by Rebecca Ceccatelli and Camila Heredia Oranday. Cover image: Gremlins by Rosy Ramírez for I’M Firenze Digest.
In December, cities across the globe shed their spooky attire to embrace the twinkle of lights and the aroma of marzipan biscuits. In this rapid transformation, as enthusiastic fans of festivities, we quickly tune our vibes to the prevailing holiday mood and Christmas movies sounds are on in the background of our screens.
In no time, we surrender our spirits to time-honoured traditions and find ourselves immersed in a dazzling display, scouring through an array of DVD catalogues and streaming platforms. It’s a collective journey into the enchanting realm of Christmas movies .
For reasons not entirely clear, during the Winter holidays in the 21st century, people often re-watch the Harry Potter saga, interrupted only by the intermittent brilliance of Trading Places (1983) and the eerie charm of Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).
Yet, all those dramatic tales under the mistletoe might have left the unconventional feeling a bit weary. That’s why we have compiled an inspiring selection of alternative Christmas movies to suit everyone’s tastes. Tired of Home Alone (1990)? Explore our suggestions!
Alternative Christmas movies to cuddle different beauties: GREMLINS (1984)
Gremlins (Joe Dante, 1984) delves into the horror-drama genre, offering a distinctive mix of mischief and mayhem during the holiday season. The plot unfolds and follows the story of the invasion of a new alien species on Earth. The protagonist, Billy, receives a pet named Gizmo as a Christmas present. Gizmo is apparently introduced as a friendly and gentle furry creature meant to keep him company. However, there are strict rules to follow to prevent chaos, such as avoiding bright lights and never feeding Gizmo after midnight. As expected, these rules are broken, and chaos ensues as the Gizmo starts spawning mischievous and destructive creatures known as Gremlins.
The film takes place in a small town during the holiday season and combines elements of horror, comedy, and fantasy, offering a nostalgic Halloween-themed shiver amidst the sweetness and romance of Christmas movies. The ending is something you’ll have to discover for yourself.
Holiday movies for unusual representation of humanity: TOKYO GODFATHERS (2003)
A Japanese anime movie directed by Satoshi Kon in 2003, Tokyo Godfathers follows three unhoused (or ‘homeless’) people in Tokyo, Japan: Miyuki, a teenage girl who ran away from her home; Hana, a transexual woman; and Gin, a former baseball player.
On Christmas Eve, they find an abandoned baby, and they all decide to look for the baby’s parents. When the plot thickens, secrets and links between the characters are revealed – creating themes such as redemption, acceptance, and family. Kon’s style is comedic, dramatic and fantasy-like; he seeks to defy the audience’s expectations creatively. Tokyo Godfathers is a great representation of humanity, offering a kind and compassionate look at marginalised people. Though it may not be a typical holiday movie, it comes highly recommended.
Alternative Christmas movies to watch for a different shiver: EYES WIDE SHUT (1999)
An unconventional addition to a Christmas movies list, Eyes Wide Shut takes viewers on a journey rooted in the holiday scenario. The film follows the mysterious discoveries of a doctor, Dr. Bill Harford, as he embarks on a surreal nocturnal odyssey through New York City during the Christmas season.
As he navigates a series of mysterious encounters and attends lavish, themed parties and masquerade balls, the film delves into the hidden recesses of human psychology and explores the complex interplay of lust, fidelity, and societal expectations. Adding an eerie layer to the festive atmosphere, Stanley Kubrick’s pioneering style will fill your homes with intriguing long dialogues to completely subvert your assumed mental order.
A Christmas movie out of season: CHRISTMAS IN JULY (1940)
A comedic masterpiece directed by Preston Sturges in 1940. Christmas in July plot centres around Jimmy MacDonald, a 9 to 5 worker who dreams of winning the lottery. One day, his colleagues play a prank on him and trick him into thinking he has won $25,000 (about $549,412.50 in today’s currency). Things spiral out of control when Jimmy starts spending money he doesn’t have on Christmas gifts for his friends and family. So, what will happen when he learns it’s all a lie? Despite the chaos, the film portrays themes of hope and generosity, exploring the depths of human kindness. With an optimistic tone, it also captures the true essence of the holidays and the search for happiness even amidst hardships, while Sturges’ use of satire adds an extra layer of humour to the film.
Alternative watching for love relationships: CAROL (2015)
And here’s the latest Christmas movie that we recommend you today. Carol is a romance drama based in the 1950s and directed by Todd Haynes. The story depicts the relationship between Therese, a young photographer, and Carol, an elegant and divorced woman. Their connection starts getting more intense during a road trip, even while facing the social predicaments and tensions of the 50s.
This film explores the intricate issues surrounding sexual identities and societal norms, including themes of forbidden love and personal struggles. Widely lauded for its cinematography and compelling performances, it subtly yet powerfully addresses the importance of genuine authenticity and the importance of being true to oneself in a conservative environment.
