, here are 12 underrated Holiday movies available to stream and add to your Holiday countdown this year.
For romance lovers :
1. Let it Snow (2019) Dir. Luke Snellin PG-13
Starring Isabela Moner, Kiernan Shipka, Mitchell Hope, and Odeya Rush
Based on the John Green collaboration novel of the same name, this film tells the story of a group of teenagers who are brought together during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Tackling themes of love, identity, and friendship, this is perfect for all those who love a good coming of age film.
Available to stream on Netflix.
2. While You Were Sleeping (1995) Dir. Jon Turteltaub PG
Starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, and Glynis Johns
Being a romantic comedy classic, this film is often overshadowed during the Holiday season. The film takes place during Christmas and follows the story of single transit worker Lucy who saves her crush Peter from an oncoming train. The film then takes a turn when he falls into a coma and Lucy somehow manages to be mistaken as his fiancee and doesn’t correct his family. Believe it or not, the situation manages to get even worse when she finds herself developing feelings for Peter’s brother, Jack. If you’re not the biggest fan of holiday-centered plots this film just might be for you, as the holidays are more of a backdrop for this light-hearted 90s gem.
Available to stream on Disney +.
3. Love Actually (2003) Dir. Richard Curtis R
Starring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, and Rowan Atkinson
This is personally one of my favorite holiday movies, as it intertwines not only nine separate stories but is just as equally funny as it is heart-warming. Among the A-list ensemble cast, we have stories that follow a handsome prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer, a married man who becomes attracted to his new secretary, a graphic designer who devotes her life to her mentally ill brother at the expense of her love life, and more. There’s only so much you can say about this film without spoiling it so you have to watch it for yourself to understand why it has become an underrated Christmas staple for many.
Available to stream on Apple TV.
If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy:
4. The Christmas Chronicles (2018) Dir. Clay Kaytis PG
Starring Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, and Goldie Hawn
You may have heard of this film being talked about recently, as it’s sequel has just premiered on Netflix, The Christmas Chronicles 2. It once again received great reviews so if you were sleeping on the first one, now is the perfect time to hop on. Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce set out to kidnap Santa Claus on Christmas Eve when their plans take a turn as they end up joining forces with the famous jolly Saint Nick and his elves to save Christmas before time runs out.
Available to stream on Netflix.
5. Klaus (2019) Dir. Sergio Pablos PG
Starring Sergio Pablos, Jason Schwartzman, Joan Cusack, and J.K. Simmons
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, this is the ideal Christmas movie to watch with the whole family. This unique take on a holiday origin story is about a young and awkward postman who discovers Santa Claus in hiding. The audience is taken on their journey as they attempt to show their sad and lonely town the true meaning of love, kindness, and selflessness.
Available to stream on Netflix.
6. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) Dir. David E. Talbert PG
Starring Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Ricky Martin, and Keegan-Michael Key
Hollywood has been overlooking holiday movies featuring an all-black main cast for way too long, especially in the fantasy genre. This is just one of the reasons why this year’s Netflix original Jingle Jangle, is brilliant. It tells the story of an old and once-legendary toymaker who learns to find joy again when his young and ambitious granddaughter appears at his doorsteps. The film is an original musical adventure spectacular and a soon to be a family staple that you will not regret watching.
Available to stream on Netflix.
If comedy is more up your alley or you’re looking for something more “adult”:
7. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011) Dir. Todd Strauss-Schulson R
Starring Kal Penn, John Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, and Paul Garces
Stoner buddies Harold and Kumar became distant over the years until Harold’s package gets delivered to Kumar by mistake. In an attempt to redirect it back to Harold, Kumar accidentally sets the package aflame, bringing Harold’s inlaw’s prize Christmas tree down with it. The duo then embarks on a hilarious and entertaining trip across New York City to find the perfect replacement.
Available to stream HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu (premium subscription).
8. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) Dir. John McPhail R
Starring Ella Hunt, Sarah Swire, Malcolm Cumming, and Marli Siu
What do you get when you mix Christmas, horror, and musical theater? What critics call “Shaun of the Dead meets La La Land”. Anna, a recent high school graduate, is forced to fight for her life as a zombie apocalypse erupts in her quiet town of Little Haven during Christmastime. Tensions rise as Anna and her friends try to reach their loved ones and the question of who can you trust becomes a rising issue.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
For those who want to see LGBTQ+ representation:
9. Tangerine (2015) Dir. Sean Baker R
Starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, James Ransone, and Karren Karagulian
If there’s one group that is just as misrepresented (or even more so) in Holiday films as POC are, it is the LGBTQ+ community. If you asked me a month ago to name one Holiday film about or with queer people I wouldn’t have been able to answer you. I decided this year to make a change and I’m glad I did as I discovered two special films. Tangerine revolves around two transgender women in Los Angeles who, on Christmas Eve, decide to teach one of their cheating boyfriends a lesson or two. A notable fact about this film is that the main characters are actually played by transgender women, which is sadly rarely the case in big Hollywood pictures.
Available to stream for FREE on Tubi, Vudu, Crackle.
10. Carol (2015) Dir. Todd Haynes R
Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, and Kyle Chandler
Taking place during Christmas in the 1950’s Carol follows Therese, an aspiring photographer and part-time toy store employee, and Carol, an older socialite amid a messy divorce. Upon meeting at Therese’s workplace, the pair quickly develop a complicated relationship filled with scandals and heartbreaking consequences.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Some oldies but goodies:
11. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Dir. Vincente Minnelli
Starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Lucille Bremer, and Mary Astor
An MGM classic featuring the one and only Judy Garland, this is often stated as her best film next to The Wizard of Oz (1939). So while it is not necessarily underrated, I wanted to include it because I rarely see it in Holiday movie lists. The film itself goes through many seasons but the Christmas section is in my opinion, the best, as its highlight is the most enchanting rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'' sung by Garland herself. The film is like a wonderful present you just can’t wait to unwrap.
Available to stream on HBO Max.
12. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) Dir. Frank Capra PG
Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Henry Travers
Now I know what you’re probably thinking: “How is this film underrated when they practically play it all day long on Christmas Day?”. When it comes to classic movies I feel that many of us don’t appreciate them until we’re older. After asking many of my friends about this film, I found that almost all of them have heard of it, but only a few were able to give me bits and pieces of the plot. It wasn’t until I saw this film for the first time as an adult that I was able to really grasp and appreciate the classic it truly is. A brief synopsis for those who don’t know: on the night of Christmas Eve, bank owner George Bailey contemplates suicide until his guardian angel Clarence rescues him and helps him realize the gift of life. If I could only recommend you to watch one film on this list, it’s this one right here.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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