Ditch the classics: 10 underrated Christmas movies and where to watch them

Sure Elf and The Grinch are classics, but there are a whole bunch of awesome Christmas movies out there. Try one of these hidden gems this weekend.

Every year, the same beloved Christmas movies dominate our screens: The Holiday, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life just to name a few.

While these classics hold a special place in our hearts, our festive cravings sometimes demand something a little less traditional.

This year, dive into a world of hidden gems that might just become your new holiday traditions. Here are 10 underrated Christmas movies to add to your watch list.

1. Ultimate Christmas Cameo: The Night Before (2015)

Watch: Binge

This wild ride through New York City is more than just a Miley Cyrus cameo (though that’s definitely a bonus). Three lifelong friends embark on an epic Christmas Eve quest to attend the legendary Nutcracker party. Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie bring hilarious chemistry and outrageous antics to this adventure, ensuring a healthy dose of laughs, bar crawls, and bromance – all sprinkled with Christmas magic.

2. Comfort Classic: While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Watch: Disney +

This was one of my mum’s all-time favourites, and I’ve probably seen it even more than Elf. It’s the ultimate comfort movie. Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a lonely transit worker who falls for a handsome man after rescuing him on the subway, only to discover he’s in a coma. When his family mistakes her for his fiancée, Lucy gets swept into a whirlwind of holiday cheer and family drama. It’s sweet, charming, and guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

3. Comedy Explosion: Genie (2023)

Watch: Netflix, Binge

Melissa McCarthy brings her comedic A-game in this new release about a workaholic man who loses his family due to his relentless obsession with work. While the storyline might lean a bit cliché, McCarthy as the genie is an absolute riot, making it worth the watch for her iconic performance alone. Plus, there’s just something special about Christmas movies set in New York.

4. Body-Swap Shenanigans: Family Switch (2023)

Watch: Netflix

Another newbie, this Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms gem is one of the best Christmas flicks in recent years. It’s a hilarious twist on the classic body-swap trope, exploring family dynamics, teenage angst, and the importance of communication through a lighthearted holiday lens. The baby and dog switching roles will have you in stitches, and the whole family will relate to the holiday craziness.

5. Guilty Pleasure: The Princess Switch (2018)

Watch: Netflix

No Christmas movie list is complete without a cringe-worthy, hate-to-love flick, right? Vanessa Hudgens pulls double duty as both a Chicago baker and a European princess who look remarkably alike and decide to swap lives for two weeks before Christmas. Expect mistaken identities, royals from the fictional Belgravia, and of course, a baking competition in this delightful, easy-watch rom-com. Bonus: it’s become a trilogy if you’re up for a marathon!

6. Enemy-to-lovers in the Tropics: Operation Christmas Drop (2020)

Watch: Netflix

If enemies-to-lovers forced into close quarters is your jam, buckle up for this one. Based loosely on the real-life U.S. Air Force mission, this film stars Vampire Diaries alum Katy Graham alongside Alexander Ludwig. It’s a unique blend of Christmas and military life, promising laughs, tears, and maybe even a cringe or two at the CGI lizards.

7. Musical Surprise: Spirited (2022)

Watch: Apple TV

I’m not normally a musical fan, but Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds together? Sign me up! This modern take on A Christmas Carol features stunning visuals, catchy holiday tunes, and a surprisingly emotional core. The humour is solid, the jokes are equal parts provocative and family-friendly, and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh take on a classic tale.

8. Modern Deception Twist: Love Hard (2021)

Watch: Netflix

Another Vampire Diaries graduate joins the Christmas movie ranks! Natalie, a hopeless romantic columnist, falls for Josh, a charming writer she connects with online. When she decides to surprise him for Christmas, she discovers he’s been catfishing her, using photos of his best friend. This hilarious rom-com puts a modern spin on holiday deception, with Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang delivering witty banter and heartwarming moments in equal measure.

9. Laugh-Out-Loud Holiday: Holidate (2020)

Watch: Netflix

While maybe not the ideal family film, this witty and contemporary Christmas movie is perfect for those seeking laughs. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey play Sloane and Jackson, two strangers who make a pact to be each other’s plus-ones for all the holidays.

10. Christmas Mayhem: Gremlins (1984)

Watch: Binge

Okay, I know this one throws a bit of a curveball. But like Die Hard, I love a Christmas movie that might not technically fit the mould for others. Enter Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai who, under no circumstances, should be exposed to bright light, water, or fed after midnight. Naturally, all three rules promptly get broken, unleashing a horde of furry fiends who wreak havoc. A holiday riot that blends humour, horror, and a surprisingly catchy Christmas jingle into a wild, nostalgic ride.

And there you have it! Ten movies to add to your watchlist that are guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even question your sanity.

Put on your coziest pyjamas, grab your favourite snacks, and settle in for a holiday movie marathon that goes beyond the same old classics.

Just remember, whatever you choose to watch, don’t feed the Mogwai after midnight.

Originally published as Ditch the classics: 10 underrated Christmas movies and where to watch them