So, we all know about It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation and Elf. And we all know they’ll be on cable every day for the next month. But what about the movies that can put you in the holiday spirit that only have a related Christmas theme? Here’s some of our favorites.
Eddie Murphy’s follow-up to 48 Hrs helped launch him to super-stardom. His street-con artist character Billy Ray Valentine gets thrown into the world of the stuck-up, yuppie partner at Duke & Duke Investments, Louis Winthorpe (Dan Aykroyd). As the polar opposites switch positions in their lives (arranged by the Duke’s arrogant “science experience,”) the comedy platform unfolds.
Christmas Theme: Set in Philadelphia from November to January, the story has a revealing Christmas party, and the movie’s climax centers around the New Year’s crop report.Best Line: Billy Ray: “I’m a sexy man. I’m very sexy. People come up to me and say ‘Billy Ray you’re so sexy,’ and not understand my sexuality.”
Bruce Willis’s John McClane saves his wife, his marriage, countless office workers, and single-handedly annihilates a dozen or so terrorists in one of the greatest action movies ever.
Christmas Theme: Run DMC’s Christmas in Hollis opens the movie, and it all goes down at the fictitious Nakatomi Corporation during their Christmas Party.Best Line: John to the 911 supervisor: “Does it sound like I’m ordering a pizza!?”
This independent character-driven movie stars William Hurt as a broken Brooklyn writer and Harvey Keitel (Auggie) as a cigarette and tobacco shop owner with a fascinating daily hobby. The story is a slice of life that centers around the smoke shop, and the real-world characters that frequent it.
Christmas Theme: There’s not much in the setting that has a holiday theme, but Paul (William Hurt) gets a freelance job from the NY Times to write a Christmas story. Drawing a blank he asks Auggie if he knows any. Auggie tells him a “true story” that connects to the holiday spirit in a heart-warming but different way.Movie tagline: The most precious things in life are lighter than air.
Meg Ryan’s locally owned, struggling bookstore is threatened by the evil mega- bookstore owned by Tom Hanks. Through anonymous online flirting the two enemies don’t realize who’s who. A classic chick-flick that works so well due to the chemistry between Hanks and Ryan.
Christmas Theme: It’s tough to beat Christmas in New York as far as backdrop.Best Line: Kathleen: “People are always telling you that change is a good thing. But all they’re really saying is that something you didn’t want to happen at all... has happened.”
This unique, warm, dark, romantic comedy is a Tim Burton original. Fantastic sets dot the entire film, where the awkward, not quite human Edward (Johnny Depp) falls for Kim (Winona Ryder) the good girl dating the bad guy Jim–played surprisingly perfectly by Anthony Michael Hall. The supporting cast steals the show with the seductive unfaithful housewife, Joyce, and Kim’s over-the-top stereotypical loving parents.
Christmas Theme: As the movie reaches its climax, the crazy suburban neighborhood is setting up its Christmas décor.Best Line: Kim’s mom: “Damn those TV programs.” Kim’s Dad: “Damn them all to hell.”
The story of the modern female singleton set in London. Lonely, depressed Renee Zellweger finally finds true love in Mark Darcy through the ups and downs of player Daniel Cleaver.
Christmas Theme: The movie bookends with Christmas parties hosted by the Darcys. Included is Mark’s ridiculous Christmas sweater at the beginning, and his hideous Christmas tie at the end.Best Line: Tom: “Well done Bridge, four hours of careful cooking and a feast of blue soup, omelet and marmalade.”
The good old days when Batman was played Michael Keaton. The second installment of the original Batman movie franchise and Tim Burton’s last. This one introduces Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), and The Penquin (Danny Devito).
Christmas Theme: Tons of chilly sets, holiday décor, and the Gotham Christmas Tree lighting.Best Line: The Penquin; You're just jealous, because I'm a genuine freak and you have to wear a mask!
This forgotten blockbuster of the 80’s hasn’t held up too well in a new day of special effects, but remains a classic to all of the children of the decade. A young boy neglects to follow the user manual for his cute little new pet, and it unleashes some real PG-horror monsters that terrify the all-American suburb.
Christmas Theme: Taking place during Christmas, the film was scheduled for a Christmas release, but was moved to the summer to satisfy the studio’s need for a Summer blockbuster.Best Line: Kate: “Say you hate Washington's Birthday or Thanksgiving and nobody cares, but say you hate Christmas and everybody makes you feel like you're a leper.”
