When the holiday season rolls around, most people are eager to watch their favorite holiday movie classics like “Elf,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “Home Alone.” Although these films are a joy to watch every year, there are many other excellent Christmas films that don’t get nearly as much recognition. So, I decided to curate a list highlighting some of those films. Here are five of the most underrated Christmas movies that are a must-watch:
1. “Arthur Christmas”
At first glance, “Arthur Christmas” might seem like a random animated Christmas movie that isn’t worth watching since the film wasn’t made by well-known studios like Pixar, Disney or DreamWorks. However, that is far from the truth as this movie is arguably one of the best animated Christmas movies. This film centers around Arthur (James McAvoy), the son of Santa Claus who discovers one child’s gift hasn’t been delivered on Christmas Eve. Arthur tries to convince Santa (Jim Broadbent) and his older brother Steve (Hugh Laurie) to deliver the missing package, but they reluctantly decline and say they will send a gift in the morning. Worried about losing the child’s belief in Christmas, Arthur, his retired grandpa (Bill Nighy) and a brave elf (Sarah Smith) go on an adventure to try to deliver the package before Christmas morning dawns. This film is an all-around good Christmas movie as Arthur embodies both the true magic of Christmas and the kindness associated with the holiday, both of which are always a delight to watch.
“Arthur Christmas” is available to stream on Max.
2. “Happiest Season”
“Happiest Season” is a newer Christmas movie compared to the rest of the films on the list as its release date was just in 2020. As a result, few people consider this a Christmas must-watch. Despite this film’s lack of recognition, you will instantly want to add it to your holiday movie rotation once you watch it. The film centers around a young woman named Abby (Kristen Stewart) who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) while they are away visiting Harper’s family for the holidays. But Abby’s plans come to an unexpected pause when Harper discloses on the way to her family’s house that she has yet to come out to her conservative parents. Harper asks Abby to pretend to be just friends for the holidays and promises that she will come out to her parents after Christmas. Although Abby reluctantly agrees, she realizes when she arrives at Harper’s family’s house that the deal is much harder than she anticipated. This film consists of many laugh-out-loud moments that entice viewers to watch the film. But, as the film progresses, the audience will find a beautiful Christmas love story that will keep them returning every winter.
“Happiest Season” is available to stream on Hulu.
3. “Eloise at Christmastime”
Most people grew up reading the classic book series “Eloise” by Kay Thompson. However, many have forgotten about the book’s movie adaptations. One of those films is “Eloise at Christmastime.” The film follows six-year-old Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) who discovers the Plaza hotel owner’s daughter Rachel Peabody (Sara Topham) is getting married on Christmas Eve. Eloise immediately shares her excitement about Rachel’s wedding until it is revealed that Eloise’s friend Bill (Gavin Creel), a waiter at the Plaza, used to date Rachel a long time ago. Trying to rekindle Bill and Rachel’s love for each other, Eloise meddles in Rachel’s engagement so Bill and Rachel can get back together before it’s too late. With a light-hearted storyline and charming cast consisting of Julie Andrews and Vassilieva, this film is the perfect movie to cozy up with during the holiday season.
“Eloise at Christmastime” is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
4. “The Mistle-Tones”
It’s hard to believe that few Christmas movies revolve around Christmas music considering that the jingles are one of the best parts of the holiday season. Even with the small list of Christmas movies about the merry tunes they still don’t get the recognition they deserve. A perfect example of this is ABC Family’s film “The Mistle-tones” as many have forgotten this joyous movie. This film follows Holly (Tia Mowry) who is eager to audition for the newly opened spot in a local Christmas group called the Snow Belles, a group her late mother founded. Holly aces her audition but the spot goes to the group leader Marci’s (Tori Spelling) best friend instead. While Holly is devastated by the news, her sister suggests she create a musical group. Holly grows fond of the idea and starts a new group called The Mistle-Tones. With festive music and a heartwarming storyline, you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit after watching this film.
“The Mistle-Tones” is available to watch for free on Tubi.
5. “Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”
Few people talk about the third installment of “Santa Clause,” even though everybody knows and loves the first installment. In all honesty, I believe the third installment is as excellent as the first one. Nonetheless, viewers still don’t consider the movie a Christmas classic. The film takes place in the North Pole where Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), aka Santa, prepares for his annual Christmas deliveries. However, instead of Christmas cheer, the holiday turns into chaos as Scott must simultaneously monitor Jack Frost (Martin Short) who is planning on overtaking the North Pole, and his visiting in-laws to ensure the secret identity of Santa Claus remains intact. While watching this film, viewers will begin to appreciate the unique storyline of Santa Claus as it brings a new perspective on the beloved holiday figure. But what truly sells this Christmas movie is Short’s remarkable performance as Jack Frost. His character is both funny and quick-witted as a villain, which entices viewers to watch the movie each and every year.
“Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” is available to stream on Disney+.