Go (1999)
Consisting of three plots, Go’s story centers around a Christmas-time drug deal gone wrong, starting with the perspective of a woman who turns to selling drugs in order to make rent for her apartment. Though the dark nature of the plot doesn’t make it the most festive pick, it’s so satisfying to uncover the layers of the story throughout the chaotic different perspectives.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The unfinished creation of an inventor, Edward, is isolated from the world due to his shocking appearance and scissors for hands. When he is taken in by a suburban family, he unexpectedly falls in love with their teenage daughter, Kim. The story begins and ends in the Christmas season, with a gorgeous finale where Kim stands in an artificial snowfall.
Gremlins (1984)
A father brings home a strange Christmas gift from his son: an unusual creature coming with a set of strict instructions and rules. The creature eventually multiplies into a swarm of chaotic monsters that wreak havoc throughout their quiet town on Christmas Eve.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
An eleven-year-old boy learns that he has magical powers, and enrolls at the wizarding school Hogwarts, as he discovers the truth about his life and family’s history. Most Harry Potter movies have a Christmas scene, but you just can’t beat the cozy feeling of the first film, before the story takes a dark turn in Harry’s later years.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Adapted from the 1940 movie Shop Around the Corner, You’ve Got Mail tells the story of business rivals who are unaware they have been falling in love with each other over AOL messaging. The bulk of the climax takes place during Christmas time, as Kathleen, the owner of a children’s bookstore, and Joe, the owner of a large chain bookstore, begin to realize each other’s identities.
Nosfertau (2024)
In 19th century Germany, a young woman is plagued by visions of a vampire who has become infatuated with her, while her husband embarks on a trip to Transylvania for work. Several scenes throughout the movie seem to point to the story being set during the Christmas season, with “O Tenenbaum” being played by a music box, a candlelit tree appearing in a house, and the snowy, wintry landscapes.
La La Land (2016)
Sebastian, a pianist, and Mia, an actress, aspiring Hollywood starlets, struggle to balance their love for each other with their passion for their careers. The movie moves through the four seasons, but begins in the Winter, with Sebastian and Mia meeting for one of the first times at his gig, where he begrudgingly plays Christmas carols.
In Bruges (2008)
After a botched job, a pair of hitmen hide out for a week in Bruges, Belgium, where they reckon with their actions while wandering the surreal medieval city. The film is set during the Christmas season, with twinkling lights and holiday crowds appearing in contrast to the characters’ guilty consciences.
Little Women (1994)
The March sisters are growing up in Concord, Massachusetts, going through the ups and downs of life and the joys of family in the midst of the Civil War. The movie opens and closes with Christmas, showing the March family’s holiday traditions, themes embodying the spirit of Christmas.
Mean Girls (2004)
Cady gets pulled into the world of the most popular girls in school, the Plastics after switching from homeschooling in Africa to a suburban Illinois high school. The film moves throughout the seasons of the school year, but the talent show scene featuring the group’s iconic performance of “Jingle Bell Rock” constitutes it as a holiday rewatch.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
After his wife reveals a shocking secret to him, a doctor spirals into a late night adventure in New York City, leading him to a secret society. The glowing Christmas lights and holiday decorations pose an ironic backdrop to the unsettling story.
Carol (2015)
In 1950s New York, young department store worker Therese crosses paths with an elegant older woman shopping for her daughter’s Christmas gift. The two women quickly develop an unexpected romance with heavy consequences, lasting throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.
The Shining (1980)
An alcoholic father descends into madness during his family’s stay at a remote hotel during the wintertime. There’s no specific Christmas scenes, but it does have some subtle references to the holiday, in addition to heavy snowstorms being an important aspect of the plot.
The Holdovers (2023)
A cranky boarding school teacher is forced to stay on campus with a handful of students who have nowhere to go over the Christmas holiday. It’s not the traditional Christmas story, making it a refreshing watch compared to other movies in the genre.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This pick may seem confusing. Even though it’s come to be known as a Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life actually only gets to Christmas Eve at the very end of the movie. A man contemplating suicide is visited by his guardian angel, who shows him what the world would be like if he’d never existing, proving to him all the lives he’s touched.