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The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means right? Cozy nights, warm blankets, and a bucket-load of Christmas cheer! It’s the time of year when families gather around the TV with mugs of hot cocoa to watch feel-good festive films that bring warmth to the soul.
Classics likeHome AloneandLove Actuallyfill us with joy, reminding us of the magic of the season. But not every Christmas-themed movie will give you that fuzzy, comforting feeling. Some might even dampen your holiday spirit.
To keep your Christmas merry and bright, here’s a list of five movies you’re better off skipping this holiday season because it’s the season to be jolly, after all.
1The Apartment (1960)
While Billy Wilder’s Oscar winning film,The Apartmentis a cinematic masterpiece, it’s far from the wholesome holiday vibe you’d expect during Christmas.
The film revolves around an insurance clerk, played by Jack Lemmon, who lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs. Meanwhile, he falls for the elevator operator played by Shirley MacLaine, who happens to be involved with his boss.
Yes, the story is layered and brilliantly told, but it’s more of a bittersweet romantic drama with themes that don’t exactly scream holiday cheer. Christmas is all about celebrating with family, sharing love, and creating joyous memories.
This movie, on the other hand, dives into the complications of office politics, unfaithful relationships, and heartbreak. It’s an amazing watch, just not when you’re in the mood for the warm and fuzzy holiday feels.
2Don’t Open Till Christmas (1984)
Horror movies and Christmas go together like snow and sand! They just don’t mix.Don’t Open Till Christmasis a slasher movie that takes all the festive joy and replaces it with terror. The plot follows a Scotland Yard inspector trying to catch a killer who targets men dressed as Santa Claus. The murders are gruesome, and the overall tone is unsettling.
While horror fans might appreciate a good scare, Christmas is a time for comfort and happiness. This film’s dark and violent storyline, complete with absurd plot twists, feels out of place during the holidays. Christmas is about joy, laughter, and cozying up with feel-good movies.
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Instead of curling up with this unsettling story which will keep you up at night, why not opt for something that keeps the Christmas spirit alive?
3Violent Night (2022)
Violent Nighttries to put a unique spin on Christmas by blending action and comedy, but the result is far from festive. The story revolves around a group of mercenaries who hold a wealthy family hostage on Christmas Eve. Their plans are thwarted when Santa Claus himself shows up to save the day, but not in the way you’d expect.
This version of Santa is a tough fighter who’s ready to take on the bad guys, complete with intense action sequences and plenty of bloodshed.
If you’re expecting the cozy Christmas vibes of togetherness and joy, this movie might leave you scratching your head.
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While some might find this darkly comedic take entertaining, the excessive violence and crude language make it a poor choice for Christmas movie night. Christmas movies are supposed to spread joy, not depict gory battles. Stick with timeless classics that bring out the magic of the holidays, leaving you with smiles instead of shock.
Silent Night (2021)
Don’t let the title fool you,Silent Nighthas little to do with the classic carol or the peaceful holiday spirit. Instead, it’s a dark and somber story set in the backdrop of a global catastrophe.
The story follows a group of family and friends gathering for one final Christmas celebration as a poisonous cloud looms, threatening to end all life. What starts as a festive get-together quickly spirals into debates over whether to take government-issued pills for a painless death.
StarringKeira Knightleyand Matthew Goode, this movie is heavy, bleak, and emotionally draining. It’s a bold story, but it’s far from the uplifting experience most people seek during the holidays. Christmas is about hope, joy, and looking forward to a better tomorrow. Watching this movie during the festive season might leave you feeling more despondent than merry.
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If you’d rather keep things light this holiday season, skip the existential dread and stick to singing the classic carolSilent Nightinstead. That would be much more in the spirit of Christmas!
The Christmas Tree (1969)
If you’re looking for a cheerful holiday movie,The Christmas Treemight not be the best pick. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing to the store for more tissues! Directed by Terence Young, this movie tells the heart-wrenching story of a father, Laurent Ségur played by William Holden, who discovers that his young son, Pascal, is dying from radiation exposure. Determined to make his son’s last days special, they embark on a series of touching adventures.
While the film’s message about cherishing loved ones is undoubtedly powerful, it’s not the kind of movie you want to watch during the holidays. Christmas is meant to lift spirits, not drown them in sorrow. If you’re in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, save this one for another time. For now, stick to movies that leave you smiling.
Sohini Mukherjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :331
Sohini Mukherjee is an Evergreen writer at FandomWire, specializing in pop culture, all things sitcoms, and, of course, Harry Potter. She has a soft spot for shows like Modern Family and pretty much any movie that knows how to tell a good story. You’ll find her name on listicles and long form articles that feel more like fun conversations than stiff articles. Having published over 300 articles, Sohini always brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the stories she covers.
