The festive season often brings more stress than joy for many. As a remedy, countless individuals turn to the cinematic world, seeking comfort in the heartwarming and humorous realm of Christmas movies. Whether one craves an uplifting story to reignite their holiday spirit or a side-splitting comedy to momentarily escape from overwhelming to-do lists, the film industry has an impressive array of options.
However, it’s important to recognize that not every Christmas movie is family-friendly. Some films are tailored for mature audiences and may be better suited for private viewing or gatherings with adults. Fortunately, while there’s a broader selection of family-oriented Christmas films out there, several movies cater specifically to grown-ups looking for festive entertainment.
Top 10 Christmas Movies for Adults
Updated December 12, 2024, by Tom Bowen: Embracing the holiday spirit often means gathering with loved ones and enjoying good films. For adults, the best Christmas movies can evoke nostalgia or provide much-needed laughter during a season filled with responsibilities. As streaming platforms evolve and their offerings change frequently, we’ve curated an updated list of adult-oriented Christmas films that are sure to entertain this holiday season.
1. Spirited
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
- Streaming on: Apple TV+
Upon viewing Spirited, many might ponder why Apple didn’t pursue an Elf sequel. Despite this lingering question, the movie emerges as a captivating Christmas tale. Inspired by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the film features Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present, guiding Ryan Reynolds’ character, Clint Briggs, to a path of redemption. The storytelling unfolds with unexpected depth, revealing that the Ghost himself also grapples with personal change.
2. The Ref
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Hoopla
Though The Ref may not be the top adult Christmas film of the nineties, it remains a highly enjoyable watch. This comedic drama narrates the events of a cat burglar who inadvertently holds a quarrelsome couple hostage after being double-crossed. The film cleverly balances darker themes with humor, as the burglar assists the couple in confronting their personal grievances, resulting in relatable and comedic moments perfect for the season.
3. Fatman
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 44%
- Streaming on: Peacock
For a darker cinematic experience this Christmas, Fatman delivers with its unique storyline featuring Mel Gibson as Santa, who, facing financial struggles, agrees to produce military gear for the government. When spoiled child Billy Wenan discovers he has received coal instead of gifts, he seeks vengeance, hiring a hitman to target Santa. The ensuing blend of action and comedy makes this film an unconventional yet entertaining watch.
4. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
- Streaming on: Tubi
While the Harold & Kumar franchise has seen the stars, Kal Penn and John Cho, expand their careers, fans remain impatiently awaiting a new installment. Meanwhile, A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas stands as a perfect example of ridiculous humor typical of the duo. The film features Neil Patrick Harris and showcases their misadventures in a festive backdrop, embodying the carefree spirit of their earlier films.
5. Bad Santa
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus & Pluto
Bad Santa revels in its crudeness, often pushing boundaries while delivering a storyline that feels genuine to its characters. With Billy Bob Thornton at the helm, the film is a riotous exploration of a conman posing as Santa. The humor can lean towards the edgy, providing a raw, unapologetic comedic experience that many adult viewers seek during the holidays.
6. Die Hard
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, Fubo, Hulu, TBS, TNT & TruTV
Despite Bruce Willis’s claims, many audiences still consider Die Hard a Christmas classic. This action film contrasts the explosive sequences with sharp wit, unraveling the cat-and-mouse game between John McClane and Hans Gruber. Viewers continue to embrace its compelling narrative and dynamic banter, securing its annual viewership during the holiday season.
7. Eyes Wide Shut
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Fubo & Paramount Plus
For those with a more critical eye, Eyes Wide Shut offers a sharp critique of Christmas’s commercialism. The film is visually stunning, yet it presents somber dialogues that reflect modern society’s propensity for spending over genuine celebration. This film is particularly memorable as Stanley Kubrick’s final masterpiece, releasing just days before his passing.
8. Home Alone
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ & Fubo
The earlier installments of Home Alone deliver a nostalgic mix of slapstick humor and clever antics. If released today, they’d likely draw a PG-13 rating due to the sheer absurdity of the comedic violence. Yet, the charm of Kevin’s victories against his bumbling intruders continues to endear these films to adult audiences, making them a perennial holiday favorite.
9. It’s a Wonderful Life
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Loosely based on Dickens’ classic, It’s a Wonderful Life is hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. Initially, its release in 1946 was met with a lukewarm response, yet a clerical error allowed it to enter public domain, leading to annual broadcasts that cemented its place in holiday tradition. This enduring film continues to resonate with audiences, embodying the spirit of gratitude and community.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% (Certified Fresh)
- Streaming on: Disney+
More than a decade after its initial release, The Nightmare Before Christmas soared to become a holiday classic, amassing over $90 million at the box office. Its enchanting stop-motion craftsmanship and unique storyline have left a lasting impact, presenting magical characters that continue to delight audiences nearly thirty years after its debut.
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