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Stealth Christmas Movies

Updated: August 8, 2025

A “stealth” Christmas movie is one that takes place at the holiday season, or contains key holiday scenes, but isn’t specifically focused on, or mostly about, Christmas. There are literally hundreds of movies that fit this description, and I’ve previously chronicled my top 25 and put together a Stealth Christmas Movie Showdown in 2018 to find readers’ faves.

The holidays are such a fertile storytelling tool, there are certainly even more than this out there, but below you’ll find a list of nearly 300 Stealth Christmas Movies (in alphabetical order), with briefs on what make them holiday appropriate viewing, even if they’re not primarily about Christmas…

12 Monkeys (1995) - An epidemic eliminates most of the world’s population at the holidays. Making it either the very best, or very worst, Christmas 2020 watch possible, depending on your perspective.

1941 (1979) - An inept German/Japanese raiding party attempts to invade L.A. after Pearl Harbor, starting with capturing a Christmas tree farmer.

1985 (2018) - A closeted man goes home for the holidays for the first time in years, but struggles with how to tell his conservative family he’s got AIDS.

29th Street (1991) - A guy who’s been effortlessly lucky since birth finds out he’s a lottery winner, which, ironically, throws his charmed existence into chaos. The movie, told in flashback, starts with the main character screaming at God outside a holiday-decorated church in the slowly falling snow.

8 Women (2002) - This oh-so-French, dark comedy finds eight women stranded in a remote house with a murder victim for the Christmas holidays.

About a Boy (2002) - Hugh Grant is a man living off the royalties of his one-hit-wonder Dad’s Christmas classic who befriends a young boy, which helps them both grow up. Pivotal scenes are set at Christmas and New Year’s.

About Time (2013) - A young man (Domhnall Gleeson) learns his family’s secret gift is time travel during a fateful New Year’s Eve party.

The Actor (2025) - This highly stylized, film noir take on the novel Memory was produced by Charlie Kauffman and is set in 1950s Christmastime New York, though it was filmed in Budapest, with Andre Holland as an amnesic actor searching for his past.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mister Toad (1949) - The perfect Halloween-Christmas combo watch, the action of the Mister Toad portion takes place on Christmas Eve, though the holiday is somewhat incidental to Toad’s tale.

The Aftermath (2019) - This 2019, (barely) based-on-a-true-story drama about a British family living with the enemy in occupied Germany is narratively flat, but there are some gorgeous Christmas scenes.

Age of Adaline (2015) - This extremely weird movie about an un-aging Blake Lively begins on New Year’s Eve, both a past one that marks Adeline’s long ago birth, and a modern-day party where she meets a new love.

Alex Edelman: Just for Us (2024, Max) - This filmed version of Edelman’s one-man Broadway show details his visit to a white supremacist meeting in Queens and it’s hilarious. One of the best diversions in this conversational story is a laugh-out-loud look at the Jewish Edelman’s experience with Christmas.

Alice (1991) - This everyone-falls-in-love with Mia Farrow movie concludes at Christmas, with much of the culmination taking place at a holiday-festooned party.

All of Us Strangers (2023) - The Andrew Scott-Paul Mescal movie inspired by Taichi Yamada’s Strangers features a memorable and plot pivotal Christmas scene.

All That Heaven Allows (1955) - This Jane Wyman-Rock Hudson classic, directed by Douglas Sirk, centers around a May-December romance that takes place at the holidays. Criterion even released a “Christmas Edition” in 2018.

Almost Famous (2000) - Cameron Crow’s autobiographical ode to ‘70s rock opens at the holidays, with his mom’s ranting against Christmas commercialism while “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t be Late)” plays.

Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - The entire movie is set at the holidays, starting when the Chipmunks end up in L.A., and in the care of their eventual guardian, Dave, due to their home being cut down for use as a Christmas tree in a record company lobby.

The American President (1995) - The White House Christmas Party is where environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, played by Annette Bening, inadvertently reveals the info that helps her boyfriend, the President, get his crime bill passed.

An Affair to Remember (1957) - Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr fall in love on New Year’s Eve and are reunited on Christmas Eve.

Annie Hall (1977) - In this classic, Woody Allen rom-com his relationship with Diane Keaton hits the rocks at the holidays, with several memorable Christmas-set scenes in the film.

Antiquities (2018) - A man wanting to better know his recently deceased father takes a job at an antique mall, where one of the booths is run by a man who recreates his childhood Christmases with elaborate displays.

The Apartment (1960) - This poignant, Shirley MacLaine-Jack Lemmon classic about men and their mistresses, is set entirely over the holidays.

Are We There Yet? (2005) - A single mom’s kid-hating suitor (Ice Cube) is forced to take a New Year’s Eve trip with her offspring, who are determined to break them up.

Await Further Instructions (2018) - A family receives a mysterious message on Christmas Eve that makes them turn on each other, and their neighbors.

Babe (1995) - The Christmas scenes in this otherwise charming live-action children’s film border on terrifying, as the family considers dining on our hero, before selecting an unlucky goose we’re at first led to believe is another main character instead.

Babygirl (2024) - Nicole Kidman’s second foray into sexually explicit Christmas-set drama.

Baby Mama (2008) - This 2008 Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy begins and ends at the holidays. There’s even a Christmas song!

Bachelor Mother (1956) - Ginger Rogers is a recently-fired shopgirl, hired by a department store for Christmas, who finds a baby, that everyone quickly assumes is hers. 

Backfire (1950) - An injured WWII vet tries to track down his friend and potential business fire around the holidays, in this twisty noir thriller.

Bad Education (2019) - Part of the grift that unravels the school board con is the purchase of lavish Christmas gifts on the company card. Also has pivotal Christmas party and present opening scenes.

Baggage Claim (2013) - This slight but charming holiday-set rom-com has flight attendant Paula Patton flying all over the world looking for the perfect date to her sister’s wedding, when the man of her dreams might be right next door.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) - This one is admittedly very subtle, but Christmas decor indicates these strange events are taking place around the holidays.

Bar Fight! (2022) - Holiday-set comedy about a couple going through a bad breakup and staking out who gets their local watering hole.

Batman Returns (1992) - One of many Christmas-set superhero movies, but this one even has a holiday-themed (secondary) villain in Cristi Conaway’s, The Ice Princess.

The Beanie Bubble (2023) - Apple TV’s Ty toy origin story has several small holiday-set highlights, including a company Christmas party where the storylines of the three central women, converge.

Beautiful Girls (1996) - This Matt Dillion, coming-home romantic drama is very much not a rom-com, despite comedic elements, and uses its immediately post-holiday setting sparingly, but effectively, to amp up the angst.

Beirut (2018) - This one is oh-so-slight, but there are visible Christmas decorations in the brief, American-set scenes before Jon Hamm’s character is called back to Beirut to negotiate alongside Rosamund Pike.

Bell Book and Candle (1958) - This classic, witchcraft-themed romantic comedy, is set over Christmas, making it another great Halloween-Christmas crossover.

Before You Go (2014) - Chris Evans’ directorial debut features he and Alice Eve walking around a holiday-decorated New York City.

Before We Forget (2024, a.k.a. Duino) - Juan Pablo Di Pace’s dual timeline story of unrequited teen love and a filmmaker’s modern day re-telling of his memories, including a pivotal shared Christmas visit.

Ben is Back (2018) - This Julia Roberts drama is set on Christmas Eve, when her drug addicted son unexpectedly shows up at home for the holidays, though he’s supposed to be in rehab.

Better Off Dead (1985) - Set mostly around the holidays, this classic 1980s comedy starring John Cusack features an indelible parental costume scene with David Ogden Steirs as a holiday aardvark.

The Birthday Cake (2021) - This Val Kilmer and Ewan McGregor-led mob movie about a son finding out what really happened to his connected father at a party ostensibly celebrating his memory takes place at the holidays.

Blackbird (2020) - Susan Sarandon gathers her adult children for one last faux-Christmas celebration, before undertaking a plan to end her own life as a terminal illness worsens.

Black Garden (2020) - This dystopian sci-fi story of mankind’s final survivors begins on Christmas Eve.

Blast of Silence (1961) - This holiday-set movie about a hitman hired to take out a mob boss, has received recent Christmas noir recognition thanks to its Criterion Collection release.

Blossoms in the Dust (1941) - A dramatization of the charitable life of Texan Edna Gladney, this drama features several key Christmas seasons, and the overall theme of giving is well suited for holiday viewing.

Boiling Point (2021) - Stephen Graham headlines this restaurant drama about a stressed out chef in the weeks leading up to Christmas, based on a 2019 short film of the same name.

The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021) - This sequel to the 2017 animated comedy starring Alec Baldwin is set entirely at the holidays and culminates at Christmas, despite its summer release date.

The Bourne Identity (2002) - Though it’s never mentioned, the entire CIA chase of Jason Bourne takes place amidst the holiday season, with Christmas decor visible in many seasons.

The Box (2009) - This Cameron Diaz moral conundrum thriller is set mostly around the Christmas season.

Boys Go to Jupiter (2025) - Animator Julian Glander’s feature debut is a coming-of-age story set entirely between Christmas and New Year’s.

Brazil (1985) - A look at a dystopian future where Christmas is used to distract from disinformation.

Break (2019) - Russian thriller about a group of friends who get trapped in a mountaintop gondola on New Year’s Eve.

Breakfast with Scot (2007) - This Canadian comedy has plenty of skating, as one half of the queer couple at its center is a former hockey star, and Christmas, as the orphan they take in is obsessed with the holiday…not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) - This delightful Renee Zellwegger comedy begins and ends at the holidays, making Bridget the perfect New Year’s or Christmas watch. (You won’t be surprised to learn this is my personal favorite stealth Christmas movie.)

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) - This final installment in the Bridget Jones series is a joyous wrap-up for the beloved character, including all the original cast and plenty of callbacks, including to the original’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Bright Eyes (1934) - Shirley Temple’s stubborn disbelief in Santa is a major character trait.

Bros (2022) - Big chunks of this very funny Billy Eichner rom-com, co-starring frequent Hallmark holiday hunk Luke Macfarlane, takes place around the holidays.

Bundle of Joy (1956) - This remake of Bachelor Mother stars then-married-couple Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds finds an abandoned baby at the holidays, and people mistake her for a (gasp) single mother, leading to all sorts of outdated comedic hijinks.

Carol (2015) - This Cate Blanchett drama about a closeted woman whose tight control of her emotions slips at the holidays isn’t an uplifting holiday watch, but it’s unquestionably gorgeous and seasonally appropriate.

Cash on Demand (1961) - This cult classic British crime thriller centers on a pre-Christmas bank heist.

Catch Me If You Can (2002) - This stylish Steven Spielberg story opens on Christmas Eve, and several plot-pivotal Christmas depictions help set the scene for how Frank Abagnale, Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio) became a con artist.

Children of Men (2006) - For the true Grinches in your life, this dystopian Nativity story allegory from Alfonso Cuaron will bring down even the happiest elves.

Clouds (2020) - This based-on-a-true-story account of Zach Sobiech’s final days is set in snowy Minnesota, and features a montage of holiday scenes to help note the passage of time. Clips from the real, holiday-themed "Clouds Choir" fundraiser, held annually to benefit the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund, play during the credits.

Clueless (1995) - Though it’s not dwelled on, the movie takes place partly at the holidays, with the “tragic Val party” awash in Christmas decorations.

Citizen Kane (1941) - The greatest film of all time opens at, you guessed it, Christmas and, as we all now know (80 year old spoiler warning), Rosebud was, indeed, a sled embodying the magic of childhood innocence.

Cobra (1986) - This Sylvester Stallone ‘80s actioner is chock full of Christmas decorations, though the holiday is never cited in the story. Legend says this is because the movie actually shot near the holiday, so many of the locations were decorated and the B-movie production didn’t want to take the time to take down or shoot around existing decor.

Collateral Beauty (2016) - This divisive Will Smith movie, which culminates on Christmas Eve, is either a feel-good holiday fantasy, or mawkish, manipulative dreck, depending on your mood. But it’s definitely a holiday film.

Come to the Stable (1949) - This Academy Award-nominated comedy starring Loretta Young about nuns building a children’s hospital never mentions the holiday, but it is filled with Nativity allegories (along with direct depictions of the Bible story), down to its setting in Bethlehem, Pa., and awash with Christmas miracle-like coincidences.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) - The Jean-Marc Vallée story of a French-Canadian boy born on Christmas, which his very religious parents take as a sign, ties the holiday into coming to terms with his sexuality amid dysfunctional family chaos.

Curse of the Cat People (1944) - The little girl kicks off the curse by giving a ghost a Christmas present (no, really), and the entire second half of the action is set at the holidays.

The Cutting Edge (1992) - In addition to it’s New Year’s party sparkler scene, this sports movie-romance also has a significant Christmas scene, where the rivals-turned-partners exchange meaningful gifts.

The Day Mars Invaded Earth (1963) - This low-budget ‘60s sci-fi uses the holiday to show how aliens have affected a family man.

The Dead (1987) - John Huston’s final film, starring his daughter Anjelica, is set around an Irish celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany (a.k.a. the 12th day of Christmas).

The Dead Zone (1983) - David Cronenberg’s take on Stephen King’s novel about a clairvoyant trying to prevent a grim future has a top-notch cast—Christopher Walken, Tom Skerritt and Martin Sheen, among others—and takes place partly at the holidays.

December Boys (2007) - Australian dramedy starring Daniel Radcliffe about orphans competing for the attention of a potential adoptive family while on a Christmas holiday.

D.O.A. (1988) - Dennis Quaid is a detective trying to solve his own murder before poison ends his life at the holidays.

Desk Set (1957) - This fast-talking Katherine Hepburn-Spencer Tracy classic is an absolute delight any time of year, but an elaborate office Christmas party helps makes this a welcome addition to December viewing.

Die Hard (1988) - The quintessential action movie set at the holidays, this is definitely a Christmas movie—if you want it to be.

Die Hard 2 (1990) - This also-Christmas-set sequel tries, and fails, to recreate the magic of the original, but it’s still a stealth holiday movie.

Eastern Promises (2007) - For those who like their Christmas movies bleak, this midwinter-set Russian mob movie will do the trick.

Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Johnny Depp’s misunderstood weirdo hero helps wins over his neighbors with evocative and festive holiday ice sculptures.

Eileen (2023) - Set in snowy, 1964 Massachusetts, a pivotal Christmas Eve rendezvous ramps up the tension in this Anne Hathaway-led drama.

The Electric State (2025) - It’s perpetually Christmas in the memory palace one of the main characters in this big budget, Netflix action movie starring Millie Bobbie Brown and Chris Pratt resides in.

Enemy of the State (1998) - Though almost innocent in its portrayal of our current (mostly self-imposed) surveillance state, this Will Smith action movie features loads of holiday decor, and the entire chase begins with some Christmas shopping.

Entrapment (1999) - This Y2K (remember when that was a thing?) heist movie moves from Christmas right through the big New Year’s Eve robbery.

Everybody’s Fine (2009) - This Robert DeNiro-led family dramedy features a grumpy widower trying to connect with his kids at Christmas.

Everyone Says I Love You (1996) - Woody Allen’s attempt at a musical with A-list stars not known for their singing, wasn’t exactly a hit (though critics liked it), but it does feature a memorable Marx Brothers themed Christmas party.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021) - This biographical film netted Jessica Chastain her third Oscar nod for playing televangalist Tammy Faye Bakker and we’re introduced to the Bakker’s PTL TV network via an extended scene that shows their fifth anniversary Christmas Special.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise indulge in a Christmastime orgy. (I’m sorry, that’s actually the movie’s plot.)

Facade (2020) - A group of people who think they’re taking part in a study are actually twisted Christmas entertainment for a family of rich psychopaths.

Falling In Love (1984) - This Robert DeNiro-Meryl Strep drama features two married people falling in love over Christmas shopping…Only not with their spouses.

A Family Affair (2024, Netflix) - Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron May-December rom-com that centers around December, with Efron’s movie star character making a Christmas movie when he gets involved with his assistant’s (Joey King) mother (Kidman).

Family Switch (2023, Netflix) - This Jennifer Garner-led body swapping comedy takes place at the holidays.

Fanny and Alexander (1982) - Even Ingmar Bergman understands the power of a holiday setting for his Oscar-winning historical drama about Swedish siblings in the early 1900s.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to find Them (2016) - This Harry Potter prequel is mostly set in a Christmas-decorated, 1926 New York City.

The Father Who Moves Mountains (2021) - This Romanian adventure thriller set around the holidays starts as a straightforward rescue movie about a father willing to go to any length to rescue his son, then turns more surreal.

Female Trouble (1974) - Devine leads the cast of this John Waters classic about a runaway who turns to a life of crime, with a memorable holiday scene that entered the term “Cha Cha Heels” in the lexicon.

Fighting With My Family (2019) - This based-on-a-true story, professional wrestling, inspirational drama hinges on a holiday trip home for the heroine.

First Blood (1982) - Did this Rambo introduction kick off the trend of action movies obviously set at, but rarely name-checking, the Christmas season? Not sure, but Rambo fights his way through the decked-out town of Hope.

First Daughter (2004) - Frequent Hallmark lead Marc Blucas’ first Christmas dance was with Katie Holmes in this Forest Whitaker-directed movie that culminates with an elaborate White House Christmas party.

Fitzwilly (1967) - Dick Van Dyke leads the household staff in a holiday heist so their aged, and recently broke, employer can keep them on.

Five Year Engagement (2012) - This years-spanning, under-rated rom-com features several Christmas and New Year’s parties for the on-again, off-again couple.

The Friend (2025) - Naomi Watts deals with grief and a really big dog in this holiday-set story based on the book by Sigrid Nunez.

Funny Farm (1988) - This Chevy Chase fish-out-of-water comedy ends with an idyllic Norman Rockwell holiday portrayal, engineered to extract a regretful couple from their country home purchase.

Funny Pages (2022) - This coming of age comedy about an aspiring comic book artist takes place over the holidays, and culminates on Christmas Day.

Get On Up (2014) - Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of James Brown features a single Christmas scene, but it’s a fairly important one, showing the abusive relationship he had with his second wife.

Ghosbusters II (1989) - A rousing rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” saves New York in this Christmas-set sequel.

The Ghost Who Walks (2019) - A man fresh out of prison tries to save his family from a mob boss at the holidays.

Ghosts of Girlfriend Past (2009) - This is the rare movie based on A Christmas Carol not set at the holidays, but it’s structure, and inspiration, still make it a stealth holiday movie in my book.

The Glenn Miller Story (1954) - The classic stealth Christmas movie for me, as even though only the end of this one is holiday-set, I absolutely think of it as a Christmas movie, and one of my favorites at that.

Go (1999) - This intertwining storyline, dark, Christmas-set crime comedy has become a cult classic.

Go Back to China (2019) - Emily Ting’s semi-autobiographical story of an L.A.-based woman who returns to China to design a Christmas toy line for her estranged father.

The Godfather (1972) - It’s not only AMC’s post-Thanksgiving airings that have made this Scorsese classic, and its sequel, a holiday mainstay, but the movie’s family holiday scenes that help humanize its mobsters.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974) - The first sequel to ever win Best Picture, the holiday moments are brief, but the family feeling is forever.

Godmothered (2020) - This Disney+ original walks the line between just plain Christmas movie, and stealth, as the holiday is ubiquitous throughout the movie, but not its main focus.

Good Grief (2024) - Dan Levy’s Netflix directorial debut opens with a Christmas sing-a-long in a fabulously-decorated holiday house, along with a generally chilly, winter vibe for much of the film.

The Good House (2022) - Though this Sigourney Weaver-led story, based on Ann Leary’s novel, takes place mostly not at Christmas, holiday celebrations of both Thanksgiving and Christmas play key roles in this funny, and real, tale of an in-denial alcoholic who is faking being in recovery.

Goodrich (2024) - Michael Keaton turns to his adult daughter (Mila Kunis) for parenting help after his much younger wife leaves him and enters rehab between Halloween and Christmas in L.A.

Good Sam (1948) - Gary Cooper is so invested in helping others, he puts his family on the brink of homelessness at the holidays.

Great Balls of Fire (1989) - Jerry Lee Lewis (Dennis Quaid) and his cousin Jimmy Swaggart (Alec Baldwin) celebrate a significant family Christmas in a festive scene that is called back multiple times

Green Book (2018) - A lengthy and pivotal Christmas dinner scene is used to illustrate how much Viggo Mortensen’s White Savior character has changed.

The Green Knight (2021) - Dev Patel’s epic quest takes place at the holidays in King Arthur’s court.

Gremlins (1984) - Steven Spielberg’s horror-comedy classic set at the holidays is festive enough it’s really almost just a regular Christmas movie.

Greyhound (2020) - Tom Hanks’ most recent World War II movie begins at Christmas.

Grumpy Old Men (1993) - The holiday-set comedy sees the rivalry of affections between Jack Lemon and Walther Matthau come to a head on Christmas day.

The Happiest Millionaire (1967) - This was the musical in production when Walt Disney passed away and while it’s generally considered one of Disney’s few flops from that era, there is lengthy Christmas section plus a holiday song from stars Fred MacMurray and Greer Garson.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) - The gang spends their first Christmas all together at Hogwarts, in lieu of going their separate ways for the holidays.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 1 (2010) - Harry visits the graves of his parents and leaves a Christmas wreath, but other than Part 2, where Christmas doesn’t even occur, this is definitely the least holiday-centric in the series.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) - The Yule Ball is a central plot point for all three main characters in the fourth Harry Potter film.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009) - Harry spends the holidays with the Weasleys and celebrates a magical Christmas at Hogwarts, making this one feel fairly festive.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (2007) - Harry and Hermione spend their first Christmas with the Weasleys, basking in their good cheer.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - Hogsmeade Village looks extremely festive at the holidays.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) - The first Christmas at Hogwarts scenes in this debut Harry Potter film are so elaborate and festive that many people think of this one as a flat-out Christmas movie, even though most of the film does not take place at the holidays.

The Hateful Eight (2015) - Definitely not a feel good movie, this bloody Tarantino joint takes place during a blizzard, the holiday is discussed, and one character even plays “Silent Night” during a stand off. So, you know, definitely a stealth Christmas flick.

The Hating Game (2021) - Based on the book by Sally Thorne, this rom-com takes place from Thanksgiving to New Year’s with seasonal appropriate decor and mentions throughout.

HAVOC (2025) - This Tom Hardy hard action thriller from director Gareth Evans is set in the days leading up to Christmas.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) - Guillermo del Toro’s cult classic sequel opens with a bedtime story told on Christmas Eve.

Help (2021) - UK movie made for Channel 4, starring Jodie Comer as a nursing home worker navigating the COVID crisis; begins at Christmas 2019.

Holidate (2020, Netflix) - This Emma Roberts-Luke Bracey rom-com covers all the holidays in a year, making it a seasonally-appropriate watch just about anytime, but it begins and ends with Christmas.

Holiday (1938) - Though the “holiday" in the title refers to a vacation, not Christmas, there’s tasteful Christmas decor aplenty in the Seton house, and a memorable New Year’s Eve party in this Cary Grant-Katherine Hepburn classic.

Hook (1991) - The whole reason the grown-up Peter (Robin Williams) is in London at all is because it’s Christmas.

Hope (2019) - Stellan Skarsgard is helping his spouse hide a brain tumor diagnosis in hopes of one last happy, family holiday. 

Hot Fuzz (2007) - It’s not a huge part of this Edgar Wright action cop action flick satire, but Peter Jackson (yes, the director) does play a criminal who attacks Simon Pegg dressed as Father Christmas, which, frankly, is pretty stealthily holiday.

How About You (2007) - This Irish film based on several of Maeve Binchy’s short stories stars Haley Atwell as the unprepared caretaker of a residential home, left in charge over Christmas.

How to Be Single (2016) - This first half of this Christmas-set rom-com is heavy on the holidays.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) - This drama about enviromental activists determined to stop a new pipeline, features a cold, snowy and general miserable Christmas along the way.

Hustlers (2019) - This based-on-a-true-story Jennifer Lopez-led film features an epic Christmas scene that shows the high point that comes before these looting ladies inevitable fall.

I Am Legend (2007) - That there’s more than one movie on this list featuring a worldwide plague that wipes out most of humanity at the holidays might be a really bad omen for how 2020 turns out.

I Come in Peace (1990, a.k.a. Dark Angel) - This Dolph Lungren action movie follows in the tradition of far better action movies by taking place entirely at the holidays.

I Give It A Year (2013) - The pivotal turn in this underrated UK rom-com comes at a Christmas party, and there’s an absolutely epic game of holiday charades.

The Ice Harvest (2005) - Harold Ramis’ Christmas Eve-set crime movie stars John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton.

Ideal Home (2018) - Paul Rudd and Steve Coogan play a bickering couple looking after a surprise grandson with the holidays as a background.

The Impossible (2012) - This harrowing true story from the 2004 tsunami that struck on December 26th, starts out with the foreshadowing of a perfect Christmas day in paradise.

In Bruges (2008) - Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are chatty hitman stuck in one of Belgium’s most beautiful and festive Christmas towns—the last place they want to be.

Instant Family (2018) - This charming, foster family comedy is at its sweetest during the Christmas scenes.

Invasion U.S.A. (1985) - A Chuck Norris movie that mixes xenophobia and Christmas.

Iron Man 3 (2013) - Director Shane Black continued his Christmas tradition, by not only setting this Marvel movie during the holidays, but keeping star Robert Downey, Jr. mostly out of the suit while he did it.

I Trapped the Devil (2019) - This horror-thriller set over the Christmas holidays has a man who has imprisoned another, saying he’s the devil. But which one is the real monster?

I Wouldn’t Be In Your Shoes (1948) - A classic, wrong-man noir murder mystery set around the holidays.

Jarhead (2005) - Based on a real-life Marine’s memoir, a pivotal holiday party leads to a demotion for Jake Gyllenhaal in this grim, but well acted, military drama.

Jaws the Revenge (1987) - This most ridiculous of the Jaws sequels—and that’s really saying something—takes place almost entirely at the holidays, cause what’s more festive than being stalked by a Great White shark?

Jersey Girl (2004) - This Kevin Smith rom-com features Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez meeting cute at a Christmas party, and even has a Stevie Wonder Christmas tune on the soundtrack.

A Journal for Jordan (2021) - Michael B. Jordan plays a soldier father communicating to his son via a journal, in this tear-jerking holiday season release that includes several key Christmas-set scenes.

Jumanji (1995) - This original starring Robin Williams ends at the holidays, with a full on Christmas party, where Williams’ character meets the kids he knew in the game in the real world for the first time.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) - Like the original film, the Jumanji reboot, which was released just before the holiday, ends with a Christmas scene once everyone is (spoiler alert) safely back in the real world.

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) - In the barest nod to its holiday release date, the kids plan a Christmas break reunion, only to find themselves drawn back into the game. Neither of the new series has as much holiday as the original, but it is a Jumanji Cinematic Universe through line that all three take place, at least in part, around Christmas.

Jurassic World (2015) - Even though this was released in summer, the whole set-up of the film is the kids are visiting their aunt at the holidays—it even starts with Christmas carols. Mostly likely because this was originally destined to debut at Christmas.

Just Friends (2005) - Really riding the line between stealth and flat out Christmas movie, this holiday-set, Ryan Renolyds rom-com could go either way.

Just Getting Started (2017) - Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones compete for Rene Russo’s affection in this holiday-set, Grandpas-getting-busy-and-running-from-the-mob movie that is very heavy on Christmas, but low on laughs.

Karate Kid (1984) - The Christmas elements aren’t as memorable as the Cobra Kai’s Halloween dance beat down, but they’re there, as Daniel preps for the All Valley tournament, probably because this summer release was actually filmed in December.

King Kong (2005) - The entire third act, when King Kong is on display in New York, takes place in a holiday-decorated New York. There’s even a skating scene with Naomi Watts and the great ape.

The King of Kings (2025) - Animated story of Jesus’ life as told in the Gospels, that for some reason heavily features Charles Dickens and his A Christmas Carol story, despite its Easter oriented release. 

The King’s Man (2021) - This Kingsman prequel has our British heroes (spoiler alert) take out Rasputin at a Russian Christmas party in a manner that mimics the Mad Monk’s real-life, and oft-fabled, demise.

The King’s Speech (2010) - This Best Picture-winner is only partly set at the holidays, but King George’s primary goal to overcoming his speech impediment is to be able to give the same sort of comforting Christmas radio speech his father did. 

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) - Another Colin Firth, sort of Christmas movie, with Firth’s early scene introduction to then-child Eggsy taking place in their holiday-decorated council flat. 

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) - Arguably what director Shane Black and Robert Downey Jr started in this black-comedy, Christmas-set film, he finished, or least got a much wider audience to watch, in Iron Man 3.

L’immenmsita (2022) - This 1970s-set Italian family drama, starring Penelope Cruz, displays a mother trying to hold her family together, including through a key holiday celebration.

L.A. Confidential (1997) - While this modern noir is far from festive, it’s definitely set at the holidays, as the swinging holiday soundtrack and ubiquitous Christmas lights remind you.

Lady in the Lake (1947) - Robert Montogomery actually specifically set this at the holidays, deviating from Raymond Chandler’s novel, to juxtapose the festiveness of the holiday, against his gritty central character.

Lady and the Tramp (1955 & 2019) - Both the Disney animated original and live-action remake have beautiful Christmas scenes where Lady joins her family as a beloved Christmas present for her mistress.

Larceny, Inc. (1942) - This holiday-set, Edward G. Robinson crime comedy, is a fun twist on the heist movie.

Lassie (2005) - This (infuriating for animal lovers) remake finds the classic collie so devoted to her boy, she escapes from her cruel new owner and undertakes an epic journey that leads her home on Christmas Day. Warning: Not only are there multiple animal deaths, but Lassie herself seems to perish as she reaches home, too. 

Last Action Hero (1993) - This meta-commentary/buddy comedy action movie about action movies is best known as a box office bomb, but since Shane Black is one of the writers, it’s not surprising that one of the inside jokes is that the action movie within the movie takes place at, you guessed it, Christmas.

The Last Boy Scout (1991) - It’s an action movie. It takes place at Christmas. It stars Bruce Willis. No, not that one. Not that other one either. And you’ll never guess who wrote it either. (Yes, you will.)

The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021) - A pivotal section of this Netflix romantic drama’s dual storytelling is set amidst a lush, 1969 London Christmas. The non-holiday scenery is equally gorgeous.

The Lemon Drop Kid (1951) - This Bob Hope classic finds a con artist struggling to come up with a wad of cash he owes a gangster before Christmas.

Les Miserables (2012) - This big screen adaptation of the Broadway musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel is probably best known as the movie that, for some reason, let Russell Crowe sing. In a nod to its Christmas Day-release, this version also adds a drunken Pere Noel to Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter’s “Master of the House” song and dance.

Less Than Zero (1987) - Has anyone starred in more almost-Christmas movies than Robert Downey, Jr. (and don’t forget Home for the Holidays is a Thanksgiving, not Christmas movie)? In this one he’s a spoiled wastrel throwing debauched Christmas bashes that couldn’t possibly look more 1980s.

Lethal Weapon (1987) - Shane Black strikes again. Or, in this case, strikes first, as this black holiday, Mel Gibson action flick, which Black wrote, predates his other Christmas-set efforts.

The Life List (2025) - A woman (Sofia Carson) must complete her teenage to-do list before New Year’s Eve, including a holiday romance, in order to collect her inheritance and keep getting DVD messages from her deceased mom (Connie Britton).

Lina from Lima (2020) - A nanny for a wealthy Chilean family plans a holiday visit home to Peru in this Spanish-language drama.

Lion in Winter (1968) - Katherine Hepburn won an Oscar for playing Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to Henry II, in this historical drama set during the Christmas of 1163.

Little Women (1933) - Katherine Hepburn is Jo in this, the first major adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel that kicks off at Christmas.

Little Women (1949) - June Allyson plays Jo in this first, color version, but it’s Elizabeth Taylor as Amy who steals this show.

Little Women (1994) - Susan Sarandon is Marmie in this Academy Award-nominated adaptation.

Little Women (2018) - Known as the one we’d like to pretend didn’t happen, this Lea Thompson-led version is best forgotten, but still fairly festive.

Little Women (2019) - Greta Gerwig actually found a new way to approach this oft-told tale, but there’s still plenty of Christmas feels to be found in this star-studded, critically acclaimed movie that gets Meryl Streep to play Marmie.

The Lodge (2020) - Riley Keough is a soon-to-be stepmom trapped in a cabin with her fiancé’s less than welcoming offspring as Christmas approaches.

Look Who’s Talking Now (1993) - In perhaps the most we’re-obviously-out-of-ideas sequel of all time, the pets now talk in this hooky, Christmas-set cash grab.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) - This under-rated Geena Davis-Samuel L Jackson movie might just be the best action movie set at Christmas. (Yeah, I said what I said.)

The Lost Husband (2020) - This romantic drama, based on a Katherine Center novel, is basically a Hallmark movie with a bigger budget, so no surprise that key scenes take place at Christmas, and the whole movie starts on New Year’s Eve.

Love, Simon (2018) - This sweet, coming of age movie finds Simon’s coming out, coming over Christmas break.

Love Story (1970) - The classic romantic melodrama has a plot pivotal, and, of course, very weepy, Christmas Eve scene.

Love at First Sight (2023) - This Netflix original, British rom-com is oh-so-sweet and takes place entirely from December 20-21, with plenty of decor and holiday plan chatter woven into the strangers fall (almost) instantly in love plot.

Lovely, Still (2008) - This heartbreaking Alzheimer’s love story is set over the holidays, for extra tear-jerking effect.

Madame Web (2024) - A bizarre non-holiday viewing of A Christmas Carol, with some very on-the-nose dialogue from Scrooge, is what makes Cassie finally understand her extremely obvious ability to see, and alter, the future. RIP the poor chief who apparently died in vain, since TCM was really all she needed to get it.

The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) - This Bette Davis-starrer tells the story of a self-satisfied dandy who slips on the ice and is forced to spend the holidays with a family exasperated by him.

Mandrome (2023) - This bleak drama about a cult-like male empowerment leader, played by Adrian Brody, that draws in expectant father Jesse Eisenberg is set in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Mean Girls (2004) - An iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” performance made Lacey Chabert a Christmas movie star long before Hallmark came calling.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) - Perhaps the ur-stealth Christmas movie, this mostly summer-set musical was turned into a Christmas classic the moment Judy Garland crooned “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Megalopolis (2024) - Francis Ford Coppola’s self-produced and critically panned magnum opus contain a lot of things that make little or no sense to the plot, such as it is, including an over long and highly stylized winter holiday montage.

Merlusse (1935) - This 1935 French film about a boarding school teacher bedeviled by his students over the holidays inspired Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers.

Metropolitan (1990) - Whit Stillman’s look at spoiled New York City debutantes takes place almost entirely between Christmas and New Year’s.

Millions (2004) - This UK delight from Danny Boyle is a sweet story set at, but not necessarily about, Christmas and New Year’s.

Miracle at Morgan’s Creek (1944) - This Preston Sturgess screwball comedy culminates at Christmas.

Mixed Nuts (1994) - This Steve Martin-led mental health comedy that kicks off on Christmas Eve didn’t really translate for American audiences, though the French original, Le Père Noël est Une Ordure (Santa Claus is a Stinker) is a beloved holiday classic.

Moneyball (2011) - Math + baseball doesn’t sound like it would equal a great movie, but this Brad Pitt-starrer, which also features a pre-Starlord Chris Pratt and earned Jonah Hill his first Oscar nomination, is excellent. Plus, much of the first act is set around the holidays, as Billy Beene tries to rebuild his bargain baseball team before the 2002 season.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) - The life story of the guy born in the stable next to Jesus, also on Christmas Day.

Moonstruck (1987) - This Oscar-winning, offbeat rom-com starring Nick Cage and Cher was released in mid-December and features the seasonal background decor to match.

Morvern Callar (2002) - How bleak is this Lynne Ramsey-directed, holiday-set story? Well, it starts with a Christmas morning suicide and only gets much, much darker from there. 

The Mothman Prophecies (2002) - The titular horrific prophecy is set to come at Christmas, and the entire second half the film is set at the holidays.

Mouse Hunt (1997) - The Christmas setting of this slapstick comedy may have been trying to evoke Home Alone, though this time it’s a mouse, instead of Macaulay Culkin, provoking prat falls.

Mr. Soft Touch (1949) - Gary Cooper is a war hero who returns home at the holidays only to find bad guys have taken over his club, and he must make things right.

Museo (2018) - This Spanish-language heist drama starring Gael Garcia Bernal is based on the true story of a 1985 holiday robbery.

My Night at Maud’s (1969) - Also known as Ma Nuit Chez Maud, this French New Wave classic is centered on chance meetings during a Christmas vacation.

Mystery, Alaska (1999) - This amiable ice hockey movie has lots of cold weather whimsy (Alberta doubles for Alaska), and a few actual Christmas scenes, that make it holiday appropriate viewing.

Never Say Goodbye (1946) - Errol Flynn gets parent-trapped at the holidays by his daughter, who writes letters pretending to be her mom in an effort to get them to reconcile.

New in Town (2009) - Slight but amiable Renee Zellweger rom-com about an outsider finding her place in a small town, partly through Christmas caroling and tree lighting.

The Nice Guys (2016) - For most of its run this R-rated, 1970s-set dark comedy-thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe has nothing to do with the holidays. But it’s a Shane Black joint, so the coda is completely decked out in holiday cheer.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008) - Though Nick and Norah’s adventurous night doesn’t take place near Christmas, one of their stops in search of a lost, drunk friend is an over-the-top, holiday-themed drag show.

Night of the Comet (1984) - This B-movie classic uses Christmas as the background for the apocalypse.

Nomadland (2020) - This Frances McDormand drama, and recent Best Picture winner, about modern day nomads, starts at the holidays.

Nosferatu (2024) - This horror movie is a modern homage to the original’s dark mood, but unlike the summer-set 1922 classic, the 2024 is subtly but explicitly set around the holidays.

Novocaine (2025) - A Christmas bank robbery kicks of this feel-no-pain Jack Quaid action movie.

Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) - This Disney fantasy film based on the classic ballet is hit or miss story wise, but pretty to look at.

Old Man and the Gun (2018) - This based-on-a-true story heist movie, features Robert Redford as an aging, but ever charming, bank robber, and includes an epic Tom Waits monologue about a Christmas tree.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013) - This Gerard Butler Presidential action flick kicks off with Christmas at Camp David.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) - While Bond films at Christmas are a UK tradition thanks to ITV’s annual airings dating back to 1978, this is the only Bond movie that actually features the holiday.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) - Though it’s not the focus, the original Disney animated movie takes place entirely around the holidays, with the happy ending coming on Christmas Day.

Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) - The PG-13 cut of the normally very R-rated Deadpool, was released at the holidays and used Princess Bride storytelling framing, complete with a kidnapped Fred Savage, and Santa wall decor, to fill in the parts that were cut out.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) - The latter half of the movie is entirely set at the holidays, and it’s in the aftermath of an illicit Christmas party that we finally see Billy stand up to Nurse Ratched.

Only You (1992) - A recently dumped Andrew McCarthy takes a woman he just met (Kelly Preston) on a non-refundable holiday trip to the tropics, but soon finds himself interested in his travel agent (Helen Hunt)

Operation Finale (2018) - This well done dramatization of the Mossad’s hunt for Adolf Eichmann isn’t exactly a festive watch, but the star-studded thriller does start with a fairly indelible, and Christmas tree-laden, wrong man scene.

The Oranges (2011) - A great cast—Hugh Laurie, Oliver Platt, Catherine Keener and Allison Janney—headline this so-so story of a man who starts an affair with his best friend’s daughter when she’s home for the holidays.

Ordinary Angels (2023) - Feel good story about a recovering addict, played by Oscar winner Hillary Swank, who steps in to help a down-on-their-luck family and ends up saving a little girl’s life at Christmas.

Other People (2016) - This Jesse Plemmons-Molly Shannon movie about a mother-son relationship, as the former succumbs to cancer, documents a year in the family’s life, starting and ending at the holidays.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) - This Black Friday shopping adventure straddles the line between Thanksgiving and Christmas cannon.

Peanuts Movie (2015) - Though this full-length, computer-animated film isn’t entirely set at the holidays, there are key Christmas scenes that call back the classic Peanuts specials.

People We Hate at the Wedding (2022) - While most of this rom-com is set in the summer, it opens with a family dynamic establishing Santa mall scene.

Period of Adjustment (1962) - Jane Fonda is one half of a couple who find their holiday-time honeymoon spoiled by their friends marriage problems.

The Perks of Being of a Wallflower (2012) - A pivotal and memorable Secret Santa scene makes this coming-of-age movie starring Emma Watson a solid holiday watch.

Peter’s Friends (1992) - This under-rated British ensemble features a group of disparate friends celebrating New Year’s together.

Pillion (2025) - Who knew BDSM went so well with Christmas? Alexander Skarsgård and Henry Melling play reindeer games with each other in this explicit, holiday-set Cannes favorite.

Poseidon Adventure (1972) - This New Year’s Eve-set classic isn’t specifically Christmas, but it’s definitely holiday appropriate.

Poseidon (2006) - The boat still flips on New Year’s Eve in this over-long remake, but the fun is what was really swamped.

The Princess Bride (1987) - As Peter Falk reads his grandson the ultimate romantic adventure story, you can see a prominent Santa on his wall, and even snow and Christmas lights out the window if you watch closely.

Priscilla (2023) - Though mostly not set at the holidays, Sofia Coppola’s adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s memoir features a few sumptuous Christmas at Graceland scenes that truly are fit for a King (get it?).

Prometheus (2012) - In case setting it at the holidays didn’t clue you in—Idris Elba is shown decorating a Christmas tree—the Biblical allegory of a women who can’t get pregnant giving birth to an alien, foretold to her by a non-human (robot Michael Fassbender), is pretty on the nose.

Psycho (1960) - No, this isn’t a mistake, this is the stealthiest of stealth Christmas movies, but the backstory makes it worth including…If you look closely, the streets in the opening scenes are decorated for the holidays. The story goes this is because the actual B-roll for the movie was shot during the holiday season, and no one really thought about it till they got in the editing suite, which is why the “Pheonix, Arizona, December 11” title card was added to the opening.

RED (2010) - This under-rated action comedy is probably Bruce Willis’ second-best Christmas action classic. Super fun, even if all of Willis’ Christmas decor gets blown to smithereens.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023) - This delightful rom-com’s American and British heroes bond (and unbeknownst to them start to fall in love) over Thanksgiving and Christmas texts, finally fully revealing their feelings at a plot-pivotal New Year’s Eve party.

The Ref (1994) - This Dennis Leary-Kevin Spacey holiday kidnapping comedy debuted to scathing reviews, but has found its place among off-beat, cult classics.

Replicas (2019) - Keanu Reeves makes clones of his dead family at Christmas. Very festive.

The Rescuers (1977) - Like many Disney movies, there’s a touch of Christmas in this animated tale, as the rescued little girl is adopted just in time for a holiday happy ending.

Reindeer Games (2000) - Ben Affleck’s action movie was such a bomb they moved it away from a holiday release, despite its title, seasonal setting, and a main character literally named Rudy, as in Rudolph. (Get it?)

Rent (2005) - This film version of the Broadway classic loses much of the stage magic, but still sees its character’s through a New York Christmas and New Year’s.

Riders of Justice (2020) - Mads Mikkelsen avenges his wife’s death and takes on a biker gang in this Danish language action thriller, bookended by Christmas scenes.

Rise of the Guardians (2012) - This is the classic non-Christmas, Christmas movie for kids, featuring Santa and Jack Frost, but the action actually takes place over Easter.

Roadblock (1951) - Holiday-set, dark love story gone wrong, starring Charles McGraw and Joan Dixon.

Rocky (1976) - There’s not only a very memorable Thanksgiving scene, but Rocky’s story carries on through the Christmas season, with decor aplenty, and what’s more holiday appropriate than an underdog story?

Rocky IV (1985) - Rocky’s Russian-set showdown with Drago takes place on Christmas Day, after a seriously snowy training montage.

Rudy (1993) - This quintessential sports movie offers up a family Christmas scene that not only evokes 1960s holidays, but reinforces the “you’ll never make it, kid,” motif of the film. (Spoiler alert: he does!)

Safe House (2025) - Nordic docudrama (For Morket) based on a true, 2013 Christmas Eve standoff in war torn Central African Republic.

Sam & Kate (2022) - A holiday-set romance between father-son and mother-daughter duos, played by real-life family units, Sissy Spacek and Schuyler Fisk alongside Dustin and Jake Hoffman.

Scenes from a Mall (1991) - Woody Allen and Bette Midler’s marriage crumbles inside a mall at Christmas time.

Second Act (2018) - This Jennifer Lopez-Vanessa Hudgens rom-com is festooned throughout for the holidays, though they’re not the characters’ main focus.

Serendipity (2001) - John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale rely on frustrating fate to bring them back together in a magical New York City at Christmas.

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) - Carrie and her pals celebrate not only Christmas, but a very memorable New Year’s Eve in this Big Screen continuation of the iconic HBO series that, unlike its cinematic follow-up, is also an actually good movie.

Shadowlands (1993) - This C.S. Lewis biopic kicks off when his till-then pen pal, and future wife, comes for a UK holiday visit that leads to a very memorable Christmas party date.

Shazam! (2019) - Probably the best holiday-set superhero film, this is an absolute delight, and also very Christmasy.

The Silent Partner (1978) - This Elliott Gould movie about a bank teller who figures out a bank heist and tries to get in on the action, is a remake of the 1969 Danish movie, Think of a Number.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940) - This oft-remade classic, itself based on a stage play, stars Margaret Sullivan and Jimmy Stewart, about rival shop owners who fight while unknowingly falling in love with each other as anonymous pen pals, comes together at the holidays, but still keeps Christmas in the background.

Shop Spoiled (1954) - This movie, also known as The Crowded Day, is a day-in-the-life story of overworked department store clerks on one of the last shopping days before Christmas.

Six Days Seven Nights (1998) - This one is definitely a stretch, as the holiday is never mentioned in the movie, but it does start in a snow-covered and Christmas decoration-festooned New York City, indicating Anne Heche and David Schwimmer’s doomed trip to paradise is taking place during the holiday season.

Six Weeks (1982) - Basically an all-out Christmas film, even released at the holidays, this Dudley Moore melodrama grants a dying girls wish to dance The Nutcracker. 

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Dripping with Christmas and New Year’s moments, this Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan radio call-in romance really holds up.

Soldier (1998) - Admit I’d never heard of this late-90s action movie starring Kurt Russell and Jason Scott Lee, but am assured the action hinges on a Christmas party that goes badly for Russell’s retired, cyborg super solider.

Some Girls (1988) - This Robert Redford-produced, meet-the-family film starts with Patrick Dempsey accompanying his girlfriend home for the holidays.

Spoiler Alert (2022) - This real-life love story based on the memoir by Michael Ausiello uses Christmas as one of its primary storytelling markers.

Spontaneous (2020) - This genre-defying teen romance/horror-comedy uses name-checked holidays, including Halloween, as well as a quite pivotal Christmas scene, to mark time in a world where teenagers are literally blowing up and no one knows why.

Stalag 17 (1953) - The action in Billy Wilder’s dark comedy comes together on Christmas Day when the SS come for Don Taylor and the prisoners unmask the spy among them.

Star Trek Generations (1994) - This one’s fairly slight, but Trek fans are quick to cite a holiday scene featuring Capt. Picard’s could-have-been family in this time-trippy Trek flick.

Step Brothers (2008) - Two separate Christmases are key to Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly battling, then bonding.

Stepmom (1998) - Though it’s got a pretty memorable Thanksgiving scene, this weird, weepy and oddly star-studded melodrama closes at Christmas. Also, how many stealth Christmas movies is Susan Sarandon in, anyway?

The Storied Life of A.J. Firkry (2022) - This romantic dramedy about a struggling bookshop owner/widower/sudden single dad hits a lot of Hallmark-style tropes (not necessarily in a good way), including adding Christmas to the storytelling mix.

Stuck in Love (2012) - Though this movie is really more of a Thanksgiving film, since that holiday bookends the film. there are also some Christmas scenes, making it holiday appropriate anytime in November-December.

The Sure Thing (1985) - This mid-80s, lose-your-virginity comedy (why was that ever a thing?) stars John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga, and takes place over Christmas break.

Susan Slept Here (1954) - In the 1950s, making movies about adults falling in love with “juvenile delinquents” they were put in charge of for the holidays was considered cute fodder for romantic comedies.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960) - The Disney version of this tale features a family Christmas celebrated in the iconic tree house that includes one of the movie’s most emotional moments.

The Sword in the Stone (1963) - Young Arthur gets his job as a squire only when someone else falls ill at the holidays, which is how he ends up at the New Year’s tournament where he finds Excalibur.

Tales from the Crypt (1972) - This little-known horror anthology features Joan Crawford as a murderous wife who offs her husband at Christmas for the life insurance, only to get her own comeuppance from Santa.

Tangerine (2015) - This heartbreaking, brilliant and far funnier than it should be film, follows a trans sex worker as she searches for her pimp on Christmas Eve.

Their Finest (2016) - Basically just a really great war drama, with hints of romance and comedy, but there is a significant Christmas scene, so I’m including it, if only to encourage everyone to see this one.

They Live By Night (1948) - Noir thriller led by Farley Granger as an escaped, wrongfully prosecuted convict, double-crossed by a fellow former inmate at Christmas.

The Thin Man (1934) - This first in the beloved fast-talking detective series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles is set across the holiday season, featuring very memorable Christmas and New Year’s scenes.

Things to Come (1936) - Also known as H.G. Wells’ Things to Come, to give it that extra boost, this sci-fi classic(ish) starts at Christmas, replete with carolers and Christmas shoppers crowding the streets, unaware of what the future holds.

This Time Next Year (2024) - UK rom-com featuring a destined couple both born just after midnight on New Year’ s Eve.

Those Calloways (1965) - This Disney live-action story about a New England family features a significant Christmas scene that emphasizes the family’s thrifty but loving ways.

Three Days of the Condor (1975) - Robert Redford was doing holiday-set action thrillers way before it was cool.

Three Godfathers (1948) - This John Wayne Western, directed by the venerable John Ford, is a straight-up Christmas movie for many, with its unmissable Biblical Nativity allegory, but the characters don’t really mention the movie’s holiday setting until most of the way through the film.

Together (2021) - This dark UK comedy stars Sharon Horgan and James McAvoy as a couple living through COVID lockdown, including some significant Christmas scenes.

Tow (2025) - Rose Byrne leads this true story of an unhoused woman’s fight to get her car back, that also features critical holiday scenes and a performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Demi Lovato.

The Tomorrow War (2021) - The events of the big-budget Chris Pratt alien action movie takes place (at least in the present/past) fully at Christmas time, which doesn’t make total sense given the movie’s ostensible timeline, but little about the movie does so…

The Tower (2012) - This Christmas Eve-set Korean update on The Towering Inferno is a holiday disaster epic.

Toy Story (1995) - The original Pixar classic concludes at Christmas. Not that surprising, considering how well toys and Christmas go together.

Trading Places (1983) - This Eddie Murphy-Dan Aykroyd, Christmas-set comedy is somewhere between a stealth Christmas movie, and just a full out holiday flick.

Trancers (a.k.a. Future Cop, 1984) - This cult-classic, sci-fi indie, starring Helen Hunt, features a time traveling cop going from 2247 to 1985 Los Angeles at Christmas time to save world from mind control zombies…You know, as one does.

A Tree Fell in the Woods (2025) - Two couples’ “Christmas New Year’s thingamajigy weekend” getaway goes awry when a near-miss prompts discovery of infidelity in their group.

The Tunnel (2019) - Norwegian disaster movie finds a group of Christmas travelers trapped in a tunnel after a tanker truck crashes and burns, while a blizzard rages, making outside rescue impossible.

Twelfth Night (1996) - Featuring a British acting who’s who, this moves the action of Shakespere’s classic Christmas play to the late 19th century.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (2012) - This messy, nonsensical end to the book-based movie series has a key Christmas scene and lights and other holiday paraphernalia scattered about. Because even when the end of the world is coming, it’s important to decorate. The original 2008 Twilight movie also seems to be set around the season, though there’s no mention of the holiday, just some scattered decor and lights in the background.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) - This French romantic classic from Jacques Demy, starring a luminous Catherine Deneuve, has a plot pivotal Christmas sequence that some say is one of the most beautiful holidays put on film.

Universal Language (2024) - Matthew Rankin’s surrealist, art house darling featuring a series of seemingly unconnected tales, was shot in Canada and, at least according to Rankin, inspired by the “something like 3,000 Hallmark movies produced in Winnipeg per year,” with occasionally festive imagery to match.

Vanished Out of Sight (2025) - Also known as Blind River, this Annalise Basso thriller is about a blind mother whose child goes missing on Christmas Day.

View from the Top (2003) - This critcally-panned comedy (?) has no idea what type of movie it wants to be, but for about 25 minutes near the end, it’s a full-on Christmas movie, with Gwyneth Paltrow racing home for the holidays to see Mark Ruffalo.

The War with Grandpa (2020) - Robert DeNiro stars in this family film, with the whole second half set at a Christmas-themed birthday party.

We’re No Angels (1955) - Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray are escaped criminals preying on the kindness of others at Christmas.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Covering all of the Fall-Winter holidays, this Meg Ryan-Billy Crystal rom-com classic both totally holds up, and is the perfect holiday watch, culminating on New Year’s Eve.

Where’d You Go Bernadette (2019) - This movie version digresses from the novel significantly to shift the focus to its star, Cate Blanchett, but it’s still set around the holiday season.

While You Were Sleeping (1995) - When transit worker Sandra Bullock saves the man she’s crushed on from afar, she’s mistaken for his fiancee by his family as he lies in a coma, and decides to go with it, spending the holidays with the group while growing closer to his brother.

Whisper (2007) - This snowy, psychological horror movie about a group of desperate criminals, led by Josh Holloway, is set at the holidays. They soon learn there is more to the wealthy child they kidnap than meets the eye.

Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1971) - This cult classic, British horror-thriller takes place during a spooky Christmas Eve sleepover.

Wolfs (2024) - Christmas isn’t really discussed in this George Clooney-Brad Pitt action-comedy, but the city they move through is definitively decorated for the holidays.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) - Jim Cummings wrote, directed and stars in this horror-comedy set over the Christmas holidays about a town that may or may not be plagued by werewolves.

Woman of the Hour (2024) - Anna Kendrick made her directorial debut with this creepy period piece, which she also starred in, focused on the real-life Dating Game killer. Holiday touch here is oh-so-slight, with a decorated-for-Christmas newsroom in one of the flashbacks.

Wonder (2017) - A good chunk of this heart-tugging story of Auggie, a young boy born with facial deformities, is set at the holidays.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) - This by-no-means-good superhero sequel ends with a full-on Christmas scene, straight out of a Hallmark movie, complete with Kris Polaha.

Why Him? (2016) - Bryan Cranston is the dad not at all won over by his soon-to-be, son-in-law (Dave Franco) during a holiday visit.

Wind Chill (2007) - The under-rated Emily Blunt horror-thriller starts with a couple of college kids sharing a ride home for Christmas that takes a very strange turn.

Winter Meeting (1948) - This little-known, snow-set Bette Davis movie has her competing with God for the love of a world weary vet.

You’ve Got Mail (1998) - Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan remake of The Shop Around the Corner features plenty of Christmas New York feels, as the pair play rival bookstore owners and secret email pen-pals.

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

4th of July Favorites

4th of July is traditionally a time of BBQs and fireworks, and all kinds of family outdoor fun, but in case your 4th falls on a rainy day, here are my indoor entertainment favorites that can keep you in the patriotic summer holiday spirit, with or without sunshine.

Movies

Updated: July 3, 2025

theatrical release, unless noted

Independance Day (1996) - Rarely has a movie been so cheesy, yet so much fun at the same time. I was in college when this came out (a.k.a. too poor to go to the movies), so didn’t see this one until almost a decade after its release, and found it just as ridiculously fun as everyone said. What It’s a Wonderful Life is to Christmas, Independance Day is to 4th of July.

Hamilton (2020, Disney+) - Everything I wanted this filmed version of the legendary Broadway show to be and more, including its iconic original cast. Energetic, emotional and exhilirating, an absolutely relevant watch for the 4th, or any other day. (Trailer)

Jaws (1975) - Unlike some of my other choices, this movie does take place, at least in part, on the 4th of July, and if any film can make you feel good about not being at the beach, it’s Jaws.

National Treasure (2004) - Does this Nic Cage action movie that features a literal treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independance make a lick of sense? Nope. Is it still perfect holiday family viewing fun? Unquestionably!

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - Does any part of this movie take place on the 4th of July? No. But you’d be hard pressed to find a more fully ‘Rah-rah America’ summer movie other than perhaps the original 1986 Top Gun, which make for a fab 4th double feature.

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - This James Cagney classic is a musical theater delight. If you know Cagney only from his gangster roles, this song and dance-filled film is a revelation. Plus, it’s the source of the classic, You’re a Grand Old Flag. 

The Sandlot (1993) - No sport says 4th of July like America’s pastime, and this kid classic actually has a fairly iconic 4th of July scene, where even the baseball-crazy boys forget to play as they watch fireworks light up the night in their small town.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - You say America, I say Cap. Chris Evans’ debut as America’s iconic superhero isn’t set on the 4th of July, but there’s nothing more American than punching Nazis. Also…That is America’s ass. 😜

Apollo 13 (1995) - Sure, this mission took place in April, not July, but there’s little that makes me feel more patriotic about what our nation can accomplish than the space program, and this amazing true tale of rescue is one of the best. (For the same reason, I’d also give the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon, a nod on this list, particularly since the actual moon landing took place in July.) 

We’re the Millers (2013) - This R-rated Jason Sudekis-Jennifer Aniston comedy takes place entirely on 4th of July weekend, featuring a plot-pivotal fireworks display.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) - John McClane and Justin Long fend off cybercriminal Timothy Olyphant in this better-than-you-might-remember Independance Day-set Die Hard sequel.

Air Force One (1997) - Harrison Ford as a President who kicks terrorists off his plane, personally, is pure patriotic cheez—and I love every minute of it.

The Music Man (1962) - Those 76 Trombones are marching in a 4th of July parade. 

A League of Their Own (1992) - Solid summertime classic, and while it doesn’t explicitly name the 4th, Dotty and the gang will have you feeling patriotic in no time.

Armageddon (1998) - Like Top Gun, pretty sure this disaster flick doesn’t technically take place on the 4th of July, but in terms of quintessential, entertaining, pro-America propaganda, it’s hard to do better than this wildly patriotic, ridiculous movie that is as manipulative as all get out, but really, really good at it, too.

Magic Mike XXL (2015) - This male stripper road trip tale has a lot more big-name stars than you’d expect (Donald Glover! Andie McDowell! Amber Heard! Jada Pinkett Smith!), given its paper-thin premise, and takes place over the 4th of July weekend, ending, both literally and figuratively, with fireworks. This sequel isn’t necessarily my personal favorite, but it’s beloved by many, and “How much for the water and the Cheetos,” is an undeniably great moment.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) - Absolutely perfect for any patriotic occasion, it’s impossible not to get a little choked up while watching this gritty, realistic WWII epic. 

Dave (1993) - Just a quintessentially good, sweet and funny political rom-com led by Kevin Kline as a look alike for a venal President who finds himself actually doing the job. One of my all-time favorite movies, and would be much higher on the list if it took place during the holiday.

1776 (1972) - The movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical has America’s founders singing, dancing and asking each for pins and saltpeter.

Miss Firecracker (1989) - Holly Hunter will stop at nothing to win a 4th of July beauty pageant. This one doesn’t fire on all cylinders, but a great cast, including Alfre Woodard and Mary Steenburgen, lend lots of charm, and it’s been adapted into a popular summer stock stage show.

Cape Fear (1991) - The Martin Scorsese classic, featuring a never-more-menacing Robert De Niro, takes place over the 4th of July, and is guaranteed to make you sweat.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) - The Tom Cruise-led, Oscar-winner isn’t very uplifting, but it’s certainly holiday appropriate.

Blow Out (1981) - Brian De Palma’s cult classic thriller, starring John Travolta as a sound tech who ends up recording more than he bargained for, takes place on 4th of July simulacrum, “Liberty Day,” and features one of the best fireworks scenes ever.

X-Men (2000) - This debut of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine…Does not really hold up all that well. But the entire final battle does take place atop the Statue of Liberty on the 4th of July, so if you’re looking for superhero + festive, here you go.

When Sparks Fly (2014, Hallmark Channel) - Is this 4th of July-themed Hallmark movie about a woman who goes home to write about her family’s small-town fireworks business good? Not really. Does it star a pre-Duchess, Meghan Markle? Yes, yes it does.

Animated Specials

This is America Charlie Brown (1988) - There really is a Peanuts cartoon for every holiday and this eight-episode series features everything Americana, from the building of the cross contiental railroad, to NASA’s space station. Episode 2, The Birth of the Constitution, is particularly apt for a 4th of July watch.

Schoolhouse Rock: America Rock (1975-2002) - A 12-episode compilation featuring all of the greatest Schoolhouse Rock episodes focusing on America’s founding and governance, including the classic I’m Just a Bill. Originally produced to celebrate the 1976 bi-centennial, two new episodes about U.S. Presidential voting were made in 2002 and added to the collection.

Simpsons: Summer of 4 Ft 2 (1996, Season 7, Episode 25) - It may be cheating slightly to call this series episode a “special,” but it actually works really well as a standalone, even for those newly-arrived-to-Earth aliens unfamiliar with the Simpsons’ oeuvre. The story of Lisa remaking herself on vacation, and Bart’s jealousy, which all culminates on the 4th of July, is one of the better holiday-dedicated stories you’ll find.

Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979) - This Rankin-Bass classic (well, “classic” may be stretching the term), is a multi-holiday celebration that might put a little Christmas magic in your 4th festivities.

Liberty’s Kids (2002) - This PBS animated series tells the story of our nation’s founding from a kids’ eye view.

More to Explore

If my favorites don’t spark (get it?) your 4th of July feelings, here are some more holiday-set options…

Disney’s American Legends (2002) - This compilation of classic Disney shorts features Americana folklore like 1948′s delightfully musical, The Legend of Johnny Appleseed, and  Paul Bunyan (1958).

Disney The Liberty Story (1957, ABC) - A compilation featuring stories of the American Revolution from the Disneyland series that aired on ABC in conjunction with the opening of the original theme park and later became Wonderful World of Disney. Once again widely available thanks to streaming services.

Pride of the Yankees (1942) - Lou Gehrig’s stirring farewell speech is set on the 4th.

The Patriot (2000) - This movie turns the Revolutionary War into a father-son teen drama, but since the son is played by Heath Ledger, in his breakout role, it’s still almost worth watching.

Return of the Living Dead (1985) - It’s 4th fireworks prep that reanimates those corpses, y’all.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - The titular summer experience in this slasher classic occurs on the 4th of July.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) - Horror sequel, still set over the 4th of July weekend.

Jaws 3D (1983) - This SeaWorld-set second sequel to Spielberg’s classic isn’t, by any definition, good, but as a kid in the late ‘80s who had HBO, I must have seen it, roughly, 10,000 times and Dennis Quaid and the dolphins both made a strong impression.

The Shining (1980) - What does this cold and snowy horror classic have to do with a summer holiday? Well, it’s a 1921 Fourth of July Ball that Nicholson’s character is pictured at in this movie’s eerie ending.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) - This Oscar-winning, Ang Lee triumph contains one of the most memorable fireworks scenes in film history.

Zodiac (2007) - The second killing, which took place on the 4th of July, opens the film.

Flight of the Navigator (1986) - Disney’s cult classic kid flick begins with a 4th of July alien abduction.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) - In this dull sequel, Diana and her back-from-the-dead boyfriend enjoy Fourth of July fireworks in D.C.

Rally Round the Flag, Boys! (1958) - The good news is this movie stars Paul Newman, Joan Collins and Joanne Woodward, whose character spends much of it planning an Independance Day pageant. The bad is said pageant seems more like a Thanksgiving play, and is as offensive and anachronistic as you’d imagine from that description.

In the Heights (2021) - Not specifically 4th of July-set, but spectacularly hot and summery, with a dazzling fireworks display, makes this another Lin Manuel Miranda musical movie that’s pretty perfect for the holiday.

Dance Party USA (2006) - This dark look at teen life, features kids looking for sex, drug and booze before and after a raucous 4th of July party.

Southland Tales (2007) - This tale of a near-future American dystopia starts with a 4th of July nuclear attack on Texas.

Sister of the Bride (2019, Hallmark) - Hallmark’s quest to make formulaic rom-coms for every holiday continues.

Banner 4th of July (2013, Hallmark) - a.k.a. Family Reunion, a.k.a. Star Spangled Banners …Yes, I’ve seen it, and the many names of this movie, are far better and more inventive than the film itself.

Stranger Things: Season 3 (2019, Netflix) - The summer-set third season of the nostalgia horror series revolves around the 4th of July. 

John Adams (2008, HBO) - This Paul Giamatti-led mini-series won all the awards and is a quite accurate portrayal of America’s first 50 years. Plus, in a bit of impeccable dramatic timing, Founding Father Adams actually died on July 4.

America: The Motion Picture (2021, Netflix) - Adult animated movie that reimagines the Founding Fathers as foul-mouthed superheroes in an alt-history satire.

Culture Shock (2019, Hulu) - Part of Hulu’s  Into the Dark Blumhouse horror movie anthology, covering every holiday; An immigrant’s American dream turns into an American nightmare.

The Current Occupant (2020, Hulu) - Another Into the Dark 4th of July-themed horror movie, about a man trapped in an asylum convinced he’s actually the President of the United States.

Uncle Sam (1996) - A zombie solider takes vengeance on his hometown during their 4th festivities.

Detective Knight: Independance (2022) - One of three holiday-set action cop movies—taking place on Halloween, Christmas and Independance Day—that were the last titles Bruce Willis filmed before announcing his retirement in early 2022 due to aphasia, which was later diagnosed as being caused by frontotemporal dementia. 

[sleepykittypaws]

4th of July Favorites

4th of July is traditionally a time of BBQs and fireworks, and all kinds of family outdoor fun, but in case your 4th falls on a rainy day, here are my indoor entertainment favorites that can keep you in the patriotic summer holiday spirit, with or without sunshine.

Movies

Updated: June 23, 2024

theatrical release, unless noted

Independance Day (1996) - Rarely has a movie been so cheesy, yet so much fun at the same time. I was in college when this came out (a.k.a. too poor to go to the movies), so I didn’t see this one until almost a decade after its release, and found it just as ridiculously fun as everyone said. What It’s a Wonderful Life is to Christmas, Independance Day is to 4th of July.

Hamilton (2020, Disney+) - Everything I wanted this filmed version of the legendary Broadway show to be and more, including its iconic original cast. Energetic, emotional and exhilirating, an absolutely relevant watch for the 4th, or any other day. (Trailer)

National Treasure (2004) - Does this Nic Cage action movie that features a literal treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independance make a lick of sense? Nope. Is it still perfect holiday family viewing fun? Unquestionably!

Jaws (1975) - Unlike some of my other choices, this movie does take place, at least in part, on the 4th of July, and if any film can make you feel good about not being at the beach, it’s Jaws.

Top Gun Maverick (2022) - Does any part of this movie take place on the 4th of July? No. But you’d be hard pressed to find a more fully ‘Rah-rah America’ summer movie other than perhaps the original 1986 Top Gun, which make for a fab 4th double feature.

Armageddon (1998) - Like Top Gun, pretty sure this disaster flick doesn’t technically take place on the 4th of July, but in terms of quintessential, entertaining, pro-America propaganda, it’s hard to do better than this wildly patriotic, ridiculous movie that is as manipulative as all get out, but really, really good at it, too.

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - This James Cagney classic is a musical theater delight. If you think of Cagney only in terms of his gangster roles, this song and dance-filled film is a revelation. Plus, it’s the source of the classic, You’re a Grand Old Flag. 

The Sandlot (1993) - No sport says 4th of July like America’s pastime, and this kid classic actually has a fairly iconic 4th of July scene, where even the baseball-crazy boys forget to play as they watch fireworks light up their small town.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - You say America, I say Cap. Chris Evans’ debut as America’s iconic superhero isn’t set on the 4th of July, but there’s nothing more American than punching Nazis. Also…That is America’s ass. 😜

Apollo 13 (1995) - Sure, this mission took place in April, not July, but there’s little that makes me feel more patriotic about what our nation can accomplish when it puts its mind to it than the space program, and this amazing true tale of rescue is one of the best. (For the same reason, I’d also give the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon, a nod on this list, particularly since the actual moon landing took place in July.) 

Air Force One (1997) - Harrison Ford as a President who kicks terrorists off his plane, personally, is pure patriotic cheez—and I love every minute of it.

The Music Man (1962) - Those 76 Trombones are marching in a 4th of July parade. 

Saving Private Ryan (1998) - Absolutely perfect for any patriotic occasion, it’s impossible not to get a little choked up while watching this gritty, realistic WWII epic. 

A League of Their Own (1992) - Solid summertime classic, and while it doesn’t explicitly move the 4th, Dotty and the gang will have you feeling patriot in no time.

Dave (1993) - Just a quintessentially good, sweet and funny political rom-com led by Kevin Kline as a look alike for a venal President who finds himself actually doing the job. One of my all-time favorite movies, and would be higher on the list if it took place during the holiday.

Magic Mike XXL (2015) - This male stripper road trip tale has a lot more big-name stars than you’d expect (Donald Glover! Andie McDowell! Amber Heard! Jada Pinkett Smith!), given that premise, and takes place over Fourth of July weekend, ending, both literally and figuratively, with fireworks. This sequel isn’t necessarily my personal favorite, but it’s beloved by many, and “How much for the water and the Cheetos,” is an undeniably great moment.

We’re the Millers (2013) - This Jason Sudekis-Jennifer Aniston raunchy comedy takes place entirely on 4th of July weekend and features a plot pivotal fireworks display.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) - John McClane and Justin Long fend off cybercriminal Timothy Olyphant in this better-than-you-might-remember Independance Day-set Die Hard sequel.

1776 (1972) - The movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical.

Miss Firecracker (1989) - Holly Hunter will stop at nothing to win a 4th of July beauty pageant. This one doesn’t fire on all cylinders, but a great cast, including Alfre Woodard and Mary Steenburgen, lend lots of charm, and it’s even been remade into a popular summer stock stage show.

Blow Out (1981) - Brian De Palma’s cult classic thriller, starring John Travolta as a sound tech who ends up recording more than he bargained for, takes place on the 4th of July.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) - The Tom Cruise-led, Oscar-winner isn’t very uplifting, but it’s certainly holiday appropriate.

When Sparks Fly (2014, Hallmark Channel) - Is this 4th of July-themed Hallmark movie about a woman who goes home to write about her family’s small-town fireworks business good? Not really. Does it star a pre-Duchess, Meghan Markle? Yes, yes it does.

X-Men (2000) - This debut of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine…Does not really hold up all that well. But the entire final battle does take place atop the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July, so if you’re looking for superhero + festive, here you go.

Pride of the Yankees (1942) - Lou Gehrig’s stirring farewell speech is set on the 4th.

Animated Specials

This is America Charlie Brown (1988) - There really is a Peanuts cartoon for every holiday and this eight-episode series features everything Americana, from the building of the railroad, to NASA’s space station. Episode 2, The Birth of the Constitution, is particularly apt for a 4th of July watch.

Schoolhouse Rock: America Rock (1975-2002) - A 12-episode compilation featuring all of the greatest Schoolhouse Rock episodes focusing on America’s founding and governance, including the classic I’m Just a Bill. Originally produced to celebrate the 1976 bi-centennial, two new episodes about U.S. Presidential voting were made in 2002 and added to the collection.

Simpsons: Summer of 4 Ft 2 (1996, Season 7, Episode 25) - It may be cheating slightly to call this series episode a “special,” but it actually works really well as a standalone, even for those unfamiliar with the Simpsons’ oeuvre. The story of Lisa remaking herself on vacation, and Bart’s jealousy, which all culminates on the 4th of July, is one of the better holiday-dedicated stories you’ll find.

Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979) - This Rankin-Bass classic (well, “classic” may be stretching the term), is a multi-holiday celebration that might put a little Christmas magic in your 4th.

Liberty’s Kids (2002) - This PBS animated series tells the story of our nation’s founding from a kids’ eye view.

More to Explore

If my favorites don’t spark (get it) your 4th of July feeling, here are some more holiday-set options…

Disney’s American Legends (2002) - This compilation of classic Disney shorts features Americana folklore like 1948′s delightfully musical, The Legend of Johnny Appleseed, and  Paul Bunyan (1958).

Disney The Liberty Story (1957, ABC) - A compilation featuring stories of the American Revolution from the Disneyland series that aired on ABC in conjunction with the opening of the original theme park and later became Wonderful World of Disney. Once again widely available thanks to streaming services.

The Patriot (2000) - This movie turns the Revolutionary War into a father-son teen drama, but since the son is played by Heath Ledger, in his breakout role, it’s still almost worth watching.

Return of the Living Dead (1985) - It’s 4th fireworks prep that reanimates those corpses, y’all.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - The titular summer experience in this slasher classic occurs on the 4th of July.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) - Horror sequel, still set over the 4th of July weekend.

Jaws 3D (1983) - This SeaWorld-set second sequel to Spielberg’s classic isn’t, by any definition, good, but as a kid in the late ‘80s who had HBO, I must have seen it, roughly, 10,000 times and Dennis Quaid and the dolphins both made a strong impression.

The Shining (1980) - What does this cold and snowy horror classic have to do with a summer holiday? Well, it’s a  1921 Fourth of July Ball that Nicholson’s character is pictured at in this movie’s eerie ending.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) - This Oscar-winning, Ang Lee triumph contains one of the most memorable fireworks scenes in film history.

Zodiac (2007) - The second killing, which took place on the 4th of July, opens the film.

Flight of the Navigator (1986) - Disney’s cult classic kid flick begins with a 4th of July alien abduction.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) - In this dull sequel, Diana and her back-from-the-dead boyfriend enjoy Fourth of July fireworks in D.C.

Sister of the Bride (2019, Hallmark) - Hallmark’s quest to make formulaic rom-coms for every holiday continues.

Banner 4th of July (2013, Hallmark) - a.k.a. Family Reunion, a.k.a. Star Spangled Banners …Yes, I’ve seen it, and the many names of this movie, are far better and more inventive than the film itself.

Stranger Things: Season 3 (2019, Netflix) - The summer-set third season of the nostalgia horror series revolves around the 4th of July. 

John Adams (2008, HBO) - This Paul Giamatti-led mini-series won all the awards and is a quite accurate portrayal of America’s first 50 years. Plus, in a bit of impeccable dramatic timing, Founding Father Adams actually died on July 4.

America: The Motion Picture (2021, Netflix) - Adult animated movie that reimagines the Founding Fathers as foul-mouthed superheroes in an alt-history satire.

Culture Shock (2019, Hulu) - Part of Hulu’s  Into the Dark Blumhouse horror movie anthology, covering every holiday; An immigrant’s American dream turns into an American nightmare.

The Current Occupant (2020, Hulu) - Another Into the Dark 4th of July-themed horror movie, about a man trapped in an asylum convinced he’s actually the President of the United States.

Uncle Sam (1996) - A zombie solider takes vengeance on his hometown during their 4th festivities.

Detective Knight: Independance (2022) - One of three holiday-set action cop movies—taking place on Halloween, Christmas and Independance Day—that were the last titles Bruce Willis filmed before announcing his retirement in early 2022 due to aphasia, which was later diagnosed as being caused by frontotemporal dementia. 

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

Perfect for Pride Favorites: Movies and Series

With LGBTQIA+ targeted legislation, abusive rhetoric and hate crimes sadly once again on the rise, the month-long embrace of visibility and openness that Pride celebrations represent feel essential.

If you want to also honor Pride at home with viewing that focuses not only on queer struggle, but also its joy, here are some of my personal movie and TV favorites 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Updated: June 3, 2025

Movie Favorites

The Wedding Banquet (1993) - This heartbreaking and humorous story of a gay Taiwanese man whose marriage of convenience (she gets a green card, he appeases his traditionalist parents) turns into the wedding of the century. Sweet and funny—a real gem.

Pride (2014) - This true story of a group of gay activists from London who joined the 1984 miners strike in solidarity is well done on every level, and will leave you feeling far better about humanity than when you began.

Maurice (1987) - Merchant and Ivory had a profound effect on my teenage self, and this E.M. Forster adaptation about repressed longing in Edwardian English society helped birth a lifelong Hugh Grant crush.

Bros (2022) - Billy Eichner’s R-rated rom-com, which doubles as a stealth Christmas pick, is fun, vibrant and unabashed. Super heartfelt, but never sappy, it co-stars Hallmark hunk Luke Macfarlane.

Love, Simon (2018) - Impossibly charming and sweet teen love story guaranteed to make you smile. (Also another stealth Christmas movie!)

The Half of It (2020, Netflix) - Alice Wu’s absolutely gorgeous ode to Cyrano beautifully addresses both sexuality and the immigrant experience, without ever feeling preachy. Made me very much want to see Wu’s first feature, Saving Face.

The Favourite (2018) - Olivia Coleman is perfect as a fickle, feckless Queen Anne, whose head is turned by a delightfully devious Emma Stone.

Fire Island (2022) - This raunchy rom-com/Pride and Prejudice redux has an incredibly sweet center underneath its profane exterior. Big laughs abound in this found family-centered adaptation that would for sure make Miss Austen more than blush.

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994) - Wacky, a little wild, and oh-so-Australian, this drag queen, road trip comedy is all heart.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) - Natasha Lyonne is the titular cheerleader who finds herself in conversion therapy in this pitch-perfect satire that also manages to be a laugh-out-loud rom-com.

Moonglight (2016) - This Best Picture winner is absolutely searing and the only reason its not higher on this list is that it’s so devastating, it’s near impossible for me to re-watch.

Other People (2016) - This mother-son story about the acceptance of loss and love should seriously have put Jesse Plemmons and Molly Shannon in awards contention.

Swan Song (2021) - Ude Kier absolutely deserved not only an Oscar nomination, but arguably a win, for his role as an aging hairdresser who takes one last job for a special client—preparing her for her funeral. Poignant, and much funnier than I expected. 

Booksmart (2019) - One of my all-time favorite movies of any genre, this Olivia Wilde-directed comedy is so smart, so funny and so re-watchable it would definitely be higher on this list if I didn’t feel it was just slightly off-theme, with only one of the main characters being gay. Still, her relatable first crush experiences are one of the best parts of the story, which is why I feel this friendship comedy still deserves inclusion.

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) - That we got three well-known movie stars in Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo headlining a movie centered on drag that is this unabashedly queer almost 30 years ago, really is a miracle.

Dating Amber (2020) - Set in 1995 Dublin, this is a surprisingly funny and touching take on two high school friends decision to pretend to date each other to avoid gossip.

Plan B (2021, Hulu) - This BFF road-trip comedy is raunchy, very R-rated and yet, at its core, is one of the sweetest and funniest movies I’ve seen since Booksmart, and deserves inclusion on this list for this line alone: “Believe it or not, it makes a real big difference to your mental health when you are free to be who you are.“

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) - Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy are both excellent in this true story of (sometimes toxic) friendship and fraud.

Beginners (2010) - A touching father-son story based on the real life of a man finally able to explore his true identity at age 75, after his wife passes away.

Crush (2022, Hulu) - This gentle, teen romance puts a budding artist on the track team with her longtime crush, but it’s her crush’s twin sister that she ends up feeling drawn to. Aasif Mandvi and Megan Mullally as the track coach and the mom, respectively, get most of the best lines.

The Wedding Banquet (2025) - This isn’t a strict remake of Ang Lee’s original, with only the most general of plot points reused, making it a fresh, fun take on a somewhat tired genre that takes into account how much has changed (and what hasn’t) since 1993.

The Thing About Harry (2020, Freeform) - Delightful, sweet made-for-TV holiday (Valentine’s Day) rom-com that just happens to be about two men. Not earth shattering story-wise, but fairly revolutionary for a mainstream cable TV network.

Love Is Strange (2014) - John Lithgow and Alfred Molina as a long term couple finally able to marry.

Victor/Victoria (1982) - A musical comedy classic, whose gender-bending is legendary, and striking for its time

The Birdcage (1996) - Robin Williams is way, way too much in this Americanized remake of La Cage aux Folles, but it’s still a delightful portrait of joy and the definition of camp. And what Williams did for Nathan Lane during the press tour definitely qualifies him as a mensch..

BONUS: The Pixar SparkShort Out, released on Disney+ in May 2020, is perfect, gentle, sweet, all-ages entertainment, that’s a great way to show kids of any age that love is love. 🏳️‍🌈

TV Series Top 10

Schitt’s Creek (2015-20, CBC/Pop) - An absolute gem of a show that explores its characters sexuality, while only very rarely being specifically about them. So much sweeter and poignant than the jokey name would imply, this is good from the start, but really hit its stride in season 2, and has one of the most perfect series finales I’ve ever seen. (Originally for CBC/Pop, but streaming on Netflix.)

Heartstopper (2022, Netflix) - This swoon-worthy British rom-com series about two friends navigating first love is based on a graphic novel and the very definition of sweet and gentle.

One Mississippi (2015-17, Amazon) - Tragically overlooked comedy starring Tig Notaro as a lightly fictionalized version of herself. Cancelled much too soon, this one deserves to be so much better known than it is. A worthy weekend binge.

The Other Two (2019-ongoing, Comedy Central/Max) - This story of two struggling older siblings and their suddenly YouTube famous baby brother is an absolute joy, on so many levels, and specifically queer in a way few mainstream comedies ever have been.

A Very English Scandal (2018, Amazon) - Already mentioned my Hugh Grant crush above, but he really is very good here as, once again, a very repressed Englishman.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-20, Netflix) - A candy-colored confection of silliness where Tituss Burgess consistently steals the show from the title character, and even brings it to Queen Bey with his spot-on, must-see Lemonade parody. 

Tales of the City (1993-2001, PBS) - While I haven’t seen the new Netflix run, the original Tales miniseries left an indelible impression. Soapy in the best possible way, but never condescending or crass. A real eye-opener for the sheltered college freshman I was when I first saw this.

Love, Victor (2020-2022, Hulu) - This delightful spin-off of Love, Simon adds another sweet, teen love story to the canon.

It’s a Sin (2021, Channel 4/Max) - This Russell T Davies limited series that looks at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in UK is heartrending, but also incredibly well done.

Modern Family (2009-20, ABC) - Yes, this sitcom got schlockier and more trite the longer it stayed on the air, and, yes, many question casting straight actor Eric Stonestreet in the role of Cam, but don’t underestimate how this widely-seen portrayal of loving, same-sex parents in a long-term relationship (and eventual marriage), on a major broadcast network changed hearts and minds. Representation really does matter! 

BONUS: My all-time favorite comedy series is Happy Endings. I’ve probably seen each episode ten times, minimum, at this point, and one of the main characters is gay (albeit played by a straight actor) but, when I was considering this list, I was trying to think of series I loved that actually changed the conversation, centered on the LGBTQ+ experience, or both; Not just any depiction of Queer life at all, and I don’t think Happy Endings quite fits that bill. But, it is super funny and hugely binge-able, so if you’ve somehow missed it, rectify that immediately. (The whole series is on Hulu, HBO Max and Netflix.)

More Movies to Explore

As films centered on LGBTQ+ characters, issues and relationships finally start to enter the mainstream, there are hundreds of options, including many far more serious than my mostly lighter fare favorites above. (I often default to sunnier viewing as my “favorites,” because they leave me feeling light and happy.) That so many movies about the LGBTQ+ experience are dark, disturbing and dour says a lot about how far we still have to go as a society, in terms of inclusion and acceptance.

With that in mind, here are a few more options. Not an exhaustive list of every LGBTQIA+ film, just others I’ve seen (and one I want to), and would generally recommend…

Cabaret (1972) - If Victor/Victoria wasn’t already on my list, this gender-bending Liza Minnelli classic would be.

Saving Face (2004) - The Half of It’s Alice Wu’s first feature.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) - Based on the Off Broadway musical, this rock star epic is darkly funny.

Paris is Burning (1990) - Outstanding, must-see documentary that explores the drag ball culture of New York City.

The Kids Are All Right (2010) - I, personally, found the gender politics a little confounding in this much-praised movie about a lesbian couple’s kids meeting their sperm donor, but undeniable it’s well acted.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) - This Oscar winner is definitely more than a little overwrought, but it’s also powerful in many places.

Jenny’s Wedding (2015) - Not earth shattering, but watching Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel plan their wedding offers lighthearted charm.

Kissing Jessica Stein (2001) - The ending of this one is, I will be the first to admit…Disappointing. I also haven’t rewatched it in years, so it’s possible it doesn’t hold up at all, but this Jennifer Westfeldt film was, at the time, one of just a few lesbian rom-coms.

Go Fish (1994) - An indie movie circuit darling, this lesbian romance kickstarted a prolific tv career for director Rose Troche, who also helmed 2022′s My Fake Boyfriend.

The Wedding Banquet (2025) - This isn’t a strict remake of Ang Lee’s original, with only the most general of plot points reused, making it a fresh, fun take on a somewhat tired genre that takes into account how much has changed (and what hasn’t) since 1993.

A Nice Indian Boy (2025) - Sweet story of a guy adopted into an Indian family (Jonathan Groff) falling in love with a traditional, well, nice Indian boy.

The Prom (2020, Netflix) - Another problematic pick, this film version of the Broadway musical got a lot of grief for casting James Corden as gay and, well, just casting Corden at all. The story is trite, the big stars—Nicole Kidman! Meryl Strep!—clearly stunt casting and, like many Ryan Murphy projects, it is absolutely over the top…And yet, I dug it and had so much fun watching it. What can I say? Cheesy Broadway musicals are my thing. 

The Imitation Game (2014) - Harrowing historical drama and an infuriating example of how dangerous homophobia actually is.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - This true story of an AIDS patient struggling to help himself and others survive is all right, all right, all right. (I apologize and will show myself out.)

Personal Best (1982) - Mariel Hemingway is a raw nerve in this movie as much about love as sports.

Battle of the Sexes (2017) - The exploration of Billie Jean King’s sexuality, in a movie that’s mostly not about that, is well-done, raw and honest, even in its painful parts.

La Cage aux Folles (1978) - Quintessential French farce based on Jean Poiret’s play of the same name.

In & Out (1997) - A fantastic cast—Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Tom Selleck—headlines this Oscar-nominated comedy loosely based on a real-life Academy Awards incident, where headlines insisted Tom Hanks accidentally outed his former drama teacher during his Philadelphia acceptance speech, though he actually had his permission. 

Heavenly Creatures (1994) - Definitely not a light watch, this early Peter Jackson movie, that features Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey in a based-on-a-true-crime tale, is riveting.

Tangerine (2015) - Another stealth Christmas movie, it’s somehow best-known for being shot entirely on an iPhone, when it should be better-known for being absolutely brilliant.

Wildhood (2021) - This journey of self-discover features two brothers looking for their birth mother, and comes from two-spirit, non-binary filmmaker Bretten Hannam.

A Single Man (2009) - Precise, tailored, painful film, which is no surprise when you learn the director is designer Tom Ford.

Longtime Companion (1989) - One of the very first mainstream movies to center its story on gay men, this tale of how the AIDS crisis impacts a group of friends starts out a little cheesy, but hits you in the feels soon enough.

God’s Own Country (2017) - Another bleak, brutal, British film redeemed somewhat by its hopeful ending.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2020) - Absolutely gorgeous movie that takes its time, but never feels slow. 

Carol (2015) - Cate Blanchett as the most proper, exquisite housewife that ever was—right up until she isn’t. (Yet another stealth Christmas movie on this list…It’s almost as if I have a thing for holiday films.)

Call Me By Your Name (2017) - Another in the longing looks hall of fame,  It’s become almost a parody of itself at this point, but the film really does pack an emotional wallop.

Boys Don’t Cry (1999) - Heartbreaking, brilliant and based on a terrible true crime.

Beautiful Thing (1996) - Really lovely coming-of-age story from the UK. 

The Broken Hearts Club (2000) - This breezy look at the love life highs and lows of a group of gay men in West Hollywood was Greg Berlanti’s feature film directing debut. It also somewhat surprisingly stars now, right-wing cinema feature Dean Cain.

Beats Per Minute (2017) - Drama about AIDS activism in 1980s Paris.

Philadelphia (1993) - This legal drama earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar, and the story holds up.

The Boys in the Band (1970) - Based on the play, this is an essential Queer cinema watch. 

The Boys in the Band (2020, Netflix) - This faithful, and only slightly updated, Ryan Murphy remake features an all-star cast.

Torch Song Trilogy (1988) - Based on Harvey Firestein’s plays about his own life, this is funnier, and more poignant, than I expected going in.

My Own Private Idaho (1991) - Keanu Reeves and River Pheonix as wandering grifters in love.

I Love You Philip Morris (2009) - Ewan McGregor’s very weird rom-com about a con man. One of those that I loved when I first watched, but have never revisited, because I’m not sure I’d feel the same way again.

Milk (2008) - Sean Penn as real-life, ground-breaking gay politician, Harvey Milk.

Trick (1999) - New York City-set rom-com that’s a little low budget, but heartfelt.

Latter Days (2003) - This indie rom-com is about a Mormon struggling with his sexuality, and a guy who makes a bet he can seduce him.

Straight Up (2020) - A story about friendship, romance and soulmates sans sex.  

Disclosure (2020, Netflix) - Another doc on trans representation that is entertaining and educational, a rare combo.

The Children’s Hour (1961) - What The Boys in the Band is to gay male cinematic history, The Children’s Hour is to lesbian film legend.

Pink Flamingos (1972) - Perhaps John Waters most crass creation—and that’s really saying something. Not my personal style, but undeniably a classic.

Transamerica (2005) - Not sure how well Felicity Huffman’s portrayal of a trans woman has held up, particularly after watching Disclosure, but this is one of the first mainstream films to take a trans lead seriously at all.

Three Months (2022, Paramount+) - Coming of age dramady about a young man who, on the eve of his high school graduation, finds out he had an HIV exposure due to a condom mishap. While he waits to test, he joins a support group and bonds with a fellow member.

My Fake Boyfriend (2022, Prime Video) - Another queer rom-com starring a Hallmark regular, this time Marcus Rosner, who plays the hot but cruel ex Keiynan Lonsdale is trying to get over by creating a new Instagram fantasy man. 

Anything’s Possible (2022, Prime Video) - Wanted to like this Billy Porter-directed tale about a trans teenager falling in love for the first time more than I did, but still glad stories like this are being told.

Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls (2023, Paramount+) - Extremely charming, teen rom-com that follows all the usual high school movie tropes…until it doesn’t. 

Some of My Best Friends Are (1970) - This Fannie Flagg film is a camp Christmas classic.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) - Only recently released in the U.S., Jean-Marc Vallée’s story of a French-Canadian boy born on Christmas, which his very religious parents take as a sign, ties the holiday into coming to terms with his sexuality amid dysfunctional family chaos.

Spoiler Alert (2022) - Jim Parsons stars in and produces this holiday-heavy tragic love story, based on Michael Ausiello’s romantic memoir of his life with husband Kit.

The Christmas Setup (2020, Lifetime) - This sunny holiday film, starring real-life spouses Ben Lewis and Blake Lee, is one of the best made-for-TV Christmas movies of recent years, and it was the first LGBTQ-centered mainstream cable Christmas romance. 

Dashing in December (2020, Paramount Network) - Though The Christmas Setup beat it to air by one day, this same-sex-centered Christmas romance is fun, festive and a little more flirty than your standard Hallmark holiday flick.

Happiest Season (2020, Hulu) - Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis’ home-for-the-holidays farce is good Christmas fun, but it’s Aubrey Plaza who steals the show.

Single all the Way (2021, Netflix) - This Michael Urie-starring Netflix holiday rom-com is pure sugar and spice and everything nice, including a love triangle with Luke Macfarlane-Philemon Chambers, plus Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy playing sisters.

Under the Tree (2021, Lifetime) - Not as much fun as 2020′s The Christmas Set-Up, this was still cable’s first mainstream lesbian holiday movie. 

Christmas at the Ranch (2021) - Lindsay Wagner is the biggest name in this story of a Big City Gal falling in love with a small town ranch hand, from Tello Films, which has made a (recent) tradition of offering an annual lesbian holiday romance.

The Holiday Sitter (2022, Hallmark) - Jonathan Bennett leads the channel’s first Christmas romance focused solely on a same sex couple.

Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story (2024) - This Australian original aired on CBS in the U.S., becoming the first broadcast queer Christmas movie. 

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

Mother’s Day Movie Favorites

What better way to celebrate mom than by watching a mother-centric movie with her or, if that’s not possible, while thinking about her, or her memory? 

We’ve all got a mother, heck, some of us even are mothers, making motherhood extremely fertile, movie-making subject matter for everything from tear-jerking melodrama to slasher flicks. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of movies exploring the bonds of mothers and their children, both sweet and sour, but below are my Top 25 favorite mom movies…

Updated: July 29, 2023

Steel Magnolias (1989) - This Southern-friend Schmaltz-fest is near and dear to my heart, having lost my own mother in a way not all that dissimilar to Julia Roberts’ character. And, while much of Steel Magnolias is over the top, the cast is, indisputably, top-notch. This is one that never fails to make me laugh, cry and think about my mama.

Lady Bird (2017) - Probably the best mother-daughter movie of the last 20 years, this Greta Gerwig classic is a perfect watch on Mother’s Day, or any time. It nails teen angst and the push pull of mother-daughter relationships perfectly.

Mr. Mom (1983) - While the premise—A dad being the primary caregiver? How novel!—may be dated, the comedy in this Teri Garr-Michael Keaton comedy still holds up remarkably well, give or take a moment or two. A great, whole family watch, and a wildly under-rated ‘80s comedy.

Petite Maman (2021) - This simple, sweet, but never cloying, French story of a daughter who magically meets and befriends her mother as a child, leading to greater love and understanding between them is the absolute perfect mom-centric movie, on Mother’s Day or anytime.

Postcards from the Edge (1990) - Based on Carrie Fisher’s roman a clef about her own relationship with actress-mother Debbie Reynolds, this Meryl Strep-Shirley MacLaine movie is one of my very favorites.

Freaky Friday (2003 or 1976) - Whether you prefer the Jamie Curtis-Lindsay Lohan remake, or the Jodie Foster-Barbara Harris original, this Disney classic is fun, funny and an absolute hoot of a mother-daughter romp. Plus, it’s perfect prep for the upcoming sequel.

Terms of Endearment (1983) - As you can see, Shirley MacLaine looms large on this list. MacLaine really cornered the market on over-the-top, yet-loving mom roles, and there are few better mother-daughter dramas than this absolute classic weepy that co-stars Debra Winger.

The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021) - This Netflix-original animated movie, starring Maya Rudolph as the mom, is a pretty perfect Mother’s Day watch. Funny, all-ages humor that packs quite an emotional punch, amidst all the silliness, and the Mama Bear fierceness Rudolph provides in the climax is epic.

Philomena (2013) - As an adoptee, another very personal watch for me (even if this situation is nothing like my own), this story of a woman searching for the child she was forced to give up is incredibly well done, and funny as well as heart wrenching, with absolutely incredible performances from both Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Overboard (1987) - This goofy ‘80s comedy features real-life loves Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn at their most charming. It’s also about found families in a way that feels very modern Mother’s Day appropriate, and is a whole family watch that holds up better than you’d think given it’s a story about a man who convinces a rich lady with amnesia that she’s the mother of his three rowdy boys all because she stiffed him on a contracting job. But, whatever you do, don’t watch the dreadful 2018 remake (shudder).

Mamma Mia! (2008) - This Abba-jukebox musical has a star-studded cast—Meryl Strep! Amanda Seyfried! Christine Baranaski!—and a heart of gold. If you’re not singing and dancing along with the mother-daughter wedding hijinks, you’re doing it all wrong.

Baby Mama (2008) - This Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy is not only a “stealth” Christmas movie, it’s also a great Mother’s Day watch that’s funny and has a little something to say about society’s vision of who is “worthy” of being a mom.

Dumplin’ (2018) - Based on the great book by Julie Murphy, Dumplin’ is honestly Jennifer Aniston’s best work in years. Aniston plays the pageant queen mom to the less lithe Willowdean. Lots of love and some messy family business make this a relatable, yet lovely, watch.

Mother (1996) - Though I slightly prefer the movie about Debbie Reynolds as a mom, see Postcards from the Edge above, this movie with Reynolds playing Albert Brooks’ mom is also a classic. Brooks is at at his absolute driest wit in my second favorite of his movies, after Defending Your Life. Just don’t confuse this Mother with the controversial 2017 Jennifer Lawrence horror movie, because that would be a very different holiday viewing experience.

Juno (2007) - This story of a pregnant teen making choices feels especially poignant given, well…[waves at hand at world]. The balance of so many iterations of motherhood—from Juno’s own mostly absent mom, to Allison Janney as her fierce and flawed stepmom, potential adoptive mom Jennifer Garner and teen-mom Juno herself make this absolutely perfect Mother’s Day viewing.

Blockers (2018) - This teen sex comedy is neither about sex, nor the teens, but instead focuses on a ragtag group of parents, including mom Leslie Mann, who are struggling to let their kids grow up. A truly funny R-rated romp.

Wonder (2017) - This under-seen, sweet and gentle story stars Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts as parents of Auggie, a kid who is a little bit different, and a whole lot special. Will definitely give you all the mom feels, and also has some stealth Christmas moments.

Little Women (1933, 1994 and 2019) - Take your pick from the myriad adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, but whichever Marmie you prefer, this story of three sisters and their stalwart matriarch stands the test of time.

The Parent Trap (1961 or 1998) - Both versions of this twin-swapping story are equal parts ridiculous and joyful. Don’t think too much about what kind of parents would willfully give up one of their children just because they looked alike (I mean, what in the world?!?), and instead enjoy the cute, cupid-y machinations of multiple Hayley Millses or Lindsay Lohans.

Baby Boom (1987) - This Diane Keaton comedy is usually remembered as a rom-com with Sam Shepard, but it’s really the story of a woman falling in love with being a mom, and what could be more appropriate Mother’s Day viewing?

A Simple Favor (2018) - If you’re looking for something a little less gushing, and a lot more deadly, check out this Paul Feig black comedy/thriller that features Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick as epic mom frenemies.

It’s Complicated (2009) - Not sure whose movies feature in this list more often: Meryl Strep or Shirley MacLaine. This Strep-led, Nancy Meyers romp is a grown-up family dynamic farce that still holds up, despite the somewhat unfortunate inclusion of Alec Baldwin.

Bad Moms (2016) - Kathryn Hahn, Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell make a heck of a trio in this R-rated comedy about moms going kind of, but not too, wild.

The Guilt Trip (2012) - This guilty pleasure road trip comedy stars Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogan, and the very fact that such a combo exists at all gives me great joy.

Hope Floats (1998) - This Texas-set, Sandra Bullock divorce story didn’t get a lot of love upon release—the soundtrack was a bigger hit than the movie—but it’s better than you remember, and is also a pretty great portrait of a multi-generational mother-daughter relationship. Plus, it features a baby Mae Whitman.

More to Explore

Mum (2016-19) - This gentle BBC series, which checks in on a newly-widowed, working-class mother in the first years following the death of her husband (the first two seasons feature monthly check-ins, the last takes place over a single week) is a delight. Mum originally aired on PBS in the U.S., and is now available via Britbox. Just a really lovely portrait of motherhood, love at a certain age, and how adult children learn to live and grow on their own—or don’t, as the case may be.

Motherland (2016-22) - The Sharon Horgan-created BBC series, now available on Britbox on the U.S., is a very funny look at modern motherhood starring Anna Maxwell Martin, and includes a smashing season three Mother’s Day-centric episode—the eponymously-named “Mother’s Day”—that’s both terrifically funny and touching.

The Middle: Mother’s Day II (2011) - This season two episode of the long-running ABC series, currently available on Peacock and Prime Video, is probably my favorite episodic take on the holiday. The depiction both of how “me time” is never all it’s cracked up to be for moms, and how trying to recreate a perfect moment never works out, is spot on.

Snoopy Presents To Mom (and Dad), with Love (2022) - The Peanuts gang is eager to celebrate Mother’s Day in this new, Apple TV+ original special, all except for Peppermint Patty, that is, who grew up without her mom. It’s a rare special centered on the holiday with a sweet, family-comes-in-all-forms message.

Mothering Sunday (2022) - A stellar cast—Olivia Colman, Colin Firth, Josh O'Connor, Odessa Young—populate this Mother’s Day-set period drama that is far from a fun romp, but impeccably acted.

Mother’s Day (2016) - This movie is bad. Really bad, yet I feel obligated to include it, since it actually takes place on the holiday, but must stress it should only be watched for ironic mocking, with a generous amount of wine.

Mother’s Day (2018, BBC) - This British TV movie, available in the U.S, on Britbox, couldn’t be more different from the stinker that shares its name. Vicky McClure and Anna Maxwell Martin play mothers who use their own tragedies to help bring peace to Northern Ireland, with key events taking place on the British version of the holiday.

Mother’s Day on Walton’s Mountain (1982, NBC) - This reunion movie follows up on the family from the long-running CBS series.

Otherhood (2019) - This otherwise mid-tier Netflix empty nest/road trip comedy benefits from its very strong cast—Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette and Felicity Huffman—as well as its liberal references to the holiday itself. 

Mermaids (1990) - This Cher-led single mom story is another under-rated gem. Featuring Winona Ryder and a baby Christina Ricci, with the very odd (but it works) choice of Bob Hoskins as the eventual love interest, this is definitely one worth checking out.

Incredibles 2 (2018) - While both of these Pixar flicks are some of the best superhero movies ever made, the second is particularly mom-focused in a way that feels both realistic and touching—not an easy feat for a cartoon about a family with superpowers.

The Sound of Music (1965) - Because this is a movie about motherless children and their nanny/eventual stepmom, didn’t think I could put this in my main list of mom-centric movies, but as a motherless child myself, with several stepmoms far less magical than Julie Andrews, this is definitely a fantasy film for me, and another whole-family pleasing watch.

Muriel’s Wedding (1994) - One of my favorite movies of all-time, this one isn’t quite mom-centric enough for me to include on my main list, but the tragic mother-daughter relationship in this otherwise lighthearted, Aussie coming of age tale is indelible.  

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) - This one is more about family bonds, than motherhood in particular, but if you need a dose of how loving even the most cloying clan can be, this is a great example that will make you want to reach out to relatives you haven’t seen in years. And Lainie Kazan as the lovingly overbearing mother is a standout.

Secrets and Lies (1996) - This adoption story is about the reunion of a mother and daughter who don’t share much beyond DNA. This British Best Picture nominee isn’t a lighthearted romp, but it is poignant and powerful, and just missed making my Top 25 above.

Lion (2016) - Yes, yet another adoption story. Based on a true tale of a man searching for a his biological family, it takes a different tack than many similar stories, and Dev Patel’s performance is incredible

Parenthood (1989) - Not on my top 25 list mostly due to the fact that Steve Martin’s multigenerational father-son relationship is probably the more central story, but still one of my all-time favorite family life films and if you’re looking for something for Father’s Day…

Imitation of Life (1959) - Sure, it lacks some of the nuance a 21st century telling of this story would have, but the performances, and prejudice, seen through the eyes of two mothers, remain all too relatable.

Stepmom (1998) - Another mom movie that also qualifies as a stealth Christmas flick, this weepy tale of Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts battling over the kids’ affections isn’t my personal fave, but a lot of people love it.

Mom’s Day Away (2014, Hallmark) - This Bonnie Somerville-led family comedy is set around the holiday, and cuter than your average Hallmark joint, with a stressed out mom taking a day off from her family.

Mom’s Night Out (2014) - Almost a Hallmark film, this very gentle, PG-rated comedy, starring frequent Hallstar Sarah Drew, is one of those “crazy night out” comedies that is low on actual crazy, and big on family feels. 

The Adam Project (2022) or Yes Day (2021) - Not sure how an actress whose breakout role was as a sexy super spy morphed into the ultimate Hollywood mom, but Jennifer Garner has seemingly cornered the market on loving but exhausted and/or somewhat tightly wound mom roles, which is why so many of her movies already appear on this list. Neither of these are spectacular, but both are perfectly fine, ultimately innocuous, all-ages, family viewing that also happen to be easily available on Netflix for at-home, anytime viewing.

The Joy Luck Club (1993) - This adaptation of Amy Tan’s novel is all about mothers and daughters. I wholeheartedly recommend the book, but am a little less enthusiastic about the movie, which is why it didn’t make my main list.

Room (2015) - Definitely dark, but a searing portrayal of what mothers endure for their children, and how strong those bonds are. Alison Brie won an Oscar for this mostly grim, but ultimately hopeful, mother-son story.

This is 40 (2012) - Judd Apatow isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but that this sort-of sequel to Knocked Up features his real-life wife and daughters, with Paul Rudd as Apatow’s martial stand in, adds some interest to an otherwise just so-so story.

Tully (2018) - This dark and twisty Charlize Theron movie is a relatable portrait of an exhausted mother…right up until it most definitely is not.

The Kids are All Right (2010) - I didn’t love this story about how two moms relationship changes when their son meets his sperm donor, but there’s no denying the acting chops in this Julianne Moore-Annette Binning-Mark Ruffalo movie.

Auntie Mame (1958) - Make sure you watch the Rosalind Russell original and not the Lucille Ball remake (shudder) but this delightful comedy about non-traditional mother figures has been a favorite of mine since childhood.

Serial Mom (1994) - This dark (very dark) comedy about a murdering mom played by Kathleen Turner is not for everyone, but for those in the right (a.k.a. wrong) mood, it could make a perfect Mother’s Day watch. 

Mommie Dearest (1981) - Perhaps the ultimate anti-Mother’s Day watch, this camp classic starring Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford is unforgettable and way, way over-the-top.

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

St. Patrick’s Day Favorites

Looking for a little lilting Irish viewing to celebrate St. Patrick’s? Here are some suggestions sure to fill you with the luck o’ the Irish ☘️

Updated: March 17, 2025

Movie Favorites

Waking Ned Devine (1998) - When a local lottery winner dies of excitement after discovering he has the winning ticket, a rural Irish town conspires to claim the prize in his stead. 

The Snapper (1993) - Super funny, and a repository of early-90s Irish slang, plus a hearty dose of Colm Meaney.

Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) - Disney classic starring the very Scottish, and utterly unconvincing as an Irishman, Sean Connery.

The Fugitive (1993) - Tommy Lee Jones hunts down Harrison Ford over the holiday, including a memorable elevator scene talking about dying the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s—“Why can’t they dye it blue the other 364 days of the year?”—and Ford escaping by blending into a parade. Plus, it’s the rare ‘90s action flick that really does completely hold up.

Once (2007) - This delightful, Dublin-set musical romance was later turned into a Broadway hit.

Philomena (2013) - Beautiful story of an Irish women searching for the son the Catholic Church stole from her when she gave birth out of wedlock. Touching, and very funny at the same time, with dynamite performances by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

The Commitments (1991) - Band origin story movie that’s funny, touching, and fully Irish.

Leap Year (2010) - OK, so it’s set several weeks before St. Patrick’s Day, but it does take place, and was actually filmed in, Ireland, and Amy Adams charms in this slight, but winning rom-com.

Belfast (2021) - Kenneth Branagh’s mostly autobiographical film about growing up in Belfast during the Troubles was nominated for seven Oscars and while it isn’t a light watch, is a very good one.

Portrait of Jennie (1948) - Irish-magic, romantic-fantasy film that really should be better known. Fun Fact: When producer David O’Selznick married star Jennifer Jones, he displayed the movie’s titular portrait in their home.

TV Specials & Series

Derry Girls (2018-2022, Netflix) - Absolutely no better watch on St. Patrick’s Day, or anytime, then this Northern Ireland-set comedy that’s funny, heartfelt and altogether awesome. Every episode of the series is a masterpiece.

The Simpsons: Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment (1997, FOX) - This 8th season effort finds Homer becoming a glamorous bootlegger after an out-of-control St. Patrick’s Day party prompts Springfield to reinsitutite prohibition.

The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold (1981, ABC) - This makes the list because St. Patrick’s specials are rare, but this is one of Rankin-Bass’s lesser known efforts for a reason.

Teen Titans Go: Beast Boy’s St. Patrick’s Day Luck, and It’s Bad (2016, Cartoon Network) - This third-season episode works as a stand-alone St. Pat’s tribute with lots of laughs, and the clever writing that makes this animated series so charming.

Bob’s Burgers: Flat-Top O’ the Morning to Ya (2020, FOX) - If anyone loves a holiday episode more than me, it’s the Bob’s Burgers creators, and this, the show’s only St. Patrick’s Day episode, is funny as well as appropriately festive.

Cheers: Bar Wars VII (1993, NBC) - This final season episode chronicling the annual St. Patty’s sales contest with Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern sees the show still firing on all cylinders with gang hijinks and festive touches.

Ghosts: St. Hetty’s Day (2025, CBS) - St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the setting for many TV series special episodes, so it’s nice to see the U.S. version of Ghosts come through with a pretty good one that’s holiday specific.

The Office: St. Patrick’s Day (2010, NBC) - Not the best Office episode, but one of the most fully-committed St. Patrick’s Day programs you’ll find.

30 Rock: St Patrick’s Day (2012, NBC) - Lots of New York City St. Patrick’s day jokes, including parade hosting hijinks from Jenna and Tracy.

How I Met Your Mother: No Tomorrow (2008, CBS) - The gang tries to avoid going to the bar on, of all days, St. Patrick’s Day’s, with typically zany results.

More to Explore

Secret of the Kells (2009) - This just missed making my Top 10 list—an Irish-set classic, young kids might find it a bit slow, but it’s an interestingly animated Celt classic absolutely perfect for the holiday.  

Luck of the Irish (2001, Disney Channel) - Disney movie about—and I am not making this up—a teenager who is part leprechaun.

Leprechaun (1993) - This horror-comedy classic, starring a very young Jennifer Aniston, spawned a host of memes and six sequels/prequels—so far.

Just My Luck (2006) - Did you know that The Princess Diaries wasn’t Chris Pine’s only teen rom-com foray? This Lindsay Lohan vehicle focused on transferred luck makes a pretty perfect, cheese-tastic St Paddy’s watch.

Irish Wish (2024, Netflix) - It’s Lindsay Lohan again in an Irish-set rom-com where she wishes herself into living the life of her dreams.

The Quiet Man (1952) - This Oscar-winning, John Ford movie about a boxer who returns to his native Ireland after killing a man in the ring, stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and is more romance than action.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) - Set on a fictional Irish Ireland this Golden Globe winning “Best Comedy” could be better called “Depression: The Movie” but it’s undeniably well-acted and made.

The Last Leprechaun (1998, BBC) - an Irish holiday finds kids surrounded by dark magic.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) - A little girl explores an Irish legend on her grandfather’s farm.

Finian’s Rainbow (1968) - This Fred Astaire musical, directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, adapts the Irish-set Broadway musical.

Flight of the Doves (1971) - Children’s adventure film taking place across Ireland, with a prominent St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The Boys & Girl from County Clare (2004) - Colm Meaney-led charming comedy about a group of Liverpool Englishmen determined to win an Irish Ceili contest.

Sing Street (2016) - Another Irish-band-makes-it-big musical story, with a coming-of-age twist. Very close to making my Top 10 and worth seeking out any time of year.

Ondine (2009) - Colin Farrell stars in this oddball romantic dramady that features a fisherman literally catching the love of his life on day at sea.

The MatchMaker (1997) - Janeane Garofalo is a political assistant trying to boost her bosses’ reelection bid by tracing his Irish lineage, but ends up caught in a small town’s matchmaking festival. 

Bloody Sunday (2002) - This dramatization of the 1972 Derry civil rights march that ended with British troops firing on unarmed civilians, is definitely not a soothing watch, but does provide great insight into the deadliest incident of the Troubles.

My Left Foot (1989) - Daniel Day Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance as Christy Brown, a cerebral palsy sufferer who had control only of his left foot, yet rose to prominence as an activist and artist.

In the Name of the Father (1993) - Daniel Day Lewis stars as one of four Irish men wrongly convicted of terrorism, netting him another Academy Award nom. Basically, Lewis is in all of the serious Irish movies.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)-OK, if Daniel Day Lewis isn’t available, Cillian Murphy sometimes steps in. Here, Murphy plays one of the central (fictional) brothers in this movie set during the Irish War of Independence.

Brooklyn (2015) - Saoirse Ronan earned her second Oscar nomination for this very well done, Irish immigrant story.

Michael Collins (1996) - Beloved Irishman Liam Neeson stars as another historically beloved Irishman in this film that’s very believably Irish, despite the fact it turns a real-life historical figure’s life into a romantic drama.

Far and Away (1992) - American Tom Cruise stars opposite his Australian, then-wife Nicole Kidman, in a much, much less believably Irish romantic drama.

The Boondocks Saints (1999) - This hardboiled, Boston-set crime drama opens on St. Patrick’s Day.

Angela’s Ashes (1999) - Based on Frank McCourt’s novel, this movie is about as Irish as you can get, but also overlong and full of cliches.

Patrick’s Day (2014) - A schizophrenic man goes missing during Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Pot O’ Gold (1941) - It’s not a holiday until Jimmy Stewart stars in a charming, somewhat-themed movie relating to it. Based on a popular radio program, Stewart and Paulette Goddard are star-crossed lovers.

A Very Unlucky Leprechaun (1998) - I don’t know where you’d find this Warwick Davis-starring Roger Corman movie, sometimes known just as Unlucky Leprechaun, but it sounds…interesting.

Chasing Leprechauns (2012, Hallmark) - Hallmark made a St. Patrick’s Day movie, y’all, and it’s as bonkers as you’d hope.

As Luck Would Have It (2021, Hallmark) - While it debuted in April, this Irish-shot tale starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher was clearly destined to have St. Patty’s Day appeal.

Leapin’ Leprechauns! (1995) - direct-to-DVD family film shot in Romania, about leprechaun and fairy homeland destruction, that features a lot of fantasy-town board meetings—since, as we all know, kids love magical creature civics lessons.

Spellbreak: Secret of the Leprechauns (1996) - Sequel to Leapin’ Leprechauns, set in Ireland, but still shot in Romania.

Crawlers (2020, Hulu) - Three friends on a St. Patrick’s day pub crawl find themselves in horrific circumstances.

A Meowy St. Patrick’s Day (2020) - Third in the cat-themed, low-budget kids series from director Steve Rudzinski. Available on Amazon Prime.

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

Valentine’s Day Favorites

When you’re looking for Valentine’s Day viewing, most any romantic movie will fit the bill, but if you’re searching for something specifically set on the holiday, here are some suggestions…

Updated: February 2, 2025

Movie Favorites

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - One of my  favorite, genre-bending films, it’s perfect Valentine’s viewing for cynics and romantics alike. Not only is it set mostly on the eve of the holiday, Jim Carrey has never been better as he’s paying to forget, yet still trying to remember, Kate Winslet, in this twisty tale.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - A holiday-defying classic, is it a Christmas movie? A Valentine’s Day movie? How about all of the above? Taking its cue from An Affair to Remember (see below), this classic ends with a Valentine’s Day-destined meeting on the Empire State building.

An Affair to Remember (1957) - So, is this a cheat since it’s also on my New Year’s movie list? Well, maybe, but it still counts. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr’s classic romantic drama spans holidays, and that’s just fine.

Obvious Child (2014) - While it sounds like more of an anti-Valentine’s day movie, the feat it takes to make a genuinely lovely (and funny!) rom-com about a Valentine’s Day abortion is truly worthy of a holiday viewing.

The Thing About Harry (2020, Freeform) - High school rivals reconnect when they road trip together to their mutual friend’s Valentine’s Day engagement party. The first LGBTQ holiday movie from a major cable channel, this set-over-multiple-Valentine’s Day title plays more like an indie feature, than a made-for-TV movie.

The Lost Valentine (2011, CBS) - This Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is one of the last network holiday films Hallmark made. Starring Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt, this multi-generational romantic movie is sure to bring tears to your eyes.

A Valentine Carol (2007, Lifetime) - Anya from Buffy is planning her Valentine’s Day wedding, but the ghost of her dead friend shows up to let her know she’s marrying the wrong guy.

Holiday in Handcuffs (2007, Freeform) - But, wait, isn’t this a Christmas movie? Sure, but while most of this crazy-pants romp is set over that other holiday, it closes out on Valentine’s Day, making it the perfect Noel-Cupid combo.

Some Like it Hot (1959) - This legendary Billy Wilder classic begins with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, which is what forces them to go on the run in drag. But, don’t worry, it’s an all-time great comedy classic, and one of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic roles.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) - Does any part of this take place on Valentine’s Day? Well, it spans at least a year or two so…Probably, if you squint? Regardless, it’s the absolute best rom-com of all time in my book, so well worth watching on February 14th, or any other day.

Extra-Special Specials

The Simpsons: I Love Lisa (1993, FOX) - This season 4 episode, with the now classic “I Choo Choo Choose You” card, works perfectly as a stand alone Valentine’s Day special.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975, CBS) - Probably the 4th-best of the original Charlie Brown holiday specials, after Halloween, Christmas and Thanksgiving (Yeah, in that order…I said what I said.)

Bob’s Burgers: Bob Actually (2017, FOX) - As with its classic Christmas episodes, Bob’s Burgers has had quite a few really good episodes set around Valentine’s, but this Love Actually rife with everyone getting their own slightly connected story is the most fun, and works even if you’re not deeply immersed in the larger show.

Madly Madagascar (2013, DVD) - This spin-off special has all the original voices from the movie, and is far better than you’d expect for a direct-to-DVD animation outing.

Cathy’s Valentine (1989, CBS) - Believe it or not, I remember watching this based-on-the-comic-strip special as a kid, and it’s got a few good laughs.

The Snoopy Show: Well, I’ll Be a Brown-Eyed Beagle (2022, Apple TV+) - This new animated special sees Snoopy playing matchmaker. All of these Apple entries have been really well done, and are truly in sync with the spirit of the original Charlie Brown specials.

For Better or Worse: A Valentine from the Heart (1993, CTV) - You can easily find this little-known, Canadian animated special in its entirety on YouTube.

The Muppets Valentine Special (1974, ABC) - This long-lost special was included on a 2007 DVD set of The Muppet Show. Though it aired as a one-off special, featuring guest star Mia Farrow, it served as the first pilot for The Muppet Show, which began in 1976.

Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You (1999) - Slight, but sweet, animated holiday special

A Charlie Brown Valentine (2002) - This modern Charlie Brown special can’t compete with the classics, but is still solid, animated holiday viewing for kids.

Galentine’s Bonus

If you’re looking to bring a little girl power to your holiday celebration, grab a group of gal pals, a bottle of wine, and check out my favorite you-go-girl, funny films.

Muriel’s Wedding (1994) - One of the all-time great romantic comedies, where the real romance is the one between best friends.

First Wives Club (1996) - A stellar cast—Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton—plus this one still really holds up.

9-5 (1980) - Speaking of great casts and holding up…Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin making the world a better place by stringing Dabney Coleman up to a garage door opener still works.

Pitch Perfect (2012) - Sassy singing and plenty of laughs.

Bridesmaids (2011) - Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy…What more do I have to say?

Mamma Mia! (2008) - It’s impossible not to sing along to this silly Meryl Streep classic, making for a guaranteed good time.

Girls Trip (2017) - Broad comedy, but definitely not stupid. (OK, that one scene on the zip line is bad.)

Someone Great (2019) - Part 20-something rom-com, but mostly about female friendship, this is an R-rated winner.

Whip It (2009) - Elliot Page and Drew Barrymore make this woman-centered sports movie work.

Wine Country (2019, Netflix) - While I wanted this Amy Poehler-directed movie, which stars so many amazing comedians, to be better, it’s still a good time.

BONUS: And, of course, there is always classic Parks and Rec season 2 episode, “Galentine’s Day,” which helped popularize the term. (There’s a second good, but not as good, “Galentine’s Day” Parks and Rec episode in season 6.)

More Centered on the Holiday

Valentine’s Day (2010) - This Garry Marshall Love Actually rip off is, if anything, even worse than his other effort, New Year’s Eve, but it is still holiday-set, light entertainment that gets better with a glass of wine or three.

I Hate Valentine’s Day (2009) - This re-teaming of Nia Vardolos and John Corbett definitely did not recreate the magic of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, to say the least, but it is set on the holiday. Still, this is actually just a recommendation to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding instead. That one definitely holds up as a truly funny rom-com with outstanding chemistry.

Blue Valentine (2010) - The only thing holiday about this is the title, but this well-done, yet deeply dark, portrait of a marriage spiraling out of control is an option that will make anyone feel more than fine about being single on any holiday.

The Other Zoey (2023) - Mild mis-ID rom-com that takes place over Valentine’s Day weekend, with a whole lot of V-Day exposition. Features both Andie McDowell, in the mother role, and a focus on Hugh Grant rom-coms, but totally misses making a joke about Andie and Hugh’s most famous one…Which feels like it could have been the best part of an extremely mid movie.

Valentine (1979) - Made-for-TV movie starring Danny DeVito about the goings on in a retirement home.

On Valentine’s Day (1986) - Second in the Horton Foote trilogy, and currently available on Amazon Prime.

Funny Valentine (2005) - Indie starring Anthony Michael Hall

Overnight (2012) - Strangers meet on a redeye flight on Valentine’s Day

What Love Is (2007) - Cuba Gooding Jr. comedy about a guy dumped on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Refugees (2007) - A bonkers-sounding movie that combines faith and fantasy, that has an ugly creature named “Ghoulee" searching for love on Valentine’s Day and running into “Bible-quoting goth girls.”

The Valentine’s Day That Almost Wasn’t (2015) - Super weird and creepy puppet special, ostensibly for children. (And, if that description makes you curious, it’s currently on Amazon Prime.)

Big Mouth: My Furry Valentine (2019, Netflix) - This very much not-for-kids animated series isn’t normally my cup of tea (gross out/discomfort humor not really my thing), but this special does highlight all the smarter, funnier parts of this observational adolescent world.

Pete the Cat: A Very Groovy Valentine (2020, Amazon Prime) - Original Amazon special, featuring the beloved children’s book character

If You Give a Mouse a Valentine’s Cookie (2020, Amazon Prime) - There’s one of these for almost all the holidays now, but they’re still sweet, if-this, then-that fun.

Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special (2017, Netflix) - This is dumb fun, mostly because Bolton is so very much in on the joke.

Looney Tunes Cartoon Valetine’s Extwavaganza! (2022, HBO Max) - New Looney Tunes holiday special from HBO Max.

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine (2023, HBO Max) - Holiday special from the adult, animated D.C. series.

My Funny Valentine (2000) - made-for-TV movie starring Julia Sweeney and Andrea Martin

Very, Very Valentine (2014, Hallmark) - Danica McKellar and Cameron Mathison.

Be My Valentine (2013, Hallmark) - Billy Baldwin is a fireman/widower.

Valentine Ever After (2016, Hallmark) - Community service turns to love for Autumn Reeser.

Valentine in the Vineyard (2019, Hallmark) - The third movie in the series starring Rachael Leigh Cook.

Dater’s Handbook (2016, Hallmark) - Though I have seen it, not entirely sure this Meghan Markle-starring movie actually has anything to do with Valentine’s Day, but it was part of Hallmark’s “Countdown to Valentine’s Day” line-up that season—and every season since, given Markle’s now-royal profile. It’s also one of Hallmark’s better made-for-TV rom-coms.

My Secret Valentine (2018, Hallmark) - Another vineyard set Hallmark Valentine movie, starring Lacey Chabert.

Love Locks (2017, Hallmark) - This Hallmark Hall of Fame entry stars real-life husband and wife, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell.

All Things Valentine (2016, Hallmark) - Sarah Rafferty is a blogger who falls in love with a veterinarian.

Valentine’s Again (2017, Hallmark, a.k.a. Once Upon a Winter’s Date) -Nicky Whelan and Greg Vaughan are caught in a V-Day date time loop.

A Valentine’s Match (2020, Hallmark) - Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke Macfarlane fall in love.

Matching Hearts (2020, Hallmark) - Taylor Cole is a matchmaker falling for Ryan Paevey

The Secret Ingredient (2020, Hallmark) - Erin Cahill and Brendan Penny compete in a Valentine’s Day baking contest.

Playing Cupid (2021, Hallmark) - A school’s Valentine matchmaking project helps a parent and teacher fall in love.

Sweeter than Chocolate (2023, Hallmark) - Eloise Mumford makes magic cupid chocolates.

Welcome to Valentine (2023, Hallmark) - A pre-Valentine’s Day road trip leads to love.

An Unexpected Valentine (2025, Hallmark) - Lacey Chabert and Robert Buckley meet cute searching for the owner of a lost engagement ring.. 

It Happened One Valentine’s (2017, a.k.a. Love Exclusively) - Made-for-TV movie from director Jake Helgren, about a tabloid reporter who falls in love with a pop star.

Valentine’s Date (2021) - Action comedy from Maverick Entertainment, now on Amazon Prime

Down (2019, Hulu) - Horror-suspense set on Valentine’s where a woman finds out the person she’s trapped in an elevator with is her stalker.

My Valentine (2020, Hulu) - When three people get locked in a concert hall on Valentine’s Day, personal grievances turn violent. 

My Bloody Valentine (1981) - Because it wouldn’t be a holiday, without a horror movie taking place on it.

My Bloody Valentine (2009) - The inevitable slasher movie remake.

Valentine (2001) - Another V-Day-set horror tale.

Heart Eyes (2025) - Elevated holiday horror with a hint of comedy.

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

St. Patrick’s Day Favorites

Looking for a little lilting Irish viewing to celebrate St. Patrick’s? Here are some suggestions sure to fill you with the luck o’ the Irish ☘️

Updated: March 12, 2024

Movie Favorites

Waking Ned Devine (1998) - When a local lottery winner dies of excitement after discovering he has the winning ticket, a rural Irish town conspires to claim the prize in his stead. 

The Snapper (1993) - Super funny, and a repository of early-90s Irish slang, plus a hearty dose of Colm Meaney.

Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) - Disney classic starring the very Scottish, and utterly unconvincing as an Irishman, Sean Connery.

The Fugitive (1993) - Tommy Lee Jones hunts down Harrison Ford over the holiday, including a memorable elevator scene talking about dying the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s—“Why can’t they dye it blue the other 364 days of the year?”—and Ford escaping by blending into a parade. Plus, it’s the rare ‘90s action flick that really does completely hold up.

Once (2007) - This delightful, Dublin-set musical romance was later turned into a Broadway hit.

Philomena (2013) - Beautiful story of an Irish women searching for the son the Catholic Church stole from her when she gave birth out of wedlock. Touching, and very funny at the same time, with dynamite performances by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

The Commitments (1991) - Band origin story movie that’s funny, touching, and fully Irish.

Leap Year (2010) - OK, so it’s set several weeks before St. Patrick’s Day, but it does take place, and was actually filmed in, Ireland, and Amy Adams charms in this slight, but winning rom-com.

Belfast (2021) - Kenneth Branagh’s mostly autobiographical film about growing up in Belfast during the Troubles was nominated for seven Oscars and while it isn’t a light watch, is a very good one.

Portrait of Jennie (1948) - Irish-magic, romantic-fantasy film that really should be better known. Fun Fact: When producer David O’Selznick married star Jennifer Jones, he displayed the movie’s titular portrait in their home.

TV Specials & Series

Derry Girls (2018-2022, Netflix) - Absolutely no better watch on St. Patrick’s Day, or anytime, then this Northern Ireland-set comedy that’s funny, heartfelt and altogether awesome. Every episode of the series is a masterpiece.

The Simpsons: Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment (1997, FOX) - This 8th season effort finds Homer becoming a glamorous bootlegger after an out-of-control St. Patrick’s Day party prompts Springfield to reinsitutite prohibition.

The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold (1981, ABC) - This makes the list because St. Patrick’s specials are rare, but this is one of Rankin-Bass’s lesser known efforts for a reason.

Teen Titans Go: Beast Boy’s St. Patrick’s Day Luck, and It’s Bad (2016, Cartoon Network) - This third-season episode works as a stand-alone St. Pat’s tribute with lots of laughs, and the clever writing that makes this animated series so charming.

The Office: St. Patrick’s Day (2010, NBC) - Not the best Office episode, but one of the most fully-committed St. Patrick’s Day programs you’ll find.

30 Rock: St Patrick’s Day (2012, NBC) - Lots of New York City St. Patrick’s day jokes, including parade hosting hijinks from Jenna and Tracy.

More to Explore

Secret of the Kells (2009) - This just missed making my Top 10 list—an Irish-set classic, young kids might find it a bit slow, but it’s an interestingly animated Celt classic absolutely perfect for the holiday.  

Luck of the Irish (2001, Disney Channel) - Disney movie about—and I am not making this up—a teenager who is part leprechaun.

Leprechaun (1993) - This horror-comedy classic, starring a very young Jennifer Aniston, spawned a host of memes and six sequels/prequels—so far.

Just My Luck (2006) - Did you know that The Princess Diaries wasn’t Chris Pine’s only teen rom-com foray? This Lindsay Lohan vehicle focused on transferred luck makes a pretty perfect, cheese-tastic St Paddy’s watch.

Irish Wish (2024, Netflix) - It’s Lindsay Lohan again in an Irish-set rom-com where she wishes herself into living the life of her dreams.

The Quiet Man (1952) - This Oscar-winning, John Ford movie about a boxer who returns to his native Ireland after killing a man in the ring, stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and is more romance than action.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) - Set on a fictional Irish Ireland this Golden Globe winning “Best Comedy” could be better called “Depression: The Movie” but it’s undeniably well-acted and made.

The Last Leprechaun (1998, BBC) - an Irish holiday finds kids surrounded by dark magic.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) - A little girl explores an Irish legend on her grandfather’s farm.

Finian’s Rainbow (1968) - This Fred Astaire musical, directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, adapts the Irish-set Broadway musical.

Flight of the Doves (1971) - Children’s adventure film taking place across Ireland, with a prominent St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The Boys & Girl from County Clare (2004) - Colm Meaney-led charming comedy about a group of Liverpool Englishmen determined to win an Irish Ceili contest.

Sing Street (2016) - Another Irish-band-makes-it-big musical story, with a coming-of-age twist. Very close to making my Top 10 and worth seeking out any time of year.

Ondine (2009) - Colin Farrell stars in this oddball romantic dramady that features a fisherman literally catching the love of his life on day at sea.

The MatchMaker (1997) - Janeane Garofalo is a political assistant trying to boost her bosses’ reelection bid by tracing his Irish lineage, but ends up caught in a small town’s matchmaking festival. 

Bloody Sunday (2002) - This dramatization of the 1972 Derry civil rights march that ended with British troops firing on unarmed civilians, is definitely not a soothing watch, but does provide great insight into the deadliest incident of the Troubles.

My Left Foot (1989) - Daniel Day Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance as Christy Brown, a cerebral palsy sufferer who had control only of his left foot, yet rose to prominence as an activist and artist.

In the Name of the Father (1993) - Daniel Day Lewis stars as one of four Irish men wrongly convicted of terrorism, netting him another Academy Award nom. Basically, Lewis is in all of the serious Irish movies.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)-OK, if Daniel Day Lewis isn’t available, Cillian Murphy sometimes steps in. Here, Murphy plays one of the central (fictional) brothers in this movie set during the Irish War of Independence.

Brooklyn (2015) - Saoirse Ronan earned her second Oscar nomination for this very well done, Irish immigrant story.

Michael Collins (1996) - Beloved Irishman Liam Neeson stars as another historically beloved Irishman in this film that’s very believably Irish, despite the fact it turns a real-life historical figure’s life into a romantic drama.

Far and Away (1992) - American Tom Cruise stars opposite his Australian, then-wife Nicole Kidman, in a much, much less believably Irish romantic drama.

The Boondocks Saints (1999) - This hardboiled, Boston-set crime drama opens on St. Patrick’s Day.

Angela’s Ashes (1999) - Based on Frank McCourt’s novel, this movie is about as Irish as you can get, but also overlong and full of cliches.

Patrick’s Day (2014) - A schizophrenic man goes missing during Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Pot O’ Gold (1941) - It’s not a holiday until Jimmy Stewart stars in a charming, somewhat-themed movie relating to it. Based on a popular radio program, Stewart and Paulette Goddard are star-crossed lovers.

A Very Unlucky Leprechaun (1998) - I don’t know where you’d find this Warwick Davis-starring Roger Corman movie, sometimes known just as Unlucky Leprechaun, but it sounds…interesting.

Chasing Leprechauns (2012, Hallmark) - Hallmark made a St. Patrick’s Day movie, y’all, and it’s as bonkers as you’d hope.

As Luck Would Have It (2021, Hallmark) - While it debuted in April, this Irish-shot tale starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher was clearly destined to have St. Patty’s Day appeal.

Leapin’ Leprechauns! (1995) - direct-to-DVD family film shot in Romania, about leprechaun and fairy homeland destruction, that features a lot of fantasy-town board meetings—since, as we all know, kids love magical creature civics lessons.

Spellbreak: Secret of the Leprechauns (1996) - Sequel to Leapin’ Leprechauns, set in Ireland, but still shot in Romania.

Crawlers (2020, Hulu) - Three friends on a St. Patrick’s day pub crawl find themselves in horrific circumstances.

A Meowy St. Patrick’s Day (2020) - Third in the cat-themed, low-budget kids series from director Steve Rudzinski. Available on Amazon Prime.

[sleepykittypaws]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Well, folks, the time has come for me to bid holiday movie tracking adieu.

This was never anything but a (more-than-slightly-weird) hobby which, quite honestly, became overwhelming several years ago, when the TV Christmas movie explosion made keeping track of the annual influx of holiday content way more time consuming than I ever bargained for. But, something—for instance, needing a distraction from a global pandemic, combined with a Type-A personality that loathes leaving a job left undone, plus a few fellow Christmas movie-loving online pals I’d made along the way—always kept me going…Until now. 

As someone congenitally unable to do anything halfway, I’ve felt increasingly uninterested in keeping up with all the ins-and-outs of holiday movie production for a while now. That, combined with Twitter’s increasing lack of usability, has led me to the decision it’s time to rest my paws, and hang up ye olde Santa hat.

In real life, I’m just a boring, stay-at-home mom who used to work in (non-Christmas movie) TV production. I started keeping a holiday movie list for a few like-minded pals, and when they wanted to share it with a few others, posted it online for easy access. What started as a couple updates annually (a did-you-see-this-article? sort of thing), morphed into a year-round hobby, and then something more akin to unpaid, part-time employment—not that making this a job was ever a goal. (In fact, I’ve studiously avoided being public and declined the very small amount of opportunities people have offered.)

While I did (very) occasionally hear a few things from folks I’d become friendly online with, none of that is what I shared publicly. Everything I posted was gleaned from publicly available news stories, press releases, IMDb listings, production info, casting notices, and social media posts. Though there was some dot connecting on my part, it’s all stuff absolutely anyone half-decent at research and logic could easily find and readily duplicate. (TL;DR I’m not special, and never thought I was.)

Thanks to those who were so kind to me over the years, and all who share my fascination with cheesy holiday fare. I will most definitely still be watching, and if Twitter still exists this holiday season, quite possibly will return there to share what I loved, and what I didn’t, but I’ll no longer be keeping a holiday movie list, with my apologies to the twos of folks this likely disappoints.

For what it’s worth (likely, not that much) I’ve updated all the upcoming lists—theatrical and TV, for 2023 and 2024—one last time (UPDATE: Well, now that the season is upon us did my best to keep the 2023 schedule up-to-date, least as of November 15, as a final hurrah), with what I know, as of today. There are, I’m positive, typos and errors and things that will be out of date as soon as tomorrow. But there it is, the end.

Cheers, and a very merry everything to all!

💛 Sleepy Kitty Paws

[sleepykittypaws]

New Year's Eve Favorites

New Year’s Eve rolls around just six days after Christmas, when many are still knee-deep in wrapping paper and ribbon. It’s easy to just roll New Year’s into the Christmas celebrations, doing little to mark the moment beyond watching the ball drop at midnight. But there are plenty of films centered around New Year’s that deserve their own holiday film recognition. 

Updated: May 3, 2025

My Favorites…

About Time (2013) - This Richard Curtis written/directed movie is one of my all-time favorite films, period. But it all starts with a life-changing New Year’s Eve party.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Often considered a bit of a stealth Christmas movie, this rom-com classic ends, unforgettably, on New Year’s Eve.

The Cutting Edge (1992) - It’s hard to call this movie about a former hockey star turned Olympic figure skater “good,” in any objective sense, but that doesn’t keep me from loving it wholeheartedly. Even if you haven’t seen it 50 or so times, like I have, I doubt anyone can forget that moment when sparks fly, literally, between Doug Dorsey and Kate Moseley at a New Year’s Eve party, when they twirl into each other’s arms with sparklers at the stroke of midnight (sigh). 

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) - Not specifically holiday-themed but Brittany makes a pretty perfect New Year’s watch. Funny, inspirational and all about self-improvement. Absolutely adore this one.

About a Boy (2002) - While it also features some sweet Christmas scenes, Hugh Grant and Rachel Weisz meet cute on New Year’s Eve.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972) - The movie that defined 1970s disaster movies remains good, cheese-tastic New Year’s fun. I remember the first time I saw this one as a kid, on cable, on New Year’s Eve. A group of New Year’s revelers trying to escape a cruise ship that flips over? Indelible.

Starstruck (2021, HBO Max) - Think of season one of this 6-episode British series, written and created by a Kiwi, as a three hour rom-com that begins on New Year’s Eve and ends the following Christmas. A delightful watch any time, but extra-special during the holiday season.

Peter’s Friends (1992) - This criminally under-rated British ensemble  comedy features a host of stars—Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh and Rita Rudner—gathering to celebrate the New Year at their college chum’s English estate. 

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video) - This holiday romance centers around Christmas gifts from the famous jewelry store being inadvertently swapped, but most of the movie takes place between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve when everything comes to a head.

Plane (2023) - If this New Year’s Eve-set action movie leaned in just a bit more to its New Year celebration, it could reach Die Hard-style holiday classic status. While the New Year’s element doesn’t factor much after the first 15 minutes, this is a well-made, well-acted and well-paced watch. Honestly, some of Gerard Butler’s best work which, yeah, isn’t the highest bar, but Plane is a super entertaining action-disaster pic that, forgive the pun, is a lot more grounded than expected.

Other People (2016) - This very well told story about losing a loved one to cancer is funnier than you’d think, given the subject matter, has an amazing cast—led by Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon and Bradley Whitford—and starts off with a New Year’s Eve bash.

About Fate (2022) - This American remake of a Soviet-era New Year classic, 1976′s The Irony of Fate (available to legally watch on YouTube via Mosfilm), stars Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann as recent (sort of) dumpees who meet cute due to alcohol-induced architectural confusion, and end up attending a New Year’s Eve wedding together with chaotic results, with the whole story playing out from December 30th to January 1st.

Fruitvale Station (2013) - This gut-wrenching Ryan Coogler feature directorial debut should have won Michael B. Jordan an Oscar. Set entirely on New Year’s Eve, it’s the devastating true story of the last day of Oscar Grant’s life. 

Phineas and Ferb: Happy New Year (2012, Disney Channel) - This fun episode of the crazy kids’ series works as a stand-alone New Year’s special that’s better than most.

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: Two Doors Down (2019, Netflix) - Cheese-y, feel-good, queer holiday romance that ends with Dolly Parton singing Auld Lang Syne. What more could you want?

An Affair to Remember (1957) - This Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr classic is basically the third lead in Sleepless in Seattle, but it is a New Year’s classic in its own right, as Kerr and Grant’s characters vow to meet on the top of the Empire State building after an epic New Year’s Kiss.

Entrapment (1999) - There’s just something about thieves and New Year’s, I guess, as the final job in this Sean Connery-Catherine Zeta Jones film is set on Y2K. There’s also a good bit of bonus millenium Christmas content.

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021, Apple TV+) - A kid-friendly New Year's Eve watch the whole family can enjoy. Apple is doing a fantastic job of preserving the Peanuts legacy with their new holiday specials.

Holiday (1938) - Another Cary Grant classic that features a memorable New Year’s Eve. Even though the “holiday” of the title refers to a vacation, it’s on New Year’s Eve that sparks really begin to fly between Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Trouble is, she’s his fiancee’s sister.

After the Thin Man (1936) - This sequel to the runaway 1934 hit kicks off on New Year’s Eve, with James Stewart joining Myrna Loy and William Powell for more mystery solving slapstick antics.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) - Like the original, a New Year's-Christmas classic in our house, this fourth installment in the Bridget Jones movie series becomes a full on holiday film in the final 25 minutes, despite its Valentine's Day-timed release. Time your viewing right, and you can count down to New Year's with Bridge and all her pals.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023, Prime Video) - Based on the book of the same name, this delightful rom-com’s President’s son-meets-Prince romance really gets going at a New Year’s Eve party, following fitful Thanksgiving-Christmas flirting via text.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007) - This independent dark-ish, rom-com can be a little hard to find, but it’s worth seeking out. Two lonely people looking for hope and love by New Year’s Eve.

Boogie Nights (1997) - Definitely not an uplifting New Year’s Eve watch, this Paul Thomas Anderson classic does feature outstanding performances and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party appearance by William H Macy.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976, ABC) - Not the only animated New Year’s special, but easily the most memorable, this Rankin-Bass classic has Rudolph teaming up with Baby New Year and Father Time to save the holiday.

More to Explore…

If my New Year’s picks don’t make your ball drop, there’s plenty more movies/specials set around welcoming the new year.

Happy New Year (2014) - This bouncy, Bollywood showstopper is available on Netflix.

New Year’s Eve (2011) - This farly-cynical Garry Marshall attempt to recreate the holiday anthology magic of Love, Actuallyshouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as that film, but this mess of a movie can still be fairly good fun when watched ironically with enough wine and the right friends.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986, CBS) - Nowhere near as iconic as the 1960s Peanuts specials, this is still a solid, kid-friendly New Year’s watch.

Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year (2017, Amazon Prime) - Hep cat animated special based on the popular children’s book character.

200 Cigarettes (1999) - Set in the 1980s, this follows a group of young New Yorkers looking for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

Ghostbusters II (1989) - Definitely less than the original classic, this holiday-set sequel concludes with New Yorker’s saving the city via a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, with an assist from Lady Liberty.

Snowpiercer (2013) - The Chris Evans dystopian thriller where civilization is relegated to an always moving train, strictly divided by class, and New Year’s is celebrated every time they circumnavigate the globe.

Highball (1997) - This very early, extremely low budget Noah Baumbach movie takes place over a series of holiday parties that culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash. Is it good? Well, Baumbach petitioned to have his name removed from it, so…

Waiting to Exhale (1995) - This movie about a close-knit friend group and their complicated romantic lives, based on the book by Terry McMillan, is framed by New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Four Rooms (1995) - This overly ambitious anthology, featuring four stories each written and directed by a different high profile auteur, with only one connecting character, a hotel bellman, takes place entirely on New Year’s Eve.

Ocean’s Eleven (1960) - The Rat Pack original isn’t as fun as the George Clooney-Brad Pitt remakes, but it does set its heist on New Year’s Eve.

The Sword in the Stone (1963) - This Disney animated classic’s pivotal moment—the extraction of Excalibur—occurs at the New Year’s tournament, which Arthur attends as a lowly squire.

The Godfather Part II (1972) - Fredo Corleone is handing out New Year’s party kisses in this, the only sequel to ever win the best picture Oscar.

Midnighters (2017) - When a couple accidentally hit a man with their car on New Year’s Eve, they put him in the backseat and go home to avoid the consequences.

Radio Days (1987) - This Woody Allen (yeah, I know) movie ends with the cast welcoming 1944 on a wintry New York, New Year’s Eve.

Repeat Performance (1947) - A New Year’s Eve wish to repeat the year comes true, but fixing mistakes made proves more difficult than Joan Leslie imagined.

Sunset Boulevard (1950) - The iconic tale, later turned into a Broadway musical, hinges on a New Year’s Eve party. 

A Midnight Kiss (2018, Hallmark) - Carlos PenaVega helps Adelaide Kane plan a New Year’s bash. 

Royal New Year’s Eve (2017, Hallmark) - Designer Jessy Schram meets her Prince at a New Year’s ball. 

The Birthday Wish (2017, Hallmark) - This is another Jessy Schram-joint that starts at New Year’s and is one of the more original Hallmark movies of recent years.

A New Year’s Resolution (2021, Hallmark) - This long-delayed Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rad movie finally got an airdate in early 2021.

Midnight at the Magnolia (2020, Netflix) - Natalie Hall and Evan Williams are radio hosts who fake a romance for a New Year’s Eve live show.

A Year and Change (2015) - Bryan Greenberg topples off a roof at a New Year’s Eve party, leading him to change his life.

The Gold Rush (1925) - For those who like their New Year’s celebrations extra-classic, this iconic Charlie Chaplin outing features the Little Tramp all alone on New Year’s Eve.

Two Lovers (2008) - This little-known Joaquin Phoenix-Gwenyth Paltrow movie culminates on New Year’s Eve.

Strange Days (1995) - Kathryn Bigelow’s sci-fi/romance prominently features a plot pivotal New Year’s Eve party.

Hudsucker Proxy (1994) - Some have called this critically-panned Tim Robbins movie It’s a Wonderful Life for New Year’s Eve. It even features Charles Durning as an angel.

Poseidon (2006) - This overly serious remake was a box office flop, but it’s still a big, dumb New Year’s Eve disaster flick. Just be careful it’s extra-long run time doesn’t make you miss the ball drop.

Money Train (1995) - This heist film starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson (remember when those guys were leading men and action stars?) has these former cops robbing the NYC subway on New Year’s Eve.

Are We There Yet? (2005) - Ice Cube’s original road trip comedy takes place on New Year’s Eve.

Carol (2015) - It’s a New Year’s Eve party that lets these repressed ladies first turn their passion loose.

Phantom Thread (2017) - Not mostly about the holiday, but does feature one of the most visually stunning New Year’s Eve parties ever committed to film.

The Life List (2025) - Sofia Carson races to finish a happiness to-do list she wrote as a 13-year-old before New Year's Eve, as mom Connie Britton stipulated in her will.

New Year’s Evil (1980) - It wouldn’t be a holiday without a bad slasher film taking place on it.

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) - The ladies celebrate a very memorable New Year’s Eves in this movie, based on the HBO series.

A Frozen New Year’s Eve (2019) - Direct-to-VOD animated kids’ movie

Dr Who: The Movie (1996, BBC) - The Time Lord takes on the millennium in this made-for-TV movie.

New Year’s Day (1989) - This little known movie is David Duchovny’s first major role. He plays a man who moves to L.A. on New Year’s Eve, only to find his newly-rented apartment occupied by three women. 

A Long Way Down (2014) - Four strangers meet on a rooftop on New Year’s Eve, each contemplating jumping.

Endings, Beginnings (2020) - This Shailene Woodley-starring movie features a love triangle that begins at a fateful New Year’s Eve party.

Do It Yourself, Mr. Bean (1994, ITV) - Mr. Bean plans a New Year’s bash in this ITV special. 

A Month in Thailand (2012) - This Romanian film follows a man in the time between Christmas and New Year’s trying to decide if he should pursue the ex who broke his heart, or stick with his current adoring girlfriend.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) - Not exactly an uplifting way to ring in the New Year, but the culmination of this crime drama, based on the novel and inspired by a real case, does take place on New Year's Eve.

Dead of Winter (1987) - Twisty horror-thriller starring Mary Steenburgen that starts with a mysterious New Year's Eve murder.

Age of Adaline (2015) - This very weird movie starring Harrison Ford and Blake Lively begins at a New Year’s Eve party, with the holiday holding other significance in the story.

Someone Like You (2001) - Friendship turns to something more between Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman when he comes to her rescue after being stood up on New Year's Eve, in this early aughts rom-com.

New Year, New You (2018, Hulu) - New Year’s entry in the Blumhouse-produced horror, holiday anthology movie series.

What for New Year’s Eve? (2018, a.k.a. Cosa Fai a Capodanno?) - This Italian comedy-drama from writer-director Filippo Bologna recently became available in the U.S. and explores what happens when a group of friends decide to switch partners at a New Year’s Eve party.

Midnight Kiss (2019, Hulu) - more holiday-set horror from Blumhouse.

New Year’s Kiss (2019) - Made-for-TV rom-com starring Erin Karpluk and Robin Dunne.

Way Through Snow (2017) - Russian movie about an online couple meeting for the first time on New Year’s, available on Amazon Prime.

Break (2019) - Russian horror-thriller directed by Tigran Shakyan about group of friends who get stuck in a gondola during a New Year’s Eve power outage.

I Hate New Year’s (2020) - LGBTQ holiday rom-com about a singer who goes home for the holidays and (surprise!) finds unexpected romance, made by TelloFilms.com.

The Lost Husband (2020) - Gentle romantic, Texas-set drama that’s not full of holiday cheer, but does start on New Year’s Eve, if you’re looking for a low stakes way to ring in the New Year.

The Silver Skates (2021, Netflix) - This sweeping Russian romantic epic, a lavish costume drama filmed in St. Petersburg, is set around the holidays, namely New Year’s, and is Netflix’s first-ever Russian-language international original.

All My Friends Are Dead (2021, Netflix) - Polish horror-comedy set at a New Year’s Eve party that takes an unexpected turn.

Prime Time (2021, Netflix) - Polish-language hostage thriller set on New Year’s Eve 1999. 

Ask Me to Dance (2022) - Rom-com set between Christmas and New Year’s when a fortune teller promises two strangers they’ll meet their true love by midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Stuck with You (2022, Netflix) - French romance about strangers stuck in an elevator on their way to a New Year’s Eve party.

Terror Train 2 (2022, Tubi) - Tubi original slasher sequel set during a New Year’s Eve train ride.

Snow Falls (2023) - The New Year’s Eve horror movie about a group of friends trapped by snow in a remote cabin stars Hallmark regular Jonathan Bennett.

To Catch a Killer (2023) - Shailene Woodley plays a troubled cop trying to catch a New Year’s Eve killer.

New Year, New Us (2019) - A newlywed couple overcomes challenges in their marriage with New Year’s resolutions.

Pirates (2022) - Two friends are determined to find and attend the best Millennium New Year's Eve party of 1999.

New Year, New Us 2: Love Goals (2023) - Sequel to New Year, New Us

Sealed with a List (2023) - Hallmark holiday romance about undone resolutions that concludes on New Year's Eve

Y2K (2024) - High school seniors crash a New Year's Eve party and find themselves fighting for their lives when all the worst millennium predictions come true.

This Time Next Year (2024) - Born one minute apart on just as the clock struck midnight on the New Year, a London twosome's paths keep crossing, with luck seemingly bestowed only on one of them.

Christmas ➜ New Year’s

And don’t forget to consider these movies that carry over from Christmas to New Year’s, giving us a solid dose of both holidays.

Rent (2005)

Bridget Jones’s Diary* (2001) 

Last Holiday** (2006)

Holiday Inn (1942)

The Holiday*** (2006)

Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

Trading Places (1983)

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Bachelor Mother (1939)

Bundle of Joy (1956, a remake of Bachelor Mother)

The Apartment (1960)

A Christmas Prince (2017, Netflix)

Holidate***** (2020, Netflix)

Starstruck***** (2021, HBO Max)

About Fate (2022)

Ask Me to Dance (2022)

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video)

The Holdovers (2023)

*If I hadn’t already dubbed Bridget my all-time favorite stealth Christmas movie, I’d have put it on my New Year’s list for sure, probably at No. 1, since Jones’s New Year’s resolutions bookend the film, which actually starts on New Year’s Day (when she meets Darcy at her mom’s annual turkey curry buffet). Really, it’s a pretty perfect New Year’s watch and an annual in between Christmas and New Year’s must-view in our house.

**As with Bridget, Last Holiday would be at or near the top of my New Year’s favorites, if I hadn’t already dubbed it one of my favorite Christmas films. But, while it takes place over the entire Christmas season, much more happens on New Year’s in this Queen Latifah classic, than Christmas, and it’s a great way to spend any New Year’s Eve.

***And the same goes for The Holiday, which is mostly Christmas, but culminates on New Year’s Eve, the only part of the film where all four leads share a scene.

****Yet another that would be at or near the top of my New Year’s list, if it weren’t already on my Top 25 Stealth Christmas Movies list, as the New Year’s Eve in Holidate was among its best, and most memorable, moments. 

*****Starstruck takes the opposite tack of the rest of this list, starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at Christmas, and it's that New Year's forward feeling that make this one of my faves for the season.

TV Series Standouts

While Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of TV series abound, the timing of New Year’s, coming when most shows are on hiatus, means there are only a few truly iconic television episodes devoted to this holiday. A handful worth noting…

Mum: December (2016, BBC, series 1)

Absolutely Fabulous: Happy New Year (1995, BBC, series 3)

Dr. Who: Resolution (2019, BBC)

On My Block: Chapter Eleven (2019, Netflix)

My So-Called Life: Resolutions (1995, ABC, season 1)

The X-Files: Millennium (1999, FOX, season 7)

Futurama: Space Pilot 3000 (1999, FOX, pilot) - Like Matt Groening’s Christmas-themed Simpson’s pilot, this series intro could also be seen as a New Year’s Eve holiday special.)

That ‘70s Show: Finale (2006, FOX, season 8) -Though it aired in May, this series ender was set on New Year’s Eve 1979

Fraiser: RDWRER (2000, NBC, season 7)

30 Rock: Klaus and Greta (2010, NBC, season 4)

Friends: The One with the Monkey (1994, NBC, season 1)

Friends: The One With All the Resolutions (1999, NBC, season 5)

Friends: The One with the Routine (1999, NBC, season 6)

Modern Family: New Year’s Eve (2013, ABC, season 4)

How I Met Your Mother: The Limo (2005, CBS, season 1)

How I Met Your Mother: Tailgate (2012, CBS, season 7)

The Office: Ultimatum (2011, NBC, season 7)

Seinfeld: The Millennium (1997, NBC, season 8) - This one actually doesn’t take place at New Year’s, but is about a New Year’s Eve party

The Four Seasons: Winter (2025, Netflix) - It's not surprising a series set around seasons would have a holiday episode, and the penultimate, and pivotal, New Year's Eve episode really packs a wallop.

[sleepykittypaws]

New Year’s Eve Favorites

New Year’s Eve rolls around just six days after Christmas, when many are still knee-deep in wrapping paper and ribbon. It’s easy to just roll New Year’s into the Christmas celebrations, doing little to mark the moment beyond watching the ball drop at midnight. But there are plenty of films centered around New Year’s that deserve their own holiday film recognition. 

Updated: August 14, 2023

My Favorites…

About Time (2013) - This Richard Curtis written/directed movie is one of my all-time favorite films, period. But it all starts with a life-changing New Year’s Eve party.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Often considered a bit of a stealth Christmas movie, this rom-com classic ends, unforgettably, on New Year’s Eve.

The Cutting Edge (1992) - It’s hard to call this movie about a former hockey star turned Olympic figure skater “good,” in any objective sense, but that doesn’t keep me from loving it wholeheartedly. Even if you haven’t seen it 50 or so times, like I have, I doubt anyone can forget that moment when sparks fly, literally, between Doug Dorsey and Kate Moseley at a New Year’s Eve party, when they twirl into each other’s arms with sparklers at the stroke of midnight (sigh). 

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) - Not specifically holiday-themed but Brittany makes a pretty perfect New Year’s watch. Funny, inspirational and all about self-improvement. Absolutely adore this one.

About a Boy (2002) - While it also features some sweet Christmas scenes, Hugh Grant and Rachel Weisz meet cute on New Year’s Eve.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972) - The movie that defined 1970s disaster movies remains good, cheese-tastic New Year’s fun. I remember the first time I saw this one as a kid, on cable, on New Year’s Eve. A group of New Year’s revelers trying to escape a cruise ship that flips over? Indelible.

Starstruck (2021, HBO Max) - Think of season one of this 6-episode British series, written and created by a Kiwi, as a three hour rom-com that begins on New Year’s Eve and ends the following Christmas. A delightful watch any time, but extra-special during the holiday season.

Peter’s Friends (1992) - This criminally under-rated British ensemble  comedy features a host of stars—Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh and Rita Rudner—gathering to celebrate the New Year at their college chum’s English estate. 

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video) - This holiday romance centers around Christmas gifts from the famous jewelry being inadvertently swapped, but most of the movie takes place between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve when everything comes to a head.

Plane (2023) - If this New Year’s Eve-set action movie leaned in just a bit more to its New Year celebration, it could reach Die Hard-style holiday classic status. While the New Year’s element doesn’t factor much after the first 15 minutes, this is a well-made, well-acted and well-paced watch. Honestly, some of Gerard Butler’s best work which, yeah, isn’t the highest bar, but Plane is a super entertaining action-disaster pic that, forgive the pun, is a lot more grounded than expected.

Other People (2016) - This very well told story about losing a loved one to cancer is funnier than you’d think, given the subject matter, has an amazing cast, led by Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon and Bradley Whitford, and starts off with a New Year’s Eve bash.

About Fate (2022) - This American remake of a Soviet-era New Year classic, 1976′s The Irony of Fate, available to legally watch on YouTube via Mosfilm, stars Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann as recent (sort of) dumpees who meet cute due to alcohol-induced architectural confusion, and end up attending a New Year’s Eve wedding together with chaotic results, with the whole story playing out from December 30th to January 1st.

Fruitvale Station (2013) - This gut-wrenching Ryan Coogler feature directorial debut should have won Michael B. Jordan an Oscar. Set entirely on New Year’s Eve, it’s the devastating true story of the last day of Oscar Grant’s life. 

Phineas and Ferb: Happy New Year (2012, Disney Channel) - This fun episode of the crazy kids’ series works as a stand-alone New Year’s special that’s better than most.

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: Two Doors Down (2019, Netflix) - Cheese-y, feel-good, queer holiday romance that ends with Dolly Parton singing Auld Lang Syne. What more could you want?

An Affair to Remember (1957) - This Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr classic is basically the third lead in Sleepless in Seattle, but it is a New Year’s classic in its own right, as Kerr and Grant’s characters vow to meet on the top of the Empire State building after an epic New Year’s Kiss.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976, ABC) - Not the only animated New Year’s special, but easily the most memorable, this Rankin-Bass classic has Rudolph teaming up with Baby New Year and Father Time to save the holiday.

Holiday (1938) - Another Cary Grant classic that features a memorable New Year’s Eve. Even though the “holiday” of the title refers to a vacation, it’s on New Year’s Eve that sparks really begin to fly between Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Trouble is, she’s his fiancee’s sister.

After the Thin Man (1936) - This sequel to the runaway 1934 hit kicks off on New Year’s Eve, with James Stewart joining Myrna Loy and William Powell for more mystery solving slapstick antics.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023, Prime Video) - Based on the book of the same name, this delightful rom-com’s President’s son-meets-Prince romance really gets going at a New Year’s Eve party, following fitful Thanksgiving-Christmas flirting via text.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007) - This independent dark-ish, rom-com can be a little hard to find, but it’s worth seeking out. Two lonely people looking for hope and love by New Year’s Eve.

Ghostbusters II (1989) - Definitely less than the original classic, this holiday-set sequel concludes with New Yorker’s saving the city via a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, with an assist from Lady Liberty.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986, CBS) - Nowhere near as iconic as the 1960s Peanuts specials, this is still a solid, kid-friendly New Year’s watch.

Entrapment (1999) - There’s just something about thieves and New Year’s, I guess, as the final job in this Sean Connery-Catherine Zeta Jones film is set on Y2K. There’s also a good bit of bonus millenium Christmas content.

Boogie Nights (1997) - Definitely not an uplifting New Year’s Eve watch, this Paul Thomas Anderson classic does feature outstanding performances and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party appearance by William H Macy.

More to Explore…

If my New Year’s picks don’t make your ball drop, there’s plenty more movies/specials set around welcoming the new year.

Happy New Year (2014) - This bouncy, Bollywood showstopper is available on Netflix.

New Year’s Eve (2011) - This farly-cynical Garry Marshall attempt to recreate the holiday anthology magic of Love, Actually shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as that film, but this mess of a movie can still be fairly good fun when watched ironically with enough wine and the right friends.

Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year (2017, Amazon Prime) - Hep cat animated special based on the popular children’s book character.

200 Cigarettes (1999) - Set in the 1980s, this follows a group of young New Yorkers looking for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

Snowpiercer (2013) - The Chris Evans dystopian thriller where civilization is relegated to an always moving train, strictly divided by class, and New Year’s is celebrated every time they circumnavigate the globe.

Highball (1997) - This very early, extremely low budget Noah Baumbach movie takes place over a series of holiday parties that culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash. Is it good? Well, Baumbach petitioned to have his name removed from it, so…

Waiting to Exhale (1995) - This movie about a close-knit friend group and their complicated romantic lives, based on the book by Terry McMillan, is framed by New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Four Rooms (1995) - This overly ambitious anthology, featuring four stories each written and directed by a different high profile auteur, with only one connecting character, a hotel bellman, takes place entirely on New Year’s Eve.

Ocean’s Eleven (1960) - The Rat Pack original isn’t as fun as the George Clooney-Brad Pitt remakes, but it does set its heist on New Year’s Eve.

The Sword in the Stone (1963) - This Disney animated classic’s pivotal moment—the extraction of Excalibur—occurs at the New Year’s tournament, which Arthur attends as a lowly squire.

The Godfather Part II (1972) - Fredo Corleone is handing out New Year’s party kisses in this, the only sequel to ever win the best picture Oscar.

Midnighters (2017) - When a couple accidentally hit a man with their car on New Year’s Eve, they put him in the backseat and go home to avoid the consequences.

Radio Days (1987) - This Woody Allen (yeah, I know) movie ends with the cast welcoming 1944 on a wintry New York, New Year’s Eve.

Repeat Performance (1947) - A New Year’s Eve wish to repeat the year comes true, but fixing mistakes made proves more difficult than Joan Leslie imagined.

Sunset Boulevard (1950) - The iconic tale, later turned into a Broadway musical, hinges on a New Year’s Eve party. 

A Midnight Kiss (2018, Hallmark) - Carlos PenaVega helps Adelaide Kane plan a New Year’s bash. 

Royal New Year’s Eve (2017, Hallmark) - Designer Jessy Schram meets her Prince at a New Year’s ball. 

The Birthday Wish (2017, Hallmark) - This is another Jessy Schram-joint that starts at New Year’s and is one of the more original Hallmark movies of recent years.

A New Year’s Resolution (2021, Hallmark) - This long-delayed Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rad movie finally got an airdate in early 2021.

Midnight at the Magnolia (2020, Netflix) - Natalie Hall and Evan Williams are radio hosts who fake a romance for a New Year’s Eve live show.

A Year and Change (2015) - Bryan Greenberg topples off a roof at a New Year’s Eve party, leading him to change his life.

The Gold Rush (1925) - For those who like their New Year’s celebrations extra-classic, this iconic Charlie Chaplin outing features the Little Tramp all alone on New Year’s Eve.

Two Lovers (2008) - This little-known Joaquin Phoenix-Gwenyth Paltrow movie culminates on New Year’s Eve.

Strange Days (1995) - Kathryn Bigelow’s sci-fi/romance prominently features a plot pivotal New Year’s Eve party.

Hudsucker Proxy (1994) - Some have called this critically-panned Tim Robbins movie It’s a Wonderful Life for New Year’s Eve. It even features Charles Durning as an angel.

Poseidon (2006) - This overly serious remake was a box office flop, but it’s still a big, dumb New Year’s Eve disaster flick. Just be careful it’s extra-long run time doesn’t make you miss the ball drop.

Money Train (1995) - This heist film starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson (remember when those guys were leading men and action stars?) has these former cops robbing the NYC subway on New Year’s Eve.

Are We There Yet? (2005) - Ice Cube’s original road trip comedy takes place on New Year’s Eve.

Carol (2015) - It’s a New Year’s Eve party that lets these repressed ladies first turn their passion loose.

Phantom Thread (2017) - Not mostly about the holiday, but does feature one of the most visually stunning New Year’s Eve parties ever committed to film.

New Year’s Evil (1980) - It wouldn’t be a holiday without a bad slasher film taking place on it.

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) - The ladies celebrate a very memorable New Year’s Eves in this movie, based on the HBO series.

A Frozen New Year’s Eve (2019) - Direct-to-VOD animated kids’ movie

Dr Who: The Movie (1996, BBC) - The Time Lord takes on the millennium in this made-for-TV movie.

New Year’s Day (1989) - This little known movie is David Duchovny’s first major role. He plays a man who moves to L.A. on New Year’s Eve, only to find his newly-rented apartment occupied by three women. 

A Long Way Down (2014) - Four strangers meet on a rooftop on New Year’s Eve, each contemplating jumping.

Endings, Beginnings (2020) - This Shailene Woodley-starring movie features a love triangle that begins at a fateful New Year’s Eve party.

Do It Yourself, Mr. Bean (1994, ITV) - Mr. Bean plans a New Year’s bash in this ITV special. 

A Month in Thailand (2012) - This Romanian film follows a man in the time between Christmas and New Year’s trying to decide if he should pursue the ex who broke his heart, or stick with his current adoring girlfriend.

The Shining (1980) - This bleak, wintery horror classic wouldn’t be the most uplifting way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but its plot pivotal NYE party photo certainly makes it seasonally appropriate if you’re looking to scream in the New Year.

Age of Adaline (2015) - This very weird movie starring Harrison Ford and Blake Lively begins at a New Year’s Eve party, with the holiday holding other significance in the story.

New Year, New You (2018, Hulu) - New Year’s entry in the Blumhouse-produced horror, holiday anthology movie series.

What for New Year’s Eve? (2018, a.k.a. Cosa Fai a Capodanno?) - This Italian comedy-drama from writer-director Filippo Bologna recently became available in the U.S. and explores what happens when a group of friends decide to switch partners at a New Year’s Eve party.

Midnight Kiss (2019, Hulu) - more holiday-set horror from Blumhouse.

New Year’s Kiss (2019) - Made-for-TV rom-com starring Erin Karpluk and Robin Dunne.

Way Through Snow (2017) - Russian movie about an online couple meeting for the first time on New Year’s, available on Amazon Prime.

Break (2019) - Russian horror-thriller directed by Tigran Shakyan about group of friends who get stuck in a gondola during a New Year’s Eve power outage.

I Hate New Year’s (2020) - LGBTQ holiday rom-com about a singer who goes home for the holidays and (surprise!) finds unexpected romance, made by TelloFilms.com.

The Lost Husband (2020) - Gentle romantic, Texas-set drama that’s not full of holiday cheer, but does start on New Year’s Eve, if you’re looking for a low stakes way to ring in the New Year.

The Silver Skates (2021, Netflix) - This sweeping Russian romantic epic, a lavish costume drama filmed in St. Petersburg, is set around the holidays, namely New Year’s, and is Netflix’s first-ever Russian-language international original.

All My Friends Are Dead (2021, Netflix) - Polish horror-comedy set at a New Year’s Eve party that takes an unexpected turn.

Prime Time (2021, Netflix) - Polish-language hostage thriller set on New Year’s Eve 1999. 

Ask Me to Dance (2022) - Rom-com set between Christmas and New Year’s when a fortune teller promises two strangers they’ll meet their true love by midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Stuck with You (2022, Netflix) - French romance about strangers stuck in an elevator on their way to a New Year’s Eve party.

Terror Train 2 (2022, Tubi) - Tubi original slasher sequel set during a New Year’s Eve train ride.

Plane (2023) - Though it was released in mid-January, the B-action movie starring Gerard Butler is set on New Year’s Eve.

Snow Falls (2023) - The New Year’s Eve horror movie about a group of friends trapped by snow in a remote cabin stars Hallmark regular Jonathan Bennett.

To Catch a Killer (2023) - Shailene Woodley plays a troubled cop trying to catch a New Year’s Eve killer.

New Year, New Us (2019) - A newlywed couple overcomes challenges in their marriage with New Year’s resolutions.

New Year, New Us 2: Love Goals (2023) - Sequel to New Year, New Us

Christmas ➜ New Year’s

And don’t forget to consider these movies that carry over from Christmas to New Year’s, giving us a solid dose of both holidays.

Rent (2005)

Bridget Jones’s Diary* (2001) 

Last Holiday** (2006)

Holiday Inn (1942)

The Holiday*** (2006)

Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

Trading Places (1983)

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Bachelor Mother (1939)

Bundle of Joy (1956, a remake of Bachelor Mother)

The Apartment (1960)

A Christmas Prince (2017, Netflix)

Holidate***** (2020, Netflix)

Starstruck***** (2021, HBO Max)

About Fate (2022)

Ask Me to Dance (2022)

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video)

*If I hadn’t already dubbed Bridget my all-time favorite stealth Christmas movie, I’d have put it on my New Year’s list for sure, probably at No. 1, since Jones’s New Year’s resolutions bookend the film, which actually starts on New Year’s Day (when she meets Darcy at her mom’s annual turkey curry buffet). Really, it’s a pretty perfect New Year’s watch and an annual in between Christmas and New Year’s must-view in our house.

**As with Bridget, Last Holiday would be at or near the top of my New Year’s favorites, if I hadn’t already dubbed it one of my favorite Christmas films. But, while it takes place over the entire Christmas season, much more happens on New Year’s in this Queen Latifah classic, than Christmas, and it’s a great way to spend any New Year’s Eve.

***And the same goes for The Holiday, which is mostly Christmas, but culminates on New Year’s Eve, the only part of the film where all four leads share a scene.

****Yet another that would be at or near the top of my New Year’s list, if it weren’t already on my Top 25 Stealth Christmas Movies list, as the New Year’s Eve in Holidate was among its best, and most memorable, moments. 

*****Starstruck takes the opposite tack of the rest of this list, starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at Christmas.

TV Series Standouts

While Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of TV series abound, the timing of New Year’s, coming when most shows are on hiatus, means there are only a few truly iconic television episodes devoted to this holiday. A handful worth noting…

Mum: December (2016, BBC, series 1)

Absolutely Fabulous: Happy New Year (1995, BBC, series 3)

Dr. Who: Resolution (2019, BBC)

On My Block: Chapter Eleven (2019, Netflix)

My So-Called Life: Resolutions (1995, ABC, season 1)

The X-Files: Millennium (1999, FOX, season 7)

Futurama: Space Pilot 3000 (1999, FOX, pilot) - Like Matt Groening’s Christmas-themed Simpson’s pilot, this series intro could also be seen as a New Year’s Eve holiday special.)

That ‘70s Show: Finale (2006, FOX, season 8) -Though it aired in May, this series ender was set on New Year’s Eve 1979

Fraiser: RDWRER (2000, NBC, season 7)

30 Rock: Klaus and Greta (2010, NBC, season 4)

Friends: The One with the Monkey (1994, NBC, season 1)

Friends: The One With All the Resolutions (1999, NBC, season 5)

Friends: The One with the Routine (1999, NBC, season 6)

Modern Family: New Year’s Eve (2013, ABC, season 4)

How I Met Your Mother: The Limo (2005, CBS, season 1)

How I Met Your Mother: Tailgate (2012, CBS, season 7)

The Office: Ultimatum (2011, NBC, season 7)

Seinfeld: The Millennium (1997, NBC, season 8) - This one actually doesn’t take place at New Year’s, but is about a New Year’s Eve party