17 Best Christmas Movies to Put On After the Kids Go to Bed (2025)

Christmas is right around the corner and there's no better time to cozy up with loved ones and watch your favorite holiday movie. With so many PG-rated classics, there's no shortage of holiday films that are suitable for the whole family. But when the adults need some alone time, they may want to watch something that's a little edgier, a little raunchier, but still chock-full of Christmas Spirit.

Here, we list some of the best Christmas movies with more adult themes, perfect for when the kids go to bed. These include some classics along with new movies from the last decade. Keep in mind that some of these movies might be okay for older teens. But if you want something to curl up to with just adults, these aren't your garden-variety Santa stories.

Updated on December 19, 2023, by Christine Persaud: Parents looking for adult-only Christmas movies will be glad to hear this list has been updated with more movies and information.

17 Bad Santa (2003)

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Bad Santa

R

Release Date

November 26, 2003

Cast

Billy Bob Thornton , Tony Cox , Brett Kelly , Lauren Graham , Lauren Tom , Bernie Mac

If you're into dark comedies, 2003's Bad Santa certainly delivers. Every year, leading men Willie and Marcus pose as a mall Santa and elf to rip off nearby stores. This year, Willie is more depressed and vulnerable than ever, leading to an onslaught of shenanigans. With sexy scenes and downright naughty laughs, Bad Santa is as R-rated as Christmas movies come.

What Makes It Great?

Billy Bob Thornton always shines in these pessimistic, down-on-their-luck characters, and Bad Santa is no exception. While the character is a conman, he's also a reflection of every dejected Santa actor kids may have come across at their local mall. His chemistry with Lauren Graham also helps move the story forward. But it's really the relationship between Willie and a little boy named Thurman that truly makes the movie. Even though it's not a typical sappy Christmas movie, the ending does provide a healthy dose of Christmas positivity. The movie was so popular, it spawned a sequel, Bad Santa 2. Stream on Paramount+.

16 National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

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christmas vacation

PG-13

Comedy

Release Date

November 30, 1989

Director

Jeremiah S. Chechik

Cast

Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo , Juliette Lewis , Johnny Galecki , John Randolph , Diane Ladd

Runtime

97

How can you go wrong with a classic like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Follow the Griswold family as they try (and fail) to have a perfect, traditional Christmas celebration. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is desperate to make this Christmas the best ever for his family. Despite worrying about work and getting his bonus, he goes all out. Naturally, plenty of hijinks ensue as he attempts to make his house the best on the block and deal with his crazy extended family.

What Makes It Great?

With its slapstick comedy and goofy fun, it's no wonder the movie has become a staple of the holiday season, perfect if you're looking for lots of laughs and a hint of nostalgia. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a classic movie worth watching again and again. Any family dealing with the pressures of Christmas will relate to the movie. It takes some wild turns as well that make the film pure, unadulterated fun. Stream on Hulu or Max.

15 Four Christmases (2008)

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Four Christmases

Release Date

November 26, 2008

Cast

Vince Vaughn , Reese Witherspoon , Robert Duvall , Jon Favreau , Mary Steenburgen , Dwight Yoakam , Tim McGraw , Kristin Chenoweth , Jon Voight , Sissy Spacek

Rating

In Four Christmases, Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughan shine as Brad and Kate, a married couple with severely dysfunctional families. Since both Brad and Kate come from divorced households, their Christmas is spent traveling from house to house, with each adventure full of mayhem and chaos.

What Makes It Great?

This Christmas classic is perfect for lovers of the romantic comedy genre. The movie is relatable in so many ways. Those who come from quirky and chaotic families of divorce can completely understand the frantic nature of trying to fit everyone in for the holidays. There are also some touching moments, and the overarching theme about the importance of family, no matter how much of a headache they can be at times. Stream on Hulu or Max.

14 The Night Before (2015)

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The Night Before

R

Release Date

November 25, 2015

Cast

Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Jillian Bell , Seth Rogen , Lizzy Caplan , Anthony Mackie

Main Genre

Comedy

The Night Before takes place on Christmas Eve when three childhood best friends reunite to find the best party in New York City. Ethan, Isaac, and Chris have made it a tradition to spend Christmas Eve chasing parties, and decide that this year, they're going to outdo themselves and somehow make it to the best party: the Nutcracker Ball.

Related: The Best TV Christmas Episodes of All Time, Ranked

What Makes It Great?

Full of drugs and booze, The Night Before certainly brings a different kind of holiday spirit. The three leads excel in comedic performances, and together, they make a hilarious grouping. The supporting and guest cast list adds to the fun, including names like Mindy Kaling, Michael Shannon, Tracy Morgan, and even Miley Cyrus as herself. Stream on FuboTV or Tubi.

13 Office Christmas Party (2016)

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Office Christmas Party

R

Release Date

December 9, 2016

Cast

Olivia Munn , Karan Soni , Jason Bateman , Courtney B. Vance , T.J. Miller , Kate McKinnon , Randall Park , Rob Corddry , Jamie Chung , Sam Richardson , Matt Walsh , Jillian Bell , Abbey Lee , Jennifer Aniston , Vanessa Bayer

Main Genre

Comedy

Office Christmas Party takes corporate America back to college. The interim CEO of a big company says if the team can land a massive contract, she won't follow through with her promise to cut 40 percent of the workforce. When the entire firm is at risk of losing their jobs, they devise a solution, one that includes throwing a mega-Christmas bash to win over a major client in order to come together as a team.

What Makes It Great?

With its star-studded cast that includes Jason Bateman, Jennifer Anniston, and Olivia Munn, Office Christmas Party is full of sex-fueled, gross-out laughs. It's a hilarious look at the sad reality of lay-offs and cutbacks, and an attempt to impress a client that gets way out of hand. It's a wild ride throughout, and while Office Christmas Party hangs its hat on raunchy humor, sometimes, that's all you want and need. Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV+, or Google Play.

12 Scrooged (1988)

In another throwback film, Scrooged re-imagines Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. The story follows a television executive who is rude, uncaring, and generally selfish. Soon, he finds himself visited by three ghosts. They warn him that he's heading fast toward a lonely and meaningless demise. Will he change for the better and find his Christmas spirit?

What Makes It Great?

While the messaging in Scrooged is a good one for kids, it's also a wake-up call for working parents who might not realize how much time they spend focusing on their jobs. It's an enlightening movie delivered with a dose of holiday magic. Bill Murray's performance as the grouchy boss who wants his entire staff to work overtime on Christmas Eve is second to none. Stream on Prime Video or Paramount+.

11 Krampus (2015)

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Krampus

PG-13

Release Date

December 4, 2015

Cast

Luke Hawker , Toni Collette , Adam Scott , Emjay Anthony , Allison Tolman , Stefania Owen , David Koechner , Conchata Ferrell

Runtime

98minutes

Main Genre

Horror

Sure you've heard of Santa Claus, but have you heard of Krampus? As one of only a few holiday horror films, Krampus follows a young boy who loses his Christmas spirit and thus releases an ancient demon to wreak havoc on his family. Krampus, originating from European myth, adds a darker side to Christmas lore. Keep the Christmas tree lights on if you dare watch this flick.

What Makes It Great?

Krampus brings the world of folklore into the Christmas movie genre, offering a spin that's different from the usual. While the movie received mixed reviews, it topped the box office when it opened. It's praised for offering "gory good fun" and it's the perfect movie to watch if you are still looking for some scares to offset all the holiday cheer. Stream on Peacock.

10 A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)

Christmas can definitely be a stressful time, especially for mothers who want to make the holiday special for their families. When three overworked mothers decide to rebel against the expectations set on them during the holidays, things quickly take a turn in A Bad Moms Christmas. Soon, their own mothers help create more chaos as Christmas quickly goes south.

What Makes It Great?

There aren't many Christmas movies dedicated to women, and A Bad Moms Christmas is a raunchy comedy that's perfect to watch with girlfriends during a sleepover night. Each mom is relatable in her own way, from the desperate to-please mom to the one who never goes out and lets loose and the party mom. It's a movie about moms taking back Christmas, which is something every mother will fist pump into the air and appreciate watching. Stream on FuboTV.

9 Die Hard (1988)

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Die Hard

R

Release Date

July 15, 1988

Cast

Bruce Willis , Bonnie Bedelia , Reginald VelJohnson , Paul Gleason , William Atherton , Hart Bochner

Main Genre

Action

Yes, we believe Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and a great one at that. Taking place on Christmas Eve, John McClane is forced to spring into action during a holiday party that is overtaken by terrorists. As a skilled police officer, McClane must save the hostages and take down the bad guys in the ultimate Christmas thriller.

Related: The Best Christmas Action Movies to Watch If You Love Die Hard

What Makes It Great?

It goes without saying that Die Hard is the perfect Christmas movie for adults who aren't really into Christmas movies. The only tie-in with the holiday season is that the events in the action-packed movie take place over Christmas. Beyond that, there's no holiday cheer or corny holiday message. But society has spoken and Die Hard has been declared a Christmas movie worth queuing up year after year. It's perfect for the anti-Christmas movie person and makes a great compromise film to watch. Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV+, or Google Play.

8 Black Christmas (2019)

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Black Christmas

PG-13

Release Date

December 13, 2019

Cast

Imogen Poots , Aleyse Shannon , Lily Donoghue , Brittany O'Grady , Caleb Eberhardt , Cary Elwes , Simon Mead , Madeleine Adams , Nathalie Morris , Ben Black , Zoe Robins , Ryan McIntyre , Mark Neilson , Lucy Currey , Jonny McBride

Main Genre

Horror

In our second horror entry, Black Christmas is perfect for slasher fans. In this flick, a group of young sorority women are preparing for holiday parties and fun. However, the girls are soon preyed on by a vicious Christmas killer. With threatening text messages, talk of black magic, and sinister plans, there's a lot to unpack in this movie.

What Makes It Great?

A loose remake of the 1974 horror movie of the same name, Black Christmas is full of thrills and kills. It's sure to send shivers down your spine. While the movie received mixed reviews, some appreciate the timely feminist themes. The sharp dialogue and urgency of the scenes through the plot add to the intensity, making this an unusual but interesting choice for the holiday season. Stream on Netflix.

7 Love Actually (2003)

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Love Actually

R

Release Date

November 14, 2003

Cast

Colin Firth , Emma Thompson , Liam Neeson , Keira Knightley , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Laura Linney , Alan Rickman , Hugh Grant , Bill Nighy , Andrew Lincoln

Main Genre

Comedy

Love Actually is another staple holiday movie that tells the stories of multiple couples as they attempt to navigate their complicated love lives. It depicts all types of love, from a couple going through marital woes, a Prime Minister balancing the obligations of his job with his attraction for an employee, a young man trying to find himself, and a washed-up pop star and his bond with a best friend.

What Makes It Great?

The movie has equal parts romance and comedy; with so many different but intertwined character stories to follow, Love Actually is sure to not only hold your attention but raise your holiday spirits too. You'll run through various emotions throughout, from sadness to happiness. There are heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments. The acting is spot-on and the opening and closing scenes, which feature real families reuniting at the airport, will tug at heartstrings. The movie and its messaging about how love is all around in so many forms never gets old. Stream on Netflix or AMC+.

6 Almost Christmas (2016)

Almost Christmas follows a grieving family as they look to spend the holidays together after their mother's death. Though well-intentioned, the family is highly dysfunctional. Nonetheless, Dad hopes that all his kids and their respective families can get along, so he gets his own deserved Christmas miracle.

What Makes It Great?

The film is at times, emotionally intense, but silly at the same time, perfect for fans of drama and comedy. Almost Christmas might actually be therapeutic for a family going through the same situation. It provides some light comedy to help you get through a difficult situation of any kind. Danny Glover shines as the lead character, and he is supported by a talented cast that includes Omar Epps, J.B. Smoove, and Gabrielle Union. It's considered one of those Christmas movies worth watching again and again because of the positive messaging and touching storyline. Stream on FuboTV or Peacock.

5 Violent Night (2022)

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Violent Night

R

Release Date

December 2, 2022

Cast

David Harbour , John Leguizamo , Beverly D'Angelo , Cam Gigandet , Brendan Fletcher , Edi Patterson , Alex Hassell

Runtime

101 minutes

Main Genre

Action

Read Our Review

Kids love David Harbour as Chief Jim Hopper in Stranger Things. But his character in Violent Night is not appropriate for their innocent eyes. Here, Santa is a skilled and violent killer who does what needs to be done when a family is kidnapped by "Mr. Scrooge" and his merry band of mercenaries. The action comedy has elements of humor, but make no mistake, it's a parents-only film.

What Makes It Great?

When parents are sick of the overly sweet, adorable Christmas movies they have watched on repeat with the kids all holiday season, they can curl up to this film that combines Christmas cheer with high-octane action. For family members who aren't into sappy comedies or animated movies, Violent Night is a great compromise. Our reviewer praised the "savage Santa Claus" interpretation in the movie and Harbour's scene-stealing performance. Stream on Prime Video.

4 EXmas (2023)

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EXmas

Not Rated

Release Date

November 17, 2023

Cast

Leighton Meester , Robbie Amell , Michael Hitchcock , Kathryn Greenwood

Runtime

1hr 33min

Main Genre

Comedy

Imagine showing up at your family's home for Christmas only to find your ex there. This nightmare is what happens to Graham (Robbie Amell) in EXmas when he finds his ex at his parents' home. Now, he has to fight for his own family's affection. Only one of them can stay if it's going to be a merry Christmas. Naturally, plenty of chaos ensues.

RELATED: The 11 Best Christmas Movies Of The 21st Century (So Far)

What Makes It Great?

Amell and Leighton Meester are both popular actors. Putting them together in this Christmas comedy strikes gold. It's an elevated Hallmark-style movie that plays up all the best parts of its romance and comedy. EXmas knows exactly what it is and how to make the most of its campy laughs. Stream on Freevee.

3 A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)

The very description as a buddy stoner Christmas comedy is an indication that , initially titled A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (yes, you can watch in 3D with an appropriate display and equipment) is not meant for kids. As the third installment in the popular franchise, Harold and Kumar are drifters who, after the events of the previous movie, decided to go their separate ways. Kumar is still lacking direction, but Harold has become a successful, married businessman who has gotten his life together. It doesn't take long, however, for the pair to get up to their old antics once they reunite.

What Makes It Great?

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas is totally silly fun with sophomoric jokes that will have parents trying to hold in their giggles, so they don't wake the kids. The story gets increasingly ridiculous as the plot thickens, from the men running from the Russian mob to accidentally shooting Santa. It's raunchy and vulgar, but if you're into that, this is a top-tier movie to check out. Stream on Max.

2 Gremlins (1984)

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Gremlins

PG

Release Date

June 7, 1984

Cast

Phoebe Cates , Corey Feldman , Zach Galligan , Hoyt Axton , Polly Holliday , Howie Mandel

Runtime

106 minutes

Like Die Hard​​​​​​, Gremlinsisn't typically considered a "Christmas" movie. But it's a perfect one to watch through the holiday season because the events in the movie take place on Christmas Eve. When a young man receives a weird creature as a gift, he's elated until he discovers that it is spawning other creatures. These aren't adorable puppies: they are out for destruction and mischief.

What Makes It Great?

A classic worth watching again and one that those of the new generation will love seeing for the first time, Gremlins has become part of pop culture history. Howie Mandel is perfect as the voice of the creature and while the special effects are child's play by today's standards, it's entertaining, nonetheless. While it's heavy on the violence, Gremlins is downright entertaining, even for those who might wince and look away every now and then. Stream on Max.

1 Trading Places (1983)

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Trading Places

R

Release Date

June 8, 1983

Cast

Eddie Murphy , Jamie Lee Curtis , Ralph Bellamy , Don Ameche , Dan Aykroyd , Denholm Elliott

Runtime

116 minutes

Main Genre

Comedy

Widely considered to be one of Eddie Murphy's best performances, Trading Places isn't just a Christmas movie but also deep social commentary. Louis is a member of the upper-class while Billy Ray is a street beggar and con man. The two become the subject of a bet, tasked with switching their life circumstances. Can they survive?

What Makes It Great?

As noted, Trading Places is more than just a comedy. It digs deeper into cultural and socio-economical themes. Murphy is at his best in this iconic film, as is Dan Aykroyd. The scenes with Louis discovering what it's truly like to live in the shoes of someone less fortunate than him, juxtaposed with the fact that he's in a Santa Claus costume, are downright tragic. The movie does have a happy ending, so while it's depressing at times, the comedic performances by both Murphy and Aykroyd manage to offset that. Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Google Play.

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