Beyond the Familiar Faces
The Year Without a Santa Claus
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the warm embrace of family and friends. And what’s a Christmas celebration without a healthy dose of heartwarming movies? From the beloved classics we watch year after year to the brand-new releases vying for our attention, Christmas movies are a fundamental part of the festive experience. But with so much content vying for our time, it’s easy to overlook some truly wonderful, often overlooked gems. This article is dedicated to uncovering those “Christmas Movies You Forgot About,” those hidden treasures that deserve a spot on your holiday watch list. Prepare to rediscover some cinematic delights that might just become new holiday traditions.
We all have our favorites. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “A Christmas Story” are iconic, and rightfully so. However, the world of Christmas cinema is vast and rich, brimming with films that, for various reasons, have faded from the collective memory. It’s time to bring them back into the spotlight. Let’s begin our cinematic journey with some classic options.
One such gem is the charming animated special, “The Year Without a Santa Claus.” (If you forgot about this Christmas movie, it’s completely understandable.) This delightful tale, featuring the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, is a vibrant and imaginative story that celebrates the spirit of the season. It’s a story of Mrs. Claus’s quest to remind everyone of Christmas, when Santa Claus feels that no one is believing in Christmas anymore. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, still possesses a timeless quality. The catchy songs and the quirky characters have an enduring appeal, and the underlying message about the importance of belief and the warmth of community is particularly poignant. If you’re looking for a comforting dose of nostalgia, “The Year Without a Santa Claus” is a perfect choice for the season. The vibrant colors and the memorable soundtrack will undoubtedly transport you back to your childhood, or at least help you appreciate the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Holiday Inn
Moving into live-action territory, consider “Holiday Inn.” This movie, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, is a quintessential example of classic Hollywood charm. While it’s less commonly mentioned in the same breath as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Holiday Inn” offers a delightful blend of music, dance, and festive cheer. The movie revolves around a resort open only on holidays, with a central conflict between a talented singer and the people in his life. Crosby’s velvety vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the film’s heartwarming narrative, and Astaire’s graceful choreography adds another layer of brilliance. The film’s memorable musical numbers, including “White Christmas” (which debuted in the film!), have become synonymous with the holiday season. “Holiday Inn” is a cinematic experience, and a truly wonderful Christmas movie. The set design, fashion, and charm, make it a Christmas movie you should really watch again.
Remember the Night
Then there’s “Remember the Night,” a more dramatically inclined film from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This one is not often mentioned when we think of Christmas, but is a powerful film. The story follows a shoplifter and a district attorney forced to spend Christmas Eve together. It offers a poignant look at human connection and the transformative power of empathy. The Christmas setting is used to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and the performances of Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray are exceptional. The film explores themes of redemption, loneliness, and the search for belonging, making it a thought-provoking alternative to the more lighthearted Christmas fare. Consider watching it, to see how it can transform your Christmas time.
Underrated Gems, Sparkling Stories
The Ref
Now let’s delve into the realm of truly underappreciated treasures. These are the films that often get lost in the shuffle, but that offer something special for those willing to seek them out.
First, consider “The Ref.” While not as family-friendly as some other Christmas movies, this black comedy starring Denis Leary, Kevin Spacey, and Judy Davis is a hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming choice. The film focuses on a couple held hostage on Christmas Eve by a burglar, and the ensuing chaos. The sharp wit, cynical humor, and dysfunctional family dynamics make it a refreshing take on the Christmas movie formula. “The Ref” is a cynical Christmas movie, but it has moments of heartfelt sincerity that make it more than just a dark comedy. It delivers a holiday dose of laughter and a unique perspective on holiday cheer.
Prancer
Another often-forgotten gem is “Prancer.” This film tells the tale of a young girl who believes that a wounded reindeer is Prancer, one of Santa’s reindeer. The film features child-friendly action and fun Christmas adventures. A sweet and inspiring film for the whole family, and one of the Christmas Movies You Forgot About. It celebrates the power of belief, the importance of compassion, and the magic of the Christmas season, this is a film that will bring you a Christmas of fun. This touching film has a real warmth, and makes you believe in Christmas again.
While You Were Sleeping
For those seeking a touch of romance, “While You Were Sleeping” offers a delightful blend of comedy and heartwarming emotions. Though it is a Christmas movie, it is always overlooked for other Christmas comedies. Starring Sandra Bullock, this film follows a woman who saves a man’s life and is mistaken for his fiancée. The film is funny, and it has a big heart. It offers a unique take on the romantic comedy genre, and a good watch over Christmas. It is one of the Christmas movies you have forgotten.
Christmas Movies With a Twist
Die Hard
Some Christmas movies offer a unique twist on the familiar tropes, mixing genres and providing a fresh perspective on the holiday season. Let’s explore some of those movies.
For those who enjoy action and suspense, the movie “Die Hard” is a Christmas action classic. Though it’s often debated whether “Die Hard” truly fits the definition of a Christmas movie, the film’s setting on Christmas Eve, its festive decorations, and its focus on family make it a solid contender. This film delivers suspense, but also a unique view of the holiday season. This may not be a Christmas movie you have forgotten, but many people don’t think about this film during the Christmas period.
Krampus
If you enjoy horror movies, then Christmas is the perfect time to watch this movie. “Krampus” is a horror comedy that has the Christmas setting as the story takes place. This movie isn’t for the faint of heart. It is a dark, and sometimes gory, tale of a boy who loses his Christmas spirit, and the demon Krampus. It’s a film that is unlike any other Christmas movies. This film is a great addition to your Christmas movie nights.
Re-Discovering Festive Films
So, where to find these “Christmas Movies You Forgot About”? The good news is that, thanks to streaming services, many of these films are readily available. Check out platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+ for a vast selection. Many of these movies are also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Vudu.
Beyond these readily available sources, it’s worth exploring specialty channels dedicated to classic movies. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) often broadcasts a rich array of older films during the holiday season. Also, look for local film societies and independent cinemas that might host special holiday screenings. And of course, don’t discount the power of your local library, a great source for a variety of Christmas Movies.
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar, browse online movie databases like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, and read reviews from other film enthusiasts. Search for “lesser-known Christmas movies,” “underrated holiday films,” or even specific genres like “Christmas comedies” or “Christmas dramas.”
The True Meaning of Christmas Movies
Why do we love Christmas movies? Because they remind us of what truly matters during the holiday season. They remind us to be kind, give, and open to what the season holds. They celebrate the importance of family, friendship, and the magic of human connection.
Christmas movies bring us comfort, help us believe in the values that are very important to life. Discovering a forgotten gem can be like finding a hidden present under the tree. It’s a chance to experience something new while still embracing the nostalgic warmth of the season.
The Spirit of Rediscovery
So, this holiday season, venture beyond the usual suspects. Explore the world of “Christmas Movies You Forgot About.” You may discover a new favorite film, or a new perspective of the season. The true joy of Christmas movies lies in rediscovery. Whether it’s revisiting a cherished classic or unearthing a forgotten treasure, the experience is meant to be shared. We hope this list inspires you to explore and find those hidden cinematic gems that bring joy.
