5 Great Christmas Films Not Meant to be Christmas Films

Matt here!

Most know of my essential list of Christmas films I post every year, but, for those looking for Christmas films not often found on essential Christmas film lists, here are five films that can be considered Christmas films even though they were not released as Christmas films. Even It's a Wonderful Life, which has gone on to be the quintessential Christmas movie, was originally released with no intention of being a Christmas movie. So, for those looking for both the cliche and different, here are five great Christmas films not meant to be Christmas films!

Die Hard

Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, Alexander Godunov, and William Atherton

I know I listed this film in my "Essential Christmas Films" list but Die Hard also ranks on this list as it was released in July, and doesn't fit conventional Christmas standards. Nevertheless, the soundtrack features Christmas music, showcases good will toward men, and has tons of Christmas references! If you need any more reason why Die Hard is a Christmas film, read Jay's article here!

Gremlins

Starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Dick Miller, Polly Holliday, and Corey Feldman

It all seems like innocent fun when an inventor father purchases an extraordinary, cute creature for his teenage son for Christmas -- until said creature multiplies and his eerie clones start becoming reptilian-like creatures that cause havoc, mayhem, and even death in the small town in which they live! Most people would probably show this film to their children, and I say "beware." It may be written by Goonies screenwriter and Home Alone director Chris Columbus, but there is some extremely creepy moments in this one -- the most notable being Phoebe Cates' urban-legendesque tale of her father's death and a couple of characters' deaths (it was this film and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom that prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating). But, all in all, it's an enjoyable movie with a wicked streak! Perfect for the horror/suspense fan for the holidays!

Just Friends

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein, Chris Marquette, Julie Hagerty, and Stephen Root

Ryan Reynolds stars as Chris Brander, a successful, womanizing Hollywood record producer who, thanks to pop music star (think of a dense Britney Spears) Samantha James (Anna Faris) finds himself inadvertently returning at Christmas to the one place he promised he’d never return to: his hometown in New Jersey. Upon his return, he must face his former life as an obese dork, with a lisp and braces, that had a huge crush on his high school best friend, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). When he thinks a simple revenge scheme will bring him closure, it turns out that his feelings aren’t as gone as he thought, especially when he has to contend with another former dork (Chris Klein). Anyone who’s ever been caught in the exhausting loop of “I think of you as a friend” can definitely empathize with Chris’ plight. The thing I liked most about this film is the physical comedy – particularly from Reynolds, who I’ve always liked better as a comic actor than a dramatic one – as well as the pacing of the story and the chemistry between the cast. It’s a zany comedy with a great message: don’t try to live up to someone’s expectation; you can’t force anyone to love you; and if you’re a good person, you shouldn’t have to change to please anyone. Sounds serious, but it’s definitely anything but! Plus, any movie that has Reynolds lip syncing to All-4-One’s 1990s R&B ballad “I Swear” and quotes Springsteen (“This town is full of losers, and I’m pulling out of here to win!”) is a winner in my book!

Less Than Zero

Starring Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, Robert Downey Jr., and James Spader 

Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Less Than Zero is certainly one of the heavier, more depressing fare on this list. The story follows Clay (Andrew McCarthy) as he returns home to California from Princeton for winter break. Just a few weeks prior at Thanksgiving, he had caught his girlfriend, Blair (Jami Gertz), in bed with his best friend, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), so he returns -- all to the glorious, dramatic Bangles cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" -- feeling completely over the place he once called home and the people he once called friends. However, he is quickly drawn back to his two friends and their world when Blair begs him to check up on Julian, whose drug habit has grown exponentially worse. The entire movie takes place during Christmas, and while themes such as forgiveness, love, and redemption are explored (and the score by Thomas Newman is haunting, melodramatic and great), there is quite a bit of melancholy as well; but it is a good cautionary tale regarding the danger of drugs. 

While You Were Sleeping

Starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, and Jack Warden

For those wanting a more romantic comedy feel to their Christmas films, I give you this 1995 film that was never marketed or made to be a Christmas film, but the holiday figures prominently throughout. Lonely Chicago Transit Authority token collector Lucy (Sandra Bullock) sees every day the man (Peter Gallagher) she has a huge crush on, but he's quickly gone and she's left alone. One day, he falls on the train tracks and she rescues him, soon pretending to his loving family that she and he are engaged. The only problem is that the man's brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), isn't buying it. Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out where this story goes. But seeing how the film centers around Christmas and the importance of family and kindness, it's a welcome addition to the genre!

Are there any movies you can think of that you consider Christmas movies? Or films you enjoy watching at Christmas time? Sound off in the comments!