At last, it’s Christmas. You’re bundled up in the comfiest blanket sat next to the blazing fireplace. In hand, you have a toasty hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, and a plate of freshly baked cookies sits next to you. However, an overwhelming sense of dread overcomes you, as you scroll through each streaming service looking for the perfect holiday movie. If only you had some Christmas recommendations.
Instead of rewatching the classics, Home Alone, The Grinch or Elf for the 10th year in a row, here are some of my favorite underground Christmas movie recommendations to help you with your dilemma!
Noelle
(Disney+)
If you’re in the mood for a Christmas comedy that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, Noelle is absolutely worth watching.
This movie is a hidden gem among holiday films and should definitely be added to the Christmas movie watchlist. For Lucy Milutinovich (’27), she agrees saying, “it is one of the movies I watch every year… it is a good watch and very Christmasy.”
What I love most about Noelle is the way it flips the classic Santa story on its head. Instead of sticking to tradition, it shows a different side to Christmas and the Claus family. When Nick Claus, Santa’s son, goes missing, his sister, Noelle, jumps into action to find him and bring him back to the North pole. Meanwhile, the North Pole is falling into chaos, as their tech-obsessed cousin gets thrown in charge and starts to tear apart Christmas.
This movie breaks the stereotype of Santa just being an old, fat figure, instead Noelle steps up into this role, and we learn that the job belongs to whoever has the heart, compassion and spirit to do it.
If you enjoy watching movies that leave you smiling and remind you of what the holidays are truly about, then Noelle is definitely the one to watch next.
Christmas Break in-
(Netflix, Prime Video)
If you are looking for a family friendly holiday movie to get you into the swing of Christmas, then the Christmas Break-In should be queued up next.
Young Izzy is excited for winter break, but unfortunately a snowstorm hits trapping her at school. She soon realizes that three thieves have broken into the school and kidnapped her favorite janitor. Using her quick thinking and a few clever tricks she turns the hallways into a battleground of harmless pranks.
This movie might not have the budget of a Hallmark classic or the comedy punch of Home Alone. But it makes up for it with heart and charm, and honestly sometimes that’s all you need during the Christmas break. Anna Ukstins (’27) agrees saying, “It’s not a classic Christmas movie, but I really enjoyed watching it… it discovers the true meaning of Christmas.”
Is it a little cheesy at times? Sure. But that’s part of the enchantment. It’s simple, sweet, and absolutely safe for kids to watch on repeat. And if you’re craving something that gives you the warm Christmas magic feeling without heartbreak or drama, this one is for you.
Christmas Break-In isn’t trying to reinvent the holiday movie formula and that’s exactly why it works, it’s quite comforting and perfect for a laid-back Christmas movie night.
Santa Clause-
(Prime Video, Hulu, Disney +)
If you want a Christmas movie that is hilarious, magical, and surprisingly heartfelt, The Santa Clause is absolutely worth watching.
What really makes this movie stand out is its mix of comedy and charm. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it still delivers those emotional punches when necessary. “I think it is just really funny, and it shows a lot of different aspects of Christmas,” says Peyton Drapeau (’28).
It follows Scott Calvin, who one day becomes Santa Claus, but unlike most other movies, Scott battles stepping into the red suit every day. I loved watching him change, not only from Scott to Santa, but changing how he viewed the world as a person. Watching him change from a cranky, sarcastic dad into someone who truly values the magic of Christmas. In my opinion, he has one of the best character arcs in a holiday film, which is why I recommend this movie. It brings a fresh perspective about the life of Santa Claus, which sets it apart from all other Christmas movies.
This film is 1/3 in a series, and I recommend you watch all of them, each building on the story and has the most wholesome ending. The Santa Clause two follows Santa as he goes in search of a Mrs. clause, but he leaves the North pole, which falls into utter chaos. The third, The Escape Clause, looks at Jack Frost whose goal is to become the next Santa. You watch as he tries to take control of the North Pole and change the workshop into an attraction. All three movies are on Prime Video, Hulu and Disney+.
If you are tired of overly perfect Christmas movies, and want something that blends humor with genuine heart, The Santa Clause movies should be your next Christmas watch.
The Holiday-
(Prime Video)
If you are searching for the perfect holiday movie that blends romance, charm, and genuine warmth, The Holiday is a must watch.
The Holiday is a cozy romantic comedy about two women from different countries who are currently feeling lonely as the holidays approach. During Christmas, they decide to swap homes to escape their problems. While living in each other’s houses, both women, form meaningful connections and gain confidence. By then end of the movie they have both discovered new love and happiness during the holiday season.
The aesthetic alone is what makes the movie worth watching, with the snowy English cottage, the twinkling holiday lights and the cozy fires. The holiday stands out because it feels good without being cheesy, romantic without being shallow, and festive without being over the top. Addie Dillon (’27) says, “It is a really cute romcom… it made me happy to watch it especially around the holidays.”
This movie has such an adventurous concept, that I would one day love to try. However, what makes this movie a masterpiece is the combination of love and Christmas magic.
Sometimes the holiday spirit can whirl you away, so whenever I look to unwind, this is the movie I put on. If you want a Christmas movie that will leave you smiling and maybe even a little teary-eyed in the best way, The Holiday is absolutely the one to press play on.
Arthur Christmas
(Prime Video)
If you are looking for a Christmas movie that fully captures the heart of the holidays, then Arthur Christmas should be your next watch.
This movie is my favorite, and I watch it every year. It combines both a wonderful story with peak British comedy and will have you laughing throughout. Just like Noelle, the movie follows the Claus family, with Arthur, Santa’s son, as he goes on a journey to save Christmas. The movie takes the classic “Santa delivers presents” idea and flips it into a high-tech operation.
This movie feels fresh every time you watch it as it doesn’t rely on the same Christmas formula, which makes it so intriguing! It’s the perfect movie to put you in a good mood, make you smile, and keep you entertained the whole time.
If you want something that will make you laugh and leave you thinking that is the Christmas spirit, then Arthur Christmas absolutely deserves a spot on your holiday watchlist.
Christmas isn’t just the time for giving back to the community but giving back to yourself. So, snuggle up on the sofa, warm hot chocolate in hand, and play some of these Christmas movies to reward yourself.
-Thea Smith
Mouth of the River 
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