10 Christmas Movies For People Who Don't Like Christmas

Well, tis the season… and never has a year called for the festive spirit more than 2020.

Now, I’ve been accused by many of being, well… a little Grinchy. I don’t like Christmas carols. I’m not fond of the decorations either. And I especially don’t like Christmas films. This has nothing to do with my being Jewish… plenty of my tribe succumb to the Christmas spirit. I know more than a few who even have a tree this time of year (affectionately referred to as a “Hanukkah bush”) But it’s never been my thing. And yet, there are still some films that even I find enjoyable.

So here’s a list of Christmas films for people who don’t like Christmas.

HOME ALONE

This is an absolute gem. 90’s gold. Macaulay Culkin stars as a little boy who gets accidentally left behind when his family all go on vacation for the holidays, leaving him to spend Christmas alone at home. But what starts out as a childhood dream of living it large without repercussions or supervision, turns into a fight for survival when a couple of bandits decide to break in. Joe Pesci is absolutely sensational as one of the burglars. Chock full of slapstick comedy and wholesome humor, this is a film for the whole family to enjoy. Home Alone is also one of the few movies on my list with a full soundtrack of Christmas carols and it doesn’t even bother me. Though, it helps that the score is championed by none other than John Williams. Christmas movies don’t get any better than this.

LOVE ACTUALLY

Nine stories of love, not all with happy endings, but each of them endearing and enjoyable. It’s a Christmas-themed romantic comedy and definitely one of the best of both those genres. It's sweet and memorable and funny. With an absolutely star-studded cast, seeing the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, and many more recognizable faces, this is the perfect rom-com to curl up with for the festive season.

DIE HARD

This is probably one of the most debated Christmas films there is. Yes, it’s an action film (and a classic one at that.) But it happens on Christmas Eve, at a Christmas party, and with plenty of talk of Christmas. That makes it a Christmas film in my book… and I will die on that hill. Bruce Willis stars as the iconic John McClane, an off-duty police officer on his way to the workplace Christmas party of his estranged wife. Little does he know, a group of terrorists are going to hijack the festivities, making for one helluva night. With an absolutely brilliant performance from Alan Rickman as the villain, this movie is full of explosive action and iconic lines. (Yippee-kay-yay anyone?) Proof that Christmas movies can have gunfire and explosions, too.

THE REF

Kevin Spacey is a disgraceful human being, but I think we can all admit that he has been in some exceptional films. And he certainly shines in this as a bitter husband in a vitriolic marriage, about to endure yet another unbearable Christmas with his wife and family. Throw into the mix a young Denis Leary as an acerbic, snarky thief who needs to lay low. Leary holds the couple hostage for the night, finding himself in the unenviable role of marriage counselor. Viciously witty dialogue and biting humor makes this the perfect film for those who think that Christmas dinner with their family is tough to endure.

BETTER WATCH OUT

If you pick just one movie from this list to watch, let it be this one. This film is an absolute treat! A twelve year old boy is in love with his babysitter, who is home from college for the Christmas holiday. He has it all planned out, a romantic evening where he will profess his undying love, only to be interrupted by an untimely break in. It’s like a grown up Home Alone, but better. Levi Miller is positively to die for as the young love-struck boy. This film is unpredictable, violent, and darkly funny. I could not recommend this anymore--seriously, go watch it now.

LONG KISS GOODNIGHT

Another throwback 90’s film. An amnesiac woman, played by the indelible Geena Davis, gets into a car accident driving home from a Christmas party and discovers she has some… forgotten skills. Samuel L. Jackson is the down-on-his-luck private investigator she hires to help her remember her real identity. In typical 90’s action film fashion, this flick is full of dramatic explosions and blazing gunfire. But, set over the Christmas holiday, it becomes one unforgettable Christmas movie.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

A Tim Burton masterpiece. This macabre animated classic melds Christmas and Halloween together for a frightful treat. When Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, becomes bored with his regular routine and discovers the bright and festive world of Christmastown, he decides to take over the role of Santa Claus and get a new lease on life. Except things don’t exactly go as planned. Another flick for the whole family, this is a delightfully creative Christmas movie unlike any other. As full of spooks and chills as it is merriment.

CASTAWAY

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t a Christmas film. Or wait… is it? Tom Hanks stars as a castaway on a desert island with nothing but a volleyball to keep him company. So where’s the Christmas? Well, he gets on a plane on Christmas Eve, which (spoiler alert) crashes. Then he spends the next five years on the island wishing he’d stayed home and spent it with his family. If that doesn’t embody the true meaning of Christmas, then I don’t know what does.

THE ORIGINAL GRINCH

The most Christmasy movie on the list, it earns its spot here as a timeless classic. Perhaps it’s because I identify with the titular character or maybe it’s the unforgettable theme song, but this movie warms even my cynical heart. Based on the wonderful Dr. Seuss book about a creature that tries to steal Christmas only to succumb to his inner festive spirit after all, this is a family favorite that continues to last through the ages.