At my house, we love a deep cut Christmas movie. Something that’s a little off the beaten path that you may not watch every year, or have even heard of. Last year, the ladies at Fangirlish helped me to compile a list of off-beat Christmas films and TV. I tend to think of off-beat a little differently than deep cuts. Deep cuts are what I define as films that are either lesser known or have cult status that are set at or themed around Christmas. This year, I’ve selected five deep cuts that I think will freshen up your holiday watchlist.
Rare Exports (2010)
If you want to add a little horror to the holiday, might I suggest Rare Exports? This bizarre, terrifying, and oddly hilarious Christmas film from Finland is not one to miss. Imagine finding the real Santa Claus and then learning that he’s a lot more like Krampus than jolly Old St. Nick. Oh, and the Elves? Let’s just say those Elves don’t look like they make toys. Or live in Rivendell. Maybe Mordor though. Rare Exports is kind of like if John Carpenter’s The Thing and a Bigfoot movie had a baby. It’s a wild sleigh ride and worth a watch this holiday season.
Rare Exports is currently streaming for free with ads on Tubi.
Night of the Comet (1984)
Let’s say you want a little horror for your holiday, but add more zombies. Night of the Comet is a solid choice. Featuring horror icons Kelli Maroney and Catherine Mary Stewart, this sister act accidentally survives a comet passing overhead. Zombies are now roaming the streets, and these ladies, with the help of another survivor Hector Gomez (played by Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Prodigy’s Robert Beltran), are maybe the only ones who can stop it. This is a delightful horror comedy set at Christmas time, features Christmas tunes, and best of all, gives you a coveted glimpse inside an 80s mall. It’s silly, but that kind of thing makes me absurdly happy. If you’ve not seen it, it’s definitely worth a watch and will make for something fun and different for your Christmas movie viewing.
Night of the Comet is currently streaming on Shudder, Hoopla, Kanopy, and for free with ads on Tubi and PlutoTV.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Can’t get enough of Christmas zombies? How about Christmas zombies, plus a musical? Anna and the Apocalypse is a wonderful send-up of zombie horror set at Christmas time. Imagine watching the horrifying love child of Night of the Living Dead and High School Musical with some seriously R-rated comic zombie gore. And while we’re at it, let’s make it a Christmas movie. You don’t have to imagine; just watch Anna and the Apocalypse instead. As a horror fan, I love catching the visual homages to other zombie films, while also appreciating the fun music in this film. Anna and the Apocalypse is a little bittersweet, but that’s how the holidays are sometimes. And that’s okay. It’s definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for non-traditional Christmas fare. And besides, is it really Christmas if you’ve not watched a musical?
Anna and the Apocalypse is available for digital rental or purchase from your favorite digital video service or on DVD/Blu-ray.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
We’re keeping it weird with this list of Christmas movies. Have you seen the wildly campy and hilariously bad Santa Claus Conquers the Martians? If not, you should correct this error post-haste. With a tagline like, “Santa brings Christmas fun to Mars!”, what’s not to enjoy? There’s something oddly charming to me about the low budget retro futuristic styling of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. If you love campy sci-fi, give this one a shot. For extra laughs, check out Mystery Science Theater 3000 4×21, where they cover this film. Bonus: eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted this classic on Kevin Bacon’s TV in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in 2022.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is currently streaming on Prime Video.
The Green Knight (2021)
Finally, let’s slow down and settle in for a gorgeously ethereal Christmas tale from medieval literature. Get cozy for this one. The Green Knight directed by David Lowery and starring Dev Patel is one of the best films I saw in 2021. It’s beautifully shot, has a gorgeous score, and a breathtaking performance from Dev Patel as Gawain. If you’re unfamiliar with the medieval romance, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur, takes on the challenge of the Green Knight, who interrupts their Christmas feast. The Knight says he will allow any of the knights brave enough to strike him to land their blow, but at Yuletide the next year, he will return the same blow to the knight. Then they shall part in friendship. Gawain, seeking to prove himself, beheads the Green Knight, only to find that the Knight picks up his own head, and says he’ll see Gawain next year.
It’s a story of courage, proving oneself, and humility. Aside from the verdant visuals, we’ve got an incredible cast weaving the story, including Game of Thrones alums Kate Dickie and Ralph Ineson (previously teamed together in The Witch). It’s a dark fantasy tale set at Christmas that goes perfectly with a mug of mulled wine or cider, a soft blanket, and wild imagination. If you want “scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long, ago” this Christmas season, look no further than The Green Knight.
The Green Knight is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Did I miss your favorite deep cut Christmas film? Tell me all about it in the comments. From all of us at Fangirlish, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.
