It’s nearly Christmas again, which means it’s time for this year’s festive film recommendations. Rather than sticking to the classics, we thought it would be fun to look at Christmas films that are Christmas adjacent, Christmas flavoured, or Christmas influenced that sit slightly outside the mainstream: the ones that capture the spirit of the season without drowning us all in tinsel.
Christmas Film for People Who Don’t Like Christmas
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Technically set at Christmas, but much more interested in solving a murder, the film follows a small-time thief who accidentally stumbles into a Hollywood audition and finds himself paired with a private detective. The Christmas setting is mostly used for visual contrast and the occasional rubber Santa. Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer have terrific chemistry, and the whole thing zips along with sharp humour.
The Christmas Film for People Who Prefer Halloween
Gremlins (1984)
You’ve probably seen Gremlins, but did you remember that it’s a Christmas film?! The Christmas setting gives the chaos of the small Mogwai army of mischievous monsters an extra layer of fun, and you’d be surprised how well this has held up over the years. It’s just as mischievous as you remember, and perfect for anyone who wants their Christmas cheer to be that little bit edgy.
The Christmas Romance for People Who Can’t Stand Christmas Romances
Carol (2015)
Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York department stores, Carol is an elegant, slow burn romance that avoids every cliché associated with seasonal love stories. Snow falls softly. Gloves are held a little too long. Emotions are expressed with the kind of restraint modern romances rarely attempt. It is a beautiful film that uses its Christmas setting to charm and enthrall, just don’t expect merriment: prepare for melancholy.
The Christmas Movie for People Who Want Something Thought Provoking
The Apartment (1960)
A true classic that uses the Christmas period to explore loneliness, second chances and the small ways people can disappoint each other. Jack Lemmon plays an office worker who lends his apartment to his bosses for their affairs, and Shirley MacLaine plays the lift operator who becomes the heart of the film. It is funny and witty, yet quietly heartfelt. The Christmas setting gives the emotional stakes extra weight and helps to elevate this to genuine classic status.
The Christmas Film for People Who Miss the 90s
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
The cosiest of cosy rom-coms, with a wardrobe and style right out of a 90’s mail order catalogue. This gentle gem is built around a family who (through quite convoluted and genuinely funny means) welcome a lonely train station worker into their Christmas celebrations. Sandra Bullock is effortlessly charming and the film has all the cosy sincerity that modern romantic comedies sometimes struggle with. It feels like putting on a warm pair of slippers.
The Christmas Film for People Who Want Something Offbeat and Indie
Tangerine (2015)
Filmed entirely on an iPhone, this energetic story follows two friends over the course of Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. It is fast, chaotic and deeply human. The film is full of colour, humour and unexpected moments of tenderness. A brilliant choice for anyone who wants a very different kind of Christmas viewing experience and isn’t afraid to watch something innovative, offering a different perspective.
The Christmas Film for People Who Like Their Festive Season Chaotic
The Nice Guys (2016)
A crime-comedy set in sun drenched Los Angeles? This does not feel like a Christmas film at all, but the final scene takes place during Christmas Eve, so we’ll take it. If you want Christmas with a rogue energy, then Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe’s turns as unlikeable, bumbling private eyes are what you need. The humour here is dark, the mood and tone constantly shifting and the narrative full of twists, but there’s a reason why this has become a “cult classic” that fans are desperate for a sequel for.
The Christmas Film for People Who Want a Mystery More Than a Miracle
The Ice Harvest (2005)
In a similar vein, this darkly comic neo-noir thriller follows a lawyer attempting to flee town with stolen money on Christmas Eve, Icy roads, shifting loyalties and a string of bad decisions turn the Christmas backdrop into a cynical joke at the characters’ expense. As with all film noir, the crime aspect is complex and at times we’re never sure if our protagonists are truly who we should root for, but this is a relentlessly clever, bleakly funny and very watchable film.
The Christmas Film for People Who Want Snowy Aesthetics Without Seasonal Cheer
The Revenant (2015)
If all you want from Christmas is cold weather, this might be ideal. Snow, forests, breath freezing in the air and a man doing absolutely everything he can to survive. Not festive in theme, but stunning to look at. If you ignore the gore.
The Christmas Film for People Who Want Stylish Thrills
LA Confidential (1997)
Another noir thriller, another film set in Los Angeles, this time set around the holiday period in the 1950s. Just like the very best detective films of the 50s, think corruption, ambition and glamorous style. A gripping thriller with a fantastic cast and ideal for viewers who want a little Christmas sparkle woven into something much darker.
Not Christmas, but Looks Incredible on That New TV You Got in the Sales
Frankenstein (2025) – Netflix
And finally: this is gorgeous. A sumptuous, thrilling take on the classic tale that will bring the very best out your new TV. There’s snow, but here it’s not about Christmas, rather a chance during the holidays to spend a few hours doing nothing other than basking in the glorious visuals and astonishing performances.
