Including 'Die Hard,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'Edward Scissorhands' and more films that bring the holiday merriment in unconventional ways

If you’re looking for an unconventional Christmas movie that isn’t Die Hard, here’s a selection for your consideration… Christmas is upon us again, and one of the leisure

The exact meaning of the season, of course, is different for everyone—hence the nine movies below might not be anyone’s first choice when Grandma says “Let’s watch a Christmas movie.” Some of them were made for TV;

Some Christmas movies are merry and bright, and others are melancholy and touching, tackling hardship, loss, and tragedy to underscore the importance of family, togetherness, love, and appreciating what you have while you still have it.

Like every year, the Hallmark Channel in 2025 aired over 20 new holiday movies for “Countdown to Christmas” from October to December. And like every year, we’re sure you have your opinions. (Check out our complete ranking here .)

Batman Returns, Anna and the Apocalypse, and Die Hard are all among the most exciting Christmas movies guaranteed to get your heart pounding.

Christmas comes but once a year — unless you are an avid watcher of the Hallmark Channel during the holidays. Then it comes two weeks before Halloween and lasts 70 nights, leading right up to the end of a very long December.

Black Christmas,' 'Deep Red' and some holiday horror movie recommendations shared by PEOPLE's Bailey Richards, a writer/reporter who suggests swapping classic Christmas movies for scary films set during the holidays.