By Matija Šerić
“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” (2010)
The fact that many quality Christmas-themed films have been made outside of Hollywood is proven by this Finnish film, which involved co-producers from Norway, Sweden, and France. It is an unusual fantasy-horror comedy. Director and screenwriter Jalmari Helander let his imagination run wild, and the results are impressive. Originality is the film’s main characteristic. The work is a dark Christmas fantasy that depicts a group of Finnish researchers and local villagers who discover that the real Santa Claus is actually an ancient, dangerous mythological creature buried in the mountains of Lapland. When strange thefts, child disappearances, and unexplainable events begin to occur, a boy named Pietari and his friend Juuso realize that something ancient has awakened. With the help of their father and the villagers, they try to stop the threat that will change everything they thought they knew about Christmas. The film won numerous awards, including an award at the Locarno International Film Festival.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Although the entire Home Alone series of six films is phenomenal, the first movie remains the best. Director Chris Columbus and screenwriter John Hughes created a timeless masterpiece. Macaulay Culkin portrays Kevin McCallister, a clever eight-year-old who, after being accidentally left behind by his family in Chicago (they fly to Paris for a Christmas vacation), becomes the sole defender of the family home against two burglars who are more clumsy than dangerous. Alongside Culkin, the film features recognizable actors like Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara, complemented by excellent music and humor. Interestingly, the film initially received mixed reviews but quickly became a fan favorite. It earned $476.7 million, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 1990. Home Alone is the number one highest-grossing Christmas film in the world.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
This title belongs to the category of unconventional Christmas movies. Director Ron Howard and screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman created a fantastic Christmas comedy inspired by the 1957 children’s book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. The film (narrated by Anthony Hopkins) follows the grumpy green recluse, the Grinch, who lives in a cave above the town of Whoville and despises everything related to Christmas. When the townspeople begin their noisy and joyful celebrations again, the Grinch (played by Jim Carrey) decides to steal Christmas by taking away their gifts, decorations, and everything that matters to them. However, a meeting with little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) gradually changes his heart, and the Grinch discovers that the true meaning of Christmas is not in material things but in togetherness. After Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the most commercially successful holiday film of all time.
“Love Actually” (2003)
This is a title that continues to delight viewers no matter how many times it is watched. Director Richard Curtis assembled a cast and production team from the U.S., the U.K., and France. As an international project, the film proved to be a complete success. Love Actually is a warm Christmas romantic comedy that follows ten interconnected stories exploring different forms of love: romantic, friendly, familial, and unrequited. The plot unfolds in the six weeks leading up to Christmas in London, where we follow characters such as a new Prime Minister who falls for his assistant, a widower trying to help his stepson win a crush, a writer finding love far from home, and a musician desperately chasing a comeback. The emotions range from euphoria to embarrassment to hysteria, all brought by and revolving around love. As the plot progresses, the stories intertwine. The epilogue takes place on New Year’s Day. The film shows that love comes in many forms and often appears where least expected.
“Elf” (2003)
Elf is an American Christmas comedy directed by Jon Favreau. The story follows Buddy, a man who accidentally ended up at the North Pole as a baby and grew up among elves, believing he was one himself. When he realizes as an adult that he doesn’t quite fit in, he sets off for New York to find his real father and discover his own identity. In the big city, Buddy’s naive, childlike optimism creates chaos but spreads the Christmas spirit to everyone around him, showing how joy and kindness can transform people. The cast, including Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and others, delivers a perfect ensemble for a brilliant 97-minute show. The film combines humor and warmth, with Buddy’s childlike enthusiasm and absurd situations creating comedic moments while delivering a sincere message about family, love, and goodness.
“Bad Santa” (2003)
This dark comedy has become an essential staple of Christmas film releases. Director Terry Zwigoff and screenwriters Glenn Ficarra and John Requa created a timeless hit. The Coen brothers served as executive producers, adding extra quality to the project. The plot follows William “Willie” Soke (Billy Bob Thornton), a cynical, alcohol-prone criminal who every year dresses as Santa Claus to rob shopping malls during the holidays. His accomplice is the dwarf Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox). Their Christmas robbery plan becomes complicated when Willie befriends a naive ten-year-old boy named Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly). The protagonist unexpectedly confronts his own emotional emptiness. The film is an unconventional, darkly humorous parody of Christmas movies, mixing vulgar humor, cynicism, and unexpected warmth in a story about human vulnerability.
