Top Holiday Flicks for the Christmas Adverse

It's that time of year again, but if you're not a fan of the holidays, don't worry. Here are some great Christmas movies for those who aren't feeling the holiday spirit. And for those who love the traditional festivities, it's a time for family, food, and classic films like Home Alone, Love Actually, and Elf.

If you're like me and Christmas movies are a painful reminder of family trauma, then anti-Christmas movies are the perfect solution. Here are eight of the best Christmas films for people who hate Christmas, along with where you can watch them.

The Shining (1980)

'The Shining' redefined horror movies with its atmospheric score, tension-building camera work, and stellar performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. It's the perfect escape from family drama during the holidays – at least they're (hopefully) not chasing you with an axe.

Where to stream: On-demand

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale 

Stream this unique Finnish fantasy-horror-comedy that offers a macabre twist on the legend of Santa Claus. Follow a young boy as he uncovers the sinister truth about the real Santa, defying expectations and delivering a chillingly humorous experience. Available to stream on Peacock.

Inside No. 9, ‘The Devil of Christmas’ (2016)

Certainly more of a Christmas special than a movie, 'The Devil of Christmas' is a standout entry. This episode of Inside No. 9, the British anthology series created by comedy icons Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, lovingly parodies low budget '70s horror anthology shows. The plot revolves around an English family vacationing in Austria over the holidays, only to find themselves face to face with the terrifying legend of Krampus. True to form for Inside No. 9, the episode concludes with a delightfully dark twist.

Where to stream: BBC iPlayer

Black Mirror, ‘White Christmas’ (2014)

If you missed Black Mirror when it moved from Channel 4 to Netflix, you may have missed the feature-length episode 'White Christmas', which is considered one of Charlie Brooker's best works. It captures the contrast between the warm joy and the frightening intensity of Christmas, making it perfect for those wanting to start their annual existential crisis early.

Streaming on: Netflix

Die Hard (1988)

Looking for a dose of excitement? Watch Bruce Willis take on terrorists at a Christmas party, while facing off against the charismatic antagonist, Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman. And yes, this is definitely a Christmas movie – as confirmed by 20th Century Fox. So, if you want to shake off the holiday blues, this might just be the perfect choice.

Where to stream: Disney+

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

This Christmas movie may not be traditional, but it's one we stand by. Stanley Kubrick's last film, taking place during the holiday season, is a brilliant psychological drama that delves into themes of indulgence, temptation, and desire. If you've had enough of awkward family gatherings this Christmas, put this on after dinner and your guests will be heading for the door in no time.

Streaming platform: Max

Black Christmas (1974) 

Ditch the awkward family meals and indulge in some thrilling slasher escapism this holiday season with Bob Clark’s 1974 classic Black Christmas. Say goodbye to festive cheer and hello to sorority girl slayings, all with an added creep factor due to its real-life inspiration: a series of holiday season murders in the Westmount area of Montreal. This film's subtle storytelling and minimalistic approach to gore deviates from typical horror tropes, instead focusing on psychological terror and suspense. Here's to a new kind of holiday cheer. Cheers.

Where to stream: Peacock

Lethal Weapon (1987) 

Stream this action classic buddy cop film starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, set during Christmas, on-demand. Directed by Richard Donner in 1987, this movie combines drama, comedy, action, and absurdity, and has spawned a successful franchise. Enjoy the perfect blend of holiday chaos and plenty of guns - you're never too old for this.

These movies are available for digital purchase or rental on Amazon Prime, as well as in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats. Sign up to find top Christmas movies and for more TV & Movie coverage. Some of the titles include Avatar 3, Batman: The Brave And The Bold, Beetlejuice 2, and others listed below.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the curated list of anti-Christmas movies that offer a refreshing alternative to the traditional holiday flicks. These movies provide an escape from the overwhelming cheer and family drama that can be overwhelming during the festive season. The Shining, with its atmospheric horror and stellar performances, stands out as a particularly effective antidote to holiday mayhem. The Finnish fantasy-horror-comedy Rare Exports offers a unique and macabre twist on the Santa Claus legend, delivering a chillingly humorous experience.

The inclusion of Black Mirror's "White Christmas" episode and Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut adds a thought-provoking and psychological dimension to the list. These movies explore the darker aspects of the holiday season, delving into themes of existential crisis, indulgence, and desire. For those seeking a thrilling escape, Die Hard and Lethal Weapon provide action-packed entertainment with a festive backdrop. Overall, this selection of anti-Christmas movies caters to Gen Z's taste for unconventional and thought-provoking content, offering a welcome respite from the traditional holiday fare.