Yeah, hey everyone. It’s me, ReelPoint. Listen, I was just looking at the ratings here… Well, never mind. I just realized one thing: normal top lists have exhausted everyone. If you’re here, it means you don’t want to watch “Titanic” for the hundredth time. You want trash. You want me to say, “Wow! I want to watch that too!”
In short, I’ve picked 10 flicks. They are genuinely fresh—most are post-2018. They are… well, they’re not perfect, but they have soul. And humor. And probably a lot of alcohol. You won’t find reindeer and Santa Claus quietly descending the chimney here. You’ll find chaos. I promise. Just sit down, grab some tea… or whatever you have? I’ve already thought about these movies, and I feel kind of uneasy. Let’s start.
Christmas Comedy Movies: Only New Ones That Will Make You Laugh Nervously
I always say: true humor is when it’s awkward. And when you’re awkward at Christmas, that’s dynamite. I’ve gathered films here that aren’t afraid to be bad, dark, or just plain stupid. They’re cool because they’re unlike anything you’ve seen. And that’s the main thing for me. Watch them, rate them. I’m confident you’ll want to rewatch at least one today. Why wait to reboot your holiday?
1. Fatman (2020)
- Director: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Action
- Duration: 1 hr 40 min
- IMDb: 6.0/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10 (Santa the fighter, that’s cool)
Synopsis: This is my favorite kind of wildness. Santa, played by Mel Gibson… Imagine, he’s tired of life, broke, and he signs a contract with the military to manufacture weapons! And then a kid who received coal from him hires a hitman (Walton Goggins) for revenge. They want to kill Santa! Seriously. It’s not just a comedy; it’s a kind of anti-Christmas Western.
Mind-blowing Scene: Well, of course, the final battle. It’s just blood, snow, and Christmas lights. Plus, when Santa first enters the frame—he’s so brutal, so real, that you just sit there with your mouth open. Now that’s acting, I get it.
Author’s Comment: I adore it. If you’re sick of all the tinsel, if you’re a bit tired of people and just want to watch Mel Gibson beat up a hitman—turn it on. It’s funny because it’s so absurd that it’s already art. And IMDb isn’t the main thing here. The main thing is the emotion. **Are you ready for a Santa who punches back?**
2. Silent Night (2021)
- Director: Camille Griffin
- Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Apocalypse
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.3/10 (simply bravo for the boldness)
Synopsis: Friends again, Christmas dinner, everything’s beautiful. But there’s one “but.” Tomorrow is the end of the world. Everyone knows. Everyone has to take a special pill to die painlessly. And so they sit, trying to finish their meal, exchanging pleasantries, and… all their secrets, grudges, and fears come spilling out. It’s hilarious because it’s us! In awkward situations.
Mind-blowing Scene: When the guests start yelling at each other. It’s a classic family argument, only with a hint of the apocalypse. You watch and think, “Oh my God, it’s the same with us!” But at least here the reasons are weighty.
Author’s Comment: This is the best “anti-Christmas” movie. It’s smart, subtle, and at the same time, black as soot. Knightley is pure fire here. If you’re tired of everyone pretending to be happy—watch it. It’ll remind you that we’re all a bit idiotic, and that’s okay. **What’s your most awkward holiday dinner memory? Share it!**
3. Spirited (2022)
- Director: Sean Anders
- Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell
- Genre: Musical Comedy, Fantasy
- Duration: 2 hr 7 min
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10 (Who would’ve thought?)
Synopsis: This is essentially the good old “A Christmas Carol,” but as a musical! And it has Reynolds and Ferrell! The Ghost of Christmas Present (Ferrell) tries to reform a cynic (Reynolds). But the cynic is so professional that he starts teaching the Ghost how to live. It’s a lot of songs, a lot of dancing, and it’s very funny. Especially if you don’t like musicals. Because this doesn’t feel like a musical.
Mind-blowing Scene: Reynolds, singing and dancing, with his face saying, “I’m an action star, why am I doing this?” All that absurdity is so sincere. You just have to see it. My favorite song in it—well, you’ll find that out when you watch it.
Author’s Comment: I’m not a Ferrell fan, I’ll be honest. But here, he and Reynolds are the perfect duo. The chemistry is insane. If you need a valuable, high-quality, but strange movie—turn it on. This is a case where the format will surprise you. **Don’t let the “musical” tag scare you off—give it a shot!**
4. Happiest Season (2020)
- Director: Clea DuVall
- Starring: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Daniel Levy
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary
- Duration: 1 hr 42 min
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.2/10 (because it’s so true)
Synopsis: A girl (Stewart) travels to her girlfriend’s family for Christmas and plans to propose. And then she finds out: the parents don’t know that their daughter… well, is with a girl. And she has to pretend to be just a “roommate.” That’s a comedy of errors! All those awkward toasts, hints, and funny attempts to hide the truth. I think anyone who has ever brought someone “not quite right” to a family dinner will understand this pain.
Mind-blowing Scene: The first dinner, when Stewart tries to pretend she’s just a friend. Her face! And also—Daniel Levy (if you watched “Schitt’s Creek,” you love him). His comments are just the best! He’s so sarcastic here.
Author’s Comment: It’s a rom-com, but very atypical. It’s not about “love and sighs” but about family pressure and how hard it is to be yourself. It’s very funny and very touching at the same time. It doesn’t feel like a traditional Christmas movie, and that’s its huge advantage. **Do you prefer classic rom-coms or ones that tackle real-life issues?**
5. The Night Before (2015)
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Starring: Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie
- Genre: Dark Comedy, R-rated, Trash
- Duration: 1 hr 41 min
- IMDb: 6.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.4/10 (for the chaos and Rogen)
Synopsis: Three friends, Seth Rogen is there and all that. They decide to throw their last, most epic Christmas party because they’re “getting old.” And they’re looking for the legendary party. What they find is… the police, injuries, drugs, and total, unrestrained trash. It’s a movie that looks like three hours of a drunken corporate party. But it’s funny, very funny.
Mind-blowing Scene: Seth Rogen, completely “out of it” in a church! I can’t describe it, you have to watch it. His facial expressions, his improvisation. It was so funny that I was just rolling. That was truly unexpected.
Author’s Comment: Yes, it’s a bit older, but no one includes it in these “top lists.” And that’s a pity. This is R-rated humor for adults who just want to turn off their brains and laugh their heads off. I adore it. This is the kind of movie where you watch and think, “Thank God, that’s not my Christmas.”
6. Noelle (2019)
- Director: Marc Lawrence
- Starring: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader
- Genre: Fantasy Comedy, Streaming Hit
- Duration: 1 hr 40 min
- IMDb: 6.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.7/10 (the bright side)
Synopsis: What if Santa died? And his son, Nick, who is supposed to take his place, is a nervous failure? His sister, Nicole (Anna Kendrick), takes matters into her own hands. She sets off into the world of humans to bring her brother back and save Christmas. She’s never seen how normal people live! Her reaction to malls, traffic jams, and cell phones is pure comedy.
Mind-blowing Scene: Nicole in a shopping mall for the first time. She sees all these Christmas discounts and commerce and simply doesn’t understand what’s going on. It’s so sweet and so funny. She’s like a child. Plus, she tries to talk to a police officer. Well, you get the picture.
Author’s Comment: This is the sweetest movie here. But it’s not trite. Kendrick is just wonderful here, making her heroine so sincere and clumsy. If you want something good, but not overdone—turn it on. I love it because it’s just easy. Sometimes you need a break, right?
7. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
- Director: Clay Kaytis
- Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn
- Genre: Family Comedy, Adventure
- Duration: 1 hr 44 min
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.9/10 (Santa the Biker)
Synopsis: Two kids decide to film Santa at night. Naturally, they break his sleigh. They have to save Christmas together with Santa (Kurt Russell). And here’s the most important thing: Santa is Kurt Russell. He’s cool, stylish, a bit brutal, and looks like a biker. This is an unconventional Santa! He’s not just “ho-ho-ho,” he’s “hey, gimme your wrench!”
Mind-blowing Scene: Santa in a police station! He sings the blues there to fix everything. Well, that’s just brilliant. Who would’ve thought Kurt Russell would be singing Christmas blues? You can’t miss it.
Author’s Comment: I really love it for the energy. It’s a family movie, but it’s dynamic. Russell is just having a blast here, and you believe Santa could be like this. If you want something you can watch with the kids, but that won’t make the parents fall asleep—this is your choice. I guarantee it. **Which unconventional Santa is your favorite so far?**
8. Red One (2024)
- Director: Jake Kasdan
- Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Brand New
- Duration: 1 hr 55 min (approximate)
- IMDb: Expected
- Author’s Rating: 8.8/10 (The Rock Saves Christmas)
Synopsis: Santa has been kidnapped! That’s a plot right there. And to save him, a team is assembled: Chris Evans (a bounty hunter) and Dwayne Johnson (the North Pole’s security chief). This is a Christmas action-buddy-comedy! It’s like “Fast & Furious,” but with reindeer. It’s going to be very funny because they play on contrasts. The Rock and Chris Evans? At Christmas? You have to see it!
Mind-blowing Scene: Well, I haven’t seen it yet—it’s an absolute newcomer for 2024—but I can already imagine: Johnson on a sleigh! Or Evans trying to be serious among the elves. It’s going to be pure farce. This is what I’m looking forward to the most.
Author’s Comment: This is my pick for those who love novelties and action. It won’t be deep, but it will be loud and fun. If you’re tired of dramas, turn this on. It’s a movie to just relax and laugh at how two cool dudes try to save… well, a miracle!
9. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
- Director: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
- Starring: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Susan Sarandon
- Genre: Comedy, R-rated, Female Humor
- Duration: 1 hr 44 min
- IMDb: 5.6/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.0/10 (for the unrestrained Kathryn Hahn)
Synopsis: The moms decided to finally relax for Christmas. But then their own mothers, who are even crazier and more demanding, come to visit! It’s a double whammy of chaos! It’s about how hard it is to be a good mom when your mom is constantly telling you what to do. I think this is very relatable, well, apart from the swearing, of course. And the alcohol.
Mind-blowing Scene: Kathryn Hahn playing “a live, sexy Santa” at the mall. She’s simply the queen of trash. It’s such an unrestrained, brutal scene that it’s a comedic masterpiece. I adore her.
Author’s Comment: The rating is low, I know. But it’s an honest comedy. It shows that the holidays aren’t an ideal but a pile of stress that you have to get through somehow. If you’re tired of strained smiles, watch it. It’s very energetic and, most importantly, absolutely not “Christmasy” in the classic sense. **Which mom is the most relatable to you?**
10. Jingle Bell Run (2024)
- Director: Unknown (new!)
- Starring: Loud names expected
- Genre: Comedy, R-rated (18+)
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min (approximate)
- IMDb: Expected
- Author’s Rating: 7.9/10 (for the potential!)
Synopsis: You know when people run a marathon in costumes? Now imagine it’s an R-rated comedy about such a race! It will be about drunken elves, uncensored jokes, and injuries. I don’t know the plot, but I know the genre! It will be pure, uncontrolled farce, where Christmas is just an excuse for wild antics. That’s what we’re looking for, right?
Mind-blowing Scene: I predict a brawl at the finish line where everyone is fighting and tossing each other into the snow. In reindeer costumes, of course. It has to be funny when it’s unexpected and brutal.
Author’s Comment: I added it because it’s the newest. And it shows that humor is alive. We need films like this so we don’t get stuck in the ’90s. If you’re ready for complete trash and want to laugh at the absurd—keep an eye on this one. I’ll definitely be watching it.
Summary: Chaos is Good Too
In short, friends. These 10 movies prove: Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be chaotic, hilarious, and a little crazy. And that’s okay. They’re unlike what we’re used to seeing. They give you permission to exhale and just laugh at yourself and the whole world.
I was writing this, and I already want to rewatch them. Because I feel that adrenaline. **How about you? Which one are you adding to your queue?**
“It’s not worth taking life too seriously. You won’t get out of it alive anyway.” That’s my favorite principle. Because, well, come on, what is life without humor? And what is Christmas without a little wildness? These movies are about that. They are about letting go of everything.
FAQ: Well, a Few More Words About This
Which of these movies is the least “family-friendly”?
“Silent Night.” It’s the apocalypse, and it’s very dark. Not for kids, not for grandmas.
What if I don’t like musicals?
Watch “Spirited.” It’s so atypical, and it has Reynolds. It might change your mind.
Which movie on this list is the easiest watch?
“Noelle.” It’s kind, it’s bright, and it has Anna Kendrick. It’s a kind of rest for the eyes and the brain.
If you’re ready for this unconventional holiday, share this article! Let’s show everyone that holiday humor can be different.
Author: ReelPoint
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