The Totally Random—but Absolutely Essential—Holiday Movie Watchlist with Crews

Once December hits, most people reach for the standard holiday staples: Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story. And don’t get me wrong—I love a good classic as much as anyone. But every year, without fail, there are a few movies I have to make time for. They may not all be traditional, they may not all be family-friendly, but they are very much part of my personal holiday tradition.

Here are a few of my favorites—totally random, a little chaotic, and perfect for this time of year.

Jingle All The Way (1996)

Look… if you’re in your late 30s, there’s a 99% chance you either asked for a Turbo Man or knew someone who did. It was the toy. The legend. The obsession. And yes, I know you just read “Turbo Man” in Arnold’s voice.

This movie is peak ’90s holiday chaos: frantic parents, impossible toy hunts, Sinbad being Sinbad, and Arnold in full action-hero dad mode. It’s dumb, it’s fun, it’s nostalgic—and it absolutely earns a spot on my annual list.

Black Christmas (1974 or 2019)

Here’s where the list takes a dark turn—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Black Christmas is one of the earliest and best holiday horror films. The 1974 original is a genre-defining slasher, filled with tension, eerie phone calls, and that slow-burn creepiness you just don’t get anymore.

But honestly? The 2019 remake is pretty enjoyable too. It leans more into gore and wild backstory, but it’s still a blast if you’re into holiday horror. Either version is required viewing for me every year.

A warm cup of cocoa, a glowing tree, and a terrifying sorority house… perfection.

Batman Returns (1992)

This one rarely shows up on traditional holiday movie lists, but let’s be clear—the entire plot takes place during Christmas. Gotham is decked out in lights, there are Christmas trees everywhere, and we’ve got holiday chaos courtesy of the Penguin and Catwoman.

But the biggest reason this makes the list? Michael Keaton is the BEST Batman. End of story. I will not be accepting counterarguments.

Tim Burton’s signature style + holiday aesthetic + Keaton’s Batman = an essential December rewatch.

Die Hard (1988)

And yes… Die Hard IS a Christmas movie.
We’re not debating this today. We’re not debating it tomorrow. We’re not debating it ever.

It’s set at a Christmas party. There are Christmas decorations. There’s Christmas music. John McClane literally writes “Ho-Ho-Ho” on a bad guy. That is holiday cinema.

Explosions, one-liners, ‘80s action greatness—it’s everything you could ask for during the season.