Embracing the holiday spirit can sometimes be a challenge, especially when the Christmas season arrives so suddenly, often accompanied by dazzling decorations, a vibrant community atmosphere, and the unmistakable sounds of festive music from Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé. However, for those who prefer a more gradual transition into the festivities, there are numerous films that skillfully weave in Christmas elements without overwhelming viewers with constant seasonal exuberance.

These holiday-adjacent films have garnered acclaim for reasons beyond their seasonal themes. From breathtaking superhero adventures set during Christmas to romantic comedies that intentionally sidestep traditional holiday tropes, and even the occasional chilling horror story, these 10 delightful classics offer the perfect escape for those looking to navigate the holiday movie landscape without being bombarded by the usual festive fare.

10 ‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

Experience the Charm of ‘Let It Snow’ Directed by Luke Snellin

Let It Snow is a delightful romantic comedy that intertwines the typical teenage struggles of romance and connection with the chaos of Christmas Day. This Netflix original movie beautifully transcends its wintery setting, delving deeper into the themes of young love and friendship. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the narrative unfolds amidst a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, leading to unexpected intersections in the lives of several adolescents.

While the holiday atmosphere plays an important role in the film, it is not so heavily integrated into the plot that viewers feel overwhelmed by it. Instead, the seasonal elements serve to enhance the existing charm and emotional depth of the characters. Consequently, it stands out as an ideal film to watch in the lead-up to Christmas, perfect for those seeking a gentle introduction to the holiday spirit.

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Release Date

November 8, 2019

Director

Luke Snellin

Runtime

92 minutes

9 ‘In Bruges’ (2008)

Dive into the Dark Humor of ‘In Bruges’ Directed by Martin McDonagh

When considering iconic Christmas comedies, it’s hard to overlook classics like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Scrooged, but surprisingly, In Bruges also makes a case for inclusion. Directed by the talented Martin McDonagh, this dark crime-comedy follows two Irish hitmen who find themselves in the picturesque city of Bruges after a job goes horribly wrong. Their situation becomes even more precarious when their boss demands one of them kill the other.

The film’s winter setting adds to the charm of Bruges, and as Christmas elements gradually appear, a festive aesthetic begins to emerge. However, In Bruges rarely indulges in traditional holiday cheer. Instead, it leans into its strengths of dark humor, unexpected violence, and a liberal sprinkling of profanity, making for a unique cinematic experience.

Release Date

February 8, 2008

Runtime

107minutes

8 ‘The Holiday’ (2006)

Discover Heartwarming Romance in ‘The Holiday’ Directed by Nancy Meyers

Comedy, romance, and the Christmas season are a trio of elements that many films have effectively combined to their advantage. However, The Holiday, released in 2006, takes a different approach. Under the direction of Nancy Meyers, this charming romantic comedy features two women, one from America and the other from England, who decide to swap homes for the holidays in hopes of escaping their romantic troubles. Their lives take unexpected turns as they both find love with locals.

This film leans more towards being Christmas-adjacent rather than overtly festive, as it focuses on the blossoming love and friendship between the two women and their respective partners while the holiday backdrop serves merely as an enchanting detail. While The Holiday does include some traditional holiday scenes, it primarily flourishes on its own as a delightful romantic comedy, supported by an impressive cast that includes Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law.