These 17 Christmas Films Are Good for Adults (However Not Children)

Christmas is true across the nook, that means there is no higher time to cozy up with family members and watch your favourite vacation film. With so many PG-rated classics, there is no scarcity of vacation movies which can be appropriate for the entire household. However when adults want some alone time, they might wish to watch one thing that is a bit edgier, a bit raunchier, however nonetheless chock-full of Christmas spirit.

Right here, we listing a few of the greatest Christmas films with extra grownup themes, good for when the youngsters go to mattress. These embrace some classics together with new films from the final decade. Understand that a few of these films is likely to be okay for older teenagers. However if you need one thing to curve as much as with simply adults, these aren’t your garden-variety Santa tales.

Up to date on December 8, 2024: This assortment of adult-oriented Christmas films has been up to date with brand-new info, together with the place to at present stream every of the titles featured.

17 Dangerous Santa (2003)

Should you’re into darkish comedies, 2003’s Dangerous Santa actually delivers. Yearly, Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and Marcus (Tony Cox) pose as a mall Santa and elf to tear off close by shops. This 12 months, Willie is extra depressed and susceptible than ever, resulting in an onslaught of shenanigans. Between a romantic fling and an sudden friendship with a troubled child, Willie might in the end discover the true that means of the vacation season if he does not discover it on the backside of a bottle first. Brett Kelly, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, and John Ritter co-star. Curiously, the Coen brothers initially conceptualized the movie earlier than enlisting Glenn Ficarra and John Requa to flesh out the screenplay.

A Raunchy Christmas Story

With horny scenes and downright naughty laughs, Dangerous Santa is as R-rated as Christmas films come. Billy Bob Thornton at all times shines in these pessimistic, down-on-their-luck characters, and Dangerous Santa is not any exception. Whereas the character is a conman, he is additionally a mirrored image of each dejected Santa actor youngsters might have come throughout at their native mall. His chemistry with Lauren Graham additionally helps transfer the story ahead. But it surely’s actually the connection between Willie and a bit boy named Thurman that really makes the film. Regardless that it isn’t a typical sappy Christmas film, the ending does present a wholesome dose of Christmas positivity. The film was so common, it spawned a sequel, Dangerous Santa 2. Stream Dangerous Santa on Paramount+.

16 Nationwide Lampoon’s Christmas Trip (1989)

How are you going to go incorrect with a traditional like Nationwide Lampoon’s Christmas Trip? It follows the Griswold household as they struggle (and fail) to have an ideal, conventional Christmas celebration. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to make this Christmas the most effective ever for his household. Regardless of worrying about work and getting his yearly bonus, he goes all out. Naturally, loads of hijinks ensue as he makes an attempt to make his home the most effective on the block. The arrival of his eccentric prolonged household solely makes issues extra sophisticated. Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, William Hickey, and Randy Quaid are only a handful of well-known names connected to the movie’s solid.

A Nostalgic Basic

With its slapstick comedy and goofy enjoyable, it is no marvel the film has develop into a staple of the vacation season. This classic Christmas traditional is ideal if you happen to’re on the lookout for numerous laughs, loads of memorable quotes, and a touch of nostalgia. Any household coping with the pressures of Christmas will relate to Clark Griswold’s plights, no matter how over-the-top they is likely to be. As a plus, John Hughes’ screenplay ensures a comedic conclusion that additionally ties into the true that means of the vacation season. It takes some wild turns as properly that make the movie pure, unadulterated enjoyable. Stream Nationwide Lampoon’s Christmas Trip on Hulu and Max.

15 4 Christmases (2008)

In 4 Christmases, Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn shine as Brad and Kate, a married couple with severely dysfunctional households. After their unique plans for a trip are canceled, the 2 at the moment are left to go to their households for the vacation season. Since each Brad and Kate additionally come from divorced households, their Christmas is spent touring between 4 totally different homes, with every journey filled with mayhem and chaos. Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, Sissy Spacek, Mary Steenburgen, and Kristin Chenoweth co-star alongside Witherspoon and Vaughn.

4 Christmas Tales in One

This Christmas traditional is ideal for lovers of the romantic dramedy style. It is relatable in so some ways, for one factor. Those that come from quirky and chaotic households can utterly perceive the frantic nature of making an attempt to suit everybody in for the vacations. There are additionally some touching moments to be discovered within the chaos, and the overarching theme in regards to the significance of household, regardless of how a lot of a headache it may be at occasions, stitches the movie’s laughs collectively in a modest runtime. This movie additionally marked the feature-length directorial debut of Seth Gordon, who would go on to direct Horrible Bosses along with engaged on Parks and Recreation and For All Mankind. Stream 4 Christmases on Hulu and Max.

14 The Night time Earlier than (2015)

The Night time Earlier than takes place on Christmas Eve when three childhood greatest buddies reunite to search out the most effective occasion in New York Metropolis. Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen), and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have made it a convention to spend Christmas Eve chasing events, and resolve that this 12 months, they’ll outdo themselves and someway make it to the most effective occasion: the Nutcracker Ball. Nevertheless, the journey might in the end put their friendship to the take a look at. Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Mindy Kaling, and Michael Shannon co-star.

A Totally different Sort of Vacation Spirit

Full of medication and booze, The Night time Earlier than actually brings a distinct form of vacation spirit. The three leads excel at their comedic performances, and collectively, they make a hilarious grouping with loads of tangible chemistry. The supporting and visitor solid listing provides to the enjoyable, together with a shock look by Miley Cyrus on the Nutcracker Ball. It is also value noting that Jonathan Levine each directed and co-wrote the screenplay, having beforehand directed 2013’s Heat Our bodies. Evan Goldberg additionally shares a few of the writing credit score as properly, initially rising to prominence from his work on Superbad and Pineapple Specific. Lease or Purchase The Night time Earlier than on Prime Video.

13 Workplace Christmas Occasion (2016)

Workplace Christmas Occasion takes company America again to varsity. The interim CEO of Zenotek, Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston), has declared that, if the workforce can land an enormous contract, she will not observe by way of along with her promise to chop a good portion of the workforce. When the whole agency is prone to shedding their jobs, they devise a festive resolution. It contains throwing a mega-Christmas bash to win over a significant consumer, all whereas bringing everybody collectively as a workforce for what would be the final time. Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, and T.J. Miller co-star together with Jillian Bell, Vanessa Bayer, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, and Kate McKinnon.

A Raunchy Riot

With its star-studded solid, Workplace Christmas Occasion is stuffed with sex-fueled, gross-out laughs. It is a hilarious take a look at the unhappy actuality of lay-offs and cutbacks, and an try to impress a consumer that will get manner out of hand. It is a wild journey all through, and whereas Workplace Christmas Occasion hangs its hat on raunchy humor, it is in the end handled with a degree of devotion and craft that actually makes it work. Like the remainder of the movies featured on this assortment, it additionally encompasses a delightfully sappy pleased ending as properly. These conversant in the works of co-directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon (Blades of Glory, The Change) may also discover loads of acquainted territory right here. Purchase or Lease Workplace Christmas Occasion on Apple TV.

12 Scrooged (1988)

In one other throwback movie, Scrooged re-imagines Charles Dickens’ traditional story, A Christmas Carol. The story follows a tv govt named Frank Cross (Invoice Murray), who’s impolite, uncaring, and usually egocentric. Quickly, he finds himself visited by three ghosts. They warn him that he is heading quick towards a lonely and meaningless demise. Will he change for the higher and discover his Christmas spirit? Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, and Robert Mitchum make up a portion of the primary solid right here.

A Darker Tackle a Christmas Basic

Whereas the messaging in Scrooged is an efficient one for teenagers, it is also a wake-up name for working dad and mom who won’t notice how a lot time they spend specializing in their jobs. It is an enlightening film delivered with a dose of vacation magic, delivering a darker and extra mature edge to a narrative that is as previous as time. Invoice Murray’s efficiency because the grouchy boss who needs his whole employees to work extra time on Christmas Eve is second to none, even when he famously described his expertise on set as being lower than optimistic. The movie additionally acquired an Academy Award nomination for Greatest Make-up, in the end shedding to Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Stream Scrooged on Prime Video and Paramount+.

11 Krampus (2015)

Certain, you’ve got heard of Santa Claus, however have you ever heard of Krampus? As one in all only some Christmas horror movies, Krampus follows a younger boy who loses his Christmas spirit following a nasty combat. Thus, he unintentionally releases an historical demon to wreak havoc on his household. Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Deal with, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) directed and co-wrote this movie, with Emjay Anthony main the solid alongside Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, and Conchata Ferrell.

Krampus Involves Life

Krampus, originating from European delusion, provides a darker aspect to Christmas lore. Preserve the Christmas tree lights on if you happen to dare watch this flick. By bringing distinctive folklore into the Christmas film style, Krampus gives a terrifying spin on a well-recognized story whereas nonetheless protecting issues comparatively cold. Whereas the film acquired blended opinions, it topped the field workplace when it opened, grossing a complete of $61 million on a modest price range of $15 million. It is gory, good enjoyable, and it is the proper film to look at if you’re nonetheless on the lookout for some scares to offset all the vacation cheer. Stream Krampus on Max and Peacock.

10 A Dangerous Mothers Christmas (2017)

Christmas can undoubtedly be a anxious time, particularly for moms who wish to make the vacation particular for his or her households. When three overworked moms resolve to insurgent in opposition to the expectations set on them through the holidays, issues shortly take a flip in A Dangerous Mothers Christmas. Quickly, their very own moms assist create extra chaos as Christmas shortly goes south. A follow-up to 2016’s Dangerous Mothers, this sequel sees Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn reprising their respective roles, with author/director duo Jon Lucas and Scott Moore returning to helm the movie’s manufacturing.

Motherhood within the Vacation Season

There aren’t many Christmas films devoted to moms. Due to this, A Dangerous Mothers Christmas is a raunchy comedy that is good to look at with girlfriends throughout a sleepover evening. Every mother is relatable in her personal manner, from the desperate-to-please mother, to the one who by no means goes out, to even the occasion animal mother. The incorporation of Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon into the solid feels extremely pure as properly, giving the main trio a brand-new set of characters to bounce their antics off of. It is a film about mothers taking again Christmas, which is one thing each mom will fist pump into the air and respect watching. Stream A Dangerous Mothers Christmas on Netflix.

9 Die Laborious (1988)

Sure, we imagine Die Laborious is a Christmas film, and a terrific one at that. Going down on Christmas Eve, John McClane (Bruce Willis) is pressured to spring into motion throughout a vacation occasion that’s overtaken by terrorists. As a talented police officer, McClane should save the hostages and take down a gaggle of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) within the final Christmas thriller. Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, and Paul Gleason co-star on this iconic yuletide motion movie.

The Final Anti-Christmas Film

It goes with out saying that Die Laborious is the proper Christmas film for adults who aren’t actually into Christmas films. The one tie-in with the vacation season is that the occasions within the action-packed film happen over Christmas. Past that, there is no vacation cheer or corny vacation message. All you may discover right here is one in all Bruce Willis’ most iconic performances, a unbelievable motion movie from the identical director as Predator, and an excellent rating by Michael Kamen (Highway Home, Highlander, Deadly Weapon). Society has spoken — Die Laborious has been declared a Christmas film value queuing up 12 months after 12 months. It is good for the anti-Christmas film fan and makes a terrific compromise movie to look at. Stream Die Laborious on Prime Video and Hulu.

8 Black Christmas (2019)

In our second horror entry, Black Christmas is ideal for slasher followers. On this flick, a gaggle of younger sorority ladies are making ready for vacation events and enjoyable. Nevertheless, the ladies are quickly preyed on by a vicious Christmas killer. With threatening textual content messages, discuss of black magic, and sinister plans, there’s so much to unpack on this film. Sophia Takal directed this merry slasher, with Imogen Poots, Alyese Shannon, Lily Donoghue, Brittany O’Grady, and Cary Elwes co-starring.

A Remake of an Grownup Basic

A free remake of the 1974 horror film of the identical title, Black Christmas is stuffed with thrills and kills. It is sure to ship shivers down your backbone while you see the harrowing performances of its leads contrasting in opposition to the grotesque bloodshed. Whereas the film acquired blended opinions, some appreciated the well timed feminist themes. The sharp dialogue and urgency of the scenes all through the plot add to the depth, making this an uncommon however fascinating alternative for the vacation season. Stream Black Christmas on Max and Hulu.

7 Love Truly (2003)

Love Truly is one other staple vacation film. It tells the tales of a number of {couples} as they try to navigate their sophisticated love lives, with their tales intermingling all through. It depicts all varieties of love, together with a pair going by way of marital woes, a Prime Minister balancing the obligations of his job along with his attraction to an worker, a younger man looking for himself, and a washed-up pop star and his bond with a greatest buddy. The sprawling solid of this movie options the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Andrew Lincoln, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Rowan Atkinson, Jo Whiley, Keira Knightley, and Laura Linney.

10 Totally different Tales All in One

The film has equal elements romance and comedy, with some even going as far as to declare it among the finest Christmas films ever made. With so many various however intertwined character tales to observe, Love Truly is bound to not solely maintain your consideration, however increase your vacation spirits too. Every of the totally different tales all through all seize some totally different a part of the vacation season, delicately balancing heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments in an general compelling package deal. The performing is spot-on and the opening and shutting scenes, which function actual households reuniting on the airport, will tug at heartstrings. The film, and its messaging about how love is throughout in so many types, in the end by no means will get previous. Stream Love Truly on Prime Video.

6 Virtually Christmas (2016)

Virtually Christmas follows a grieving household as they appear to spend the vacations collectively after their mom’s loss of life. Although the meetup is about up with good intentions, the household is very dysfunctional. Nonetheless, their father hopes that every one his youngsters and their respective households can get alongside, so he will get his personal deserved Christmas miracle. A powerful solid brings collectively the likes of Kimberly Elise, Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, J.B. Smoove, and David E. Talbert, with the latter serving because the movie’s director and author as properly.

Virtually a Bona Fide Basic

The movie is, at occasions, emotionally intense. However it may be foolish on the similar time, good for followers of drama and comedy. Virtually Christmas may really be therapeutic for a household going by way of the identical scenario. It gives some gentle comedy that will help you get by way of a tough scenario of any variety. Danny Glover shines because the lead character, and he’s supported by a gifted solid that enables him to actually showcase his performing chops. It is thought of a type of Christmas films value watching repeatedly due to its general optimistic messaging and touching storyline. Stream Virtually Christmas on Hulu and Prime Video.

5 Violent Night time (2022)

Learn Our Assessment

Children love David Harbour as Chief Jim Hopper in Stranger Issues. However his character in Violent Night time isn’t applicable for his or her harmless eyes. Right here, Santa is a talented and violent killer who does what must be carried out when a household is kidnapped by “Mr. Scrooge” (John Leguizamo) and his merry band of mercenaries. David Harbour turns into a grizzled model of Saint Nick on this violent flick, co-starring alongside Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, and Beverly D’Angelo. Director Tommy Wirkola additionally brings his violent edge to the manufacturing, having beforehand directed the beloved cult traditional movie Lifeless Snow in 2009.

Santa Claus Will get Even

This action-comedy has parts of humor, however make no mistake, it is a parents-only movie. When dad and mom are sick of the overly candy, lovely Christmas films they’ve watched on repeat with the youngsters all vacation season, they’ll curl as much as this movie that mixes Christmas cheer with high-octane motion. For relations who aren’t into sappy comedies or animated films, Violent Night time is a superb compromise. The twist on Santa’s folklore origins, the violent motion, and the creative shakeups for a traditional vacation character quantity to an adult-oriented model of Dwelling Alone, full with bloody traps and bone-crunching motion in addition. Purchase or Lease Violent Night time on Prime Video.

4 EXmas (2023)

Think about displaying up at your loved ones’s residence for Christmas, solely to search out your ex there. This nightmare is what occurs to Graham (Robbie Amell) in EXmas when he finds his ex at his dad and mom’ residence as their visitor of honor. Now, he has to combat for his family’s affection. Solely one in all them can keep if it will be a merry Christmas. Naturally, loads of chaos ensues. Leighton Meester stars as Ali Moyer, Graham’s ex, with Michael Hitchcock, Kathy Greenwood, Veronika Slowikowska, and Steven Huy co-starring.

An Wonderful Story About Exes

Amell and Leighton Meester are each common actors, and placing them collectively on this Christmas comedy strikes gold. It is an elevated Hallmark-style film that performs up all the most effective elements of its romance and comedy. EXmas is aware of precisely what it’s and easy methods to benefit from its campy laughs, with director Jordan Feingold having loads of expertise within the style. If you need a straightforward viewing session for the vacation season, this easy and candy vacation story is an ideal match. Stream EXmas on Prime Video.

3 A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)

The very description as a buddy stoner Christmas comedy is a sign that A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas isn’t meant for teenagers. Because the third installment within the common franchise, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) are drifters who, after the occasions of the earlier film, resolve to go their separate methods. Kumar continues to be missing course, however Harold has develop into a profitable, married enterprise one who has gotten his life collectively. It does not take lengthy, nonetheless, for the pair to rise up to their previous antics as soon as they reunite round Christmastime.

Extra Harold & Kumar Goodness

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas is completely foolish enjoyable with sophomoric jokes that can have dad and mom making an attempt to carry of their giggles, so they do not wake the youngsters. The story will get more and more ridiculous because the plot thickens, from the lads operating from the Russian mob to unintentionally capturing Santa. After all, the highly-exaggerated fictionalized model of Neil Patrick Harris additionally makes his fabulous return as properly. It is raunchy and vulgar, however if you happen to’re into that, this can be a top-tier film to take a look at. Purchase or Lease A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas on Apple TV.

2 Gremlins (1984)

Like Die Laborious​​​​​​, Gremlinsis not usually thought of a “Christmas” film. But it surely’s an ideal one to look at all through the vacation season, as a result of the occasions within the film happen on Christmas Eve. When Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives a bizarre creature as a present, he is elated till he makes one fateful mistake. After feeding this creature after midnight, it subsequently spawns terrifying monsters that wreak havoc on his small city. Galligan co-stars alongside Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, and Frances Lee McCain.

A Violent Romp Via Christmas Eve

A traditional value watching once more, and one which these of the brand new era will love seeing for the primary time, Gremlins has develop into half of popular culture historical past. Howie Mandel is ideal because the voice of the mogwai, the cuddly mascot of the movie, and whereas the particular results are kid’s play by at the moment’s requirements, it is nonetheless entertaining nonetheless. In reality, the reliance on sensible results with some genuinely spectacular puppetry provides Gremlins a timeless high quality regardless of premiering about 4 many years in the past. Whereas it is heavy on slapstick violence, Gremlins is downright enthralling, even for individuals who may wince and look away sometimes. Stream Gremlins on Max.

1 Buying and selling Locations (1983)

Extensively thought of to be one in all Eddie Murphy’s greatest performances, Buying and selling Locations is not only a Christmas film, but in addition deep social commentary. Louis (Dan Aykroyd) is a member of the higher class, whereas Billy Ray (Eddie Murphy) is a avenue beggar and con man. The 2 develop into the topic of a specific wager: What occurs when the 2 successfully change locations? Can they survive? Along with that includes Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, and Jamie Lee Curtis are additionally connected to the primary solid.

Certainly one of John Landis’ Greatest Films

As famous, Buying and selling Locations is greater than only a comedy. It digs deeper into cultural and socioeconomic themes, all whereas utilizing Christmas as a pleasant backdrop. Murphy is at his greatest on this iconic movie, as is Dan Aykroyd, with the 2 finally discovering their true selves of their newfound residing conditions. The scenes with Louis discovering what it is actually wish to reside within the sneakers of somebody much less lucky than him, juxtaposed with the truth that he is in a Santa Claus costume, are downright tragic. The film does have a cheerful ending, so whereas it is miserable at occasions, the comedic performances by each Murphy and Aykroyd handle to offset that. Simply understand that this movie is not for teenagers — a number of raunchy jokes and bits of racial humor right here and there are removed from applicable for them. Purchase or Lease Buying and selling Locations on Prime Video.