Every year, during the Christmas season, annual viewing
rituals include holiday classics such as Die Hard, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A
Christmas Story. There are countless
lists filled with essential viewing for the holiday season. What follows is a list of ten Rudolphs, ten
unconventional films that take place during Christmas season, but are often left out of the viewing festivities.
Lethal
Weapon
Taking a third seat to the Die Hard Films, Richard Donner’s
action classic may not have aged as well as one would hope, but Shane Black’s
razor sharp script continues his Christmas tradition while featuring endlessly quotable dialogue and pulse pounding action sequences.
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
The
Lion in Winter
An absolutely brutal examination of the crossroads of
noble politics and familial relations, Winter is not only one of the greatest
films ever made, it also happens to take place at Christmas. Featuring one of the greatest casts ever
assembled, this is a harrowing tale that uses dialogue as its primary delivery
method, transporting the viewer across the centuries to a place of intrigue and
passion.
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
Batman
Returns
Tim Burton’s masterwork often gets forgotten every December,
but there’s no denying that the spirit of Father Christmas courses through every
frame of this full tilt adult superhero film.
Underneath Burton’s trademark idiosyncrasies lies a story about broken
souls finding comfort and healing within one another, yet another perfect fable
for the season.
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
Eyes
Wide Shut
Kubrick’s surreal erotic odyssey, Shut examines the
crucible of sexual and relationship dynamics amidst a backdrop of Christmas themed
visuals. Featuring one of Nicole Kidman’s
greatest performances, this is a dream like journey into basest of human
desires and fears.
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
The
Addams Family
While the opening scene is the only “Christmas” related
visual, the entire philosophy of the Addams’ is also relevant. A devilish production design swirls around an
unforgettable ensemble performance that remains a touchstone in American cinema
to this day.
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
Carol
One of the greatest romantic films of the century, Todd
Haynes' masterpiece is essential viewing for anytime of the year. Featuring a duo of masterful performances, remarkable
visuals, and an undeniable sense of Douglas Sirk’s influence, this is an
excellent choice for a Yuletide date night.
Where to watch: Available on Netflix.
I
Come in Peace
An 80’s cult action trashterpiece, I Come In Peace AKA
Dark Angel not only feature’s one of Dolph Lundgren’s best performances, it also
takes place during Christmas. Featuring a
gang of white collar criminals that is strangely prescient for its time, a
hilarious turn by Brian Benben, and a truly glorious 80’s soundtrack, this sci-fi
hybrid is one of the perfect Christmas Eve present wrapping accoutrements.
Where to watch: Available for purchase at Amazon Prime.
Rare
Exports: A Christmas Tale
Exports is a rare adult themed Christmas offering that is
both a sly critique of retail madness and a surprisingly intense horror film
about the origins of the holiday. Filmed
in the blistering cold of Finland, the story revolves around a frozen life form that
is haphazardly freed from its prison of ice by corporate irresponsibility. A young boy and his father confront the
terror amidst the wanton slaughter of reindeer to discover the horrifying truth
behind the man in the red suit and his legions of crafty helpers.
Where to watch: Available on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Die
Hard 2
While the debate about whether or not Die Hard is a
Christmas film rages on across the internet, Renny Harlin’s high velocity
sequel often gets left out of the conversation, despite using the
ridiculousness of airports and travel during the holiday season as a
centerpiece to the plot.
Where to watch: Available on Cinemax Go and for digital rental.
Jaws:
The Revenge
Considered one of the worst films ever made, Revenge also
takes place during Christmas, beginning with a harrowing murder beyond the
tinsel and lighted streets of Amity.
Featuring a shark that can roar underwater, ignore physics, and has a
psychic connection to the protagonist, what’s not to love?
Where to watch: Available for digital rental.
--Kyle Jonathan