Classics like White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life… Well-known flicks from the 80s and 90s, such as Home Alone and A Christmas Story… Stop-motion ones starring popular characters... Modern-day hits like Elf… These are some of the most celebrated and beloved holiday films out there, but there are so many other ones that people could and should enjoy this month!
Down below, 10 are listed out. Many people have probably never heard of them. Some of them may sound strange, and, even though they are obscure, and even though they were not necessarily successful, they can still provide Christmas entertainment.
Santa with Muscles
In 1996, Hulk Hogan starred in Santa with Muscles, which was about a not-so-nice millionaire thinking he was Santa Claus after he lost his memory during an accident. This movie also featured a young Mila Kunis, and it was co-produced by Jordan Belfort, the man who inspired the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. The title and the fact that a professional wrestler was in it should intrigue some viewers… even though this is now said to be one of the worst flicks ever made.
Krampus
Krampus is a folklore character, as well as the name of a holiday horror film that came out in 2015. The plot featured a boy who accidentally summoned this creature, which sounds very exciting. Adam Scott and Toni Collette also starred in this, which adds even more appeal.
Sure, scary movies are not for everyone, but this one combines humor, thrills, and holiday fun, making for a one-of-a-kind movie-watching experience that just may be perfect for certain families this season.
The Christmas List
In 1997, The Christmas List came on The Family Channel, and then it was part of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas. This made-for-television film stars Mimi Rogers as Melody, who makes a Christmas list, as the title suggests. The list ends up in Santa's Mailbox, and stuff begins to happen… Melody starts to receive items off of her wish list! This sounds nice, yes, but complications arose before a happily ever after came at the end of this story.
Not many may have heard of this one, but the entire family can sit down together and watch it this year and beyond.
The Night They Saved Christmas
Up next is another TV movie: The Night They Saved Christmas came on ABC in 1984, and it had an interesting plot; an oil company was searching for an oil field, and this resulted in them needing to blow up some land, but the land turned out to be the North Pole! Therefore, Christmas, Santa and his entire home had to be saved. Within this story, June Lockhart played Mrs. Claus, Scott Grimes was David, Art Carney played Santa Claus, and Jaclyn Smith was Claudia Baldwin.
A Very Brady Christmas
The Brady Bunch is a popular show from back in the day, and there were even spin-off series, as well as a made-for-TV Christmas-themed film in 1988. It brought back familiar faces from the original show, such as Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Eve Plumb, and Mike Lookinland, though Jennifer Runyon replaced Susan Olsen. Even some people from The Brady Brides were featured!
Within the story, all of the Bradys come home for the holidays, reuniting in their childhood home with their spouses and children for a very memorable Christmas.
Friday After Next
Friday After Next, from the year 2002, is the third movie in the Friday series. Though it received mostly not-so-great reviews, it has made it to this list! It stars Ice Cube and Mike Epps, and it is about two cousins who are security guards at a mall. They get robbed on Christmas Eve, which begins a thrilling and funny adventure that can be enjoyed when watching this obscure holiday film.
Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
Some of the most-watched works at Christmastime are not really movies but actually TV specials such as stop-motion pieces like Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Year Without a Santa Claus. Another one of these is Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey; Nestor’s story aired on ABC in 1977, and it was a bittersweet one. See, Nestor was sort of an outcast (like Rudolph or Dumbo), but he ended up with a happy ending, while on the way to Bethlehem. This is a sweet and inspiring tale that everyone needs to watch at least once!
Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny
If anyone likes Christmas and fairy tales, get ready… In 1972, Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny was released to tell about Santa getting stuck in Florida. While there, he tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to some kiddos.
The acting in it is interesting, and the production value is not the highest ever. While that may sound bad, it has actually gained this flick a cult following! Plus, if anyone has forgotten about these classic tales, they can hear them again, from the big man himself.
Santa Claus: The Movie
Two big things took place in Santa Claus: The Movie. On one hand, it went over questions that many have about this man and this holiday, such as how reindeer fly and how he gets down chimneys. Then, there was the conflict of the story, as a toy manufacturer tried to take over Christmas.
Released in 1985, this is another one of those movies that did not do well. Yet, over time, it has gained more of a following. So, if anyone is searching for a strange yet entertaining new film to add to the lineup, consider Santa Claus: The Movie.
Santa Claus vs. the Devil
The best has been saved for last: Santa Claus vs. the Devil. Yes, this unique Mexican fantasy film came out in 1959, and there is so much to love. First off, Santa does his work in outer space. Secondly, he has to go up against Lucifer and a demon named Pitch. So there is a good-versus-evil story taking place amidst all the Christmas magic. Oh, and there is another notable character within this movie… Merlin, who helps out Santa Claus!