10 Underrated Gems To Add To Your Holiday Movie Watchlist

From the overlooked to the misunderstood, these are the underrated holiday movies that warrant a second look, regardless of their critical reception.

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Holiday movies do not always receive a jolly response. Even some of the most well-known festive films were once labeled “critical bombs.” Year after year, the holiday genre continues to add a plethora of entries to its ever-growing library, with a good portion of them inevitably fading into obscurity. But every once in a while, a worthy addition falls into the mix as a result of its negative consensus.

Esteemed classics, like It’s A Wonderful Life and The Nightmare Before Christmas, will likely remain on the annual watchlist. And while they’re great, viewing the same collection of movies every year can grow repetitive. With so many well-renowned movies of that caliber, it’s easy to lose sight of the unsung treasures that deserve either a second look or a spot in the pantheon.

Eight Crazy Nights (2002) Available On IMDb TV

One’s enjoyment of this 2D animated Hanukkah feature from Happy Madison will likely come down to their propensity for bad taste and high-pitched characters. But underneath this, Eight Crazy Nights has a tender emotional core and is a Christmas movie that deserves more love.

While the broad humor and promotional tie-ins are standard for an Adam Sandler comedy, the traditional hand-drawn animation is at times quite breathtaking. Sandler lends his vocal talents to an array of characters, as well as to a soundtrack of lively musical numbers. One interlude, in particular, titled “Technical Fowl,” is a crass and catchy song that could very well become a favorite on the holiday playlist.

Last Holiday (2006) Available On Showtime

A loose remake of the dark ’50s comedy, Last Holiday has fallen under the radar since its release in 2006. Comparably lighter in tone than its predecessor, this feel-good rom-com was met with a lukewarm reception. But while some find the screenplay equal parts predictable and illogical, there is a certain comfort in seeing it all play out.

This is on account of strong anchoring performance from Queen Latifah, who steals every scene as a vibrant cookware department clerk who decides to live her best life after being diagnosed with a terminal condition. Latifah is so joyously irresistible that viewers can’t help but root for her as she pursues her culinary aspirations and gets that kiss from the dreamy LL Cool J. Yes, Queen!

The Night Before (2015) Available To Rent On Amazon

The Night Before has all the ingredients for a modern Christmas movie already considered a classic for its more sardonic take on the holiest of seasons. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, and Seth Rogen star as three best buds whose annual holiday traditions are threatened by adulthood. That is until one of them stumbles upon an invitation to a fabled end-of-the-year bash.

For all of the talent on display, one might wish for a more subversive screenplay dedicated to exploring weightier themes and establishing layered relationships. That said, the three leads share likable chemistry, and the dramatic elements wind up playing second fiddle to the barrage of jokes that, for the most part, land well. Strong comedic performances, including Michael Shannon as a spiritual drug dealer and Jillian Bell as a lovably chill mother-to-be, make this a party worth attending.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1 & 2) (1984 & 1987) Available On Tubi & AMC+

This b-movie slasher series may not have started the “Killer Santa” trope, but it certainly received a bulk of the controversy as a result of its cynical marketing campaign. Facing backlash from critics and parents alike, Silent Night, Deadly Night was controversial and banned from theaters upon its release. Leaning into its overt sleaziness, the movie and its even campier sequel (reusing so much of the original’s footage that it feels more like an epilogue) is a midnight movie “disaster-piece” best enjoyed with an audience.

The initial installment revolves around Billy, a well-mannered orphan who eventually snaps when triggered by a violent act at his workplace, donning the Saint Nick suit he was hired to wear. Schlockiness aside, Billy’s inner conflict is somewhat tragically compelling, whereas his brother Ricky, the estranged protagonist of the sequel, is a total holiday ham. Hysterics ensue as the latter infamously shouts “GARBAGE DAY” before wreaking havoc in a suburban neighborhood.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Available On FuboTV

Jim Carrey will put his all into a performance, no matter the role, so it isn’t hard to see why he was able to steal so many hearts in this live-action adaptation from Ron Howard. That being said, many have felt that the film itself doesn’t quite live up to the legendary comedian’s portrayal of the green curmudgeon of Whoville.

Admittedly, there is a lot happening on screen, and occasionally, to an overwhelming extent. While this can prove to be an eyesore, no one can deny the talent involved in the production, with award-winning makeup from Rick Baker & Co. It also bears repeating: Jim Carrey is a powerhouse, and while completely unrecognizable, his signature essence shines through in this warm-hearted tale.

Jingle All The Way (1996) Available On Disney+

There are many things about Jingle All The Way that don’t make sense, but the phrase “It’s Turbo Time” may become a seasonal greeting in due time. Arnold Schwarzenegger flexes his comedic chops as a workaholic father who desperately searches for a hot new toy on Christmas Eve in this chaotic satire of the over-commercialization of the holidays.

Recently parodied in the Solar Opposites holiday special, it’s one of those ’90s family movies that needs to be seen to be believed. Unquestionably, Arnie goes all in as he screams and beats his way through Minneapolis. The real gifts, however, are Sinbad and Phil Hartman, in hilariously antagonistic supporting roles.

Deadly Games AKA Dial Code Santa Claus AKA Game Over (1990) Available On AMC+

Predating the beloved Home Alone by one year, René Manzor’s 1989 home-invasion thriller takes a bleaker approach to the “child versus intruder” concept. Stripped of his innocence, Thomas de Frémont gives Kevin McCalister a run for his money as the young hero who must defend his home and partially-blind grandfather from one of the most unsettling Killer Clauses in the history of the holiday-horror genre.

From charming to menacing, the harsh tonal shift is a rattling yet effective stake raiser that will keep viewers invested. Boldly venturing into dark areas, including a scene of animal cruelty (warning), the tense and impressively shot piece of French cinema still manages to retain a hopeful sense of warmth.

Rise Of The Guardians (2012) Available On The Roku Channel

The wintry adventure from Dreamworks Animation successfully incorporates the superhero formula to unite a team of legendary figures in children’s folklore. From Peter Ramsey (Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse), the exquisitely action-packed feature focuses on the mischievous sprite, Jack Frost, as he is summoned along with Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy to protect children of the world from a villain bent on eradicating childhood wonder using the power of nightmares.

The familiar narrative is not without its flaws, but its superb direction freshens up some of the more tired beats. Dazzling visuals complement the film’s epic scale and ambitious world-building, based on the series of books by William Joyce. Unfairly snubbed for a nomination at the Academy, this overlooked treasure is destined to become a modern family favorite.

Scrooged (1988) Available On Pluto TV

Director Richard Donner’s comedic update of the Charles Dickens classic has achieved cult status since its arrival in 1988. The Bill Murray-starring ’80s Christmas movie has aged well, but was originally met with mixed reception.

This version of A Christmas Carol centers around Frank Cross, a greedy, misogynistic television executive who is visited by the three iconic ghosts. Murray’s mean-spirited portrayal, although heavily criticized, has the appropriate amount of nastiness to embody the essence of Ebenezer Scrooge. Akin to the tale it’s based on, Scrooged is at times uncompromising, refusing to shy away from its grimmer themes. Yet, despite its tonal inconsistencies, this fantastical comedy hits all the right notes and will have audiences singing along to “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” by the end credits.

Krampus (2015) Available On FuboTV

After the Halloween-themed anthology Trick ‘r Treat became a holiday staple, director Michael Dougherty decided to tackle the yuletide season with his take on Austro-Bavarian mythology. Beginning with a memorable, anti-consumerist montage, set ironically to Bing Crosby music, this darkly comedic morality tale pits a dysfunctional family against the eponymous demon and his creepy little helpers on the night before Christmas.

Some have criticized the Amblin-inspired creature feature for not going harder on its horror themes, sacrificing its sinister potential for a more family-friendly tone. But stuffed with incredible practical effects, wicked creature design, and picturesque, snow-covered set design, Krampus is a chilly visual feast.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/underrated-holiday-christmas-movie-gems/