Holiday Movies You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)

Holiday viewing goes way beyond the handful of titles that get replayed every year. There are inventive animations, sharp comedies, and international gems that use the season in smart ways, from small town stories to wild genre mashups. These films bring fresh settings, memorable casts, and distinctive craft that make December feel new again without repeating the same beats.

Here are twenty five holiday movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist. Each entry includes essential details like filmmakers, key cast, and release context, with a quick note on who handled distribution so you know where these titles first found their audiences.

‘Klaus’ (2019)

This animated feature follows a reclusive toymaker and a hapless postman who reshape a feuding Arctic town, with voice performances by Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, and Rashida Jones. It was directed by Sergio Pablos, whose studio developed a unique hand drawn look using advanced lighting techniques to give 2D animation a textured depth.

The film premiered worldwide on streaming after a limited theatrical run, with Netflix serving as distributor and primary platform. Its production took place across multiple countries, reflecting a global pipeline that blended traditional artistry with modern tools.

‘Arthur Christmas’ (2011)

This family adventure from Aardman and Sony Pictures Animation follows Santa’s high tech operation and the one gift that slips through the cracks, sending the well meaning Arthur on a race against time. The voice cast features James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, and Jim Broadbent, and the film was directed by Sarah Smith and co directed by Barry Cook.

It opened during the holiday corridor in multiple territories, with Sony Pictures Releasing distributing theatrically. Home media releases included extensive behind the scenes material that highlighted Aardman’s storyboarding process and pipeline.

‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)

This original musical centers on a once celebrated toymaker, his inventive granddaughter, and a long lost creation, featuring Forest Whitaker, Keegan Michael Key, and newcomer Madalen Mills. Writer director David E. Talbert developed original songs with producers John Legend and Philip Lawrence, pairing musical set pieces with elaborate practical sets.

The film debuted globally on streaming with Netflix as distributor after a brief awards qualifying run. Its soundtrack released alongside the film and charted on digital platforms tied to the distributor’s roll out.

‘Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale’ (2010)

Set in Lapland, this Finnish dark fantasy reimagines seasonal folklore through the story of a remote excavation and a string of strange events around a nearby village. Directed by Jalmari Helander, it expands on two short films by the same team and was shot largely on location in snowy landscapes.

The North American release came through Oscilloscope Laboratories, which handled the limited theatrical run and subsequent home release. The film also toured genre festivals in Europe and North America with distribution support tailored to specialty cinemas.

‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)

Satoshi Kon’s anime follows three homeless companions who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and search for the child’s parents across wintertime Tokyo. The screenplay by Kon and Keiko Nobumoto balances humor and suspense while weaving recurring motifs about identity and found family.

North American theatrical re releases and the modern home video editions were handled by GKIDS, which managed subtitled and dubbed versions. The original Japanese release came via domestic partners before GKIDS organized anniversary screenings and restorations for wider audiences.

‘Better Watch Out’ (2016)

This home invasion thriller flips expectations around a babysitter, her young charge, and a night that spirals in unexpected ways. Directed by Chris Peckover and starring Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, and Ed Oxenbould, it was filmed in Australia while set in a snowy American suburb.

U.S. distribution was handled by Well Go USA Entertainment, which launched the title in select theaters and on digital platforms. The distributor’s rollout leaned on genre outlets and holiday timing to reach fans of suspense driven seasonal fare.

‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’ (2017)

This period drama dramatizes how Charles Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’ while navigating financial pressures and creative blocks, with Dan Stevens as Dickens and Christopher Plummer as Scrooge. Director Bharat Nalluri used locations in Dublin and surrounding areas to double for Victorian London.

Bleecker Street distributed the film in the United States with a late November release window that aligned with the subject matter. Internationally, distribution partners coordinated territory specific dates to coincide with local holiday calendars.

‘Anna and the Apocalypse’ (2017)

Set in a Scottish town, this film blends holiday themes with musical numbers and high school dynamics, starring Ella Hunt and directed by John McPhail. The production expanded from a short concept into a feature with original songs designed to carry story beats.

The U.S. theatrical run and marketing were managed by Orion Pictures, which positioned the film for late year specialty bookings. Release formats included a soundtrack album that synced with the distributor’s rollout to genre friendly venues.

‘Joyeux Noël’ (2005)

This World War I drama depicts the 1914 Christmas truce through intersecting French, Scottish, and German perspectives, directed by Christian Carion. The multinational production used historically inspired sets and multilingual dialogue to present a composite of documented events.

Sony Pictures Classics distributed the film in the United States, supporting its platform release and awards campaign. European distribution involved a mix of national partners that coordinated festival appearances and theatrical dates.

‘The Ref’ (1994)

This dark comedy follows a burglar who hides with a quarreling couple on Christmas Eve, starring Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey. Directed by Ted Demme, it was filmed in and around Toronto while representing a New England setting.

Touchstone’s theatrical output arm, Buena Vista Pictures, distributed the film in North America with a March release that later built a winter following on home formats. Television airings through the distributor’s partners helped the film find annual seasonal visibility.

‘A Christmas Tale’ (2008)

Arnaud Desplechin’s family drama gathers relatives for a complicated holiday in Roubaix, with Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, and Emmanuelle Devos among the ensemble. The film interweaves illness, memory, and reconciliation across multiple generations.

IFC Films handled U.S. distribution with a late year art house rollout and on demand availability through the company’s digital channels. The distributor coordinated Q and A screenings during its limited release to connect the cast and crew with audiences.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

This contemporary romantic comedy follows a couple visiting family for the holidays, with Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis in the leads and Clea DuVall directing. The production shot in Pennsylvania and used practical decorations and neighborhood exteriors to anchor the seasonal setting.

The film’s domestic distribution shifted to streaming with Hulu releasing it in the United States, while Sony Pictures Releasing managed international theatrical dates. The dual strategy allowed the title to reach home viewers first through Hulu’s platform.

‘Last Christmas’ (2019)

Set in London, this story centers on a shop worker and a mysterious stranger, using George Michael and Wham music as a thematic throughline. Directed by Paul Feig and starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, it features multiple recognizable city locations decorated for the season.

Universal Pictures distributed the film globally with a coordinated November release. The soundtrack album was produced in parallel with the distributor’s marketing that highlighted the music integration.

‘Krampus’ (2015)

This horror comedy draws on Central European folklore as a suburban family faces a supernatural reckoning during a winter storm. Directed by Michael Dougherty and featuring Adam Scott, Toni Collette, and David Koechner, it combined practical creature effects with digital augmentation.

Universal Pictures released the film in wide theatrical distribution in early December. Home media editions included behind the scenes features produced in collaboration with the distributor to showcase the effects work.

‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (2018)

This adventure follows siblings who team up with a version of Santa portrayed by Kurt Russell after an unexpected sleigh incident. Clay Kaytis directed the film, and production used a mix of practical sets and digital environments to visualize the North Pole.

Netflix served as distributor with a global streaming release supported by seasonal promotions. A sequel followed under the same distribution banner, keeping continuity in release strategy and branding.

‘Love Hard’ (2021)

Set around a cross country trip for a surprise holiday visit, this romantic comedy stars Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, and Darren Barnet. Director Hernán Jiménez filmed in Canada, staging small town exteriors that play into the seasonal atmosphere.

Netflix distributed the title worldwide on streaming, pairing the release with social media campaigns and cast interviews. The distributor’s platform placement emphasized holiday discovery rows during the launch window.

‘The Oath’ (2018)

This Thanksgiving set satire follows a couple who host family under tense political circumstances, written and directed by Ike Barinholtz and co starring Tiffany Haddish. Principal photography took place in Louisiana with a tight schedule designed around a single primary location.

Roadside Attractions handled U.S. theatrical distribution with a limited release in late October leading into November. The distributor’s strategy included targeted regional rollouts to match audience interest for holiday themed dark comedies.

‘Carol’ (2015)

Set in early 1950s New York during the holiday season, this romantic drama stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, directed by Todd Haynes and adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel. Production recreated period storefronts and interiors with a focus on wintertime department store displays.

The Weinstein Company distributed the film in the United States with a platform release starting in November before expanding in December. International territories saw varied distributors coordinating awards season timing around the holidays.

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996)

This action thriller centers on a schoolteacher with amnesia who uncovers her past during a snowbound holiday period, starring Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Renny Harlin, it features set pieces staged in wintry small town settings.

New Line Cinema distributed the film theatrically in North America with a fall release that moved into the holiday corridor. Subsequent home video and cable airings through the distributor’s partners increased its seasonal visibility over time.

‘The Ice Harvest’ (2005)

Set on Christmas Eve in Wichita, this noir tinged crime story stars John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton with Harold Ramis directing. The screenplay adapts Scott Phillips’s novel and uses practical locations to capture a cold Midwestern night.

Focus Features handled U.S. distribution with a late November release and a supporting campaign that targeted adult audiences. The distributor’s home media edition included commentary that detailed location choices and production constraints.

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005)

This comedic crime story unfolds during the holiday season in Los Angeles, reuniting director Shane Black with wintertime settings he often favors. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer lead the cast, with production using real neighborhoods and studio backlots to balance daylight and neon lit nights.

Warner Bros. Pictures distributed the film, beginning with festival play and a limited fall opening before moving to additional cities. The distributor later supported a home release that helped the title find a wider audience.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

Taking place on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, this indie follows a day in the life of two friends navigating personal and professional detours. Directed by Sean Baker, it was shot on modified smartphones, which shaped the film’s agile street level production.

Magnolia Pictures distributed the film in the United States with a summer theatrical release followed by digital platforms. The distributor’s campaign emphasized the innovative production method and the holiday timeline that frames the story.

‘A Boy Called Christmas’ (2021)

Adapted from Matt Haig’s book, this fantasy adventure tracks Nikolas on a journey involving elves, reindeer, and a village called Elfhelm, with Gil Kenan directing. The cast includes Henry Lawfull, Maggie Smith, and Stephen Dillane, and the production built large scale wintry sets to ground the story.

Netflix distributed the film globally on streaming with regional theatrical engagements in select markets. Marketing materials from the distributor highlighted the literary origins and practical creature work.

‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ (2011)

This entry in the series reunites the characters after years apart for a chaotic holiday in New York. Directed by Todd Strauss Schulson, it uses stereoscopic photography for gags and set pieces tied to winter festivities.

Warner Bros. Pictures released the film theatrically under the New Line label with a November date that aligned with holiday attendance patterns. The distributor’s home media versions preserved 3D elements for compatible setups.

‘Prancer’ (1989)

Set in rural Michigan, this family drama follows a young girl who believes she has found one of Santa’s reindeer and works to return it. Directed by John D. Hancock and starring Rebecca Harrell, Sam Elliott, and Cloris Leachman, it used small town locations and real winter conditions.

Orion Pictures distributed the film in theaters with a December release, followed by television airings that expanded its reach. The distributor’s catalog handling later included seasonal reissues on disc and digital platforms.

Share your favorite under the radar holiday film in the comments so everyone can discover a new seasonal watch.