40 Of The Best Adult Christmas Films
Some of my favourite Xmas films that aren't all sunshine and smiles! Mainly a mix of comedy and horror - no rom-coms, sorry!
There's a few films here that are PG / PG-13, but I think they have a dark enough tone (or crude enough humour) to appeal to adults wanting something that isn't as saccharine as most Xmas movies.
The list is in a very vague order of quality / Xmas feeling / humbug-ness, etc. It's not an exact science!
There's a few films here that are PG / PG-13, but I think they have a dark enough tone (or crude enough humour) to appeal to adults wanting something that isn't as saccharine as most Xmas movies.
The list is in a very vague order of quality / Xmas feeling / humbug-ness, etc. It's not an exact science!
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- DirectorTerry ZwigoffStarsBilly Bob ThorntonBernie MacLauren GrahamA miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.A modern Christmas classic, the ultimate anti-Christmas film! Hilarious with a touch of pathos.
- DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.Everyone knows this one! Dark, weird, funny and a visual treat, this one's not just for Goths! A must-see alternative Xmas movie.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJack LemmonShirley MacLaineFred MacMurrayA Manhattan insurance clerk tries to rise in his company by letting its executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue.Imagine a funnier, slightly ruder, more adult version of 'It's A Wonderful Life'
It's a classic, you gotta check it out! - DirectorJonathan LevineStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittSeth RogenJillian BellOn Christmas Eve, three lifelong friends spend the night in New York City looking for the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.If you like Seth Rogan and his style of comedy, this is an Xmas gem! This is 'R' rated comedy all the way.
Your enjoyment of this film will really depend on how much you like Seth Rogan, tho. - DirectorWarren P. SonodaStarsBoyd BanksJennifer BaxterMike BeaverUsing a professional-grade video camera, a dysfunctional family records their Christmas Day 1985, which descends into total chaos.Also known as 'Coopers Christmas'
A little known gem. This found-footage adult comedy is a great, mean-spirited Xmas flick. Pretty hard to find but I can't recommend it enough! 100% 'R' rated humour.
Absolutely one of the best adult Xmas films ever made. Try and find a way to watch it any way you can!
PS: Not to be confused with 'Christmas with the Coopers' starring Steve Martin & Diane Keaton. - DirectorBob ClarkStarsOlivia HusseyKeir DulleaMargot KidderDuring their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.A great proto-slasher film that doesn't hold anything back. It's a classic horror film filled with Xmas misery.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsBruce WillisAlan RickmanBonnie BedeliaA New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.An excellent action film that happens to be set at Xmas time. It's a blast!
- DirectorJalmari HelanderStarsJorma TommilaOnni TommilaPeeter JakobiIn the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, 486 meters deep, lies the closest ever guarded secret of Christmas. The time has come to dig it up. This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus.A very good black-comedy horror film from Finland, very unique. Great spin on the Santa Claus mythos.
- DirectorTommy WirkolaStarsDavid HarbourJohn LeguizamoBeverly D'AngeloAn elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.Brilliantly entertaining hybrid of Die Hard and Home Alone! I was expecting a horror movie, but was pleasantly surprised. This is a real Xmas treat!
- DirectorJoe DanteStarsZach GalliganPhoebe CatesHoyt AxtonA young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.A bona-fide cult classic! Vicious little creatures run amok in a small town at Christmas. The uncut version isn't totally kid friendly, but I'd still class it as a dark family comedy-horror film, just maybe not suitable for very young kids.
- DirectorShôgo FuruyaSatoshi KonStarsTôru EmoriYoshiaki UmegakiAya OkamotoOn Christmas Eve, three homeless people living on the streets of Tokyo discover a newborn baby among the trash and set out to find its parents.Funny and touching - a great Xmas film, even those who aren't really into anime (like me) will be hard pressed to not enjoy this gem.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonDanny DeVitoMichelle PfeifferWhile Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.The darkest and weirdest Batman film ever, and it's set at Christmas!
- DirectorJason EisenerStarsJonathan TorrensSarah DunsworthMaris MorganChristmas trees ripped out of their forest plan revenge against people enjoying the holidays.This is only a short, but it's an absolute must watch!
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyDan AykroydRalph BellamyA snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.Yep, this 80's classic is set at Christmas! While not the most Christmassy film ever, it's a great alternative to those Godawful Hallmark movies.
- DirectorChris PeckoverStarsOlivia DeJongeLevi MillerEd OxenbouldOn a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it's far from a normal home invasion.A really innovative horror film that can be pretty nasty in places. Great twist on the babysitter formula!
- DirectorVadim JeanStarsDavid JasonMarc WarrenMichelle DockeryIt's Hogswatch (equivalent to Christmas) on the Discworld and the Hogfather has gone missing, requiring Death to take his place while his granddaughter Susan endeavors to find out what has happened.Very good adaption of the Terry Patchett novel. High production values (especially for a TV movie) and all the wit of the book, great fun! Split in to two parts.
- DirectorJean-Baptiste AndreaFabrice CanepaStarsRay WiseLin ShayeMick CainChristmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.Absolutely awesome mystery horror film set on Christmas Eve. It's not super Christmassy but it is a killer horror flick.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBill MurrayKaren AllenJohn ForsytheA selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.Good spin on the tired 'A Christmas Carol' story featuring Bill Murry sporting his usual sarcastic, cynical humour. While not his best movie, this is pretty damn good and has become quite the cult classic over the years.
- DirectorTom ShanklandStarsEva BirthistleStephen Campbell MooreJeremy SheffieldA relaxing Christmas vacation turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the children begin to turn on their parents.A fantastic horror / thriller that's wonderfully unsettling! A modern take on 'Village of the Damned' in a way.
If you need something to get Aunt Mavis to leave on Boxing Day then put this on, she'll hate it!!! - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverGary BuseyTwo newly paired cops who are complete opposites must put aside their differences in order to catch a gang of drug smugglers.It's set at Christmas!
I think Die Hard feels more "Christmassy" so is ranked lower due to that, but this still earns a place here. - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.The tried and tested comedy formula of a dysfunctional family Christmas gets a dose 80's style horror weirdness. Not perfect, but it's quite funny and has some great practical horror effects.
- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsBruce WillisWilliam AthertonBonnie BedeliaJohn McClane attempts to avert disaster as rogue military operatives seize control of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.Great follow up to Die Hard, also set at Christmas!
- 1989–199622mNot Rated7.7 (2.2K)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJohn KassirMary Ellen TrainorLarry DrakeA greedy woman makes the mistake of murdering her husband while an escaped mental patient dressed in a Santa Claus outfit is on the loose.A great Christmas-themed episode of 'Tales from the Crypt'
- DirectorTed DemmeStarsDenis LearyJudy DavisKevin SpaceyA cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.A very enjoyable Xmas comedy film packed with recognisable faces and 'R' rated humour. Loses a little steam towards the end but it's not a deal breaker.
- DirectorGrant HarveySteven HobanBrett SullivanStarsWilliam ShatnerGeorge BuzaRob ArcherInterwoven stories that take place on Christmas Eve, as told by one festive radio host: A family brings home more than a Christmas tree, a student documentary becomes a living nightmare, a Christmas spirit terrorizes, Santa slays evil.Entertaining horror anthology tied together by William Shatner hosting a radio show at Christmas. Some good horror and a really cool twist ending. Seems to split opinion but I quite liked it - definitely recommended!
- DirectorMark WatersStarsBilly Bob ThorntonKathy BatesTony CoxFueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.Not as good as the original, and the humour is even more crass, but I still liked it
- DirectorCurtis HarringtonStarsShelley WintersMark LesterChloe FranksA demented widow lures unsuspecting children into her mansion in a bizarre "Hansel and Gretel" twist.A solid rip-off / spin-off of 'Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?' but with a comical Christmas twist!
- DirectorEshom NelmsIan NelmsStarsMel GibsonWalton GogginsMarianne Jean-BaptisteA rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus is fighting to save his declining business. Meanwhile, Billy, a neglected and precocious 12 year old, hires a hit man to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking.Oddball indie-flick that feels like a Coen brothers movie. Ponderous, darkly comical and with some violent scenes at the end. Not bad.
- DirectorFabrice du WelzStarsLaurent LucasBrigitte LahaieGigi CoursignyMarc, a traveling entertainer, is on his way home for Christmas when his van breaks down in the middle of a jerkwater town with some strange inhabitants.Strange French horror film with a very dark sense of humour - it divides opinion but I really liked it.
- DirectorTodd Strauss-SchulsonStarsKal PennJohn ChoNeil Patrick HarrisSix years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold Lee and Kumar Patel cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree.If stoner comedies are your (dime) bag then check this out! It's not as good as the first H&K film, but it's still pretty fun.
- DirectorRené ManzorStarsBrigitte FosseyLouis DucreuxPatrick FloersheimOn Christmas Eve, a resourceful young boy has to defend himself and his grandfather from a killer dressed as Santa Claus.Like an R-rated version of Home Alone with a psycho Santa!
- DirectorSeverin FialaVeronika FranzStarsRiley KeoughJaeden MartellLia McHughA soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in with her fiancé's two children at a remote holiday village. Just as relations begin to thaw between the trio, some strange and frightening events take place.A dark, bleak thriller about a woman going insane over the holiday season. It's a superb film, but not exactly a barrel of laughs.
Loses points due to not being very Christmassy. - DirectorFranck KhalfounStarsRachel NicholsWes BentleySimon ReynoldsA businesswoman is pursued by a psychopath after being locked in a parking garage on Christmas Eve.A good thriller/horror film that takes place in a parking lot on Christmas Eve.
Metascore seems absurdly low! It's a really solid thriller. - DirectorJohn McPhailStarsElla HuntMalcolm CummingSarah SwireA zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.A lot of people like it, I switched it off - I'm not really a fan of musicals. But hey, if you like musicals it's probably great!
- DirectorDick MaasStarsEgbert Jan WeeberBert LuppesCaro LenssenA horror film that depicts St. Nicholas as a murderous bishop who kidnaps and murders children when there is a full moon on December 5.Not to be confused with the Val Kilmer film from 1997, this Dutch comedy horror film adds a spin on the Saint Nicholas / Santa Claus mythos - much like Rare Exports - although it's not quite as successful in my opinion. Still well worth a watch tho, especially if you like horror movies!
- DirectorJosh GordonWill SpeckStarsJason BatemanOlivia MunnT.J. MillerWhen his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand...Not the funniest Christmas movie, and it runs out of steam about half way through, but it's still worth a look
- DirectorGregory JacobsStarsEmily BluntAshton HolmesMartin DonovanTwo college students share a ride home for the holidays, but when they break down on a deserted stretch of road, they are preyed upon by the ghosts of people who have died there.Solid horror film set at the festive season - it gets extra Xmas points for having lots of snow!
- DirectorNacho VigalondoStarsNyasha HatendiLatarsha RoseJon DalyA struggling actor takes on a seasonal holiday job as the mascot for the year's hottest new toy: Pooka. However, after putting the costume on, he develops two personalities - one for himself, and one for Pooka.Weird-ass movie that's perfect Christmas viewing for the whole family! Or maybe not...
- DirectorSteven C. MillerStarsMalcolm McDowellJaime KingDonal LogueThe police force of a remote Midwestern town search for a killer Santa Claus who is picking off citizens on Christmas Eve.Don't bother with the original, this remake bucks the trend and is vastly superior. Good, tongue-in-cheek Xmas horror.
- DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Watchable PG-13 silliness. Honestly, it's not as funny as it used to be. The mix of corny jokes, forced slapstick and Chevy Chase's smug face don't work as well together as they did 30 years ago - but it does have a couple of decent jokes and some nostalgia value.
Maybe worth a look as a last resort? - DirectorLewis JacksonStarsBrandon MaggartJeffrey DeMunnDianne HullA toy factory worker, mentally scarred as a child upon learning Santa Claus is not real, suffers a nervous breakdown after being belittled at work, and embarks on a Yuletide killing spree.A solid 80's slasher with a christmas twist, way better than the original Silent Night.
It's a bit old hat these days, but as far as Xmas horror films go, it's still one of the few decent ones. - DirectorTristram ShapeeroStarsJoel McHaleLauren GrahamClark DukeBoyd Mitchler and his family must spend Christmas with his estranged family of misfits. Upon realizing that he left all his son's gifts at home, he hits the road with his dad in an attempt to make the 8-hour round trip before sunrise.A decent enough 'dysfunctional family' comedy Christmas film with a solid performance by Robin Williams
- DirectorMichael CooneyStarsScott MacDonaldChristopher AllportStephen MendelAfter an accident that left murderer Jack Frost dead in genetic material the vengeful killer returns as a murderous snowman to exact his revenge on the man who sent him to be executedA comedy horror film that's (in my opinion) so bad it's good. B-movie goodness all the way!
You'll either "get it" or you'll think it's unwatchable crap. A cautious recommendation. - DirectorCamille GriffinStarsKeira KnightleyMatthew GoodeRoman Griffin DavisNell, Simon, and their 3 sons are ready to welcome friends and family for what promises to be a perfect Christmas gathering. Perfect except for one thing: everyone is going to die.