Unwrapping the Unconventional: '7 Non-Christmas, Christmas Films That Sleigh'

Do Christmas films fill you with misery? Are you actively wishing pain upon Kevin Mcallister as he terrorises the Wet Bandits? Does Will Ferrell screaming in yellow tights make you want to put your head through the wall?

Fear not, our list of non-Christmas, Christmas films will get you through the festive season with your sanity intact.

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1. Gremlins

Dive into the chaos as the adorable Gizmo unleashes mayhem when feeding times aren’t adhered to. Gremlins is a horror-comedy classic, with the only tangible link to Christmas being the snow and decorations that serve as a backdrop to the carnage. Originally released in June, this was never intended for seasonal viewing but has gained a cult following as an anti-Christmas hit. With some surprising gory scenes involving blenders, and the Gremlins themselves being pretty terrifying, maybe tuck the kids in early for this one.

2. Edward Scissorhands

Tim Burton's surreal masterpiece combines Christmas charm with the heart-warming tale of Edward, a young man with razor sharp scissors in place of his fingers. Ostracised and lonely, Edward slowly finds his place in the world thanks to his adoptive family and caring nature. A career-defining performance by Johnny Depp makes this one of Burtons most beloved films and an unconventional Christmas classic.

3. Trading Places

Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this laugh out loud comedy, where a bet between wealthy brokers turns a street hustler into a wallstreet tycoon and vice versa. Hilarity ensues as the two acclimate to their new circumstances, alongside stand out performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy. Multiple scenes shot around Christmas and the New Year celebrations definitely keep this in the socially acceptable Christmas film list while also having very little to do with festivities. Once you’ve seen it, this is one you’ll be coming back to every year.

4. Batman Returns

Our second entry on this list directed by Tim Burron, The Dark Knight here battles his way through the festive season with a touch of noir. Watch Michael Keaton take on the role of the titular Batman as he faces off against the chilling Penguin, played to perfection by Danny De Vito. Throw in Michelle Pfeiffer as the seductive Catwoman, in what’s regarded as the best depiction of the character on the big screen, and this dark Christmas cracker will surely keep the holiday blues away.

5. The Great Escape

This timeless holiday watch, albeit with a non-traditional setting, deserves a mention if only for the BBC’s insistence on showing it every Christmas Day, year on year. Witness the daring escape of Allied prisoners from a German POW camp during World War II, with some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history and a start studded cast. The camaraderie, perseverance, and courage showcased in this classic make it a must watch for the whole family. And let’s face it, you’ve never seen anything cooler than Steve McQueen on a motorcycle.

6. Rocky IV

Yes, this may be the most far-reaching inclusion on this list, but given the final confrontation takes place on Christmas Day, we thought it worth a mention. And who doesn’t love the ridiculous 80’s extravagance of Rocky Balboa. This time, The Italian Stallion steps into the Cold War ring against the cartoonishly formidable Ivan Drago, with Dolph Lungren giving the performance of a lifetime as the Siberian Express. Packed with intense training montages and a soundtrack that pumps you up like a gift-wrapped adrenaline rush, this one's a knockout.

Image: Media from Wix

7. Die Hard

The definitive non-Christmas Christmas film, its relevance sparking fierce debate among family and friends every year, Die Hard is a non-stop action blockbuster with some tinsel frills and bullets galore. Starring Bruce Willis, this film transformed the action genre landscape, thanks in part to the late, great Allan Rickman’s performance as villain, Hans Gruber. When a typical corporate Christmas party gets taken over by armed terrorists, Nakatomi Plaza becomes the stage for a one-man rescue mission filled with explosions, wit, and unexpected cheer.

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These films may not deck the halls with traditional Christmas cheer, but they add a unique twist to the holiday season. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these unconventional Christmas classics redefine your festive film line-up.