• Looking for something to watch, other than the usual holiday movies? Scroll through the slideshow to find some Christmas movies without all the syrupy storylines. Photo: ChristopherBernard/Getty Images
Photo: ChristopherBernard/Getty Images
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Looking for something to watch, other than the usual holiday movies? Scroll through the slideshow to find some Christmas movies without all the syrupy storylines.

Looking for something to watch, other than the usual holiday movies? Scroll through the slideshow to find some Christmas movies without all the syrupy storylines.

Photo: ChristopherBernard/Getty Images
Image 2 of 40 | The movie that has launched 1,000 Christmas movie debates
Die Hard (1988)

Because Bruce Willis running around with an automatic weapon in "Die Hard" screams, "Christmas" to many. As the meme says — Do I even need to write "spoiler alert"? — "It's not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall off of Nakatomi Tower."

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Die Hard (1988)

Because Bruce Willis running around with an automatic weapon in "Die Hard" screams, "Christmas" to many. As the meme says — Do I even need to write "spoiler alert"? — "It's not Christmas

... more
Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images
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Also, this saying which has since spawned an ugly Christmas sweater (now available for purchase!).
Also, this saying which has since spawned an ugly Christmas sweater (now available for purchase!).
Image 4 of 40 | Deceivingly cute, but actually sinister Christmas film
"Home Alone" (1990)

and "Home Alone 2" (1992)

There's plenty of holiday sentimentality linked to this story about a child named Kevin McCalister who (for two years in a row!) gets separated from his parents at Christmas time. But there are some dark themes at play here, including the fact that Kevin could have easily killed the burglars with any one of those booby traps. Poor Harry and Marv.

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"Home Alone" (1990)

and "Home Alone 2" (1992)

There's plenty of holiday sentimentality linked to this story about a child named Kevin McCalister who (for two years in a row!) gets separated from his parents at

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It's also worth (briefly) mentioning this "Home Alone 2" cameo — which became part of the #TrumpExplainsMoviePlots meme in 2016.

It's also worth (briefly) mentioning this "Home Alone 2" cameo — which became part of the #TrumpExplainsMoviePlots meme in 2016.
Image 7 of 40 | Throwback comic book-themed Christmas film
"Batman Returns" (1992)

Most may only really recall Michelle Pfeiffer's memorable performance as Catwoman in this film, Christmas does play a part in scenes throughout the movie. There's the (interrupted) Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a penguin army and Christmas-themed weaponry.

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"Batman Returns" (1992)

Most may only really recall Michelle Pfeiffer's memorable performance as Catwoman in this film, Christmas does play a part in scenes throughout the movie. There's the (interrupted)

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"Iron Man 3" (2013)

Amidst the fight scenes and bravado of Tony Stark, it's easy to forget the fact that "Iron Man 3" is Christmas-themed. But, it is. Slate even breaks down how the film is similar to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Fun fact: "Iron Man 3" director Shane Black has also directed two other films on this list — apparently setting his movies around Christmas is (somewhat) his thing.

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"Iron Man 3" (2013)

Amidst the fight scenes and bravado of Tony Stark, it's easy to forget the fact that "Iron Man 3" is Christmas-themed. But, it is. Slate even breaks down how the film is similar to Charles
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Photo: Zade Rosenthal
Image 9 of 40 | Claymation alternative to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
"Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

For those who need some Halloween with their Christmas movie. Plus, Tim Burton.
"Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

For those who need some Halloween with their Christmas movie. Plus, Tim Burton.
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"Lethal Weapon" (1987)

Perhaps the next-favorite alternative Christmas film to "Die Hard" is "Lethal Weapon." Christmas serves as a constant background to several of the scenes, including (of course) the fact that a cocaine bust does take place at a Christmas tree lot. (This film was also directed by "Iron Man 3" director Shane Black.)
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"Lethal Weapon" (1987)

Perhaps the next-favorite alternative Christmas film to "Die Hard" is "Lethal Weapon." Christmas serves as a constant background to several of the scenes, including (of course) the fact
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Image 12 of 40 | For those tired of all versions of "A Christmas Carol"
"Scrooged" (1988)

Perhaps a more obvious Christmas film, the modern version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," does have several things going for it, including Bill Murray, Carol Kane as the deranged Ghost of Christmas Present and Bobcat Goldthwait as a disgruntled worker.

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"Scrooged" (1988)

Perhaps a more obvious Christmas film, the modern version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," does have several things going for it, including Bill Murray, Carol Kane as the deranged Ghost

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Image 13 of 40 | For those who would rather watch a stoner comedy
"Friday After Next" (2002)

Although this movie never became as popular as the original "Friday" film, "Friday After Next" has a setting not much seen in holiday films: namely, an aughts-era South Central. Unfortunately Chris Tucker isn't in "Friday After Next," which is centered around a Christmas Eve burglary, but no one's stopping you from turning this into a holiday movie marathon.

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"Friday After Next" (2002)

Although this movie never became as popular as the original "Friday" film, "Friday After Next" has a setting not much seen in holiday films: namely, an aughts-era South Central.

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Photo: Nicola Goode, New Line Cinema
Image 14 of 40 | For 80s kids who were scared by this film
"Gremlins" (1984)

Everyone knows the rules about the "mogwai": never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of this happens (of course) and the result is a gang of gremlins that decide to tear up the town on Christmas Eve.

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"Gremlins" (1984)

Everyone knows the rules about the "mogwai": never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of this happens (of course) and the result is a gang of gremlins that

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Image 16 of 40 | FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY EARLY 90s JOHNNY DEPP
"Edward Scissorhands" (1990)

If you have a young one who wonders where snow comes from, Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" has an excellent (but incorrect, and slightly xenophobic) answer for them.
"Edward Scissorhands" (1990)

If you have a young one who wonders where snow comes from, Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" has an excellent (but incorrect, and slightly xenophobic) answer for them.
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"Trading Places" (1983)

"Trading Places" might not immediately come to mind when thinking of Christmas movies, but the film's revenge theme merges with its holiday setting perfectly. Fun fact: This movie did later play a part in Wall Street reform that took place in 2010 to ban trading on inside information, known as the "Eddie Murphy rule."

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"Trading Places" (1983)

"Trading Places" might not immediately come to mind when thinking of Christmas movies, but the film's revenge theme merges with its holiday setting perfectly. Fun fact: This movie did

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Image 18 of 40 | For mature audiences begrudgingly seeking a holiday film
"Eyes Wide Shut" (1999)

If you can ignore most of the, ahem, action in this film, "Eyes Wide Shut" does take place during the holiday season. (Although it's pretty safe to say the Christmas decor serves mostly to contrast the adult themes of the movie.)

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"Eyes Wide Shut" (1999)

If you can ignore most of the, ahem, action in this film, "Eyes Wide Shut" does take place during the holiday season. (Although it's pretty safe to say the Christmas decor serves mostly

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"The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996)


Underappreciated action film "The Long Kiss Goodnight" is one of those films that require another viewing, as many fans point out, and it's worth trotting out if you love the action-slash-Christmas movie genre. (This, too, was directed by Shane Black.)
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"The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996)

Underappreciated action film "The Long Kiss Goodnight" is one of those films that require another viewing, as many fans point out, and it's worth trotting out if you love the
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Photo: AP
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Brazil (1985)

Terry Gilliam's films never immediately bring up warm and fuzzy thoughts of Christmas, but they were never really meant to do so. "Brazil" — despite its darker themes — is still technically a Christmas film, and one that could serve as a dystopian way to spend your holiday.

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Brazil (1985)

Terry Gilliam's films never immediately bring up warm and fuzzy thoughts of Christmas, but they were never really meant to do so. "Brazil" — despite its darker themes — is still technically a

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Photo: Universal Pictures 1985
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Click ahead to see 14 of the best underrated holiday movies.
Click ahead to see 14 of the best underrated holiday movies.
Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images
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If you've never seen 'Christmas in Connecticut', do yourself a favor and queue it up this Christmas. Barbara Stanwyck is wonderful as a food columnist who doesn't actually know how to cook — and is in danger of being outed when she has to host her boss and a returning war hero for Christmas dinner. less
If you've never seen 'Christmas in Connecticut', do yourself a favor and queue it up this Christmas. Barbara Stanwyck is wonderful as a food columnist who doesn't actually know how to cook — and is in danger ... more
Photo: Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
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'Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas' is not just an underrated holiday movie, but Jim Henson’s most underrated masterpiece. The story, based on a children’s book of the same name, gives a down-home rural twist to the plot lifted from “Gift of the Magi” and shines thanks to an outstanding soundtrack filled with bluegrass and folk tunes. It also gets a fun, dark twist courtesy of the Lynyrd Skynyrd-esque antagonists, The Riverbottom Nightmare Band. less
'Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas' is not just an underrated holiday movie, but Jim Henson’s most underrated masterpiece. The story, based on a children’s book of the same name, gives a down-home rural ... more
Photo: Jim Hensen Company, Courtesy
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Robert Mitchum shows his softer side in the 1949 film 'Holiday Affair.' A very young, very pretty Janet Leigh plays a single mother who makes ends meet by working as a comparison shopper at Christmastime. When Mitchum accidentally gets her fired, it sparks a romance between the two. less
Robert Mitchum shows his softer side in the 1949 film 'Holiday Affair.' A very young, very pretty Janet Leigh plays a single mother who makes ends meet by working as a comparison shopper at Christmastime. When ... more
Photo: RKO Radio Pictures, Getty Images
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If you're sick of the usual holiday schlock and want full face-melting Christmas insanity, try 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.' This truly awful film from the 1960s has since become a cult classic. The "plot" revolves around Martians kidnapping Santa to entertain their alien children ... but god only knows what is actually happening at any point during this film. less
If you're sick of the usual holiday schlock and want full face-melting Christmas insanity, try 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.' This truly awful film from the 1960s has since become a cult classic. The ... more
Photo: Embassy Pictures 1964
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Don't like the sentimental holiday stuff? 'Three Days of the Condor' is not your traditional Christmas movie, we grant you, what with all the CIA book readers getting whacked, but it does happen around Christmas. less
Don't like the sentimental holiday stuff? 'Three Days of the Condor' is not your traditional Christmas movie, we grant you, what with all the CIA book readers getting whacked, but it does happen around ... more
Photo: Amazon.com, Courtesy
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'It Happened on Fifth Avenue' is one of those classic movies that seems so fresh and relevant again. A group of homeless New Yorkers move into a Fifth Avenue mansion left vacant by its vacationing millionaire owner. Unbeknownst to them, the owner's daughter moves in too, and everyone learns lessons about love, life and what it truly means to be rich. less
'It Happened on Fifth Avenue' is one of those classic movies that seems so fresh and relevant again. A group of homeless New Yorkers move into a Fifth Avenue mansion left vacant by its vacationing millionaire ... more
Photo: Allied Artists, Courtesy
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'The Apartment' deals with heavy topics — suicide, extramarital affairs and awful workplaces — with the grace and humor that only Billy Wilder could bring. Jack Lemmon is brilliant as a brown-nosing office worker who rents out his apartment as a love nest for his cheating bosses, and Shirley MacLaine is transcendent as the elevator operator he falls in love with. less
'The Apartment' deals with heavy topics — suicide, extramarital affairs and awful workplaces — with the grace and humor that only Billy Wilder could bring. Jack Lemmon is brilliant as a brown-nosing office ... more
Photo: Courtesy, MGM
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'The Santa Clause' is basically a Christmas version of 'Liar Liar,' but this film has a good amount of heart considering its obsession with the twin 1990s movie pillars of divorce and psychologists. Tim Allen is great morphing Santa and Judge Reinhold is shockingly unlikeable. Was it good enough to spawn two sequels? Absolutely not, but that’s Hollywood. less
'The Santa Clause' is basically a Christmas version of 'Liar Liar,' but this film has a good amount of heart considering its obsession with the twin 1990s movie pillars of divorce and psychologists. Tim Allen ... more
Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images
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'White Christmas' has gotten more famous over the years, but Irving Berlin teamed up with Bing Crosby first in 'Holiday Inn.' Berlin wrote the song 'White Christmas' specifically for this film.
'White Christmas' has gotten more famous over the years, but Irving Berlin teamed up with Bing Crosby first in 'Holiday Inn.' Berlin wrote the song 'White Christmas' specifically for this film.
Photo: Paramount, Getty Images
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If you want more romance in your holiday season, 'The Shop Around The Corner' is the sweetest pick. Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart play coworkers who despise each other in real life ... but are falling in love as anonymous pen pals. less
If you want more romance in your holiday season, 'The Shop Around The Corner' is the sweetest pick. Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart play coworkers who despise each other in real life ... but are falling ... more
Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Getty Images
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A darkly comic (and strictly not-for-kids) holiday film, 'Bad Santa' finds Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a Santa Claus-dressed robber, complete with Marcus, his elf-dressed partner in (literal) crime. The profanity-laced film takes some dark, funny twists and turns and, while not for all tastes, it’s gradually picked up steam as a holiday cult classic since its 2003 release. less
A darkly comic (and strictly not-for-kids) holiday film, 'Bad Santa' finds Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a Santa Claus-dressed robber, complete with Marcus, his elf-dressed partner in (literal) crime. The ... more
Photo: Tracy Bennett, AP
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'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' gets all the glory, but 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town' is equally adorable (and has Fred Astaire!). Topper the penguin is a special favorite.
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' gets all the glory, but 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town' is equally adorable (and has Fred Astaire!). Topper the penguin is a special favorite.
Photo: Rankin/Bass Productions 1970, Courtesy
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'Meet Me in St. Louis' technically spans all four seasons, but its most iconic moment comes at Christmas — it's the movie that debuted Judy Garland's classic 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' And once you've heard it in its original context, it will tear you up every time you hear it. less
'Meet Me in St. Louis' technically spans all four seasons, but its most iconic moment comes at Christmas — it's the movie that debuted Judy Garland's classic 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' And once ... more
Photo: MGM, Courtesy
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Be warned: 'Joyeux Noel' is not a happy holiday film. But it does capture an incredible historical moment. The movie documents the Christmas truce between the German, French and British troops stationed in trenches during World War I. less
Be warned: 'Joyeux Noel' is not a happy holiday film. But it does capture an incredible historical moment. The movie documents the Christmas truce between the German, French and British troops stationed in ... more
Photo: Nord-Ouest Productions, REUTERS
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There are those among us who are extremely holiday oriented. That is to say, you count down the days until it is "acceptable" to blast Christmas songs (correct answer: Christmas music is only allowed the day after Thanksgiving and onward, no sooner). And you're screening every classic Christmas movie from "It's a Wonderful Life" to "White Christmas" while wearing your Santa-themed socks and sipping hot cocoa.

(Or, so I would imagine.)

For the rest of us, the holidays aren't exactly drudgery, but let's just say caroling is not our thing. As for Christmas movies, well ... there's a lot to be desired in the "traditional" holiday fare. And each year, these two sides debate over one specific film and whether it qualifies as Christmas-y or not.

You know what's coming. We're talking, "Die Hard."

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Are you a die hard Christmas movie fan? Let’s rephrase that: Do you believe the 1988 action film Die Hard is a Christmas movie? We say, absolutely it is. The evidence is indisputable. First and foremost, it takes place on Christmas Eve...Yippee ki-

Media: Fox 13 Tampa

Entertainment Weekly claimed the 1988 action film is the "perfect Christmas movie." BuzzFeed on the other hand, implored people to "stop saying 'Die Hard' is your favorite Christmas movie."

The debate seemed to get heated in more recent years, spawning a pro-"Die Hard" hashtag, #DieHardIsAChristmasMovie and an L.A. Weekly article entitled, "Why Are People Still Debating Whether Die Hard Is a Christmas Movie?"

It seems we're all undecided on what makes a Christmas movie. Alternately, one could also say we have very strong opinions on what counts as a holiday film.

It's in the gray area of the Christmas movie definition that one can have some fun with what is — or isn't — a Christmas film.

In the spirit of wrestling the remote away from the overly enthusiastic holiday folks, here's a whole list of Christmas-y, Christmas-adjacent and Christmas-light films to change up the "A Christmas Carol" or "Die Hard" rut you're most likely living in.

If this list has done its job correctly, hopefully, you won't be stuck watching "Love Actually" or "Miracle on 34th Street" for the 100th time (but if you're looking for more classic suggestions, head here).