8 Crazy Christmas Comedies that Aren’t So ‘Family Friendly’

With Christmas around the corner, the joy of cozying up with loved ones to watch holiday movies is upon us. While there’s an abundance of PG-rated classics suitable for family viewing, sometimes adults crave something edgier yet still infused with Christmas spirit. Here, we present a list of the best Christmas movies with more mature themes, perfect for post-bedtime viewing.

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Bad Santa (2003):

• Genre: Dark Comedy
• Plot: Willie and Marcus, played by Billy Bob Thornton, pose as a mall Santa and elf to execute annual heists. This year, Willie’s depressive state leads to a cascade of naughty escapades.
• Why we recommend it: Thornton’s performance, the dark humor, and a surprisingly heartwarming subplot with a little boy make it a standout R-rated Christmas movie.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989):

• Genre: Comedy
• Plot: The Griswold family’s attempts at a perfect Christmas celebration result in uproarious chaos, comedic mishaps, and a memorable holiday experience.
• Why we recommend it: With slapstick comedy and goofy fun, this classic has become a holiday staple, offering laughs and a dash of nostalgia.

Four Christmases (2008):

• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Plot: Brad and Kate, a married couple with dysfunctional families, navigate four Christmas celebrations, each filled with comedic mayhem.
• Why we recommend it: A relatable portrayal of holiday chaos in blended families, touching moments, and a theme emphasizing the importance of family.

Scrooged (1988):

• Genre: Fantasy Comedy
• Plot: A television executive, portrayed by Bill Murray, undergoes a transformation after encounters with three ghosts, echoing Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
• Why we recommend it: A wake-up call for working parents, combining enlightenment with holiday magic, and Bill Murray’s stellar performance.

Krampus (2015):

• Genre: Horror Comedy
• Plot: When a boy loses his Christmas spirit, an ancient demon, Krampus, wreaks havoc on his family, adding a dark twist to Christmas folklore.
• Why we recommend it: Blending folklore into the Christmas movie genre, offering a unique and somewhat eerie perspective on the holiday.

Fatman (2020):

• Genre: Action Comedy
• Plot: Mel Gibson plays a rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus is fighting to save his business after a spoiled brat hires a hit man (Walton Goggins) after receiving a lump of coal.
• Why It’s Great: Its unorthodox charm paired with a trio of terrific central performances make this goofy story both funny and entertaining.

Gremlins (1984):

• Genre: Horror Comedy
• Plot: A young man receives a peculiar creature as a gift, unleashing chaos when it spawns destructive creatures on Christmas Eve.
• Why we recommend it: A classic with Howie Mandel voicing the creature, and despite dated special effects, it remains entertaining and iconic.

Trading Places (1983):

• Genre: Comedy
• Plot: Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in a social commentary where an upper-class man and a street beggar switch lives due to a bet, exploring socio-economic themes.
• Why we recommend it: Beyond comedy, it delves into cultural and socio-economic commentary, featuring stellar performances by Murphy and Aykroyd.

These films offer a departure from traditional family-friendly fare, providing a more mature yet entertaining twist to the holiday movie lineup. Whether seeking dark comedy, social commentary, or horror comedy, these Christmas movies cater to adult audiences in search of a different yuletide experience. So put the kiddies to bed and have a few Yuletide yucks this weekend!

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