7 Christmas Movies Without Vanessa Hudgens
Remember there was a time when we celebrated Christmas without the pretty dark-eyed brunette on our screens? What did we watch before Vanessa Hudgens became old enough to make out with guys on camera and before she hijacked all Netflix Christmas movies?
It took me a moment or two to remember, but here you go, a list of great, fun, and heart-warming movies from the 90s and 2000s. And no, they don’t include Home Alone or Die Hard franchises. Although those are excellent family movies, I don’t believe Vanessa Hudgens erased your memory enough to forget about Kevin McCallister and John McClain.
While You Were Sleeping
Lucy works at Chicago Metro as a token collector. She spends most of her time daydreaming about traveling the world or marrying the handsome commuter she sees daily at her station. One day, the guy gets mugged and thrown on the train track (I promise, it’s a heart-warming Christmas movie, stay with me here). Lucy saves his life and, because of a mix-up at the hospital, becomes a part of his family…
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, AppleTV
The Preacher’s Wife
Whitney Houston, young Denzel Washington, a snowy city, and a bunch of gospel music — need I say more?
Okay, fine, here it is.
Whitney Huston plays the wife of a revenant whose struggles with his church and family prompt divine intervention in the form of an angel played by young Denzel Washington. It all becomes way less holy and innocent when the angel discovers that he is drawn to the revenant’s wife…
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, AppleTV
Four Christmases
Brad and Kate usually avoid spending Christmas with their dysfunctional families by taking exotic vacations. One year, their plans fail when they get caught on camera at the airport trying to leave the city. The couple is forced to visit all 4 of their divorced parents’ homes in one day. As they try to survive the chaos and family dynamic, Brad and Kate discover unexpected things about each other and their relationship.
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO max, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
Jingle All the Way
A slapstick comedy about a workaholic father, who is determined to redeem himself by fulfilling his son’s Christmas wish for a popular vacation finger toy, Turbo Man. His increasingly absurd efforts to secure the toy on Christmas Eve get him into a series of shenanigans and encounters with other desperate parents. Along with the hilarious scenes of Arnold Schwarzenegger chasing a mailman through the mall, participating in a radio contest trying to win the toy, and finally dressing as the Turbo Man himself, his character learns the true meaning of Christmas, which is being with your loved ones (and not going into $5000 credit card debt, no).
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, AppleTV
Last Christmas
Emilia Clarke and George Michael music on a holiday London backdrop. Still need convincing? Alright…
Kate works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Struggling with her personal and professional life setbacks, she meets a young, optimistic man named Tom. As Tom helps Kate see the joy of life again, their unlikely friendship deepens and turns romantic. But this is not a typical romcom but rather a story of self-discovery with a touch of magical realism.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, AppleTV
Klaus
“Klaus” is an animated movie that offers a fresh take on the origin of the Santa Claus legend. The story shows Jesper, a postal academy’s worst student, who is sent to an Arctic town to work as a postman. To get out of that town, Jesper has to mail 6000 letters by the end of the year. A quota that seems impossible to hit until he meets a hermit toymaker, and together, they decide to bring joy to the town’s children. This inadvertently sparks the tradition of Christmas and Santa Claus.
“Klaus” stands out for its unique storytelling, amazing animation, well-crafted characters, and heartwarming message that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
Where to watch: Netflix
Happiest Season
It would be surprisingI didn’t include a single queer movie in this list. Especially since this one has two gay icons: Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza. Unfortunately, they don’t play a couple, and there isn’t even a romance on the side happening between them. Sorry to disappoint you like that. But the movie is still great!
So, Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper have been together for a year, and things are getting serious; so serious that Harper invites Abby to spend Christmas with her family, and Abby thinks it would be the perfect time to propose. When, on the 3-hour drive to Harper’s family, it turns out Harper is not out with her parents… But she promises to tell them everything once they get there! Except, of course, she doesn’t, and introduces Abby as ‘just an orphan-friend whom she didn’t want to leave alone for Christmas’… Yes, I was infuriated, too. But it’s worth watching, I promise.
Where to watch: Hulu
