From the Grinch to Die Hard
Whether it’s
Home Alone,
Elf or
It’s A Wonderful Life, almost everyone has a favorite holiday movie.
But while these—and several well-known others—are typically considered
the classics of the season, there are a few that deserve more credit
than they’re given.
So this year—instead of just sticking with the old
standbys—branch out with TIME’s picks for the six most underrated
holiday flicks. They’re all available to stream in the weeks between
Thanksgiving and New Year’s to help you get in the festive spirit.
See the full list below.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Why to watch: What’s the only thing better
than Michael Caine playing Scrooge? Michael Caine playing Scrooge
alongside a supporting cast of Muppets. This 1992 remake of Charles
Dickens’ 19th century classic gifts viewers with a heartwarming and
kid-friendly adaptation that still hits all the essential notes of the
original story. With catchy musical numbers throughout, Kermit the Frog
as Bob Cratchit and an ending that oozes festive spirit, there’s no
reason this movie shouldn’t be considered one of the all-time holiday
greats. If nothing else, the hilarious fourth-wall-breaking from Gonzo’s
Dickens should be enough to get anyone on board.
Where to watch: HBO GO
Die Hard (1988)
Why to watch: Die Hard isn’t generally
considered underrated, as action movie buffs tend to love the Bruce
Willis-led hero cop flick. However, it’s often overlooked that the
takedown of Hans Gruber and his band of terrorists takes place on
Christmas Eve, making it a perfectly festive holiday viewing option.
Revel in lines such as, “Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho,” and, “Just
once, I’d like a regular, normal Christmas — eggnog, a f—king Christmas
tree, a little turkey,” as John McClane fights to free the hostages
inside Los Angeles’ Nakatomi Plaza.
Where to watch: Amazon Video
Trading Places (1983)
Why to watch: This Prince and the Pauper-esque
tale tells the story of investor Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and
street hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) — two men of
drastically different social classes who find their fortunes reversed in
the week between Christmas and New Year’s. While it’s not exactly a
traditional holiday film, it does feature several scenes in which
Aykroyd’s character is drunk and wearing a Santa suit, a.k.a. Christmas
comedy gold.
Where to watch: Amazon Video
The Holiday (2006)
Why to watch: It’s no Love Actually, but The Holiday still
has all the trappings of a romantic comedy that’s both joyful and
triumphant, and it includes a Hanukkah party. Although not much of a
surprise in terms of plot, the movie tells the clichéd yet enjoyable
story of two women who exchange homes in hopes of taking their minds off
their respective heartbreaks only to both find the true love they were
searching for all along. And don’t underestimate Jack Black, who plays
the ideal romantic partner for Kate Winslet.
Where to watch: Amazon Video
Just Friends (2005)
Why to watch: Starring Ryan Reynolds pre-Deadpool fame, Just Friends is
another rom-com worthy of a December viewing session. When Chris
(Reynolds) reluctantly returns home from California to New Jersey for
Christmas, he unexpectedly runs into his high school best friend Jamie
(Amy Smart) — the girl who first broke his heart. Chris has since become
a huge player, but of course, as holiday shenanigans ensue, he’s forced
to finally come to terms with his feelings for his former crush.
Where to watch: Netflix
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Why to watch: The 1966 animated adaptation of
this Dr. Seuss story may make your heart grow three sizes, but the
hilariously bizarre live-action version should be the one to win the Holiday Cheermeister
award. Jim Carrey steals the show as the self-deprecating and vulgar
Grinch, delivering a performance that is definitely worthy of rewatching
at least once a year. During a season when the majority of movies are
sappy and overwrought with emotion, this unexpectedly delightful comedy
is fun, weird and relatable in the best ways.
Where to watch: HBO GO
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