Unconventional Christmas Movies to Curl Up to

There is an air of nostalgia, sadness, warmth, sentimentality and pondering during this time of the year. The holidays, combined with cold weather, makes you tap into your inner feelings and turn you into an emotional blub. You start to reflect on the year that is about to end and end up chewing over your entire life-crisis. You bring out the BIG guns and question whether you’ve made a dent in the world or not. But it’s also a time where you feel cozy and find yourself filled with an insurmountable urge to hug everyone you love. Stray away from traditional Christmas movies this year and fill yourself with all the ingredients that make up this spectacular holiday. Here is a list of movies that mostly has nothing to do with Christmas, but which you should watch on Christmas anyway. 

1- The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Although it has Christmas in the title, director Henry Selick affirmed that this is a Halloween movie. And yeah, it mostly is. Danny Elfman made sure all the songs are creepy enough to satisfy anyone’s love for the Halloween spirit. Yet, it’s also a movie you should watch on Christmas because sometimes you just need something joyful mixed with hair-raising aspects. Jack Skellington will introduce you to the jubilant Christmas-Town in the most nightmarish fashion!

2- Amélie 

Amélie is a beautiful touching French film that will make you nostalgic for your not-a-care-in-the-world childhood. The plot’s interesting and the cinematography is great. You will be moved as the film goes about unfolding its story. It’s perfect for Christmas because it celebrates the little things that make life so precious.

3- Boyhood 

Boyhood was shot over 12 years, from 2002 to 2013, because director Richard Linklater wanted the cast members to age in real time. The story of the movie is beautifully simple: A child grows up and touches the precipice of adulthood. I recommend the movie for Christmas because there is no big GOTCHA moments or plot twists. The film is about small and mundane moments that make up a big interesting life. It’s about family, growing up and struggle. It’s everything you should think about on Christmas Day.

4- The Addams Family 

The Addams Family literally couldn’t be further away from anything Christmas-related but then again, it’s why you should watch it. Everything around you will be all red, bright and shiny and you’ll need to step aside and feed your dark side. And it doesn’t get more grim than the Addams Family. They live with a character named “Thing” who is a moving hand; kids electrocute each other and they are all terribly sombre people.

5- Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory 

And I’m talking about the 1971 version, not the remake that starred Johnny Depp (which was excellent), but despite the close competition, the original version continues to set the standard. Roald Dahl’s signature dark humor is evident in the movie, but it’s also a movie about chocolate so how dingy can it really be? The candy colored set, the film’s bright color-scheme, memorable songs and snappy dialogue will treat you well.

6- Edward Scissorhands

This movie is about Christmas as Saw is about finding true love. It’s a tragic story that might or might not leave you in tears (depending on how emotional you are). It won’t uplift you or make you any happier, but it’s a good movie that will add a bitter-sweet twist to your Christmas.

7- Before Series

The movie plot is simple; two strangers meet on a train and decide to spend the rest of the night getting to know each other. I know you will quickly assume it’s no different than Serendipity and every other romantic movie that is so unrealistic, but you would be so wrong to jump to that conclusion. The entire series is too real and too good; the conversations between these two will glue you to your chair and tug at your heartstrings.

8- The Apartment 

Just shut up and watch it. (If you’ve watched it before, you’ll get the reference. And if you haven’t, then don’t be offended that I just told you to shut up.)

9- E.T 

Again, the movie’s theme has nothing to do with Christmas. Yet, the movie’s wonder, love and sentimentality feel-to-it aligns perfectly with the Christmas spirit.

10- The Wizard of Oz 

All I want for Christmas is to go home. From the first time we watched this cinematic classic, the importance of having a place to call home was instilled in us. So why shouldn’t we revisit this quaint and colorful masterpiece this December and think about what home means to us. And of course the flying monkeys add that touch of wonder we greatly appreciate.

11- Vivir es Fácil con los Ojos Cerrados (Living is Easy with Eyes Closed) 

The movie is set in 1966 Spain where an English teacher picks up two hitchhikers on his quest to meet his idol, John Lennon. It’s a beautifully written movie that deals with timeless human connections and emotions.

It’s not a rule to watch Christmas movies that only preach love and togetherness. These movies will fill you with so much more delight, wonder, warmth, sadness, excitement and will verbalize some of your most tangled thoughts. Merry Christmas, everyone.