The Strangest Christmas Film from Every 12 months: 1984-2024

The primary-ever Christmas film, Santa Clause, was launched in 1898. Since then, numerous vacation movies have been produced. In 2024 alone, Hallmark plans to launch 41 new vacation movies, whereas Lifetime will contribute a further 12.

Many of those movies adhere to some beloved, feel-good formulation, emphasizing themes of household unity, the rediscovery or rekindling of romance, and the spirit of giving throughout the vacation season.

Nonetheless, some movies take a decidedly weird flip. Be part of us as we discover the Weirdest Christmas Film from Every 12 months, spanning from 1984 to 2024.

Gremlins (1984)

Whereas we should always acknowledge the infamous vacation slasher Silent Night time, Lethal Night time—a movie that outraged critic Gene Siskel to the extent he voiced his disgust on air—Gremlins earns the title of 1984’s weirdest Christmas film. The plot follows a teenage boy in a small city who receives an impossibly cute Mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas. Regardless of receiving essential care directions, the boy shortly neglects them, setting off a series response that unleashes chaos from the mischievous gremlins, providing sharp commentary on the commercialization of Christmas.

Rocky IV (1985)

The fourth installment within the Rocky franchise, this overly dramatic movie options Dolph Lundgren as a steroid-enhanced Russian opponent whom Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky should defeat to avenge a buddy’s tragic dying. The struggle takes place on Christmas and results in Rocky not solely defeating the highly effective boxer but additionally, in a dramatic twist, enjoying a task in ending the Chilly Struggle. And let’s not neglect Paulie’s life-sized robotic sidekick for an additional dose of oddity.

Babes in Toyland (1986)

Starring Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves, this made-for-TV movie contains quirky components like one-eyed creatures known as Trollogs and a mysterious “flask of distilled evil,” making it a standout for 1986.

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Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

This yr produced a slew of holiday-centric movies, together with Deadly Weapon and A Muppet Household Christmas, but Jaws: The Revenge takes the cake for weirdness. The movie assigns Ellen Brody, the widow of the deceased police chief from the primary two Jaws movies, with psychic talents that alert her to the presence of a vengeful shark concentrating on her household. Cue the totally ridiculous tagline, “This time, it’s private,” as her powers show sadly timed throughout a chaotic Christmas assault.

Scrooged (1988)

Whereas Die Onerous additionally hit theaters in 1988 (although it leans extra towards the superior than the bizarre), Scrooged introduced us an eccentric tackle Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Invoice Murray stars as a cynical tv govt whose unexpectedly darkish comedic journey critiques the trade whereas celebrating the Christmas spirit.

3615 Code Pere Noel (AKA Lethal Video games) (1989)

The perfect Christmas film of 1989 may be Christmas Trip, however 3615 Code Pere Noel gives a uniquely weird storyline the place a younger boy’s battle towards a house intruder performs out with actual hazard, accidents, and even fatalities. The movie’s writer later claimed Residence Alone stole his concepts fairly overtly.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

In a yr flooded with Christmas-themed films comparable to Residence Alone and Die Onerous 2, Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands emerges as a surreal and magical story that includes the enchanting love story of an uncommon younger man who faces challenges resulting from his harmful and extraordinary fingers.

The Final Boy Scout (1991)

It is a stretch, however any movie that opens with a soccer participant firing a gun throughout a stay sport qualifies as bizarre. Bruce Willis’ character’s daughter sketches a malevolent Santa Claus, securing the film’s win for oddness.

Residence Alone 2: Misplaced in New York (1992)

Regardless of the competitors from Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, the sequel the place Kevin McCallister as soon as once more will get separated from his household, this time in a sprawling metropolis, raises eyebrows. At what level ought to somebody name little one protecting companies on the McCallister household?

The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton makes his second look on our checklist with this stop-motion traditional that tells the whimsical story of what occurs when the Pumpkin King of Halloween units his sights on commandeering Christmas.

The Ref (1994)

Whereas Steve Martin as a suicide-prevention counselor in Blended Nuts might be seen as odd, the gripping The Ref, that includes Denis Leary as a felony compelled to grow to be an unwilling marriage counselor for a combating couple on Christmas, takes the crown for the weirdest vacation flick of 1994.

Whereas You Have been Sleeping (1995)

Fewer romantic comedies match the weird mildew on this checklist, however Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of a lonely transit employee on this movie actually begins a comedic chain of sudden occasions.

Santa With Muscle groups (1996)

In distinction to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Jingle All of the Method, this movie options Hulk Hogan as a millionaire donning a Santa go well with to keep away from the regulation and finally going through off towards an evil scientist. The premise is as outrageous because it sounds.

Jack Frost (1997)

The tagline for Jack Frost describes “science and evil colliding,” which sums up its plot a few male convict whose transformation right into a wise-cracking snowman captures each horror and humor in a chilling method.

Jack Frost (1998)

In a singular twist, only a yr later, Jack Frost was reimagined with Michael Keaton as a rock star turned snowman, bringing a family-friendly but nonetheless unconventional narrative to the desk.

Eyes Extensive Shut (1999)

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s enigmatic marriage and the movie’s exploration of eroticism and infidelity ship a hauntingly surreal vacation film that defies conventional Merry Christmas narratives.

Jack Frost 2 (2000)

This yr noticed Jim Carrey’s well-liked How the Grinch Stole Christmas; nevertheless, the surprisingly humorous Jack Frost 2 options our favourite snowman wreaking havoc within the Bahamas, including a peculiar twist to the horror style.

Sorry, right here’s a lump of coal (2001)

Sadly, we have nothing bizarre from 2001, with the spotlight being the traditional Name Me Claus, starring Whoopi Goldberg—positively not sufficient to qualify as odd.

Friday After Subsequent (2002)

The third Friday installment unravels a narrative the place Ice Dice should retrieve stolen presents and hire cash throughout Christmastime, with absurd rest room hijinks woven all through.

Unhealthy Santa (2003)

This yr is marked by two main vacation hits, however Unhealthy Santa stands as a darkly humorous and weird traditional that includes Billy Bob Thornton as a despicable Santa out to rob malls, alongside a surprisingly endearing child.

Surviving Christmas (2004)

Whereas many movies tried to seize the darkness of Unhealthy Santa, they largely fell brief. Surviving Christmas options Ben Affleck paying a household to faux to be his for the vacations, leading to a narrative that’s awkwardly unusual.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

On this movie, a down-on-his-luck thief will get swept right into a wildly odd detective story amid the festive backdrop of Hollywood, stuffed with humor and genre-savvy twists.

Deck the Halls (2006)

Although we’ll skip Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause sequence, Deck the Halls takes the cake for its disorganization and lack of wit, famously disappointing each followers and critics alike.

And the weirdness continues (2007)

Two contenders emerge: Fred Claus, showcasing Vince Vaughn inflicting chaos as Santa’s brother, and the audaciously offensive brief movie A Kitten for Hitler. Greatest to skip each in your personal sanity.

Step Brothers (2008)

On this hilarious take, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly’s awkward Christmas moments are infused with childlike antics and sheer immaturity, resulting in memorable chaos.

12 Males of Christmas (2009)

This quirky movie follows a big-city publicist who persuades native rescue squad members to mannequin for a fundraising calendar, frightening conversations in regards to the male objectification.

Uncommon Exports (2010)

The Finnish horror movie Uncommon Exports presents a chilling interpretation of Santa Claus as youngsters are saved from a malevolent St. Nick, delivering an intriguing horror twist.

A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)

Former stoner buddies’ friendship faces challenges after they attempt to discover the right Christmas tree, with a magical contact from Neil Patrick Harris and a high-flying Santa.

Silent Night time (2012)

This remake of Silent Night time, Lethal Night time takes a darkish flip as a psychotic Santa employs grotesque techniques for his revenge, proving each ridiculous and thrilling.

Alone for Christmas (2013)

This model of Residence Alone options canine left to defend their house throughout the holidays, providing an amusing twist on conventional vacation themes.

Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014)

Actual-life web sensation Grumpy Cat will get her personal movie, voiced by Aubrey Plaza, delivering a vacation film that’s as humorous as it’s absurd.

Krampus (2015)

Krampus options an historical demon punishing households who’ve misplaced their Christmas spirit. Its mix of horror and humor has garnered it a cult following.

Unhealthy Santa 2 (2016)

Whereas Unhealthy Santa 2 doesn’t attain the heights of its predecessor, its sheer oddness units it aside from different vacation films launched that yr.

A Unhealthy Mother’s Christmas (2017)

The sequel to Unhealthy Mothers delivers raucous laughs and outrageous situations that maintain the festive spirit alive and uncooked.

Triple Function: Await Additional Directions / Anna and the Apocalypse / Santa Jaws (2018)

In 2018, three peculiar movies captured consideration: Santa Jaws, an easy premise, and the warped narratives of Await Additional Directions and Anna and the Apocalypse.

The Lodge (2019)

This thriller warns towards excessive pranks throughout Christmas as a lady’s psychological well being deteriorates below stress throughout vacation festivities.

Fatman (2020)

Mel Gibson takes on a gritty model of Santa Claus, coping with a conspiracy towards him from a troubled little one, subverting jovial vacation expectations.

Pink Snow (2021)

This movie blends Christmas with vampire lore as a romance novelist meets a real vampire at her vacation retreat, introducing sudden issues.

Violent Night time (2022)

On this action-packed Christmas movie, David Harbour embodies a rugged Santa with a fight edge, defending a younger boy from a bunch of vacation thieves.

It’s a Fantastic Knife (2023)

This creative horror film takes a darkly humorous spin on the traditional It is a Fantastic Life, infusing horror components alongside nostalgia.

Terrifier 3 (2024)

Whereas I am unable to converse from private expertise, it is clear Terrifier 3 guarantees a stage of weirdness that surpasses even the controversial Pink One.