Three Hidden Gem Christmas Movies

Get ready for these hoilday laughs films. Photo Credit: The Dean Daily

Ever get bored of watching the same Christmas movie every year? Yes, you only get to watch the movie once a year, but ever want to switch it up a little? In this article, three articles are going to be highlighted that are goofy and surprisingly good.

Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a 2023 holiday romantic-comedy directed by Mary Lambert that pairs two former college friends Charlotte Sanders (played by Heather Graham) and Jackie Jennings (played by Brandy Norwood) whose lives seem lightyears apart. Every Christmas, Jackie sends an over-the-top newsletter boasting about her perfect family life, leaving Charlotte feeling like “a lump of coal". A twist of fate lands Charlotte and her family at Jackie’s snowy home just days before Christmas giving Charlotte a chance to prove that her old friend’s life can’t possibly be as idyllic as it seems. What starts as jealousy and suspicion gradually shifts and the movie explores how appearances can be deceiving, how people cope with insecurities, and how friendships and family can be more complicated than holiday perfection.​ As Graham puts it, she initially related to her character because “I’m kind of a Scrooge,” admitting that she doesn’t always “feel that holiday sparkle.” According to MovieWeb, the film attempts to walk the line between heartwarming holiday cheer and a more realistic reflection on envy, self-worth, and what it really means to appreciate what you have.​ Ultimately, Best. Christmas. Ever! is less about perfect Christmas magic and more about connection, humility, and the messy beauty of real relationships. It is a reminder that behind the glossy holiday cards and glowing newsletters, everyone has a story.

Bad Santa (2003)

Bad Santa is a darkly hilarious Christmas comedy that flips the traditional holiday formula on its head and delivers something bold, outrageous, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Directed by Terry Zwigoff and starring Billy Bob Thornton in one of his most iconic roles, the film follows a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking mall Santa whose life is a complete mess and that’s exactly what makes the movie so much fun. Thornton’s character is brash, unfiltered, and wildly unpredictable, giving the film its sharp comedic edge. As he puts it in one of his most memorable lines, “I’m an eating, drinking, sh****g, fing Santa Claus*,” a quote that perfectly captures the movie’s rebellious spirit. Yet beneath all the cynicism and coarse humor lies a surprisingly warm undercurrent about finding connection during the holidays, even when life feels hopelessly off the rails.

The film also features standout performances from Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, and the late John Ritter, whose reactions to Thornton’s outlandish behavior heighten the film’s comedic chaos. Another fitting line“It’s Christmas, and the air smells just like…miracles” showcases the movie’s often ironic but strangely sincere take on the season. Bad Santa is the perfect choice for anyone who loves holiday movies but wants something edgier, smarter, and unapologetically different. With its razor-sharp humor, unforgettable characters, and just the right hint of heart, it remains one of the most entertaining 'anti-Christmas' Christmas films ever made. If you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even feel a little better about your own holiday chaos, Bad Santa delivers in every way. The Night Before (2015)

The Night Before is a wildly fun, modern holiday comedy starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie a trio with such natural chemistry that the movie feels like a chaotic, heartfelt party you’re invited to join. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the film follows three lifelong friends who reunite every Christmas Eve for one epic night out. Now that adulthood is pulling them in different directions, they decide this will be their final holiday tradition which means going bigger, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever. The film blends outrageous humor with genuine warmth, making it perfect for anyone who loves holiday movies with a little extra edge.

One of its clever taglines, “Three wise men. One night to get merry,” captures the movie’s blend of festive spirit and playful irreverence. Seth Rogen, in one of his funniest performances, delivers hilariously panicked moments, including the now-iconic exclamation, “We did not kill Jesus!” a line that perfectly sums up the movie’s gleefully chaotic energy. But The Night Before isn’t just a comedy; it’s a story about friendship, growing up, and hanging onto the people who matter even as life gets complicated. Without spoiling anything, the movie balances outrageous set pieces with surprisingly heartfelt moments, making it one of the most rewatchable modern Christmas comedies. If you want a holiday film that’s bold, smart, and laugh-out-loud ridiculous while still delivering genuine warmth The Night Before is the perfect pick for your next festive movie night.