The winter-timed holidays are nothing if not a collection of traditions. Some are religious-themed festivals, each with their own distinct practices, while others celebrate the aligning of the earth with the sun. Everyone has their own beliefs and traditions but no holiday has as many traditions as Christmas. Some countries honor St. Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus), while others teach their children to fear the youngin-stealing Krampus. The English like wearing paper crowns and eating gross desserts, while Americans like getting drunk on eggnog, gifting fruit cake to people we hate, and going overboard on presents and decorations.
However you celebrate it, I think we can all agree that few things fill one with the Christmas spirit quite like a movie or TV special set around the holidays. Luckily, the SAW crew has made a list of essentials that you should watch this month. If you’re looking for an alternative to the same old Christmas classics or want ideas for your own marathon, check out the recommendations below.
Day 1—The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of those underseen holiday films I like to recommend when people are looking for something different from the usual fare. The film skillfully combines a semi-biographical portrait of Charles Dickens (played by the always excellent Dan Stevens) with the retelling of his writing process for A Christmas Carol, inspired by his upbringing, current family and financial struggles, and his desire for social reform. The movie has a touch of fantasy, as his characters come to life in his mind, following him and popping up at the most inopportune times. It’s truly a shame that Christopher Plummer never got to play Scrooge properly because he’s fantastic as the character in this film. With its rich period detail and uplifting message about the power of creativity and resilience, The Man Who Invented Christmas is a film that should become a yearly must-watch during the holidays.
–Romona Comet
Day 2—The Santa Clauses (2022–23)
If you’ve been following this (somewhat) annual list since its inception, you’ll know that I always write about an entry in Disney’s The Santa Clause franchise. Well, although the film series ended after the third entry, The Escape Clause, Disney brought back the franchise as a Disney+ original series in 2022. Picking up in real time after The Escape Clause, The Santa Clauses sees Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin dealing with old age, as well as children no longer believing in Santa. He decides to look for a successor, which leads to several mythology-shattering revelations. Seriously, once you watch this series you’ll never be able to watch the original trilogy the same way again.
–Marmaduke Karlston
Day 3—Brazil (1985)
In Brazil, civilians treat acts of terror with the kind of stiff upper lip that’s very much in keeping with the film’s inherent Britishness. Ignoring the horrors around them in favour of maintaining the status quo is a hallmark of this nightmarish society, so it’s fitting that this movie takes a similarly dark approach to Christmas. After all, what says ‘keeping up appearances’ better than upholding Christmas spirit amidst personal and societal calamity? Gilliam’s 1984-inspired movie brilliantly uses these festivities to emphasise how deranged his fictional world is. Besides, in this society the proliferation of adverts, food items, toys and other calling cards marking this festive period are about as widespread as tyrannical governance: neither can be escaped. This is Santa Claus as Orwell’s Big Brother: what could be more bitterly funny than that?
–Cian McGrath
Day 4—Father Ted: “A Christmassy Ted” (1996)
The Father Ted Christmas special has been a festive staple of mine for over 20 years. I find it as funny today as I did on its release in 1996. Endlessly quotable, it’s also a pure hit of nostalgia. The three hapless priests deliver some purely iconic moments. From getting lost in the largest lingerie store in Ireland, to Ted winning an award for his bravery. The highlight for me is the dastardly Father Todd Unctious, who played his part to absolute perfection. It’s still broadcast during the Christmas break in the UK and Ireland, which demonstrates how well it has stood the test of time. And I know in my household, it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas until the annual rewatch is complete.
–Lee McCutcheon
Day 5—Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This movie went completely under the radar, and I will never forgive Netflix for just dumping it on their platform with no advertising whatsoever. Featuring a stacked cast and a very nostalgic John Debney score, this is a wholesome old-fashioned Christmas movie to a tee. Forest Whitaker plays Jeronicus Jangle, a retired inventor who hangs up his tools after his ideas are stolen by his protégé (played by Keegan-Michael Key). He is hopeless and sad until his granddaughter comes to visit for Christmas, reminding him of the love and joy that drove him in the first place. This movie is so sweet and delightfully whimsical. While the story is pretty formulaic, it’s a joy to witness. The steampunk world the movie creates is unique, and full of fun spectacle. I would love to see this get a renaissance post-pandemic, especially since we need the good vibes right now!
–Valerie Morreale
Day 6—Violent Night (2022)
The best way I can describe Violent Night is Die Hard, starring Santa Claus. Except there will be no argument here as to whether or not Violent Night is a Christmas movie. When a group of mercenaries, led by John Leguizamo, takes a wealthy family hostage on Christmas Eve, it’s up to a cynical, no-nonsense Santa Claus (played by David Harbour) to save the day. And Violent Night lives up to its name. The movie is a bloody, over-the-top action movie, full of dark humor, and wild action sequences. At the same time, it will still remind you of the true meaning of Christmas when all is said and done. If you’re looking for an unconventional holiday film, Violent Night is the film for you.
–Romona Comet
Day 7—Ted Lasso: “Carol of the Bells” (2021)
If you still haven’t ticked the multi-award-winning Apple TV+ comedy off of your ever-expanding watchlist, then you need to do yourself a favor this festive season and move it straight to the top! Ted Lasso is a heartwarming comedy about an American football coach navigating the world of English soccer. While the entire series brims with holiday spirit, Season 2 surprised fans with an unexpected Christmas episode in July 2021, where we were blessed with an extra dose of “peace and goodwill to all men!”
The episode ticks all the holiday boxes: presents, nods to iconic Christmas media, seasonal earworms played in shopping malls, ridiculous Christmas hats, too much food (and just enough drink), and family – both “the family we’re born with, and to the family we make along the way.”
Like many a Ted Lasso or Christmas episode, this one had me crying (with a genuine smile on my face) by the end. I’ve watched this episode at least three times already and it never fails to strike the perfect Christmas chord. For an even greater holly jolly time, the series creators also released a short film in Claymation the same year titled, “The Missing Christmas Moustache.” To enjoy both of them fully, I would recommend watching seasons 1 and 2 of the series first – it’s a quick binge that won’t disappoint!
–Thomas Riest
Day 8—In Bruges (2008)
Following two hitmen played wonderfully by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, we get a darkly comedic drama with some unexpected warmth and humor against Bruges, Belgium’s cold, gothic backdrop. Amidst the tension of their mission, Christmas elements subtly add an ironic charm to the film’s atmosphere. The city’s medieval architecture, lit by soft Christmas lights and holiday decorations, creates an odd but memorable counter to the violent, often tragic storyline. The holiday season underscores the film’s themes of redemption and human connection while we witness some great on-screen chemistry between Farrell and Gleason with some incredible dialogue, making this a joy to watch.
–Vincent Kane
Day 9—Wonka (2023)
You might be thinking to yourself, “I don’t remember this being a Christmas movie!?” and you’d be half right. At first glance, 2023’s holiday hit, Wonka, may not scream Christmas, but when you look closely, it’s brimming with festive charm. You have Willy Wonka, a wannabe chocolatier trying to break into the industry with his fantastical treats. Along the way, he meets a few people who become friends and by the end, he’s well on his way to becoming the candy-coated eccentric we know from either Roald Dahl’s book, Gene Wilder’s portrayal in the ’70s, or Johnny Depp’s version directed by the equally eccentric Tim Burton.
But what makes it a Christmas movie? You mean, what does a fantastical white man who has dreams of producing the best products to be enjoyed around the world (especially children) with the help of short sidekicks have ANYTHING to do with Christmas? Add to that some snow, a few whimsical musical numbers, a Tiny Tim-esque character (in the form of Noodle), and a character who eats too much, and boom, you have a marvelous Christmas movie! Honestly, this one warms my heart like a mug of hot cocoa on a cold Christmas night, and is a perfect addition to your Christmas watchlist!
–Thomas Riest
Day 10—Four Christmases (2008)
You know I had to stay on brand for at least one of these. Four Christmases is a movie that I feel gets a bad rep. It follows a couple who are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day when their tropical vacation gets canceled. Of course, every home has problems, and what follows is a celebration of chaos and dysfunction. It’s a simple premise, but there are plenty of laughs and enough heart-warming moments that will make you grateful for your family at this time of year. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn may not have gotten along on-set, but they have enough chemistry on-screen to make you root for them. Four Christmases may not be a holiday classic, but it’s festive and funny enough to enjoy, especially if you’re looking for a little bit of romance sprinkled into your holiday.
–Romona Comet
Day 11—American Horror Stories: “The Naughty List” (2021)
I can’t say I recommend American Horror Stories as a whole, but this episode is an exception. It’s campy catharsis for anyone who saw an influencer do something egregious online and silently wished they’d get their comeuppance. The episode starts with three influencers running an online live show called ‘The Bro House’ where they decide to film themselves messing with a mall Santa and the subsequent staff manning the Holiday Village. This Santa though (played by Danny Trejo) is not in the mood to be messed with, and states matter-of-factly that they will get what they deserve. And boy do they. This is a goofy, over-the-top, little Christmas slasher and I love it. Danny Trejo does what he does best: be a violent OG. No surprises here, but some of the deaths are particularly goopy and holiday-themed in a way that made me laugh. Horror fans should definitely check this one out.
–Valerie Morreale
Day 12—Merry Happy Whatever (2019)
A victim of Netflix’s “we don’t really renew shows for a second season” mentality, Merry Happy Whatever can instead be viewed as a charming limited series about the Quinn family as they struggle with the different stresses of the holidays. The series is absolutely packed with recognizable faces, from Dennis Quad as patriarch Don Quinn to Disney Channel alums Bridgit Mendler and Ashley Tisdale as his daughters. It’s very similar to the 2020 rom-com Happiest Season now that I think about it, so if you liked that movie then you’ll probably enjoy this eight-episode shortlived Netflix series.
–Marmaduke Karlston
Day 13—The X-Files: “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” (1998)
On Christmas Eve, Mulder and Scully find themselves trapped in a bleak haunted house with two ghosts who enjoy terrorizing their new guests. A standalone “Monster of the Week” episode, How the Ghosts Stole Christmas is a creative bottle episode that has a little bit of everything—humor, the supernatural, some scares, and, of course, a little hint of romance. Guest stars Lily Tomlin and Ed Asner are perfection as the manipulative spectres, pushing Scully and Mulder to doubt and uncertainty before they pull guns on one another. This is a great episode to watch during the holiday season, even if you’ve never watched any other episode of The X-Files (and if you haven’t, why not!?). How the Ghosts Stole Christmas adds a little bite to the holiday while still embracing the meaning of Christmas.
–Romona Comet
Day 14—Night of the Comet (1984)
Night of the Living Dead meets Girls Just Want to Have Fun in this delightfully campy sci-fi horror romp, tailor-made for fans of drive-in classics. If you love Return of the Living Dead and Night of the Creeps, this one’s a must-see. With its bright ’80s fashion, big hair, and an upbeat pop soundtrack, the film is like an MTV music video brought to life. The world gears up for a rare comet passing, a phenomenon last seen when dinosaurs ruled the earth—uh-oh. Once the comet streaks by, most of humanity is reduced to dust, while others are transformed into a new kind of zombie: not quite Romero’s undead but eerie, half-human killers. A few survivors are left unscathed, including the spunky sister duo Reggie (Catherine Mary Stewart) and Sam (Kelli Maroney), who bring charm, resilience, and ’80s flair to the post-apocalyptic fallout. Their chemistry and energy give this film its heart, making for a fun, nostalgic, and action-packed ride through an ’80s horror wonderland.
–Vincent Kane
Day 15—Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)
Look, we’ve already previously covered the absolute best of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials on previous lists. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year is obviously not a classic like some of those others, but once you’ve watched those there’s nothing that has that Christmas feel quite like a Rankin/Bass Christmas special. Err, I guess this is technically more New Year’s Eve-themed but Rudolph is the protagonist and the story kicks off right where Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ends so it is basically a sequel. And if you’re like me, none of these Christmas specials can be too trippy. Just look at the still that accompanies this blurb: yes, that is a caveman, a knight and basically Benjamin Franklin assisting Santa Claus and Rudolph.
You see, that big-eared baby is the Baby New Year, and he needs to literally “ring in the new year” by hitting a gong at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve or else it will stay Dec. 31 forever. But a vulture named Eon is set to live for exactly 1,000 years, and this year is his last—unless he stops Baby New Year (later renamed Happy) from ringing that bell. Then he can live forever. But when people laugh at Baby New Year’s big ears, he cries and runs off to the Archipelago of Last Years, where the Old Years retire to an island styled after the year in which they ruled. This includes Happy running into the Three Bears of all characters, who have the best variety of accents ever. If that’s not enough to get you to watch, I don’t know what else I can tell you.
–Jacob Holmes
Day 16—The Secret World of Santa Claus (1997)
If you grew up in Canada in the 2000s, there’s a good chance you’ve seen The Secret World of Santa Claus at least once. Every year around November, Teletoon would bring back this delightful animated series, which comprises 26 episodes, airing it daily until the calendar turned over into the new year. Each episode typically involves Santa Claus, his three elves, and a talking polar bear named Balbo working to make a kid’s Christmas wish come true. However, attempting to ruin the hopes of the children are Gruzzlebeard and his sidekick Dudley, the recurring villains. If you have children, this is the perfect thing to put on the TV for them (just search for the show on YouTube and you’ll find full episodes).
–Marmaduke Karlston
Day 17—Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
This is a great Christmas movie for people who hate Christmas movies. While still dripping with holiday vibes and décor, Anna and the Apocalypse is surprisingly bleak. And why wouldn’t it be? A zombie apocalypse right before the holidays isn’t exactly a cause for celebration for Anna and the rest of the main cast, but it makes for a fun movie. Be forewarned though: there’s a lot of singing. It’s a lot more High School Musical than it is Shaun of the Dead, but if you’re someone who really enjoyed both, this is the movie for you. It’s goofy, gorey, over-the-top and the songs rock. It also might just make you cry.
–Valerie Morreale
Day 18—The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Imagine Jason Bourne with a holiday twist and he’s also a hot mom, and I give you The Long Kiss Goodnight. A 90s action-thriller with plenty of dark humor and punch starring Geena Davis as a sweet, small-town mom and schoolteacher who has lost all memory of her past. As Christmas approaches, strange flashes of her old life begin to surface, leading her and a low-rent private eye, Mitch (Samuel L. Jackson), on a relentless journey to uncover her true identity. Soon, Samantha learns she’s not just any suburban mom—she’s a highly trained government assassin with a high kill count and a bad attitude. If you are looking to add to your action-packed holiday fun, The Long Kiss Goodnight is a fun and underrated addition.
–Vincent Kane
Day 19—Community: “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” (2010)
As we elders reminisce about twenty-two episode television seasons and the holiday specials we used to get, I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend finding and watching Community’s season 2 Claymation Christmas special. The animation celebrates the iconic Rankin/Bass Christmas specials and touches upon loneliness during the holiday season. That may sound like a downer, but Community manages to take what could be a rather depressing theme and wraps it up with hilarious songs and colorful stop-motion animation. Not only does Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas capture the show’s quirky spirit, but it also delivers a heartfelt story about the importance of chosen family, and how we can find meaning in the holiday with the people we’ve grown to care about and love. Even if you’ve never watched the show, you can definitely give Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas a watch! Maybe fit it in between Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
–Romona Comet
Day 20—Spirited (2022)
Spirited poses the question: what if the ghosts from a Christmas Carol changed hearts and minds every year? In the 2022 film, Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, determined to change the heart of cynical media executive Clint Briggs (played by Ryan Reynolds). Hilarity ensues as Ferrell’s ghost finds that Briggs is a tough nut to crack, and wants absolutely nothing to do any of this self-reflection business. Did I mention this is also a musical? What sounds on paper like a soulless Apple TV cash grab is an absolute delight to watch, full of genuinely funny moments and heartfelt characters. When my in-laws suggested we watch this last year, I was very skeptical but found myself enjoying it despite my preconceived notions. Ferrell is at his best here, and he and Reynolds have a lot of natural chemistry as a comedy duo. The music too is excellent (written by Pasek and Paul, who wrote the songs for Dear Evan Hansen), making the movie feel like a true musical rather than just a movie with some songs in it. I recommend it as a feel-good holiday season watch, and I’ll definitely be including it on my list.
–Valerie Morreale
Day 21—Peep Show: “Seasonal Beatings” (2010)
Seasonal Beatings is the pinnacle of one of the greatest comedy shows of all time. Long-time fans of the series will have the laugh-out-loud moments ingrained in their psyche. Shredding ham, Jeremy’s Christmas joke, and the request to muzzle a girlfriend. But it is also an episode that can be watched by newcomers, as many of the events and dynamics of spending Christmas day with family are scarily relatable. Just not to such an extreme extent (hopefully). It does, thankfully, have a pleasantly uplifting ending. After which I’m left asking only one question. Is cauliflower traditional?
–Lee McCutcheon
Day 22—A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)
This one is a childhood favorite for me. I grew up watching it on VHS every year, and the jokes never got old. I re-watched it this year, and it’s even better as an adult. The animation is old, but the jokes are so dry and the whole thing feels very classic Garfield. Clocking in at a quick 23 minute run time and streaming on Peacock, this is an easy watch while you’re pouring Thanksgiving mimosas or setting up the tree.
–Valerie Morreale
Day 23—Krampus (2015)
We follow young Max whose Christmas spirit has been shattered by family squabbles and holiday stress so he forgoes his holiday wish. Unfortunately, his loss of faith summons Krampus. A terrifying, ancient demon who punishes the naughty. Soon, Max’s family finds themselves trapped in a snowbound suburban hellscape, fighting off creepy, twisted Christmas creatures like sinister gingerbread men, malicious toys, and monstrous elves.
The holiday setting is both festive and haunting, with decorations and snowfall contrasting against Krampus’s foreboding presence. Director Michael Dougherty balances scares and laughs, creating a creepy, atmospheric vibe that feels like a cross between Gremlins and The Nightmare Before Christmas. With a strong cast, including Toni Collette and Adam Scott, Krampus captures the chaos and dysfunction of family gatherings, then twists it with a horror spin that’s as entertaining as it is unnerving. It’s a perfect pick for horror fans who want their Christmas spirit served with a side of scares.
–Vincent Kane
Day 24—Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Mickey’s Christmas Carol was the first adaptation of A Christmas Carol I ever saw. I was extremely young, and yet, this particular cartoon has stayed with me for decades and is a must-watch every holiday season. Scrooge McDuck takes on the role of, you guessed it, Ebenezer Scrooge, while Mickey Mouse is his underpaid employee, Bob Cratchit. It condenses Dickens’s story into a 26-minute runtime, but it still manages to capture the heart of A Christmas Carol, and the message it conveys. As a bonus, there is something so magical about the animation, back before computers and CGI, and it feels like time-traveling every time I watch it. Give Mickey’s Christmas Carol a watch. Not only do you get a colorful foray into classic literature, but any Disney fan will certainly enjoy all of the easter eggs sprinkled about.
–Romona Comet
Day 25—The Holdovers (2023)
“They don’t make movies like this anymore” was a line that flowed out of the mouths of critics everywhere when The Holdovers was released last year and that couldn’t be truer! Set in a boarding school in 1970, this tale tells the stories of those left behind over the Christmas break. Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is the perfect film for the more melancholic viewer during Christmas time. Sure, we enjoy the presents, pageantry, singing, and snow, but what I’ve always loved about Christmas is the chance to slow down and reflect, take stock of the year (or years), and see where you’ve been and where you’re going. Sometimes this process is nostalgic and comforting, but it can also be difficult, mingled with loss and regret. This film feels very much about these moments. Led by a perfectly ‘dramedic’ performance from Paul Giamatti and supported by newcomer Dominic Sessa and Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, this is a film perfect for one of the quieter Christmas days.
–Thomas Riest
Check out past editions of ScreenAge Wasteland’s 25 Days of Christmas!
2019 | 2020 | 2021
Ho ho ho, that’s a wrap on SAW’s 2024 list of 25 Christmas media to watch this holiday season. How many will you commit to watching before Christmas Day?