Nothing screams Christmas like steaming hot chocolate, cookies, and the whole family gathered around to enjoy a good old Christmas movie. While there are classics that we always keep going back to, like Love Actually and Home Alone, there are a few newer movies that could potentially earn a place in your staple Christmas binge-watch list. Here are 8 of the more recent films to get you in the Christmas spirit.
- Family Plan 2
For fans of action films, Christmas is generally considered a scarce season. However, full of chaos and comedy, and starring Mark Wahlberg, this film is for those who are looking for a break from their holiday romance binges. What begins as a simple European family holiday takes a sharp turn with a dangerous party crasher who sets off a series of thrilling fight sequences.
- Goodbye, June
Directed by and starring Kate Winslet, this film is a deeply touching tribute to love and loss. With a strong cast including Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, and Timothy Spall, the story follows a dying woman who longs to unite her family for one final Christmas. So be sure to keep some tissues on hand.
- Jingle Bell Heist
Starring Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, it is safe to say a heist movie is always welcome. The fact that it is also a Christmas comedy makes it an unquestionable must-watch. The film mixes together crime, romance, two struggling, desperate employees, and a Christmas store. What could go wrong?
- Anna and the Apocalypse
A zombie apocalypse is not usually something associated with Christmas. This adds to the movie’s intrigue. A coming-of-age zombie musical, to be more specific, this film makes up for the carnage and dread with its upbeat musical numbers. The plot follows a group of high school teens who are forced to deal with a zombie apocalypse that is unleashed during Christmas. The mere concept is admittedly intriguing enough to make anyone press play.
- Terrifier 3
Is there a Christmas film that showcases homicidal tendencies? This horrifying film was released just last year as a sequel to Damien Leone’s previous films. The merit of the film lies not only in its spot-on blending of Christmas and horror but also in its lore and iconography. Unsurprisingly, the film was a box office hit that is considered one of the top Christmas horror films so far.
- A Very Jonas Christmas Movie
Undoubtedly, millennial fans are particularly fond of another film featuring all three Jonas brothers. The film follows the antics of the three brothers as they travel to New York in time for the Christmas celebrations. Admittedly not your typical Christmas movie, it is quite refreshing and nostalgic for those who have followed the Boyband throughout the years.
- A Merry Little Ex-Mas
Of course, a Christmas list would not be complete without a cheesy rom-com. A Merry Little Ex-Mas, starring Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, chronicles the journey of childhood sweethearts on the verge of divorce. With a Christmas spent together and new girlfriends, the film is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit.
- Oh. What. Fun.
If you’re spending Christmas away from family this year, this is just the film for you. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer alongside Chloë Grace Moretz, Felicity Jones, Danielle Brooks, and Eva Longoria, this film is a fun adventure that is sure to raise anyone’s spirits. Accidentally left behind by her family on a Christmas outing she had planned for them, the family matriarch sets about on an adventure on her own. Funny and soulful, this film is a fabulous lesson about putting yourself first.
