It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And of course, the perfect time for Christmas Movies 2020. But except this year has been anything but perfect, good, or even decent. No, In fact, thanks the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been horrible. And because of this rather (let’s go with unusual) year, I’m presenting a rather unusual list of Christmas movies. Christmas Movies 2020 Edition. Because, why not?
Christmas Movies 2020: Unusual Doesn’t Begin To Cover It
What to say about 2020? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m glad it’s ending. Indeed, I’m actually looking forward to 2021, with much optimism and hope. Furthermore, I hope that we’ll all see the light of the day in 2021, and I do hope for better days are yet to come. I can’t wait to say goodbye to social distancing, quarantines, masks and being in a perpetual state of fear.
Hey, I already covered this topic before, but you can check it out again. You’re welcome. But yeah. This has been a year of the virus, and I hope it’s the last year of the virus. In 2020, we came to terms with the „new normal“ as we like to call it. However, in 2021 I’d like to go back to the „old normal“. But we’ll just have to wait and hope for the best, now won’t we?. In the meantime, make sure to stay safe everyone! Look after yourself and your loved ones.
Unusual List Of Christmas Movies 2020
So, because this was a rather unusual and unconventional year, I’m going to present a rather unconventional list of Christmas movies. Yes, for now, I’ll omit the Christmas classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Miracle On 34th Street and A Christmas Carol. They’ll become more suited suggestions next year when things are not so crazy and depressing. So, for now, I’ll stick to the dark Christmas comedies, raunchy Christmas comedies. Even the crime comedies that are set around Christmas.
However, if you’re particularly interested in any Christmas-themed video games we do have several to choose from. But one must not forget our special limited time only Christmas Bundles:
- Santa’s Workshop Bundle | 6 Steam Games | 92% OFF – See more here
- Christmas Tales Bundle | 8 Festive eBooks | 93% OFF – See more here
- White Winter Hentai Bundle | 6 Adult Games | 90% OFF (NSFW/18+) – See more here
And you know what else we’ve got? An incredible scratchy winter sale, right here at IndieGala. A bunch of great games from 505 Games, Bethesda, Bandai Namco, and yes, they’re all on sale. So, if you’re still planning to do some Christmas shopping, why not start here?
Die Hard, Batman Returns, Gremlins, The Long Kiss Goodnight
But without further ado…. Let’s get back to the theme of this post. The unconventional Christmas movie picks for 2020. Which movies made the cut? Scroll down to find out.
Oh, and on behalf of the entire staff at IndieGala, I’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Die Hard
So many people like to think that Die Hard is a true Christmas movie. And for plenty of the „die-hard“ fans of the action movie it is. Just a while ago, even the Die Hard director, John McTiernan waged in on the debate too.
– Other people started to catch on that this was a movie where the hero was a real human being. And the people of authority, all of the important folks, were all portrayed as kind of foolish. Everybody, as they came to work on the movie, began to get that. As I said, this movie is an escapee [from the Hollywood machine], and there was a joy in it. We hadn’t intended it to be a Christmas movie. But the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie, said McTiernan in an AFI behind the scene commentary about the movie.
But regardless if this is a Christmas movie or not, there’s no denying that it’s an iconic movie nonetheless. And probably one of the best action movies of all time. A movie that turned Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman into A-list stars I might add. It’s great and of course, deserves to be on this list.
Fun fact: The scene where Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman meet up was unrehearsed to create a greater feeling of spontaneity between the two actors.
Gremlins
Another unconventional Christmas movie. A movie that’s a mix of comedy and horror. But much like Die Hard, it’s set during Christmas time and yes, it’s considered a Christmas movie. What’s Gremlins about? Well, Gremlins. A boy will receive a Gremlin as a pet for Christmas, but will fail to obey the three rules that come with it. No water, no food after midnight, and no bright light. Chaos will follow, and that’s what makes this Joe Dante movie so great. Gremlins is fun, silly and at times violent and scary movie. But it’s also a Christmas classic that deserves mention here. Don’t you think?
Fun fact: The film was released on the same day as Ghostbusters (1984). Check out our take on the Ghostbusters franchise here.
Batman Returns
A comic book adaptation that’s also set around Christmas time? Yes, that’s Batman Returns all right. And it’s a rather good adaptation, but you have Tim Burton to thank for that. With iconic Batman, incredible villains and fabulous actors, Batman Returns is one of the best super-hero movies. Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken just to name a few. But it’s one of the best Christmas movies as well. And how great is it to see Gotham City during these festive times? It’s truly one of a kind atmosphere, that very few movies were able to replicate since. I guess Burton has a knack for dark Christmas themes. Don’t you think?
Fun fact: The massive Gotham City sets were all constructed to be mobile, and were often shifted between days of filming. Michelle Pfeiffer routinely got lost on her way to filming each day.
Bad Santa
What do you get when you put a drunken, sex-addicted thief in Santa’s outfit? Bad Santa. As with the previous movies, Bad Santa is a very inappropriate pick for these otherwise festive times. But given the circumstances, it’s very fitting as well. Because it goes perfectly with the very unconventional and very bad 2020. Billy Bob Thornton is hilarious as the titular character Willie AKA Bad Santa. And so is Brett Kelly as the kid Thurman Merman. Indeed, the sequel Bad Santa 2 exists too, but for now, I’ll focus on the 2003 black comedy only.
Fun fact: Billy Bob Thornton said that he’s had eight-year-olds approach him about his role in the movie. Thornton was stunned that parents would even allow their kids to watch that movie at that age.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Just to stay on the subject, I’ll finish this post with not one, but 2 movies from Shane Black. Probably one of the best screenwriters in Hollywood, and the guy who openly loves Christmas. So much so that he regularly sets his movies around Christmas time. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is no exception. But at the same time, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is Shane Black’s directorial debut, and it’s an instant classic. With a witty, smart script and fantastic performances from Robert Downey Jr, and Val Kilmer. The movie combines black and smart humor perfectly, and it’s a must-watch for every cinephile.
Fun fact: As a show of support for Robert Downey Jr.’s recovery from alcohol and drugs, Val Kilmer refused to drink during the entire production.
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Let’s end this list with a 90’s spy action flick, which’s one of the most underrated movies of the decade. If you haven’t seen The Long Kiss Goodnight, I beg of you. Do it this month. Written by Shane Black and directed by Renny Harlin. The then-husband of Dina Davis, and the main star of the movie. It’s an incredible, action-packed movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With great performances from Gina Davis and Samuel L. Jackson and with a fabulous script from Black. Not to mention, strong and steady camera work from Harlin too. It’s one of my favorite movies ever, and I make it my business to watch it around this time. It’s so good.
Fun fact: This is the first movie to feature Samuel L. Jackson helping an amnesiac woman to discover her past. The second is 2019’s, Captain Marvel.
Which Movies Would You Add To The Christmas Movies 2020 List?
What’s your favorite unconventional Christmas movie to add to Christmas Movies 2020? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it. Don’t be shy, hit that comment section and let us know. Oh, and happy holidays everyone. Stay safe and we’ll see you in 2021.