Top 10 Christmas movies not suitable for young audiences
For a festive escape from the usual family-friendly fare, indulge in these 10 Christmas movies strictly for adult enjoyment From thrilling action in Die Hard to provocative tales in Eyes Wide Shut, experience a yuletide twist like never before
Absolutely, Christmas is about making magical memories for kids, but it's also important to have some strictly adult time. With that in mind, here are the top 10 Christmas movies that are definitely not suitable for children. While there's a place for classic Christmas movies like Home Alone, The Muppets Christmas Carol, and It's A Wonderful Life, sometimes adults need their own holiday entertainment.
Some days just don't feel the same. When you find yourself in the limbo between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, it can be helpful to indulge in something meant for adults only.
As the holiday season approaches, we have you covered with the top 10 Christmas movies not suitable for children.
Top 10 best Christmas movies unsuitable for children
Below is a list of amazing Christmas movies that probably aren’t the best suited for an audience of children.
Eyes Wide Shut
With that being said, the list is not comprehensive, and there may be things included that your child can manage. As the parents, it is up to you – we are here to provide you with the necessary information.
Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's last film, goes all out. It begins with a lavish Christmas party, where a New York City doctor's wife confesses to fantasizing about another man, leading him to a secretive sex-obsessed group. The visuals are definitely not suitable for all ages, but Tom Cruise's internal struggles make it a compelling watch.
Where to watch: FuboTV
Tokyo Godfathers
Tokyo Godfathers is a surprising anime with a Christmas theme that delves into adult themes. It follows a trio of homeless individuals who come across an abandoned newborn in a trash bin and embark on a journey through the streets of Tokyo to find the baby's parents with limited clues to its identity.
Where to watch: Roku, Pluto TV
Die Hard
Yes, we consider Die Hard to be a Christmas movie – and one that is definitely not suitable for children. As Detective McClane arrives in LA to celebrate Christmas with his wife, he finds himself caught up in a hostage situation at an office building. Hans Gruber is the mastermind behind it all, and McClane's wife is one of the hostages. With intense shootouts, explosions, and Bruce Willis crawling through air vents, Die Hard isn't just a fantastic Christmas movie, it's one of the best overall.
Streaming on: Hulu
Bad Santa
Bad Santa is at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to being appropriate for children, as this Christmas movie fully embraces bad behavior in every way. Instead of spreading holiday cheer, Willie, a con artist posing as Santa, and his elf companion Marcus attempt to commit a robbery at a mall. Their plan goes awry when the thief forms a bond with an eight-year-old boy. While children may be part of the story, the journey to get there is definitely more suited for a PG-13 audience.
Where to watch: Paramount+
A Bad Moms Christmas
Looking for a Christmas movie? A Bad Moms Christmas is not only suitable for children because of content, but also because of the potential for second-hand embarrassment. Watch three women rebel against the burden of meeting their mother's expectations during the holiday season. Want to make your family feel bad? Put this on.
Available on: FuboTV
Violent Night
Experience horror with a holiday twist in Violent Night, where the classic slasher theme collides with the festive spirit. A group of highly skilled mercenaries infiltrates a family's estate on Christmas Eve, taking the occupants captive. Little do they know, they are about to face an unexpected adversary: Santa Claus himself, ready to prove that he's no ordinary saint.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Gremlins
Title: Gremlins: A Christmas Movie That Shouldn't Be
Released in 1984, Gremlins has become synonymous with the Sunday Scaries. It tells the story of a young man who receives a strange creature as a pet, leading to the emergence of small, destructive, and mischievous hellraisers. It may be best to save this movie for a later time if you want to avoid giving your kids any mischievous ideas after opening presents.
Where to watch: AMC+/Apple TV
Batman Returns
In Gotham City 1992, the annual Christmas light switch-on is approaching, but not without a showdown with some formidable villains first. Batman is determined to thwart the Penguin, while Catwoman has her own scheme. While superheroes are typically associated with family-friendly entertainment, the 1990s took a darker turn. Fun fact: Michelle Pfeiffer nailed her iconic whip scene in just one take.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max
Silent Night
Get ready for a twist on the traditional Christmas movie with Silent Night, the 2021 psychological horror film. Nell and Simon host a Christmas dinner for their school friends and their families, but a menacing cloud of poisonous gas adds a chilling element to the festivities. Trust us, Keira Knightley's performance is not to be missed.
Streaming now on AMC+ and Apple TV.
Trading Places
Trading Places remains a classic in the eyes of many adults, but for younger generations, it may not hold up as well. In an attempt to determine whether heredity or the environment plays a greater role in a person's well-being, the wealthy Duke brothers exchange the lives of a poor street hustler and a employed aristocrat. The company's Christmas party serves as a pivotal moment in the film, and perhaps not a setting that would typically appeal to younger audiences.
Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV+
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the concept of Christmas movies not suitable for young audiences intriguing. It's refreshing to see a shift from the typical family-friendly holiday content and explore more mature themes and storylines. The idea of indulging in these movies strictly for adult enjoyment adds a new dimension to the holiday season.
However, I believe it's crucial for parents to exercise caution and carefully consider the content before allowing their children to watch any of these movies. While some may argue that certain films can offer valuable lessons or insights into complex adult themes, it's essential to prioritize the well-being and emotional development of young viewers. As a Gen Z individual, I understand the importance of age-appropriate content and responsible media consumption, especially during the impressionable years of childhood.
