These films aren’t really about the holidays but were shot, set, or told during the most wonderful time of the year. Admit it, Christmastime just makes everything better, be it a superhero movie or a rom-com.
Here are 8 on our minds right now:
JUST FRIENDS
The story is really about “gentle giant” Chris and his high school crush Jamie Palamino, struggling to get past the restricting friend zone. In between the long and winding journey to cross it together are a lot of laughs, embarrassing moments, and physical pain. And yes, it all happens in Christmastime.
MEAN GIRLS
As opposed to its very superficial title, the film is a lot to be thankful for, from defining who the Regina Georges of our lives are to listing them all down in the burn book, from faking sickness to the unconventional way a girl can predict rain. And of course, it gave us one of the best Jingle Bell Rock versions ever.
IRON MAN 3
In the middle of the heavy production and visual effects of this superhero movie, is a tall, gleaming Christmas tree with red balls on the background. It has been said that the film is set during the holiday season as a premise for creating “lonelier characters”.
YOU’VE GOT MAIL
One of the best rom-coms of all time and with the best actors, too! It’s probably one of the films our old souls will forever watch on repeat. How can you not fall in love all over again with this story that’s set in bustling New York and at Christmastime?
BATMAN RETURNS
Supposedly the most joyous time of the year, yet the themes of this Batman sequel are anything but. Batman, Catwoman, and Penguin all experience a dark and dreary, lonely, and disconnected at Christmastime in Gotham, even going as far as using the décor in battle.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
The film is arguably one of the best rom-com films ever, and one that you’d probably expect to replay on cable TV during the holidays. From the cable knit sweaters they’re wearing, to the Christmas preps and parties, When Harry Met Sally is cozy and as feel-good as it gets.
ROCKY IV
It is nothing about Christmas but of the sports star’s journey, of course. But the holiday backdrop is impossible to ignore, with one of his most important matches being set on Christmas day, and his ending the film by wishing his son a Merry Christmas.
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
Every Harry Potter film has a Christmas feel to it but this is special, considering that it is Harry’s first holiday away from the Dursleys, and he gets to experience being given meaningful presents. Remember the Weasley pullovers? And when Harry got his invisibility cloak as a Christmas present?
What other films can you think of? Share them with us below!