Move over, It's a Wonderful Life and Die Hard. A treasure trove of lesser-known festive films is waiting to be discovered, according to readers of The Guardian. After the publication's own writers shared their favourite under-the-radar Christmas movies, the audience responded with a slew of brilliant, often overlooked, alternatives that deserve a spot on your holiday watchlist.
From Black Comedy to Zombie Apocalypse
The recommendations showcase an eclectic mix of genres, proving Christmas spirit can be found in the most unexpected places. Leading the charge is All Is Bright, a modern black comedy starring Paul Rudd and Paul Giamatti as two struggling Christmas tree sellers. Readers praised Rudd's departure from his usual charming roles into a more sarcastic turn, perfectly complementing Giamatti's 'Christmas Grinch'.
For something truly offbeat, British comedy Stalled takes the festive office party to a new level. The film is set almost entirely in a toilet cubicle, where a plumber finds himself trapped during a zombie apocalypse. Described as both ingenious and comical, it's a far cry from traditional holiday fare.
Heartfelt Classics and Chaotic Origin Stories
Several readers championed films that offer heartfelt emotion without excessive sentimentality. The Family Man, starring Nicolas Cage, was highlighted as one of the actor's most underrated performances. Inspired by the premise of It's a Wonderful Life, the film was praised for balancing warmth and entertainment effectively.
In the animation category, Klaus, a traditionally animated Santa origin story from Sergio Pablos, received significant acclaim. Released on Netflix, readers felt this heartwarming and chaotically funny film had gone 'criminally below the radar' and deserved much wider recognition.
A Festive Tour de Force of Reader Recommendations
The list provided by readers is extensive and international in flavour. Other standout mentions include:
- The Ref: A clever dark comedy starring Kevin Spacey, Denis Leary, and Judy Davis, which succeeds remarkably as a feelgood film.
- 8-Bit Christmas: A shamelessly nostalgic film that manages to be enormously funny for children while reducing adults to tears by the end.
- Comfort and Joy: Bill Forsyth's offbeat charm shines in this story of a radio DJ who gets over a breakup by getting entangled in Glasgow's ice-cream wars.
- Remember the Night (1940): A sophisticated, adult festive take with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, cherished by those who have seen it.
- Bernard and the Genie: A British TV comedy special featuring an all-star 90s cast including Lenny Henry, Alan Cumming, and Rowan Atkinson, described as essential viewing for the season.
The selections span decades and styles, from the low-budget Canadian charm of The Christmas Martian to the star-studded antics of A Bad Moms Christmas. This collective effort from readers underscores the rich diversity of Christmas cinema beyond the usual mainstream suspects, offering perfect viewing options for every mood during the holiday season.
