friday flicks – 5 non-cheesy christmas movies

When it comes to the wide world of Christmas-themed movies, there are a handful of classics that always seem to make the rounds every year. We’re talking about those sappy (but beloved) titles like Love Actually, Home Alone and the transatlantic accent-filled It’s a Wonderful Life, which (of course) we’re big fans of.

However, if you’re keen to spy something a tad less cheesy these holidays, then we have something put a smile on your dial: five ripper Chrissie flicks that might be exactly what you’re after. Take a gander at our picks below!

HAPPIEST SEASON Yeah, you got us – this one’s a rom-com. It stars Kristen Stewart (Abby) and Mackenzie Davis (Harper) as a lesbian couple who have to suppress their relationship in front of Harper’s conservative parents – who Harper has yet to come out to. This holiday romp also happens to star Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Levy and other familiar faces, making it a dang fun time and a mighty good watch for the holidays. After all, isn’t the main point of Christmas to make the yuletide gay? Dear Hollywood: please put Kristen Stewart in more lesbian rom-coms please and thank you.

TANGERINE If you ever hear someone discussing how a film needs to have the flashiest equipment in order to be good, steer them in the direction of this Sean Baker-directed flick: the whole movie is shot on three iPhones! This flick follows transgender protagonist Sin-Dee Rella (played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) who is chasing down her cheating and abusive boyfriend on Christmas Eve, throughout Hollywood, alongside her loyal friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor). This 2015 film is full of hijinks and heart, and is pretty groundbreaking for its approach towards the transgender experience (as well as documenting the filmmaking potential of our handy smartphones). You might be a little teary by the end, but give it a watch regardless – it’s worth it!

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS We don’t think we need to introduce this iconic spooky movie, but in case you need a refresher (and didn’t watch this flick when you were 11, sparking your emo phase) here’s the rundown: Jack Skellington grows tired of the routine Halloween celebrations and, after accidentally stumbling into the much-jollier Christmas Town, makes it his mission to take over and transform the holiday into something a touch more macabre. Things obviously go awry, but the film’s songs, special effects and incredible stop-motion animation are pretty top-notch. It’s technically more of a November movie, but what the hell, it still counts!

THE HOLIDAY OK, this one might be considered slightly cheesy, but we guarantee you’ll still have a good time watching it. Starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, The Holiday follows the two leading ladies as they swap homes (and continents) over the Christmas break after their less-than-ideal break-ups. Jude Law is – as expected – more than dreamy alongside the equally charming Cameron Diaz, but don’t underestimate just how adorable Jack Black and Kate Winslet are together too (why wasn’t Jack Black in more 2000s rom-coms?! A travesty!). It’ll give you the warm and fuzzies, without being too saccharine.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Would this even be a holiday movie recommendations list without including this masterpiece?! We don’t think so. Arguably Jim Carrey’s finest role to date, this 2000 movie adaptation of the beloved Dr Suess story is a wild, wonderful and wacky movie that follows how, well, the Grinch stole Christmas. There’s not much else to say about the plot other than that, so we recommend just sitting back and going along for the ride. Plus, you’ll find yourself quoting all of the film’s amazing lines until the New Year (even if your mates beg you to stop).