10 Alternative Christmas Movies

If you need a little change from the happy go lucky Christmas movies, here is a list of some great alternative Christmas movies for you. As good as hallmark movies are, some people need a little action or horror, both of which you will find in this list of alternative Christmas movies.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas

As much as it is a Halloween movie, this is a good Christmas movie too. Come on, it’s in the name! It is a little spooky but in the end its fun for all the family. A good toe-dip into an alternative Christmas movie.

2. Gremlins

A classic in the alternative Christmas movie genre. This film follows the story of a kid called billy being gifted a small gremlin which he calls Gizmo. There are three rules to his new pet and he breaks them all and as expected, chaos ensues.

3. Die Hard

This has been debated on conventional Christmas lists. To be or not to be a Christmas movie. We say it is, just an alternative one. Set during the Christmas season with pre-Snape Alan Rickman starring alongside Bruce Willis in an action movie. This is a fun watch for those looking for something a little more explosive during the Christmas period.

4. Trading Places

This modern retelling of the prince and the pauper is a rated r comedy following a millionaire dropping a street hustler into their world of money with the intention of dropping him as soon as their experiment is done. A tale of money and revenge ensues.

5. Eyes Wide Shut

This is Stanley Kubrick’s last film so that alone should be a good reason to watch it if you’re into movies. This saucier film stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and is set during the festive holidays, perfect excuse to watch it during the festive season.

6. Bad Santa

This fun black comedy follows a petty thief who dresses up as Santa to rob various department stores. His plans are thwarted when he befriends an 8-year-old, proving even a bad Santa can be good.

7. Silent Night, Deadly Night

One for the horror lovers, this film is based around a man going on a murderous spree dressed as the lovable Saint Nick. This slasher film was very controversial when it first came out because of its depiction of Santa as the villain.

8. Krampus

As you may have read about Krampus in our German Christmas traditions post. This movie follows a family on Krampus night. It’s one for the horror lovers and gives a unique look into a darker Christmas tradition.

9. The Night Before

A recent title, this comedy follows Joseph Gordon Levitt, Seth Rogan and Anthony Mackie. The three men participate in Christmas Eve shenanigans as they look for the best Christmas party going in town. All in all, this is a fun little movie to watch if you’re looking for a break from happy family stories.

10. Edward Scissorhands

Like Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands is a creation left on his own to figure out the world. Being made into the almost perfect human man, with one twist. Scissors for hands. This Tim Burton flick starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder is a romance leading up to its final act being set in Christmas, making it the perfect alternative Christmas movie.

This has been our list of alternative Christmas movies. From a family-friendly tale to action and horror, there is something for everyone who is looking for something a little bit different to watch this Christmas.