By Charlie Kendellen
With the dark nights upon us, and the Christmas classics already on repeat, this list provides some alternative Christmas films to add to your watchlist. Whether you’re in search of a little bit of festive existentialism, or some holiday terror, this list has some great finds for your Christmas viewing delights!
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Stanley Kubrick’s final film makes for an ideal Christmas time viewing. With lush, colourful fairy lights, and glorious sequences of evening escapades in New York City in December, Eyes
Wide Shut is rich with festive vibes. Starring Tom Cruise at his best, and an always stellar Nicole Kidman, the film follows Dr. Bill Harford, A man who finds himself delving into a conspiracy-fuelled odyssey upon learning that his wife, Alice, has had sexual fantasies about another man in their seemingly ideal marriage.
Morvern Callar (2002)
Before Die, My Love (2025), Lynne Ramsay was conjuring up a portrait of an equally damaged and unhinged woman. Morvern Callar follows a young woman, who upon waking up on Christmas morning to find her boyfriend dead, and his dying wish to publish his manuscript, decides to publish the manuscript as her own work in order to reinvent her life. Like all Ramsay’s work, this film is a deeply moving and at times, soul destroying, character study that will satiate the appetites of those looking for a festive existential crisis.
Dead End (2003)
Is it really Christmas without a nihilistic 2000’s horror? Coming in at a lean 83 minutes, Dead End doesn’t skimp on scares or the disturb factor. The film follows a family driving to their in-laws on Christmas Eve. Upon opting for a short cut, the family finds themselves in a twisted nightmare. Dead End is one of the more mean-spirited films on this list, but it is endlessly entertaining and a hidden gem for any festive horror enthusiasts.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
With the remake coming this month, it’s the ideal time to visit this sleazy, tasteless Christmas classic. Silent Night, Deadly Night is a controversial tale of religious trauma and early slasher sensibilities. The film follows Billy Chapman, who was traumatised by his families’ gruesome murder by a man dressed as Santa Claus — then abused by nuns in an orphanage, who grows up to become a murderer, dressed as Santa Claus, intent on punishing those who misbehave.
Inside (2007)
The new French extremity classic Inside is a vicious and shocking gore-fest. Following a heavily pregnant widower, who finds herself terrorised by a home invasion, and a woman who is hell-bent on taking her unborn child. Inside is a horror classic for a reason, but only for those with a strong stomach for gore and violence! Merry Christmas.
There you have it! Five essential alternative Christmas films to add to your watchlist this festive season.