Five unusual Christmas movies

Some people love the Hallmark channel. It can be so cozy and relaxing to dim the lights, curl up under the blanket, and watch a movie about a big city girl falling in love with the handsome owner of a Christmas tree farm. Sometimes, however, you want to stay in the holiday spirit but watch something a little more… unusual. And I’m not talking about Diehard (I’m not willing to get involved in that debate.) Here’s a list of five unusual Christmas movies to stream this year.

Krampus (2015)

For me, Krampus is the ultimate Christmas horror movie. In my opinion it’s just the right balance of scary, goofy, and heartwarming. It’s a horror comedy film that follows a dysfunctional family whose antics cause a young boy to lose his Christmas spirit. Pretty soon they’re snowed in together and being attacked by legendary Christmas demon Krampus. It’s fun and campy, and it also has Toni Collete, if that wasn’t convincing enough. You can watch it on Max, Hulu, Youtube TV, and Prime.

The Thing (1982)

I hear you saying that John Carpenter’s 1982 masterpiece isn’t a Christmas movie, and I present you with this argument: then why is there snow everywhere? Checkmate. This incredible sci fi horror movie follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who are terrorized by “The Thing.” If you like blood, guts, and the coolest practical effects of all time, this classic movie is for you. Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime.

In Bruges (2008)

I’m going to warn you: when I say that Martin McDonagh’s debut is a dark comedy, I mean that it’s a very very dark comedy. But I laughed so hard watching it. Is it technically a Christmas movie? Like with Diehard, that’s up to you. It takes place on Christmas, following two hitman who are holed up in Bruges, waiting for orders to come through from their boss after one of them makes an unforgivable mistake. Does it have Christmas themes? Eh. Depends how Christmassy you consider murder for hire. Either way, it’s available for rent on Prime, Youtube, and Apple TV.

The Shining (1980)

Here’s another one with a lot of snow. I’m sure by this point you’ve seen The Shining (or at least seen images of Shelley Duvall’s iconic performance as Wendy Torrance.) This psychological horror film, based on the Steven King novel of the same name, is a classic winter film set in a remote area of Colorado. You can watch it on Max, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. While you’re at it, check out Mike Flanagan’s 2019 adaptation of the sequel, Doctor Sleep, which might be my favorite Steven King movie of all time.

Every Bob’s Burgers Christmas episode (there are twelve!)

I understand if you’re mad at me. First I was being all loosey-goosey about the definition of “Christmas” and now I’m giving you something that is decidedly not a movie. But how fun are the Christmas episodes of Bob’s Burgers? Plus, if you watch enough of them, it’s totally movie length. They’re funny, they’re heartwarming, and they’re decidedly Christmas themed, plus they’re all on Hulu. Season four’s Christmas in the Car is a personal favorite of mine, as is season thirteen’s The Plight Before Christmas. If you’ve already watched these a bunch of times, check out The Great North, which is by the same writers and also on Hulu. They have great Christmas episodes, plus it’s set in Alaska so there’s snow year-round!

Do you have a list of unusual Christmas movies you like to enjoy this time of year? Let us know in the comments!