Christmas Movies Not About Christmas

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York City in the late 1940s. After the death of his father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the family's patriarch, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) takes over the family's criminal empire. He must contend with numerous rivals, including the Corleone's longtime lawyer, Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall). Against his better judgment and with the aid of his loyal lieutenant, Luca Brasi (Lenny Montana), Michael weaves his way through a complex web of crime, revenge, and betrayal to secure the family's future. Along the way, he forges alliances with some of the most powerful crime figures in the country and ruthlessly eliminates his enemies. Through it all, Michael remains loyal to his father's code: "A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man."

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a mischievous criminal who feigns insanity in order to serve time in a mental institution, to avoid a prison sentence. In the hospital, McMurphy clashes with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who demands conformity from her patients. He attempts to undermine her authority by organizing activities and encouraging his fellow patients to find freedom in their own ways. Despite McMurphy's actions, Nurse Ratched has the ultimate authority in the hospital, ultimately leading to a tragic ending. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a classic gangster movie about the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta). It follows his journey from a childhood of crime to the heights of the 1970s gangster scene, and ultimately to his downfall into the federal witness protection program. Along the way, Henry is frequently aided by his friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). The film also stars Lorraine Bracco as Hill's wife, Karen, and Paul Sorvino as his longtime mentor, Paul Cicero. Through its rapid-fire editing and iconic narration, the film is a thrilling and unforgettable exploration of the lives of these gangsters.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of a group of Marine Corps recruits during the Vietnam War. The first half of the movie focuses on the brutal and dehumanizing boot camp training they must go through to prepare for their deployment to Vietnam. The second half follows the Marines as they take part in the Battle of Huế in 1968, during which they are forced to confront their own moral choices and the realities of war. The film stars Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, and R. Lee Ermey, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
Rated Approved

The Apartment, released in 1960 and directed by Billy Wilder, is a classic romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), an aspiring office worker who reluctantly lends out his apartment to the higher-ups in his firm for their extramarital affairs. When he discovers his boss, Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), is having an affair with his elevator operator, Fran (Shirley MacLaine), Baxter finds himself in an awkward position. In order to win Fran's affections and also keep his job, Baxter is forced to make a difficult decision. The Apartment is a humorous and touching film that explores the complexities of a modern day romance.

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt is a 2012 Danish drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen. The story follows Lucas, a seemingly normal, small-town kindergarten teacher who is accused of a heinous crime involving one of his students. As the story progresses, Lucas and his family become victims of a vicious witch-hunt that spirals out of control. Through it all, Lucas maintains his innocence, even in the face of overwhelming public condemnation and threats of violence against him and his family. The Hunt is a powerful exploration of justice and the power of public opinion.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Rated R

Die Hard is an action film directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York cop who travels to Los Angeles to reunite with his estranged wife. When he arrives, he discovers that her office building is under siege by a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber, who are attempting to steal millions of dollars in bearer bonds from the building vault. McClane must battle the terrorists, prevent them from getting the bonds, and save his wife and the other hostages. With the help of a fellow cop, Sgt. Al Powell, and an off-duty LAPD officer, Sgt. Ellis, McClane takes on the terrorists in a violent and thrilling battle, ultimately emerging victorious.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 biographical crime drama directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The film is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. (DiCaprio), a young hustler who manages to con millions of dollars by posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer. With the help of FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks), the two develop an odd relationship as Hanratty tries to catch Frank. As the film progresses, it becomes clear why Frank continues his life of crime, and his journey of self-discovery and redemption begins. Frank's story is ultimately one of resilience, as he learns to accept himself and move on from his past mistakes.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bertil Guve, Pernilla Allwin, Kristina Adolphson, Börje Ahlstedt
Rated R

Fanny and Alexander is a Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. It tells the story of two siblings, Fanny and Alexander, who live with their large family in Uppsala, Sweden in the early 1900s. After their father's sudden death, their mother remarries, and the children are introduced to the strict rules of their new stepfather, Bishop Vergérus. Things become even more difficult for the family when the Bishop begins to mistreat them. When their mother is hospitalized, Fanny and Alexander are put into the care of the Bishop, who treats them harshly and forces them to follow his rules. Eventually, the siblings escape the Bishop's home and find refuge with their grandmother. Through their experiences, they learn valuable lessons about love, family, and the importance of standing up for yourself.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone. It stars Stallone as Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, an unknown boxer, gets a shot at the world heavyweight champion when he is chosen to fight the reigning champion, Apollo Creed. Rocky trains hard, with the help of a former boxer, Mickey Goldmill, and overcomes all the odds to go the distance with Creed, even though he is not expected to win. Rocky's determination, hard work, and sheer will to win inspire the people of Philadelphia and give hope to the underdog. The film won three Academy Awards and became an instant classic.

From Tom McCarthy, starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

Spotlight is a 2015 American biographical drama film written and directed by Tom McCarthy and starring an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, and Brian d'Arcy James. The film follows The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative unit in the United States, and its uncovering of the widespread sexual abuse scandal and subsequent cover-up within the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. As the reporters uncover evidence of a long history of abuse and cover-ups, and struggle with their own personal conflicts, they eventually uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment. The film was praised for its accurate portrayal of investigative journalism and for its use of dialogue and storytelling to convey the story without the need for extensive exposition or voice-over narration. Spotlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as Best Original Screenplay from six nominations.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler, with a screenplay by Karl Tunberg. The film stars Charlton Heston in the title role as a Jewish prince who is betrayed and falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Stephen Boyd), a Roman military tribune. Ben-Hur is arrested and sent into slavery, but later escapes and returns to seek revenge. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with a young Jewish woman and becomes a champion chariot racer. The story is based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which was adapted into a stage play and silent film in the early 20th century. The film won a record of eleven Academy Awards, breaking the record previously held by Gone with the Wind (1939). It was the second-most expensive film ever made up to that point, only surpassed by Around the World in 80 Days (1956).

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a comedy classic that follows the misadventures of Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is mistaken for the Messiah. After a series of humorous mishaps, Brian is arrested and sentenced to death, but is eventually rescued by his friends. Along the way, the film lampoons religious attitudes, politics, and bureaucracy, as well as satirizing the Roman occupation of Judea. The movie also takes a comedic look at the lives of everyday people living under Roman rule. Life of Brian is consistently hailed as one of the greatest comedies of all time and one of the most influential movies in film history.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane
Rated PG

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. The film follows the story of Alvy Singer, a comedian, and Annie Hall, an aspiring singer, as they embark on a relationship filled with both comedy and drama. As their relationship progresses, they must learn to navigate the complexities of modern life and love. From their initial meeting in a movie line, to their break-up and eventual reunion, the film explores their relationship through flashbacks and insights into their respective personalities. Along the way, Alvy and Annie must confront the hardships that come with the complex emotions of love, loss, and loneliness. Ultimately, the film is a humorous yet bittersweet exploration of the highs and lows of a modern love story.

From Tim Miller, starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Rated R

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film is directed by Tim Miller, written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, and stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular character alongside Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, and Brianna Hildebrand. The film follows Wade Wilson, a disfigured mercenary, who is subjected to an experimental procedure by Ajax that gives him superpowers. With his newfound abilities and a desire for revenge, Deadpool hunts down Ajax and his henchmen to get justice for what he has done to him. Along the way, he befriends a young mutant named Vanessa Carlysle and must also confront the villainous Francis. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time and the highest-grossing X-Men film of all time. It also received widespread praise for its humor, style, and Reynolds’ performance.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a 1955 American film noir directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. The plot follows a corrupt and sinister preacher who attempts to steal $10,000 from two children in order to fund his criminal activities. With the help of a kindly widow, the children evade the preacher’s clutches, who is eventually brought to justice. The film has become a classic and praised for its evocative cinematography and terrifying atmosphere, and is now considered one of the best films of all time.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 American romantic dark fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The film tells the story of an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation who has scissors for hands, who is taken in by a suburban family after being found abandoned by his creator. Despite his kind heart, Edward's hands make him an outcast in the neighborhood. As he struggles to find his place in the world, he must also contend with the growing affections of the suburban girl next door as well as the bitter jealousy of her boyfriend. Through his unique perspective on life, Edward ultimately helps the townspeople to open up their hearts and learn to appreciate their differences.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his 1999 novel of the same name. The film adaptation stars Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson. The story follows the life of a socially awkward high school freshman, Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is gradually accepted into the close circle of friends of fellow students Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). As the year progresses, Charlie struggles to reconcile his burgeoning friendship with the need to deal with his past trauma, while also trying to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Along the way, Charlie learns to accept himself and open up to others, eventually finding his true place among his friends.

From Jeff Feuerzeig, starring Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Laurie Allen
Rated PG-13

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a biographical documentary about the life of the legendary singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston. The film chronicles Johnston's rise to cult fame and eventual mental breakdown, as well as his struggles with manic-depression, a condition which has plagued him since childhood. Along the way, the audience is treated to a unique look at Johnston's creative genius, both as an illustrator and a musician. The film follows Johnston's personal and artistic journey, from his humble beginnings in West Virginia to his battle with the "devil" of mental illness, and his eventual rehabilitation. Featuring interviews with family and friends, archival footage, and the music of Johnston himself, The Devil and Daniel Johnston provides an intimate, sometimes heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring look at one of music's most original and beloved figures.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Luis Guzmán
Rated R

Boogie Nights is a 1997 film by director Paul Thomas Anderson that follows the lives of a group of ambitious porn actors and directors in the San Fernando Valley over the course of a decade, beginning in the late 1970s and concluding in the mid-1980s. The film focuses on Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), a young busboy who is discovered by porn director Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) and transforms into porn star Dirk Diggler. Along the way, Dirk and his new friends, including fellow porn stars Amber Waves (Julianne Moore) and Rollergirl (Heather Graham), deal with both professional and personal issues such as fame, jealousy, drug abuse, and the consequences of the rapidly changing porn industry. Boogie Nights is a thoughtful and often humorous look at a unique subculture and its inhabitants.

From Richard Brooks, starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart
Rated R

In Cold Blood is a 1967 American crime drama film directed by Richard Brooks, based on the novel of the same name by Truman Capote. The film tells the story of the 1959 murder of the four members of the Clutter family in rural Holcomb, Kansas by two drifters, Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Smith. The drama unfolds as the two men travel the country seeking a better life, eventually spiraling into a spiral of violence and despair. The film follows the pair from their initial crime, through their capture, trial, and eventual execution. The film stars Robert Blake and Scott Wilson as Hickock and Smith, respectively, and also features John Forsythe, Paul Stewart, and Jeff Corey in supporting roles. In Cold Blood is regarded as a landmark film in the modern crime genre, and is seen as one of the earliest examples of the so-called "New Hollywood" style of filmmaking.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a crime drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It tells the true story of Frank Lucas (Washington), a gangster from Harlem who rose to become the drug kingpin of New York City in the 1970s. Lucas goes up against a tenacious cop, Richie Roberts (Crowe), who is determined to bring Lucas down. Through Lucas' cunning and ruthless tactics, he establishes a drug empire that brings in millions of dollars. However, he soon discovers that there is a price to pay for his success. The film follows the two men as their paths cross and the story unfolds.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is the story of a couple’s divorce and its effect on their young son, Billy. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who is blindsided when his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) abruptly leaves him and their son. Ted must learn to take care of Billy while still trying to advance his career. Meanwhile, Joanna has a change of heart and decides she wants to resume custody of Billy, leading to a dramatic court battle. Throughout this process, both Ted and Joanna learn the importance of family and what it means to be a good parent.

From David Fincher, starring Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 crime thriller film, directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a member of a powerful Swedish industrialist family. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of corruption and violence that leads to shocking revelations. It is a gripping, suspenseful tale of revenge, justice, and redemption.

From Dalton Trumbo, starring Timothy Bottoms, Kathy Fields, Marsha Hunt, Jason Robards
Rated R

Johnny Got His Gun is a 1971 film based on the 1939 novel of the same name by Dalton Trumbo. It tells the story of Joe Bonham, a young American soldier who is severely wounded during World War I, losing his arms, legs, face, and ability to speak. Trapped in his own body, isolated from the world, Joe struggles to find a way to communicate with his loved ones and to make his existence known. Through flashbacks, dreams, and hallucinations, Joe reflects on his past, his dreams, and his relationship with his father, as he searches for a way to let the world know he is still alive. Johnny Got His Gun is an anti-war film that captures both the physical and emotional toll of war, and serves as an important reminder of the human cost of conflict.