Christmas movies are great but as the saying goes, too much of anything is bad. By mid-December, many viewers will have exhausted the Christmas classics and begun to realize that It’s a Wonderful Life isn’t as wonderful on its fourth watch, or that there are only so many times a person can rewatch A Christmas Carol before siding with Scrooge (pre-haunting).
Fortunately, there are many movies out there that offer the same fuzzy feelings as the classics, without Christmas dominating the narrative. These movies share similar themes of family, friendship, and good vs. evil, and are no less magical than their alternative. In fact, many even feature magic.
Gremlins (1984)
Loosely inspired by the Roald Dahl book of the same name and directed by Joe Dante, Gremlins follows Billy (Zach Galligan), a young man who receives a pet mogwai as a Christmas present. To care for the strange creature, Billy is given three instructions: don’t expose the mogwai to light, don’t get it wet, and definitely don’t feed it after midnight. When he accidentally breaks these rules, the mogwai (named “Gizmo”) spawns evil mogwai’s nicknamed gremlins, which wreak havoc on the town during Christmas Eve.
Inevitably, it is up to Billy, his girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates), and best friend Pete (Corey Feldman) to put an end to the chaos. With its magical elements, backdrop of Christmas, and emphasis on friendship, Gremlins is both emotional and fun. Set to a playful and Christmassy score provided by Jerry Goldsmith (and some caroling Gremlins) it is the perfect Christmas watch.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
A Tim Burton favorite, Edward Scissorhands tells the story of Edward (Johnny Depp), a young man created by a scientist who died before he could complete him (hence, scissors for hands). Discovered by Suburban saleswoman Peg (Dianne West), Edward is invited to live with her and her family, and whilst here, falls for Peg's daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). Initially, Edward is well-liked by the neighborhood, until he is framed for a crime he didn't commit. His reputation only worsens when he accidentally cuts Kim with his blades.
Soon nearly everyone but his stand-in family wants Edward dead, meanwhile, Kim is falling deeply in love with him. Written by Caroline Thompson, who wrote the screenplay for Burton’s actual Christmas film, Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands is a delightful wintery fairytale with a bittersweet romance at its heart. In essence: it is the perfect festive flick. Even just Danny Elfman’s “Ice Dance” is a Christmas masterpiece in itself.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The Harry Potter movies run all year round, but especially at Christmas time. Why? Because they have all the elements of a Christmas classic, and then some. The movie series’ first installment, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is particularly festive.
Adapted from the J. K. Rowling novel of the same name and directed by Chris Columbus, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone centers on the titular character, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), an orphaned son of two wizards with powers of his own. It follows Harry’s first year at the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he meets new friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), and aims to uncover the truth behind his parents’ death.
In addition to regular magic (if there is such a thing), Harry also learns the magic of Christmas when he celebrates it at Hogwarts. A particularly heartwarming scene shows Harry receiving gifts for the first time; “I’ve got presents?” he asks bewildered, before running to unwrap his shiny parcel. These events occur against John Williams’ truly wonderful score, and a gorgeous backdrop of giant decorated trees, cozy fires, and thick white snow.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Like Harry Potter, the Narnia movies also belong to the fantasy genre and have their roots in literature. Adapted from the C. S. Lewis book(s) of the same name, the first Narnia movie — The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrobe — stands out as a prime non-Christmas Christmas movie. Directed by Andrew Adams, the movie follows the four Pevensie siblings who, during the Blitz, evacuate London for a new home in the country. During hide and seek, the youngest sibling Lucy (Georgie Hence) steps into a wardrobe and finds herself transported to the magical world of Narnia. Here it is eternally winter and Christmas never happens due to a curse cast by the White Witch (Tilda Swinton).
Narnia sees the four siblings attempt to put an end to the White Witch's reign of terror, with the help of a noble lion (voiced by Liam Neeson), a friendly faun (James McAvoy), and Father Christmas himself (James Cosmo). Praised for being faithful to its source, Narnia is also celebrated for its thrilling visuals, special effects, and soundtrack, courtesy of Harry Gregson-Williams.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is as Christmassy as non-Christmas movies get. This period drama, based on the Louisa May Alcott novel of the same name, tells the story of the four March sisters’ coming of age. These girls are sensible Meg (Emma Watson), ambitious Jo (Saoirse Ronan), friendly Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and artistic Amy (Florence Pugh). The movie also stars Laura Dern as mother March (“Marmee”), Meryl Streep as Aunt March, and Timothée Chalamet as Laurie, Jo’s best friend and Amy’s love interest.
Beginning at Christmas time, Little Women is a delightful tale about love of all kinds: familial love, romantic love, and love of the written/art world. Not shying away from deeper issues, it also touches on themes of grief and hardship. And like all good Christmas movies, this one is full of moral teachings. Every one of the March girls must face obstacles that put their faith into question, but with Marmee and each other by their side, they will overcome.