There is no shortage of Christmas classics that are compulsively rewatched every Christmas season, from It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Home Alone (1990), and Elf (2003) — the list goes on and on. If you’re looking for new Christmas films to add to your seasonal watchlist, this list compiles some of the most underrated Christmas/wintery films that will keep you company on these blisteringly cold nights.
Black Christmas (1974) by Bob Clark
Bob Clark’s cult classic Black Christmas is well known in the realm of horror cinema. However, in the grand scheme of Christmas-themed films, this film goes overlooked. In Black Christmas, a killer makes obscene phone calls to terrorize a group of sorority house girls. The film is dripping with a spooky 1970s atmosphere, accompanied by stellar performances from Margot Kidder and Olivia Hussey. The film masterfully blends themes of second-wave feminism, interweaving them with social commentary. The utilisation of Christmas-themed socio-political themes juxtaposed with dark, uncanny imagery in a slasher film is just pure genius and makes for a memorable viewing experience.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) by Charles E. Sellier Jr.
Charles E. Sellier Jr.’s Silent Night, Deadly Night is a tasteless exploitation film — yet it has still garnered a cult following due to its unhinged portrayal of a murderous Santa Claus and the exploration of childhood trauma against the backdrop of Christmas time. The film unfolds as an unabashedly campy romp that undoubtedly will entertain even the most cynical horror fans. The film follows Billy Chapman, who, as a child, was traumatised by his parents’ brutal murder, and then went on to be mistreated by orphanage nuns, who grew up to be a murderous Santa Claus figure himself.
The Apartment (1960) by Billy Wilder
Billy Wilder’s The Apartment is a corporate romcom that is certain to delight even the most seasoned critics. The film follows Bud Baxter, a Manhattan insurance clerk, who attempts to climb the corporate ladder by lending his apartment to executives as a space for them to entertain their mistresses. Bud is often left to deal with the aftermath of these visits, and one timely night, he is forced to solve a major problem. The film stars industry legends Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, and is brought to us by the mind behind other influential cinematic pieces, such as Sunset Boulevard (1950), Some Like It Hot (1959), Double Indemnity (1944), and many more.
Better Watch Out (2016) by Chris Peckover
Chris Peckover’s Better Watch Out is a colosally underrated, twisty horror that follows a babysitter who must tackle a home invasion, and well, chaos ensues. The film plays out as a horror twist on Home Alone and makes for the perfect seasonal watch for almost everyone! The film contains minimal gore and just enough spooky elements, which makes it a great watch for beginners entering the horror genre.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) by Stanley Kubrick
Eyes Wide Shut is the revered director Stanley Kubrick’s final film. Set around Christmas time, the film follows Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) as he embarks on a nighttime odyssey in an attempt to secure an extramarital sexual encounter, upon discovering that his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), has confessed to having sexual fantasies in their marriage. The film features some incredible performances, particularly from Kidman in a series of masterful monologues. Eyes Wide Shut is a perfect watch for anyone seeking a paranoia, conspiracy-fuelled Christmasy watch.
The Holdovers (2023) by Alexander Payne
Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, despite its recent release, has already solidified its place as an essential yearly Christmas watch. The film follows a group of staff and students at a New England prep school, who have to remain on campus during Christmas as they have nowhere else to go. The film is a delightfully wholesome watch that finds family in even the most unconventional spaces.
Frozen (2010) by Adam Green
Adam Green’s Frozen, not to be confused with the animated Disney film of the same name, is a deliciously atmospheric single-location thriller that is sure to heat you up during the colder months from sheer second-hand stress. The film follows three skiers who become stranded on a chair lift at a ski resort, forcing them to make desperate decisions in an attempt to survive. Featuring some brilliant performances from the lead cast, Frozen is a suspenseful ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat (pun intended).
Inside (2007) by Julien Maury & Alexandre Bustillo
Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo’s Inside is reserved for only the most obsessive horror fanatics, as this film is a disturbing and tense watch. Inside is one of the more infamous entries in the New French Extremity movement, due to its graphic violence and its experimental style. The film follows a pregnant woman who becomes terrorised by a mysterious woman in a home invasion. If you’re looking for a feel-bad Christmas watch, this one might be for you.
P2 (2007) by Franck Khalfoun
Franck Khakfoun’s P2 is a cat-and-mouse thriller that elevates the final girl trope — and she is the only girl with screen time! The film follows a businesswoman who, working late on Christmas Eve, becomes stranded in her workplace parking lot with an unhinged security guard. The film is a delightfully thrilling and oddly comforting watch, starring Rachel Nichols and Wes Bentley. This film is for anyone who (begrudgingly) works over the holiday period; you might find solace in this flick!
Carol (2015) by Todd Haynes
Todd Haynes’ Carol might be a stretch to consider as a lesser-known Christmas film, but I believe it deserves more praise and recognition regardless. The film is a sapphic romance starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. This feature follows a department store clerk (Mara) who falls in love with an older, married woman (Blanchett), against the backdrop of 1950s New York.
There you have it. Ten underrated Christmas films to obsessively rewatch this season that will help you overcome the winter blues!
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