The Holiday Season is finally here, so it’s time to watch some festive movies.

You can watch many great holiday movies this time of year, many of which garner widespread recognition. Movies like Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, and many others enjoy the title of classics, and for good reason.

While everyone loves the classics, it may be time to mix it up. 

I have compiled a list of five underrated holiday movies you should watch this year. Narrowing it to five was difficult because there are so many that I believe don’t get the love they deserve. 

These five, in no particular order, offer a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Let us know what you think about this list and any others you would add by commenting below or heading over to our Discord channel.

Klaus

Where to watch: Netflix

Klaus (2019) is an animated gem that garnered a nomination for Best Animated Feature. Since that time, the Netflix film seems to have faded into obscurity.

The alternative Santa origin film centers on a self-centered postman assigned to the far north town of Smeerensburg, a village with a long-standing feud between two families. The postman befriends the reclusive woodsman as the two start to change each other for the better.

The voice cast is phenomenal as it features Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack, and Norm Macdonald in one of his final roles. The animation is gorgeous and features a unique art style and the directorial debut of Sergio Pablos.

Klaus is a heartwarming film that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. It captures the season’s spirit and has you invested in each character from the get-go.

Christmas with the Kranks

Where to watch: Prime Video

Christmas with the Kranks (2004) is a great example of a movie that got better with age. The film is based on a 2001 book by John Grisham where Luther and Nora Krank opt to skip Christmas in favor of a Caribbean cruise after their daughter leaves home. This comes to the dismay of their neighbors.

Part of the dislike for the film centers on the perceived peer pressure of the neighbors to conform to the neighborhood traditions. While that pressure does play out in the film, it is not the ultimate reason the Kranks change their minds. Quite the opposite, the film reinforces the idea of the importance of family and friends despite their shortcomings.

Is it the best holiday movie out there? No, but it absolutely deserves a watch and is largely a faithful adaptation of the book. Plus, Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis nail their roles and Dan Aykroyd is always a welcome sight in any film.

Arthur Christmas

Where to watch: Max

Arthur Christmas (2011) is another animated film about Santa Claus. This film shows what happens when a child is missed on Christmas Eve despite Santa’s high-tech operation. As a result of the error, Arthur, Santa’s clumsy son, sets out to take the gift to the child.

When I first watched this film, I was surprised at how enjoyable it was to watch and that was because of its unique take on Santa. Santa is more of a title given to the one who heads the North Pole operations, which is the sought-after position for Santa’s other son Steve. Add in some comedic chops from GrandSanta and you have some memorable characters.

The voice cast is filled with UK actors including James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, James Broadbent, and Bill Nighy. Aardman Animation, the studio responsible for Wallace and Gromit,  is behind the movie thus the reason for the UK crew.

Furthermore, this film dives into the character of Santa and what it takes to be the holiday patriarch. Its unique take mixed with some clever comedy makes this a must-watch each year.

Noelle

Where to watch: Disney Plus

Noelle (2019) has a lot of heart and that’s largely thanks to Anna Kendrick’s performance. She plays the sister of the incoming Santa (Bill Hader) who has to track her brother to Phoenix after he abandons the North Pole shortly before Christmas. 

This movie is every bit as cheesy as a Disney movie can be, but that’s what makes it so endearing. It functions like Elf, where Noelle is a fish out of water in the Valley of the Sun. That said, its ending is really heartwarming and showcases Kendrick’s ability to be funny and endearing.

Don’t go into this film expecting high-end cinema, but do go in for an enjoyable holiday tale with Kendrick delivering on her character. Also, Shirley MacLaine nails it as the sarcastic elf Polly who travels to Phoenix with Noelle.

Fred Claus

Where to watch: Max, Hulu

What’s better than Vince Vaughn playing Santa’s deadbeat brother? How about Ludacris, as an elf, being the North Pole DJ? Fred Claus (2007) brings Vaughn’s style of humor to a Christmas tale and it is wildly successful.

Fred is always jealous of his brother Nick (Paul Giamatti), especially after he becomes Santa. Fred gets into some trouble and needs his brother’s help so Nick gives him a job at the North Pole. 

While this is a holiday movie, Fred Claus centers heavily on family drama and the rift between brothers. The comedy works well in the film and the ending is heartwarming. Fred’s interactions with the elves are particularly hilarious especially when he confronts the DJ over his choice of songs.

Many cite Vaughn’s pessimistic portrayal of Fred as a reason the film is off-putting, but I believe it is what makes it work. This isn’t your traditional holiday movie and a big reason for that is Vaughn’s character.

Featured Image: Warner Bros. Pictures (via IMDB)

The Boss Rush Podcast: The Flagship Podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network

The Boss Rush Podcast – The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network. Each week, Corey, Stephanie, LeRon, and their friends from around the internet come together with other creators, developers, and industry veterans to talk about games they’ve been playing, discuss video game and entertainment based topics, and answer questions solicited on social media and the community Discord. 

New episodes of The Boss Rush Podcast release every Monday morning on YouTube and all major podcast applications like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Patreon supporters gain one week early access. 

Listen on your favorite podcast application or watch on YouTube!
Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Twitch | Overcast | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Amazon Music

Follow The Boss Rush Podcast on Social Media: Twitter | Discord | Instagram | Twitch | YouTube | Facebook Group