fifteen holiday films that it's advisable to avoid watching alongside your loved ones
The scandalous feature of Christmas films dates back to at least 1974 with "Black Christmas", a movie that shocked audiences with the idea that individuals can become sexually charged and contemplative of homicide during the holiday season. Despite its notorious reputation, "Black Christmas" is a must-watch for families, offering necessary insight into the perils of sorority house slashers during the festive season.
In contrast, a new David Harbour-led action-comedy revolves around Santa Claus fighting off mercenaries holding hostages. This film might not be the best choice for sharing with Aunt Carol, who, let's be honest, could use a break from football discussions at the dinner table.
Following are more movies that are best savored once the kids and grandparents have retired for the night:
at Paramount+
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Although it's recommendable to avoid Eyes Wide Shut during family movie nights regardless of the time of year, this Tom Cruise-led journey through the holiday season could potentially serve as an excellent excuse to send home any curious aunties, uncles, and other extended family members who might have preferred a football game to a distressed masked orgy. You can stream it on Paramount or rent it from Prime Video.
at Hulu
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) on Paramount+
Tangerine (2015)
at Prime Video
On this specific Christmas Eve, Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a trans sex worker recently released from prison, learns about her partner's infidelity and sets off on a quest to confront him with two loyal friends in tow. This film is delightfully entertaining, with a vibe akin to a '80s buddy comedy, but adult themes and language dictate that it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Tangerine is available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Kanopy, or on Prime Video for rental.
Tangerine (2015) on Hulu
at Prime Video
The Apartment (1960)
This less explicit film centering around an insurance worker lending his apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs while pursuing an elevator operator houses more sexual connotations than typical holiday movies. While children may not grasp the undertones, the film is far from family-friendly. You can watch it on Tubi, Freevee, or Prime Video.
at Prime Video
The Apartment (1960) on Prime Video
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
at Prime Video
A sequel to the popular comedy starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn, this film is strongest with the addition of Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, and Cheryl Hines. While the film does not quite capture the balance of the original, its crude humor and female-focused charm make it a suitable choice for a night without younger family members. You can stream it on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) on Prime Video
at Prime Video
The Night Before (2015)
What better way to spend Christmas Eve than partying with your best friends at a fantasy ball known as The Nutcracker? The answer, apparently, is by consuming a substantial amount of drugs, a popular pastime in this film, which might not be the best message for children to internalize. The film can be streamed on Starz or rented from Prime Video.
at Paramount+
The Night Before (2015) on Prime Video
The Ref (1994)
at Tubi
Though this movie is less vulgar than many other films on this list, it can be categorized as a sex farce or even a romantic comedy. The film revolves around an office worker lending his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs while falling in love with the elevator operator. Although not appropriate for children, the film may not have the same level of sultry appeal as many other holiday movies. You can stream it on Prime Video.
The Ref (1994) on Prime Video
at Prime Video
Denis Leary packs an abundance of adult jargon into "The Ref," but that's not the main reason, or even the primary reason, why you might want to avoid watching it with your family. Leary portrays a criminal who finds himself holding a couple (Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey) hostage when a job goes awry. The situation is ironic because the couple is constantly at each other's throats. They are some of the most bitter and hostile individuals you could ever imagine, and Leary's character, the robber turned hostage-taker, becomes the film's most endearing figure and the peacekeeper, particularly when other family members arrive for Christmas Eve dinner. If you're looking to be appalled by some truly hideous in-laws, you probably don't need to turn on the TV, according to the author. You can rent "The Ref" on Prime Video.
The Ref (1994) on Prime Video on Prime Video
at Prime Video
Office Christmas Party (2016)
Despite being let down by a bit of holiday sentimentality in the end, this Christmas comedy boasts a star-studded cast (Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, etc.) and still offers plenty of lewdness. The protagonists throw a booze-, cocaine-, and sex-fueled office party, and while teaching your kids that such a thing should never happen is a good idea, you might question whether it's necessary to expose them to this type of behavior on Christmas Day. You can rent Office Christmas Party from Prime Video.
at Prime Video
Office Christmas Party (2016) on Prime Video on Prime Video
Go (1999)
at Paramount+
This unconventional Christmas film involves a botched drug deal virally spreading through a rave, a pedestrian hit-and-run, a strip club, a Vegas threesome, and multiple shootings. Despite being overshadowed by inferior imitations of "Pulp Fiction," it's an excellent alternative to typical Christmas movies. However, you may want to steer clear of showing it to your kids, as they may have many questions about a drug-dealing, shirtless Santa brandishing a gun and making advances towards Katie Holmes. You can stream Go on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Go (1999) on Paramount+ on Paramount+
at Prime Video
Friday After Next (2002)
Although this film may not be the best choice for a family viewing experience, it is undoubtedly a filthy Christmas comedy that appeals to those who enjoy prison rape jokes. Its one redeeming quality is that it lacks learning, sharing, or caring, making it an intriguing option for an alternative Christmas viewing experience. You can stream Friday After Next on Tubi.
at Prime Video
Friday After Next (2002) on Tubi on Tubi
Coopers' Christmas (2008)
Shot in just 11 days, this holiday film has a somewhat disjointed feel. Featuring Jason Jones and Samantha Bee from "The Daily Show," it is presented as a found footage video from an old family Christmas celebration that contains hints of an old sex tape. This wildly dysfunctional family's holiday celebration includes a plethora of raunchy humor that often lands successfully. It is an excellent option for those seeking an alternative holiday comedy. You can stream Coopers' Christmas (2008) on Prime Video and Tubi.
Coopers' Christmas (2008) on Prime Video on Prime Video
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011)
While this stoner Christmas comedy illustrates the journey of Harold and Kumar (John Cho and Kal Penn), it also contains a sweetness that makes it less objectionable than the other films on this list. The film's humor revolves around smoking a bong, and its ultimate message is that even the most adverse situations can lead to positive outcomes. You can stream A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas on Tubi or rent it from Prime Video.
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011) on Prime Video on Prime Video
The Ice Harvest (2005)
This crime drama film, starring Billy Bob Thornton, follows a series of events as two men plan to run away with a large sum of money on Christmas Eve. The story involves deceit, betrayal, and tragic events. While the film may not have been a commercial success, it provides an interesting alternative to traditional holiday films. You can stream The Ice Harvest on HBO Max.
The Ice Harvest (2005) on HBO Max on HBO Max
An unnoticed neo-noir production by Harold Ramis, released in the late 2000s, titled The Ice Harvest, weaves its narrative around Christmas Eve, a time when only the most captivating (or questionable) individuals are actively present in the world. The film centers around two con artists, portrayed by John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton, who have just swindled a mobster for a sum of $2 million. Their sole aim is to escape the city, yet an ice storm has caused road closures, forcing them to stay put and evade their pursuers. Rent The Ice Harvest from *Amazon Prime Video*.
The Ice Harvest (2005) available on Amazon Prime Video # Bad Santa (2003)
The epitome of an unpleasant Christmas film, Terry Zwigoff's Bad Santa features Billy Bob Thornton as Willie Soke, a Santa Claus impersonator who doubles as a con artist. He utilizes his temporary holiday jobs to scout potential targets for burglary. Willie's language is offensive, his outlook on life is bleak, and his behavior towards children is appalling unless he's supposedly in character. Despite the movie's attempt at a heartwarming Christmas turnaround, containing scenes of Santa engaging in sexual activities with Alexis Bledel's mother, it likely won't appeal to children. Watch Bad Santa on Paramount or rent it from *Amazon Prime Video*.
Bad Santa (2003) on Paramount+ # Calvaire (2004)
A psychological thriller with satirical undertones, Calvaire (also known as The Ordeal) follows the story of a singer, Marc (Laurent Lucas), who survives by traveling in his van and performing light music at retirement homes. However, his misfortune escalates during a storm when his car breaks down, leading him to cross paths with a retired comedian, a potential danger signal. Soon, poor Marc finds himself trapped in a distressing countryside nightmare involving unwanted sex tapes, bestiality, and forced gender transformation, which truly ruins any holiday spirit. Although providing laughter and music to the elderly is considered a kind gesture during Christmas, Calvaire cautions entertainers to ensure they have a reliable means of transportation. Stream Calvaire on Shudder or rent it from *Amazon Prime Video*.
Calvaire (2004) available on Amazon Prime Video # Female Trouble (1974)
John Waters' classic, Female Trouble, marks the beginning of a series of unfortunate events on Christmas. The antisocial Dawn Davenport, played by Divine, goes on a destructive path following an unfulfilled desire for cha-cha heels. Her life spirals out of control, with a particularly disturbing sexual experience at the dump serving as one of the most iconic holiday scenes in cinema. The film serves as a jarring reminder of the importance of giving your children what they truly desire. Rent Female Trouble on Fandango at Home or buy it on *Amazon Prime Video*.
Female Trouble (1974) on Amazon Prime Video**
Following the tradition of scandalous holiday movies, streaming platforms offer a selection of films suitable for an adults-only night in.
At Prime Video, you can stream "The Night Before" (2015), a poignant Christmas tale filled with drug-fueled parties and crude humor that might not be appropriate for younger family members.
Also on Prime Video, you can enjoy "Office Christmas Party" (2016), a boisterous comedy starring big-name actors, bringing a hefty dose of lewdness to the Christmas celebrations.
