With temperatures dropping and wishlists beginning to form, there’s no doubt Christmas is around the corner. For the scrooges who can’t stand the cliches of Christmas movies, these are five non-Christmas Christmas films that still get you into the holiday spirit.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Rating: PG
The first movie of the Harry Potter series generates heart-warming feelings of family and friendship. Throughout the film not only do we see Harry’s first “Happy Christmas” scene but we also see a snowy courtyard and characters adorning scarves and sweaters. The Great Hall, lined with big ornament-filled trees, offers a Christmassy atmosphere at Hogwarts. The warm color scheme chosen for this film emulates a cozy, homelike ambiance. This nostalgic movie offers the heart, soul, and magic of Christmastime. The Harry Potter movies are available on Peacock, Max, Hulu, etc.
Mean Girls (2004)
Rating: PG-13
Mean Girls centers around a girl named Cady Heron (played by Lindsay Lohan) navigating her way through an American public high school after moving from Africa. During the winter talent show, Regina George and her clique performed their version of “Jingle Bell Rock” while decked out in Santa outfits. This iconic scene goes down in history as one of the best Christmas moments ever. You can find this movie on Pluto TV for free or Paramount and Showtime with subscriptions.
Little Women (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women,” released on Christmas Day in 2019 can’t help but be associated with the holiday season. This coming-of-age film encapsulates soft themes of family and love while contrasting the bitterness of winter. The costumes, story, and scenery offer an inherently cozy feeling, especially with Gerwig’s direction. The well-known actors and actresses in this film provide a sense of familiarity to audiences, with faces such as; Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Florence Pugh, and Saoirse Ronan. And if you’re not in the mood for a movie, you can bundle up next to the fireplace and read the book. You can stream this movie on Starz.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Rating: PG
In this movie, four kids take on an adventure to the land of Narnia to fulfill an old prophecy. This film captures all the Christmas vibes, displaying Father Christmas, magic, and snowscapes. A plot point early in the movie was the fact they were stuck in an eternal winter due to the White Witch. This film, filled with adventure and friendship, is the perfect movie for a warm night in. You can watch this movie on Disney Plus.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
Rating: PG-13
Throughout the final three films of this saga, we see multitudes of snow, pine trees, and werewolves. The choice of blue and green hues throughout these movies embodies a whimsical winter fantasy. During the film, we see the biggest battle in this series, which takes place in the middle of a snowy plain. We also see a Christmas gathering, where presents are exchanged and the characters are joyous, spending time with the people they love. This touching scene offers a break from the rest of the film’s chaotic nature. Audiences find comfort in these films for the budding romance and themes of family. Also, who doesn’t love a happily ever after? This saga is available to view on Tubi and Youtube for free or on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription.
