I firmly believe that Die Hard can be considered a Christmas movie. There’s a holiday office party, a beat cop who drew the short straw, a rogue cop trying to save his family, and at least one person wearing a shirt that says, “Ho Ho Ho.” And if this sort of movie is more your speed this season, here are some more to add to your naughty-or-nice list.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
A young family, including Judy Garland, is excited that the World’s Fair is coming to their hometown. The film follows them throughout the year as they make friendships, fall in love, explore the fair, and more. It is also the premiere of the now-classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and it’s done in heartbreaking fashion, especially knowing how many families were separated by WWII at the time.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Set during the holiday season, it’s a dark Christmas for the 1950s Los Angeles Police Department. Murder, corruption, and politics are wrapped up in a bow and under the tree for three detectives. The film made Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce household names and won Kim Basinger an Oscar.
The Thin Man (1934)
The movie takes place during a couple of days either side of Christmas. Though there’s almost nothing in the plot to do with the holiday, it makes an appearance in a gift exchange scene and a hilariously blotto Christmas Eve party. It’s hilarious and charming and perfect for a cozy evening.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
It’s subtle, but this movie is a Christmas one. At the beginning, as the kids are being called in to the principal’s office for detention, one can see holiday decorations and posters decking the halls. At the end, Colin Hanks is delivering a Christmas tree and visiting his family for the holidays.
In Bruges (2008)
A dark hitman comedy with the city of Bruges, Belgium, at its center. Set during Christmas (which Bruges is famous for), two ostracized hitmen are forced to spend the holidays “laying low.” Of course, they do anything but. The trailer doesn’t quite capture the madcap dialogue between Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. You just have to see it.
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
This unusual thriller is better than it had to be. Inspired by actual events in West Virginia, the film explores the idea of precognition, belief in the supernatural, and whether there is someone out there watching.
While the real, strange occurrences took place over 18 months, the movie consolidates the timeline to a few weeks before Christmas, with the climax taking place on December 24. There is something even more unsettling about being visited by a psychic creature while everyone else is simply going about their holiday shopping.
Originally written for DVD Netflix