As 2025 unfolds, the perennial debate surrounding whether “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie seems to have lost its spark. However, independent cinemas are enriching the holiday season with an intriguing array of unconventional films that encapsulate the spirit in unique and unexpected ways. From a puppet adaptation of a timeless Christmas tale to a dark take on superhero lore, here’s a selection of captivating films to enjoy between December 16 and December 29.
The 2015 film “Carol” features Rooney Mara as Therese, a sales clerk whose chance encounter with Cate Blanchett’s Carol sparks an intimate romance amidst the backdrop of Christmas in the 1950s. Their relationship faces external pressures, including societal discrimination and personal conflicts, making it a poignant choice for the holiday season. Showings are scheduled for December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Boston.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Crimson Peak,” also released in 2015, is an atmospheric horror-romance that transports viewers to a haunted mansion during a wintery backdrop. Featuring Mia Wasikowska and Tom Hiddleston, the film is rich with Gothic elements and psychological twists. It will be screened on December 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Side Quest Books & Games in Somerville.
For those seeking a more traditional vibe, Arts at the Armory will host a double feature on December 19 featuring “Home Alone,” where Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin cleverly defends his family’s home from intruders, paired with “Die Hard,” which follows Bruce Willis’s John McClane through a tense hostage situation in a skyscraper. This screening merges humor with action, characteristic of the holiday season.
Brian Henson’s 1992 “The Muppet Christmas Carol” offers a whimsical twist on Charles Dickens’ classic story, featuring a talented cast of Muppets alongside Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Showings occur on December 20-21 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns,” which showcases a Victorian-style Gotham City during the Christmas season, brings its own brand of festive chaos. Michael Keaton stars as Batman facing off against formidable foes, including Catwoman and the Penguin. Audiences can catch this classic on December 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
In a unique take on bureaucratic satire during the holiday season, Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” explores themes of dystopia and love through the eyes of a daydreaming bureaucrat, screening from December 25-30 at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge.
Jane Austen’s timeless narratives are also finding their place on the big screen this season. The Brattle Theatre will present a double feature of “Emma.” (2020) and “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) on December 16, capturing the essence of romantic entitlement and social maneuvering of the era. Meanwhile, “Sense and Sensibility” (1995) offers a take on sisterly bonds and societal pressures, screening from December 16-17.
As this diverse lineup illustrates, the holiday season is not limited to conventional stories, allowing cinephiles to indulge in a range of genres that resonate with the spirit of togetherness, reflection, and the power of love in various forms. These films remind us that every story, whether traditional or unconventional, holds a place in the rich tapestry of holiday viewing.