20 unconventional holiday films to watch this winter season

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·8 min read

The holiday season is here, and things are bright and full of cheer.

But instead of putting on "It's a Wonderful Life," "Home Alone" or "Love Actually," you should consider an alternative holiday film.

Get the popcorn, hot cocoa and warm blankets ready — here are 20 unconventional holiday films to check out:

'Anna and the Apocalypse' - 2017

Everything seems bright and cheery in the town of Little Haven, that is until a zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy city.

Ella Hunt stars in Orion Pictures' "Anna and the Apocalypse."
Ella Hunt stars in Orion Pictures' "Anna and the Apocalypse."

Anna and her friends are now forced to fight, slash and sing their way — yes, it's a musical — to survival while facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy and Shudder.

'Batman Returns' - 1992

The sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman," the titular superhero has defeated the Joker but now faces the Penguin — a sadistic, deformed creature who wants to be accepted into society.

Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, in 1992's "Batman Returns."
Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Catwoman, or Selina Kyle, in 1992's "Batman Returns."

Helping the Penguin is Max Schreck, a crooked businessman. The two attempt to frame Batman in a different light, and the Dark Knight must attempt to clear his name, all while also deciding what to do with the elusive Catwoman slinking about.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Max.

'Better Watch Out' - 2016

Ashley thought her babysitting job would be an easy night, but her evening takes a turn when dangerous intruders break in and terrorize her and Luke, the 12-year-old she's watching.

She is able to defend them to her best ability, but she soon realizes things aren't as they seem.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy, Peacock Premium, Shudder and Tubi.

'Black Christmas' - 1974, 2006 and 2019

"Black Christmas" was first introduced to the world in 1974 as a horror film about a sorority house being terrorized by a stranger making frightening phone calls before murdering the sorority sisters one by one during Christmas break.

From left, Olivia Hussey in 1974's "Black Christmas," Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 2006's "Black Christmas" and Imogen Poots in 2019's "Black Christmas." The holiday horror film debuted in 1974 and has been remade twice.
From left, Olivia Hussey in 1974's "Black Christmas," Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 2006's "Black Christmas" and Imogen Poots in 2019's "Black Christmas." The holiday horror film debuted in 1974 and has been remade twice.

It was remade in 2006, where an escaped maniac returns to his childhood home — now a sorority house — and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one on Christmas Eve. The film was remade for a second time in 2019, but with a more supernatural element and the evil of "toxic masculinity."

Where to watch: The 1974 version is available to stream on Kanopy, Peacock and Tubi. The 2006 version is available to stream on Kanopy and Tubi. The 2019 version is available to stream on Netflix.

'Carol ' - 2015

Set in the 1950s, this drama tells the story of a then-taboo love story featuring actors Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara based on the novel, "The Price of Salt."

Therese, a young woman in her 20s, meets Carol, an alluring woman trapped in a loveless marriage, and two feel an immediate connection. The innocence of their encounters is dim but as their connection deepens, the two become involved and grow closer, all while forgetting about the repercussions they could face from their relationship.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy and Netflix.

'Die Hard' - 1988

While attempting to reconcile with his estranged wife, NYPD cop John McClane is thrown for a loop minutes after he arrives at her office and finds out the entire building has been overtaken by terrorists.

Bruce Willis in a scene from the 1988 motion picture "Die Hard."
Bruce Willis in a scene from the 1988 motion picture "Die Hard."

With little help from the LAPD, McClane sets out to rescue the hostages, single-handedly, and take the bad guys down.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Hulu and Tubi.

'Edward Scissorhands' - 1990

A small suburban town get shaken up when a visitor from an unfinished science experiment, named Edward, makes an appearance.

Winona Ryder stars as Kim Boggs in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands."
Winona Ryder stars as Kim Boggs in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands."

At first, everyone welcomes him into the community but soon things take a change for the worse when Edward has a run-in with the neighborhood bully.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Max.

'Eight Crazy Nights' - 2002

Davey Stone is an alcoholic with a criminal record and sentenced to community service, where he tries to reform and abandon his bad habits.

The musical comedy is one of the few films based on the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. It features the voice talents of Adam Sandler, Jon Lovitz, Kevin Nealon and Ellen Albertini Dow.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Hulu, Prime Video and Tubi.

'Eyes Wide Shut' - 1999

After Dr. Bill Harford's wife, Alice, admits to having sexual fantasies about a man she met, he becomes obsessed with having a sexual encounter.

Nicole Kidman stars as Alice Harford in Stanley Kubrick's last directorial film, "Eyes Wide Shut."
Nicole Kidman stars as Alice Harford in Stanley Kubrick's last directorial film, "Eyes Wide Shut."

The doctor finds an underground sexual group and attends one of their meetings, while quickly discovering he is way over his head.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Showtime.

'The Family Man' - 2000

Jack, played by Nicolas Cage, has a lavish lifestyle, but it is quickly changed after one Christmas night.

From left, Nicolas Cage and Don Cheadle star in 2000's "The Family Man."
From left, Nicolas Cage and Don Cheadle star in 2000's "The Family Man."

He wakes up the next day lying in bed next to Kate, his college sweetheart, and discovers he now has a family, a new job and lives in suburbia. Now he must choose between his high-power career and the woman he used to love.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Tubi.

'Friday After Next' - 2002

The third film in the "Friday" series, Craig and his cousin, Day-Day, are now living on their own but get burglarized on Christmas Eve.

Ice Cube stars as Craig Jones in 2002's "Friday After Next."
Ice Cube stars as Craig Jones in 2002's "Friday After Next."

The following day, they set out in the neighborhood to find the thief, dressed as Santa Claus, and get their stolen presents and rent money back.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Tubi.

'Gremlins' - 1984

Billy Peltzer is given a strange, but cute, pet named Gizmo for Christmas from his father.

But when he doesn't follow one of the three important rules for caring the creature, he accidentally unleashes a horde of mischievous monsters on his small town.

Where to watch: The film is not available to stream currently, but is available to rent for $3.99 on Apple TV+, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube.

'Happiest Season' - 2020

When Abby learns that her girlfriend Harper has kept their relationship a secret from her family, things get awkward at Harper's family Christmas dinner.

Abby wants to propose to Harper, but she starts to question the girlfriend she thought she knew.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Hulu.

'Just Friends' - 2005

Chris wasn't the most attractive guy in high school, but he accidentally comes home during the Christmas season, runs into his old high school crush, Jamie, and attempts to use his womanizing moves on her.

Amy Smart and Ryan Reynolds star in 2005's "Just Friends."
Amy Smart and Ryan Reynolds star in 2005's "Just Friends."

Unfortunately, Jamie still plays hard-to-get and continues to "friend-zone" him, even though she is starting to have feelings for Chris.

Where to watch: The film is not available to stream currently, but is available to rent for $3.99 on Apple TV+, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube.

'Krampus' - 2015

This horror comedy is based on the ancient legend about a pagan creature, Krampus, who punishes children on Christmas.

A still from the 2015 holiday horror film "Krampus."
A still from the 2015 holiday horror film "Krampus."

When Max's dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, he turns his back on the merry holiday. The lack of festive spirit awakens the wrath of a demonic force, causing the family to fight for survival.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Peacock Premium.

'Little Women' - 1933, 1949, 1994 and 2019

Based on Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel, "Little Women" has been adapted into a film seven times. The Caller-Times suggests watching four of those adaptions.

From left, Katharine Hepburn as Jo March in 1933's "Little Women," Elizabeth Taylor as Amy March in 1949's "Little Women," Claire Danes as Beth March in 1994's "Little Women" and Emma Watson as Meg March in 2019's "Little Women." The films are adapted from the coming-of-age 1868 novel written by Louisa May Alcott.
From left, Katharine Hepburn as Jo March in 1933's "Little Women," Elizabeth Taylor as Amy March in 1949's "Little Women," Claire Danes as Beth March in 1994's "Little Women" and Emma Watson as Meg March in 2019's "Little Women." The films are adapted from the coming-of-age 1868 novel written by Louisa May Alcott.

If you're not familiar with the coming-of-age story, four sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — embrace life after the Civil War. They learn to grow up, find love and find their place in the world.

Where to watch: The 1933 and 1949 versions are not available to stream currently, but are available to rent for $2.99 on Apple TV+, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube. The 1994 version is not available to stream currently, but is available to rent for $3.99 on Apple TV+, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube. The 2019 version is available to stream on Starz.

'The Night Before' - 2015

Three best friends set out to find the "Holy Grail" of Christmas parties since their yearly reunion might be coming to an end.

Their goal to find the best party ever is important as this might be the last time the trio will be able to hang out as their adult lives are becoming more restricting.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Tubi.

'Spencer' - 2021

In December 1991, Princess Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales, stayed at Queen Elizabeth's estate for the Christmas holidays.

From left (clockwise), Kristen Stewart, Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry star in 2021's "Spencer."
From left (clockwise), Kristen Stewart, Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry star in 2021's "Spencer."

Struggling to reclaim her lost self against the backdrop of her strained marriage with Prince Charles III, and his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, Diana attempts to keep her chin up as she deals with the royal family working against her.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Hulu and Kanopy.

'Violent Night' - 2022

A group of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family's home on Christmas Eve, but they aren't prepared for Santa Claus to show up ready to eliminate them.

David Harbour is Santa Claus in the Christmas action film "Violent Night."
David Harbour is Santa Claus in the Christmas action film "Violent Night."

The action-packed holiday film stars David Harbour as Santa Claus, along with John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet and Beverly D'Angelo.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Prime Video.

'Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?' - 1972

Every year on Christmas, Auntie Roo, a kind widow, throws a lavish party for the children and staff of a local orphanage.

Shelley Winters stars as the titular character in the 1972 film "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?"
Shelley Winters stars as the titular character in the 1972 film "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?"

But in reality, she is a disturbed woman who keeps the mummified remains of her dead daughter in her attic. Upon discovery by a little girl, Auntie Roo decides to kidnap her and keep her as a substitute for her child.

Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Pluto TV.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are 20 alternative, winter holiday films to check out