Top 11 Movies That Are Really Christmas Movies

It's time to take a look back at eleven movies we love that we may not have realized were actually Christmas movies all along.  Just because there ain't no flying reindeer, contracts to make you Santa Claus (no E), or comedians dressed up as elves doesn't mean these aren't great Holiday classics in their own right. 

11. I Am Legend (2007)
Will Smith is alone with his dog in a world that was destroyed by disease... or something.  It was so long ago that I watched this movie.   Anyway, the genocide took place on Christmas Day so if you really don't like Christmas then this is the best place to start.
10. Trading Places (1983)
The classic comedy that features Eddie Murphy getting rich on Dan Aykroyd's money during the holiday season.  At the end of the day, who hasn't spent a little bit of Aykroyd's money at some point in their lives?
9. Mean Girls (2004)
Alright, this one takes place over an entire school year, but who could forget that little holiday assembly number featuring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams in slutty Santa costumes?  Add in the fact that they probably just turned 18 at that point, and you've got a film worthy of roasting your chestnuts over.

They don't look so mean...

8. The Ref (1994)
Dennis Leary robs your house and ends up smelling like cat piss for 90+ minutes.  It's a decent comedy, and I'm not just saying that because Leary is a huge Bruins fan too. 
7. Just Friends (2005)
What happens when the fat kid comes home and turns out to be rich, attractive, and really annoying?  If you're a chick, it probably doesn't matter much so long as he looks like Ryan Reynolds.  That guy could make sweet love to all the women in a room before getting all the way in the door.
6. Trapped In Paradise (1994)
Nicolas Cage normally doesn't make good movies, but thanks to Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey, he's got a funny hit on his hands.  This is the tale of three bank robbers on Christmas Eve who end up breaking back into the bank to put the money back when Nicolas Cage has a change of heart.

Everybody can change!

5. Lethal Weapon (1987)
Celebrate the birth of Christ with Mel Gibson 15 years before that "Passion" film!  And also, I just recently learned that Danny Glover's "Too Old For This Shit" house is the same house that the annoying neighbors in National Lampoons' Christmas Vacation live in.  Well, sonofabitch!
4. Rocky IV (1985)
The greatest fight in history, Rocky Balboa versus Ivan Drago, brings east and west together.  If Rocky can change, and YOU can change, then everybody can change... and it all goes down in Russia on Christmas Day!
3. Batman Returns (1992)
Leave it to Tim Burton to associate Christmas with people dressed up as bats, cats, and penguins.  And Christopher Walken.  That guy just screams Christmastime. 
2. Die Hard (1988)
Truth be told: I never liked Bruce Willis until I saw The Whole Nine Yards and heard his mayonnaise rant.  When I saw Die Hard, and Willis saved the day in his bare feet, I could finally appreciate him as an action hero.  Yippi-ki-yay, mother fucker.
1. Gremlins (1984)
Don't put them in the light... don't get them wet... and don't fucking feed them after midnight!  From the opening sequence with my very favorite Christmas song of all time ("Christmas [Baby, Please Come Home]" by Darlene Love) to the multi-Gremlin massacre around the Christmas Tree... this is just a pure gem.

- ryan of the ryan fan club

awwwww... his buddies are gonna tear up the city.