So, I got to thinking about movies around the holidays. You know, you watch the usual stuff year after year, and sometimes you just want something… different. Not exactly anti-Christmas, but not wall-to-wall Santa and elves either. That’s how I landed on this whole idea of “Christmas adjacent” films. It’s been my little project lately, figuring out what fits.
My Process for Finding These Flicks
First off, I had to figure out what “Christmas adjacent” even means to me. It’s not a science, right? It’s more of a feeling. For me, it’s a movie where Christmas is definitely there – you see decorations, maybe hear a carol, the timing is clearly late December – but the main story isn’t about Christmas. It’s just the backdrop. The holiday stuff adds a bit of flavor, maybe some irony or contrast, but the plot would probably still work if it were set in July. It just wouldn’t feel quite the same.
So, with that rough idea, I started digging. I didn’t just google a list; I wanted this to be my take, based on stuff I’ve actually watched and enjoyed over the years. I started by just thinking about movies set in winter. Then I narrowed it down – did it specifically feel like Christmastime in the movie? Snow isn’t enough.
I literally pulled out some old DVDs and Blu-rays, just looking at the covers and thinking back. Scrolled through my streaming watch history too. I asked a couple of buddies what they thought, threw some titles at them. “Does Die Hard count?” Of course, that one always starts a debate, but for my list, it’s a definite yes. The whole thing happens at a Christmas party!
Then I moved on to others. I thought about thrillers, action movies, even some dramas. It’s surprising how many use that holiday setting.
Putting Together My Go-To List
After brainstorming and filtering, I landed on a solid bunch that feel right for this category. Here are a few that made my personal cut:
- Die Hard (1988): Okay, let’s get this one out of the way. It’s the classic example. Nakatomi Plaza, Christmas party gone wrong. Pure action, but the Christmas setting is undeniable.
- Lethal Weapon (1987): Starts with “Jingle Bell Rock,” has that scene in the Christmas tree lot… It’s dark, gritty, but the holiday vibes are sprinkled throughout.
- Gremlins (1984): This one leans more into Christmas, but it’s also a creature feature comedy-horror. It uses the wholesome Christmas setting and turns it upside down. Definitely adjacent in my book.
- Batman Returns (1992): Gotham City at Christmas is bleak, but it’s undeniably Christmastime. Tree lighting ceremony, decorations everywhere, while penguins cause chaos. Fits the bill.
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): A neo-noir buddy comedy set during the holidays in LA. Christmas lights, parties, and Santas mix with murder and mayhem. It nails the adjacent feel.
- Iron Man 3 (2013): Tony Stark dealing with PTSD and fighting bad guys, all set against a Christmas backdrop. He even tests his suit to a remix of “Jingle Bells.” Yep, adjacent.
- Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Okay, this one’s heavy. But the whole journey starts during the Christmas season, with those lavish holiday parties. The festive setting contrasts sharply with the dark themes.
Making this list was pretty fun, actually. It’s not about strict rules, just finding movies that have that specific flavor. It’s a good way to change things up when you want a movie night in December but aren’t quite feeling another straightforward Christmas story. It’s become my go-to recommendation list when people ask for something different during the holidays.
