The festive season is well on the way and TV channels are starting to slowly roll out those Christmas classics. These warm-hearted family favourites remain popular year after year, and how better to watch them than on a cheap 3D TV? If these kinds of movie aren’t for you, then don’t worry. Christmas films aren’t all about snowy scenes, holiday romance and sleigh bells. There’s actually several movies that have a touch of Christmas without being overpoweringly festive. In fact, you may not have even realised that these five movies are holiday movies at all.
1. Die Hard, 1989
A classic in its own right, Die Hard is a movie must-see. Opening on Christmas Eve, this action packed picture is fast-paced and full of tension. With an exceptional cast, gripping plot and unexpected turns, this film, along with its sequel, are a perfect holiday viewing.
The Batman movies have always been popular and superhero stories in general have been adored for generations. Director Tim Burton perfectly blended action and humour to create a fun film with these best loved characters. Though it is obvious to those who have seen it, many people don’t realise that Batman Returns is in fact set over the Christmas season. If you’d like another superhero adventure, Iron Man 3 also has many references to Christmas.
Another Tim Burton directed classic. While Burton is usually associated with creepy, Halloween-esque movies, Edward Scissorhands is another in-direct holiday film. The narrative centres around a grandmother explaining to her grandchild why it snows at Christmas. Add some spine-tingling fantasy into the holiday season with this firm favourite.
Though each Harry Potter story is set over a whole school year, the first instalment is full of festivities. Share the emotional moment that Harry enjoys Christmas for the first time with his best friend, in the decorated halls of the magical Hogwarts castle. It is at Christmas that the young wizard receives the mysterious invisibility cloak that leads him into many more exciting adventures. Perfect for family viewing, magic and Christmas just go hand in hand.
The Gremlins film contains snow, Christmas music and a unique tale of Santa. Thinking that a furry little creature is the perfect Christmas gift for his son, a gadget salesman has no idea what he’s let them in for. While the festive setting is clearly predominant, it rarely makes lists when it comes to traditional Christmas films.
