Holiday movies to add to your annual Christmas viewing library
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One of the timeless traditions of the holiday season is curling up on the couch and watching a good Christmas movie.
Much like last week's column, which covered obscure holiday music, some of the holiday fun is digging up movies that break from the typical norms, or perhaps rekindling fond memories of lesser-watched films you might have forgotten about.
Sure, it's always fun revisiting traditional favorites like "White Christmas," "Christmas Vacation" or the never-ending argument about whether "Die Hard" applies to the genre, but finding something new and interesting to add to the annual holiday library can be just as rewarding an experience.
1. Fatman (2020)
Mel Gibson's take on "the big guy" was by far one of my favorite discoveries last year, and is bound to become an annual holiday tradition worth revisiting.
The concept alone is hilarious and interesting, but the payoff is that it's actually a really great movie. Gibson's Santa is based more in realism, operating his shop and receiving subsidies from the U.S. government to keep the lights on.
After delivering a lump of coal to a spoiled Montana Max-type rich kid, the kid decides to hire a hitman to take out Saint Nick. The hitman also has his own sordid history with Claus that comes into play later. There are gunfights, genuine comedic scenarios and heartwarming moments all wrapped into one heck of an entertaining film.
"Fatman" is currently streaming on Peacock.
2. The Ref (1994)
"The Ref," although not the most well-known holiday film, is definitely one among many people's list of favorites.
Dennis Leary plays a cat burglar who takes a couple, played by Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis, hostage on Christmas Eve after a failed robbery attempt, only to have the tables turned by the couple's endless bickering amongst each other.
There are bumbling police officers, criminal hijinks and outrageous characters, while serving as a comedic and real look at relationships. Above all, it's a very funny movie to ring in the holiday season.
3. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
The 2005 Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer caper isn't so heavy on the holiday themes, but it definitely takes place during the "happiest time of year."
It's also one of those Hollywood heist films that's highly entertaining and worth a watch or two. RDJ plays a low-level burglar who botches a robbery on Christmas, later finding his way to Hollywood and conning his way into an acting gig. He is then hired on by agent Kilmer's "Gay Perry" to help uncover a murder mystery.
It's one of those crime movies that goes all over the place, with RDJ's comedic timing and Kilmer's one-liners carrying the story forward. It's a must-watch in my opinion.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Okay, this one isn't so obscure, but you might forget that the second Michael Keaton "Batman" film can be considered a classic holiday film.
Whether it's the Christmas imagery, the snow or cold atmosphere, "Batman Returns" drips with dark and moody holiday charm.
With great performances by Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, Danny DeVito as The Penguin or Christopher Walken as the evil Max Shrek, Tim Burton's final Batman outing is always worth a revisit and arguably the coolest-looking one of the original bunch.
5. The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
"It's a Wonderful Life" isn't the only good holiday film starring Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart.
Take a break from the arguably overplayed George Bailey story and check out "The Shop Around The Corner" from 1940. Not only is it a lesser-known holiday classic, the American Film Institute ranks it among the 100 greatest films of all time.
If you've ever seen "You've Got Mail," you'll know the basic gist of the story.
Set in Budapest, Stewart plays Alfred Kralik, a salesman from a leather goods store who becomes pen pals with a mystery woman, who turns out to be a coworker he doesn't necessarily get along with.
The film's big reveal takes place on Christmas Eve with a romantic end to this tale of mystery and miscommunication.
Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Holiday movies to add to your annual Christmas viewing library
