Have you memorized every line in Elf? Do Ralphie’s antics in A Christmas Story make you want to say “uncle”? Are you tired of watching the same Christmas movies year after year after year? Switch things up and give a new movie a try this holiday season!
Here are some great, underrated and less-seen Christmas movies to put you in a holiday mood. I’ve recommended some “Nice” titles and some “Naughty” titles, depending on if you’re looking for a feel-good film or a bah-humbug movie.
Nativity!
Directed by Debbie Isitt
PG (2009)
This Christmas, elementary school teacher Paul Maddens decides to take on the biggest challenge of his life: staging his school’s musical production of the Nativity. Competing against his arch rival at the local private school for the coveted best-reviewed show in town, the stakes are raised when a potential visit from Paul’s ex-girlfriend Jennifer, a Hollywood producer, sends everyone involved into a festive frenzy.
Arthur Christmas
Directed by Sarah Smith
PG (2012)
Arthur Christmas reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.
Krampus
Directed by Michael Dougherty
PG-13 (2016)
This darkly festive tale of a yuletide ghoul reveals an irreverently twisted side to the holiday. The horror-comedy tells the story of young Max, who turns his back on Christmas as his dysfunctional family comes together and comically clashes over the holidays. When they accidentally unleash the wrath of Krampus, an ancient entity from European folklore, all hell breaks loose and beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own.
Just Friends
Directed by Roger Kumble
PG-13 (2005)
Romantic rejection by his best female friend Jamie turns overweight and nerdy Chris into a handsome but womanizing man in his adult years; during the holidays he meets up with Jamie again wondering if they can be more than just friends.
Recommended by Matt Kammerer, Associate Librarian
