The Holiday Treasure Chest:

25 Underrated Christmas Movies You Need to Watch This Season

Every holiday season, the same beloved classics dominate our screens. While timeless favorites have their place, Christmas movie lovers know there’s a whole world of festive films that rarely get the spotlight they deserve. These hidden gems offer fresh stories, new emotions, and perspectives that go far beyond predictable tropes.

From heartfelt indies and whimsical animations to quirky comedies and darker holiday tales, this Holiday Treasure Chest is packed with 25 underrated Christmas movies you’ll love discovering — whether you’re watching solo, hosting a gathering, or cozying up with the family.

Let’s unwrap the hidden magic.

25 Underrated Christmas Movies to Add to Your Watchlist

Below is a curated selection of festive films divided by mood and style — giving you a perfect guide to shape your December viewing.

Family-Friendly & Feel-Good Picks

1. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

A beautifully emotional animated story about three homeless companions who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. Touching, funny, and deeply human — an unforgettable found-family tale.

2. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

A charming behind-the-scenes look at how Charles Dickens created A Christmas Carol. Inspirational, warm, and perfect for literary lovers or anyone craving a fresh holiday narrative.

3. Prancer (1989)

A sweet, nostalgic film about a young girl who discovers a wounded reindeer she believes belongs to Santa. Innocent, gentle, and ideal for family nights.

4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

A musical fantasy bursting with color, imagination, and holiday spirit. A joyful story of invention, family, and believing in magic.

5. Christmas With the Coopers (2015)

A comedic but touching look at family chaos during the holidays. Relatable, quirky, and full of heart.

Modern & Contemporary Holiday Gems

6. Let It Snow (2019)

A cozy ensemble romantic comedy where friendships, crushes, and unexpected connections collide on Christmas Eve in a small snowy town.

7. Happiest Season (2020)

A modern LGBTQ+ holiday romance with humor, emotional depth, and a warm festive glow — inclusive storytelling at its best.

8. The Noel Diary (2022)

A quiet, heartfelt drama about rediscovery, healing, and connection during the holiday season.

9. Love Hard (2021)

A fun, modern rom-com that blends humor, online dating mishaps, holiday spirit, and genuine chemistry.

10. Klaus (2019)

A stunningly animated, heart-meltingly sweet reinvention of the Santa origin story. Beautiful visuals + emotional storytelling = an instant classic.

Nostalgic, Classic-Era & “Forgotten” Christmas Films

11. 29th Street (1991)

A touching drama-comedy based on true events, blending family dynamics, luck, and holiday spirit in a deeply underrated package.

12. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

A romantic classic set around Christmas, warm and timeless — a perfect pick for old-Hollywood fans.

13. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

A beautifully acted angelic holiday story with themes of hope, love, and quiet miracles.

14. Holiday Affair (1949)

A sweet romantic drama that often gets overshadowed by bigger classics — understated and delightful.

15. Remember the Night (1940)

A heartfelt romance blending humor, drama, and holiday warmth — the perfect vintage gem.

Dark, Off-Beat & Alternative Christmas Films

16. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

A Finnish dark-fantasy twist on holiday folklore. Strange, spooky, clever — perfect for fans of unconventional Christmas movies.

17. The Ref (1994)

A sharp, sarcastic crime-comedy where a cat burglar ends up taking refuge with the world’s most dysfunctional holiday family. Dark humor gold.

18. Bad Santa (2003)

An irreverent comedy about a conman posing as Santa. Cynical, messy, and unexpectedly heartfelt in its own twisted way.

19. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

A Christmas zombie musical. Yes — musical, zombie, and Christmas. Wild, funny, and surprisingly emotional.

20. Krampus (2015)

A dark holiday horror-comedy exploring the terrifying folklore of Krampus. A great pick for viewers wanting seasonal chills.

International, Indie & Animated Treasure Chest Picks

21. Joyeux Noël (2005)

A powerful, moving World War I Christmas truce story told across languages and cultures — a must-see international masterpiece.

22. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

A British fantasy adventure filled with whimsy, charm, and magical storytelling for all ages.

23. The Snowman (1982)

A wordless, beautifully animated short film filled with innocence, music, and winter wonder.

24. The Holiday Calendar (2018)

A light, magical indie romance about an antique advent calendar that seems to predict the future — charming and cozy.

25. Better Watch Out (2016)

A smart indie thriller set during the holidays — tense, twisty, clever, and perfect for viewers who enjoy Christmas movies with bite.

Why These Movies Matter

These picks stand out because they:

• Offer fresh holiday perspectives beyond the same old classics.

• Represent multiple countries, genres, and moods.

• Balance feel-good charm with innovation and bold storytelling.

• Bring forward hidden gems that many people overlook each holiday season.

• Expand what “holiday movies” can be — magical, messy, dark, funny, emotional and unforgettable.

How to Build the Perfect Holiday Marathon

Try structuring your movie nights by theme:

• Cozy family night: Prancer, Jingle Jangle, Tokyo Godfathers.

• Rom-com night: Let It Snow, Happiest Season, Love Hard.

• Vintage vibes: Remember the Night, The Shop Around the Corner.

• Dark holiday twist: Krampus, Better Watch Out, Rare Exports.

• Around the world: Joyeux Noël, Tokyo Godfathers, A Boy Called Christmas.

Each combination gives you a fresh, memorable holiday experience.

Conclusion

This year, go beyond the classics and explore the forgotten, overlooked, quirky, and deeply moving films hiding in the Holiday Treasure Chest. Whether you’re craving feel-good magic, nostalgic beauty, foreign storytelling, or dark festive thrills, these 25 underrated Christmas movies will make your season richer, warmer, and wonderfully surprising.

Get your blanket, hot cocoa, popcorn — and let the holiday magic unfold in its many different forms.