Christmas movies that aren’t actually Christmas movies

“Die Hard”

Let me put this one first and never mention it again. It takes place during a holiday office party, the soundtrack has Christmas music and a corpse is dressed as Santa. The screenwriter has confirmed multiple times that “Die Hard” is as much a Christmas movie as “White Christmas.” And it ends with the trademarked Hallmark snowfall. The debate on whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie has gone on for so long. Let it go, no one cares.

“Iron Man 3”

This movie takes place at Christmas. That feature grants it a chance at being classified as a Christmas movie. The film almost mimics “A Christmas Carol,” with Tony Stark representing Ebenezer Scrooge. A “ghost” from his past, Killian shows up for revenge. The character arc that Tony follows eerily echoes the change caused by Christmas spirit in Hallmark movies. And we can’t forget the epic one-liner in the final battle scene. “What are you waiting for? It’s Christmas!” proclaims Stark. “Take them to church!”

“Batman Returns”

This one makes more sense than the last. The whole franchise fits the merry and bright Christmas theme well. This movie does a great job of representing the holiday season while keeping the twisted and dark theme for which the franchise is known. Here’s why “Batman Returns” is a Christmas movie: It occurs during the Christmas season, it features massive Christmas trees and an overload of decorations, the phrase “Merry Christmas” is said multiple times and, of course, there is the classic snowfall, in an excessive amount.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”

This semi-rejected James Bond film is mockingly considered the “James Bond Christmas Special.” The distaste for this film was tied to the Bond actor George Lazenby. Recently, the film has returned to good light and all is well. This movie qualifies as a Christmas movie for several reasons. The first, of course, the film happens during the Christmas season. The location is in the snowy alps, which covers that requirement and gives the opportunity for an incredible ski chase scene. The soundtrack also features an original Christmas song, “Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown?”

“Edward Scissorhands”

The second half of the film features Peg’s annual Christmas party. The whole community is in a festive time, with decorations and lights strung all over the town. A specific scene has Edward making an angel out of ice, creating an artificial “snow.” The film also features the themes of love and family, which are usually found in Christmas classics. Reminiscent of the Grinch, “Edward Scissorhands” features a fish-out-of-water, but with a little less Christmas. 

This article deserves a sequel of accepted Christmas movies that shouldn’t be considered Christmas movies.

By Annelise Jacobs