The holidays are rapidly approaching and it’s time, if you haven’t, to break out the hot apple cider, some gingerbread cookies and settle into some movies! While we’re all so used to the typical Christmas specials, what about something different? I got you on this one, prepare to get holiday’d!
I’m aware some of these may not be the easiest to find for streaming, but you can rent them to your heart’s delight and I’ve included their price if it’s something you want to dive into. That way you can tuck in with very little fuss. Heck, I’ll even include the link to where to view it easiest! I got your back, friends!
1. Scrooged (Free with a Starz subscription on Amazon Prime Video, $2.99 on YouTube Movies)
One of my all-time favorites to watch for the holidays, Scrooged features Bill Murray as a modern (well, it was the 80’s) take on A Christmas Carol. It’s pretty incredibly done and has some bar-none crazy acting by some of the 80’s best offerings like Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane and David Johansen. If you want absurd holiday fun, you’re going to love Scrooged.
2. The Hogfather ($4 for the the 2-Part Series on Amazon Prime Video)
Terry Pratchet fans and Discworld stans are well aware of the magic of The Hogfather and I hadn’t thought on its inclusion until my best friend told me I better add this to the list. It’s intense fantasy with some of the best British comedic drama acting you’ve ever seen in a holiday flick. So, check the trailer out and settle into something you’ve likely NEVER seen before.
3. The Christmas Chronicles (Netflix!)
I doubt I need to say much more than KURT RUSSELL AS SANTA CLAUS here. Seriously, The Christmas Chronicle is full of magic, cute little elves, a fun story for kids and is on track to become a new classic for sure.
4. Gremlins ($4 rental on YouTube Movies)
Let’s be honest — this is all about how a Christmas gift goes incredibly wrong. However, it’s the sweetness of a little Gizmo that makes things all the better! While the benchmark for a good holiday film is sometimes just “Does it happen during Christmas?”, I tend to look at “Does it tell a heartwarming story also?” and then I let it simmer. Gremlins is perfect because it’s fun and intense enough for adults but kids, with proper viewing partners, can get into it also. Make sure they can handle those Gremlins though!
