Our favorite Christmas films to break away from the clichés

The decorations are up, the gifts are wrapped and the mulled wine is waiting for you, it's time to snuggle under a blanket in front of a good Christmas romantic comedy.

But upon rewatching, we realized that even though these films are always feel-good, we wouldn't want certain dynamics in real life. (Yes, Mark from Love Actually, we're thinking of you.)

To change things up, here is our selection of feature films that defy clichés and offer stories that are sometimes inspiring, sometimes feminist, and always in the festive spirit.

Noëlle

The synopsis

Noëlle immerses us in the magical world of the Kringle family, guardians of Christmas traditions and joy for generations. Noëlle Kringle (Anna Kendrick) is Santa's daughter and younger sister of the one who will have to take up the family mantle.

However, when her brother Nick, destined to take over as Santa Claus, feels overwhelming pressure as his first night of delivering presents approaches, Noelle embarks on a quest to find him. She then discovers an opportunity to unlock her own potential. 

Accompanied by the former reindeer herder, Elf Polly (Shirley MacLaine), Noelle sets out to find Nick, determined to save the magic of Christmas and overcome the family and social expectations placed upon her.

Throughout her journey, Noëlle embraces her own vision of the magic of Christmas, revealing her inner strength aided by unlikely allies.

Our opinion

A Disney film that brings a breath of fresh air to the holiday season by featuring a strong and determined female protagonist. Noelle breaks with traditional expectations and encourages viewers, especially young girls, to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams without conforming to preconceived norms.

Tokyo Godfathers

The synopsis

On Christmas Eve, three homeless people discover an abandoned baby in a pile of trash. Together, they embark on a quest to find the mother. Through this journey, we learn more about these three unusual protagonists, all scarred by life and separated from their families. As the story unfolds, they demonstrate unity, strength, and resilience. 

In their outrage at the abandonment of little Kiyoko, Gin, Hana and Miyuki will also realize their own cowardice and understand that, somewhere, their parents, wives or children are still waiting for them.

And so, by watching over the most vulnerable of beings, Gin, Hana and Miyuki will also be able to help each other and find each other again.

Our opinion

This is a work rich in both visuals and emotions. Its story celebrates compassion and family, while exploring themes of unconditional love and redemption . We want to believe in all the Christmas miracles that cross the paths of the main characters and are easily transported to this snow-covered Tokyo. 

Carol

The synopsis

This adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's eponymous novel immerses you in the intertwined destinies of two women in 1950s New York. Despite their distinct social backgrounds, they find themselves plunged into an unexpected love affair .

Faced with the rigid cultural norms of their time, they must confront their undeniable attraction, thus revealing the resilience of the heart in the face of change.

Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a young woman in her twenties, works as a clerk in a Manhattan department store. She longs for a more exciting life when her path crosses that of Carol (played by Cate Blanchett), a captivating woman trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. An immediate connection forms between them.

The innocence of their first encounter gradually fades, and their feelings evolve deeply. When Carol decides to end her marriage, her husband questions her maternal abilities, scrutinizing her relationship with Therese and her close bond with her best friend Abby (Sarah Paulson).

Our opinion

With a five-star cast , strong female characters, and a film that transcends its genre of lesbian romance, Carol is a gem brimming with emotion and tenderness. The film captivates you alongside this unlikely couple, holding your attention until its final ten minutes.

Black Christmas

The synopsis

In this modern reimagining of the 1974 cult classic, Sophia Takal offers a feminist perspective on the genre , immersing viewers in an intense and subversive thriller. The story unfolds within a college sorority during Christmas break.

As the young girls prepare for the holidays, they find themselves confronted by a misogynistic killer who sows terror within their circle. 

The growing threat is quickly overshadowed by the solidarity and determination of these women, led by Riley Stone (Imogen Poots), a survivor of sexual violence. Instead of remaining victims, they arm themselves and unite to confront this threat that seeks to silence them.

Our opinion

Okay, it might not be high art, maybe not even a true slasher, and it doesn't have the most subtle plot we've ever seen. But we still wanted to include it on this list because there's a cathartic aspect to watching female students beat up attackers and set fire to a dusty institution.

We hope this selection inspires you to explore new genres and create new holiday traditions. By highlighting strong female characters and unconventional journeys, these films modernize the holidays and allow you to celebrate them far from the clichés of romantic comedies . Looking for more inspiration to spend the holidays in the warmth? Discover our Made in Puissante cultural selection .