Winter Break 2023: Tired of 'Home Alone'? Make room for these new seasonal classics

If you were to go around Rutgers, asking students what their favorite holiday movies were, there are a few common answers you'd get.

There are childhood staples like "Home Alone" from 1990, "Elf" from 2003 and "Polar Express" from 2004. There are also classics that our parents might have introduced to us, including "It's a Wonderful Life" from 1946, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from 1965 and "A Christmas Story" from 1983.

It'd be a safe bet to say that most of the holiday-themed movies mentioned would be from before 2010.

In recent years, it's difficult to remember any festive films that have made even a fraction of the impact that these entries have. Still, there are many quality, modern holiday movies out there, you just have to know where to look — and that would be in the Inside Beat section, of course!

"Krampus" (2015)

Christmas movies are usually dominated by certain genres like drama and comedy, so it's rare to see a full-fledged horror movie centered around the holiday like "Krampus."

In the film, on Christmas night, Max (Emjay Anthony) becomes disillusioned with the holiday due to his family's dysfunction. Consequently, Krampus, a beast from German folklore, begins terrorizing Max for his lack of holiday spirit.

Max's mother Sarah (Toni Collette), father Tom (Adam Scott) and the rest of his extended family must attempt to put their differences aside in order to stop the creature and save Max.

Outside of some specific moments, "Krampus" is admittedly not the scariest movie, but it more than makes up for it with its creativity.

It features some distinct imagery and inventive horror takes on usual Christmas fare, including killer gingerbread men. The special effects are incredibly well done, conveying a sense of passion behind the project that many corporate holiday movies lack.

The film also boasts an ensemble of hilariously cruel characters that audiences root for to get their comeuppance. Despite all the great aspects of the holiday season, "Krampus" rightfully highlights how it can also bring out the worst in people.

At its core, "Krampus" is a surprisingly relatable film about learning to co-exist with your mean cousins and annoying uncles during the holidays, wrapped in a unique horror-inspired bow.

"Carol" (2015)

Most holiday movies are overly happy and cheerful, but "Carol" immediately stands out, focusing on the underlying melancholy of Christmastime.

Therese (Rooney Mara), an aspiring photographer, befriends wealthy housewife, Carol (Cate Blanchett) during the holiday season in 1950s New York City. Amid the stress and chaos of late December and early January, the two grow close, becoming entangled in an affair that threatens to uproot their entire lives.

Despite its seemingly tongue-in-cheek title, "Carol" doesn’t revolve around Christmas like some of the other entries on this list. Instead, it uses the holiday as a backdrop for the film, exploring the contradictory nature of being alone during the most wonderful time of year.

The movie isn't all bleak, though. It makes sure to sprinkle in some heart-warming moments, particularly through its main characters, illustrating how even the most directionless people can find purpose in one another. "Carol" is a uniquely mature take on the holiday season and one that everyone should watch at least once.

"Klaus" (2019)

We've all heard the story behind Santa and Christmas a million times, but the animated comedy "Klaus" offers a genuine and original take. 

Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), a selfish, down-on-his-luck postman is dispatched to a run-down post office in the middle of a tiny, miserable island. Influenced by local toymaker Klaus (J.K. Simmons), Jesper begins to shed his grumpy demeanor, and the two collaborate to invent some of the most well-known Christmas traditions to bring cheer to the island. 

Unlike the aforementioned "Carol," which is probably best watched alone or with a partner, "Klaus" is a fun adventure that the entire family will enjoy. With stunning animation and memorable voice acting, it's hard not to get swept up in its world.

While it caters to a younger audience, "Klaus" embodies the childhood wonder and magic of Christmas, which will resonate with even the biggest holiday Grinches.

"The Holdovers" (2023)

The most recently released film on this list, "The Holdovers," has all the makings of a new Christmas classic. 

Angus (Dominic Sessa), a troubled boarding school student is stranded on his school's New England campus during the winter break of 1970. Watching over him are his Scrooge-like history teacher Mr. Hunham (Paul Giamatti) and the reclusive lunch lady Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).

Instead of attempting a new twist on the traditional Christmas movie, "The Holdovers" excels in adapting the beloved formula. Everything from its 70s-centric soundtrack to its grainy aesthetic feels familiar and warm.

If not for the nostalgia, stay for Sessa, Giammati and Randolph, all of whom give wonderful performances, completing the impossible task of making a cast of initially unlikable characters tug at audiences' heartstrings.

If you're looking for something new to watch this holiday season, be sure to check out the films on this list.