The holiday season is synonymous with gift-giving, sharing meals together, and of course – Christmas movies! If youâve already filed your vacation leave and are planning to bond at home with the whole family or just relax with your barkada (group of friends), one great activity to do is a movie marathon of Christmas-themed films.
Although classics like Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas have a special place in our hearts, sometimes you also get tired of them and start craving something different. This year, set aside the usual suspects and dive into my list of amazing Christmas movies that may not always get much attention but are definitely worth adding to your seasonal rotation. From heartwarming animation to action-packed comedies with a bit of magic, thereâs something here for everyone!
Klaus
Released: 2019
Rating: Parental Guidance
Running Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 95%
Popcornmeter: 96%
Metacritic
Metascore: 65
User Score: 8.8
Letterboxd
Rating: 4.2
A spoiled postman named Jesper is assigned to a frozen island above the Arctic Circle where feuding villagers donât talk to each other – and especially donât exchange letters. His cynical attitude changes when he discovers Klaus, a toymaker. Together, Jesper and Klaus bring joy back to the gloomy town, and unintentionally bring the legend of Santa Claus to life.
Why Watch
This beautiful animated film offers a fresh, heartfelt, and creative origin story of Santa Claus. The hand-drawn animation style is stunning, and the story is truly touching and funny.
Who Will Enjoy
The whole family, animation lovers, and anyone looking for a truly original and heartwarming Christmas story.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG. Contains some mild danger and themes of sadness, but overall very uplifting. Suitable for all ages.
Where To Watch
Netflix PH
The Night Before
Released: 2015
Rating: Restricted
Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 69%
Popcornmeter: 61%
Metacritic
Metascore: 58
User Score: 6.1
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.1
Three best friends – Ethan, Isaac, and Chris – reunite on Christmas Eve for one last epic night of chaos, continuing a tradition they started after Ethanâs parents died. They search for the legendary âNutcracker Ball,â the most exclusive and wild Christmas party in New York City.
Why Watch
Itâs very funny, quite naughty, but surprisingly sweet, R-rated comedy about friendship, growing up, and letting go. The chemistry between Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie is entertaining.
Who Will Enjoy
Adults who enjoy edgy comedies with heart, and fans of the lead actors.
Parent's Guide
Rated R for strong humor, sexual content, drug use, and language throughout. Definitely not for children.
Where To Watch
Available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store PH or Google Play Movies PH
The Holdovers
Released: 2023
Rating: Restricted
Running Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 97%
Popcornmeter: 92%
Metacritic
Metascore: 82
User Score: 8.1
Letterboxd
Rating: 4.2
A disliked teacher at an elite boarding school is forced to stay on campus during Christmas break to supervise a few students who have nowhere else to go. He forms an unlikely bond with a troubled but intelligent student and the schoolâs head cook, who is grieving her son.
Why Watch
This film is well-crafted, emotional, and funny. A character study about bittersweet melancholy and unexpected connections during the holiday season. It features excellent performances and a charming 70’s aesthetic.
Who Will Enjoy
Fans of character-driven dramas, those who appreciate sharp dialogue and a mix of humor and sadness, and adults looking for a thoughtful and unconventional holiday film.
Parent's Guide
Rated R for language, some sexual references, and brief drug use. Best for adults and mature teens.
Where To Watch
Netflix PH
Spirited
Released: 2022
Rating: Parental Guidance for childern under 13 years of age
Running Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 70%
Popcornmeter: 80%
Metacritic
Metascore: 55
User Score: 6.2
Letterboxd
Rating: 2.9
A modern musical retelling of “A Christmas Carol” from the perspective of the ghosts. Clint Briggs, a cynical marketing consultant, is chosen by the Ghost of Christmas Present for a traditional redemption – but Clint turns the tables and forces the Ghost to re-examine his own past, present, and future.
Why Watch
This musical comedy is fresh, funny, and surprisingly clever, with catchy songs and great performances from Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. It offers meta-commentary on a classic story while still delivering a heartfelt message.
Who Will Enjoy
Musical fans, those who enjoy modern comedic twists on classic tales, and fans of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG-13 for language, some suggestive references, and thematic elements. Best for teens and up.
Where To Watch
Apple TV PH
8-Bit Christmas
Released: 2021
Rating: Parental Guidance
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 84%
Popcornmeter: 75%
Metacritic
Metascore: 66
User Score: 6.6
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.0
Set in the late 1980’s, a father tells his daughter the legendary (and often exaggerated) story of his childhood quest to get the ultimate Christmas gift: a Nintendo Entertainment System.
Why Watch
Itâs a nostalgic trip for anyone who grew up in the 80’s. It captures the spirit of the era and that intense desire for a âmust-haveâ toy. Itâs funny and really makes you feel the true meaning of Christmas.
Who Will Enjoy
80’s kids, families looking for a funny and sentimental film, and anyone who can relate to struggling to get a special gift.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG. Mild language and some slapstick humor. Generally suitable for families, especially older kids who can appreciate the humor.
Where To Watch
Netflix PH (if unavailable, you can rent or buy it on Apple TV Store PH or Google Play Movies PH)
Violent Night
Released: 2022
Rating: Restricted
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 74%
Popcornmeter: 88%
Metacritic
Metascore: 55
User Score: 6.6
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.0
On Christmas Eve, a wealthy familyâs compound is attacked by a group of mercenaries. A tired and disillusioned Santa Claus (the real one!) who happens to be delivering gifts nearby must rediscover his fighting spirit to save the day.
Why Watch
Itâs like Die Hard but with Santa! This movie is bloody, action-packed, and a fun holiday action flick. David Harbour fits perfectly as a grizzled, tough Santa.
Who Will Enjoy
Adults who like R-rated action, dark comedies, and anyone who wants to see Santa throw punches.
Parent's Guide
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language, and some sexual references. Not for children.
Where To Watch
Available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store PH or Google Play Movies PH
The Family Man
Released: 2000
Rating: Parental Guidance for childern under 13 years of age
Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 54%
Popcornmeter: 68%
Metacritic
Metascore: 42
User Score: 7.0
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.3
A rich, cynical, and ruthless Wall Street executive (Nicolas Cage) wakes up one Christmas morning in an alternate reality. He is now living the life he could have had if he married his college sweetheart (TĂŠa Leoni), with a family and a job as a tire salesman in New Jersey. He must choose which life truly belongs to him.
Why Watch
Itâs charming, heartfelt, and thought-provoking. A modern twist on Itâs a Wonderful Life. Nicolas Cage delivers a strong performance, and the film explores themes of regret, choices, and the true meaning of success.
Who Will Enjoy
Fans of romantic dramas with a touch of fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about second chances and self-discovery.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some language. Suitable for teens and adults, though a bit complex for younger children.
Where To Watch
Youâll have to find a way đ
Arthur Christmas
Released: 2011
Rating: Parental Guidance
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 93%
Popcornmeter: 77%
Metacritic
Metascore: 69
User Score: 7.5
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.5
The film shows a high-tech operation at the North Pole, where Santaâs son Arthur discovers that one childâs present was not delivered. Against the wishes of his father and older brother, Arthur sets off on a desperate, old-fashioned mission to deliver the gift before Christmas morning.
Why Watch
Itâs a sharp, clever, and charming take on the Santa Claus mythos, filled with humor and a sweet message about the spirit of Christmas. The animation is vibrant and the voice cast is excellent.
Who Will Enjoy
Families and those who appreciate smart storytelling and British humor.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG. Contains mild slapstick action and danger, but nothing truly scary. Suitable for all ages.
Where To Watch
Netflix PH
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Released: 2019
Rating: Parental Guidance for childern under 13 years of age
Running Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 88%
Popcornmeter: 88%
Metacritic
Metascore: 68
User Score: 6.8
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.3
Set in a small Italian-American town in 1983, this coming-of-age story follows Tony on Christmas Eve as his big and loud family prepares the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. Amid the chaos, he navigates family expectations and a budding romance with a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) girl.
Why Watch
Itâs a charming, authentic, and heartwarming look at Italian-American Christmas traditions, filled with delicious food, quirky characters, and nostalgic charm.
Who Will Enjoy
Fans of slice-of-life dramas, foodies, anyone with a big and loud family, and those interested in cultural holiday traditions.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some language, and brief suggestive content. Suitable for teens and adults.
Where To Watch
Youâll have to find a way đ
While You Were Sleeping
Released: 1995
Rating: Parental Guidance
Running Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
IMDb
Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
Tomatometer: 81%
Popcornmeter: 79%
Metacritic
Metascore: 67
User Score: 7.2
Letterboxd
Rating: 3.6
A lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) saves the life of a handsome stranger, Peter, on Christmas Day. While Peter is in a coma, his family mistakenly believes Lucy is his fiancĂŠe. But Lucy falls in love with Peterâs charming brother, Jack, leading to a heartwarming and complicated holiday romance.
Why Watch
Itâs a classic, charming, and genuinely sweet romantic comedy with a fantastic ensemble cast. Sandra Bullock is lovable, and the film captures the cozy, family-focused spirit of the holidays.
Who Will Enjoy
Rom-com fans, lovers of feel-good movies, and anyone looking for a heartwarming and humorous holiday romance.
Parent's Guide
Rated PG for mild language and some mature themes, but generally very family-friendly. Suitable for all ages.
Where To Watch
Disney Plus PH
This holiday season, try to find and watch some of these amazing and often overlooked films. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite to include in your annual holiday movie tradition. Happy watching, and happy holidays!