Top 10 Anti-Christmas Films for a Cheeky Festive Watch

With the silly season rolling in, plenty of Aussies are already lining up their holiday viewing. Whether you’re flying solo or surrounded by mates and rellies, there’s nothing like a good film marathon to get through the break. Sure, the usual festive flicks are always on offer, but sometimes you just want something that takes the mickey out of Christmas. That’s where anti-Christmas films come in—offering a fresh, often cheeky spin on the holidays that’s a far cry from the usual tinsel and cheer.

If you’re over the same old Christmas classics, these films are a cracking way to shake things up. Each one brings a unique, sometimes twisted perspective to the season, making them cult favourites for those who prefer their festive viewing with a side of irony. Here are ten of the best anti-Christmas films to add to your list this year.

The Dark Side of the Festive Season

First up is The Night of the Hunter (1955), a standout in American cinema. Charles Laughton’s only major directorial effort stars Robert Mitchum as a dodgy preacher with a sinister plan, all set around Christmas. The film digs into the hypocrisy of religious institutions and was slammed when it first came out, but it’s now seen as a classic.

Next, The Legend of Hell House (1973) brings a supernatural twist. A week before Christmas, a team of investigators—including a physicist and a psychic—are sent to a haunted house once home to a sadistic killer. It’s a solid haunted house yarn that’s become a cult hit, even inspiring Edgar Wright’s work on Grindhouse.

Black Christmas (1974) is often credited with kicking off the slasher genre. It follows a group of young women being stalked by a killer during the holidays. Drawing from urban legends and real events, director Bob Clark said,

“I think we were the first movie to get away from beach-blanket bikini treatment of college people – our college people acted like college adults. I think it’s just a good chiller and a very well-acted film. It just caught on. At the tribute, we had like 400 people that they had to turn away and do a second screening for! – Turns out, it’s a lot of people’s favourite film.”

Satire, Dystopia, and Dark Humour

Gremlins (1984) is a top-notch comedy horror that pokes fun at the excesses of the season and the commercial circus it’s become. Director Joe Dante reckoned,

“It’s the movie I’m going to be remembered for.”

The film’s anarchic spirit has made it a must-watch every December.

Terry Gilliam’s Brazil (1985) is a wild dystopian ride set during the holidays. The film’s bizarre, claustrophobic world is a biting critique of modern life, with the festive backdrop only adding to the absurdity. It’s a cult classic that blends horror and fantasy in a way that’s both unsettling and unforgettable.

Then there’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), a stop-motion gem that’s become a staple of the season. The story follows the skeleton king of Halloween Town, bored with his usual routine, who decides to take over Christmas. Dreamed up by Tim Burton, it’s as visually stunning as it is darkly funny.

International Twists and Unconventional Classics

The Day of the Beast (1995) is a Spanish horror-comedy that finds the sweet spot between black humour and scares. The plot centres on a priest who’s convinced he must stop the Antichrist from ruining Christmas. Its sharp social commentary and wild energy have earned it cult status.

Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999) is perhaps the most famous anti-Christmas film. Tom Cruise stars as a bloke on a strange, dreamlike journey after learning his wife might be unfaithful. The film, finished just before Kubrick’s death, is a sprawling look at greed and the real meaning behind the season.

Bad Santa (2003) flips the Santa myth on its head. Billy Bob Thornton plays a down-and-out conman who dresses as Santa to rob department stores, with his partner in crime posing as an elf. The film’s black comedy and irreverent take on the holiday have made it a favourite for those who like their Christmas a bit rough around the edges.

Finally, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) offers a Finnish spin on Santa folklore. A young boy discovers a much darker version of Santa, one who’s not above a bit of violence. Director Jalmari Helander explained,

“It’s actually funny that the word for Santa Claus in Finland is Joulupukki, and if you translate that directly into English it’s ‘Christmas Goat’…. There are a lot of interesting stories in many European countries about Santa Claus. The original legends are quite scary, it’s interesting.”