As the holiday season approaches, Rotten Tomatoes unveils its list of the best new Christmas movies of 2024, delivering a mix of heartwarming classics, thrilling tales, and festive surprises. From hilarious family gatherings to chilling horror flicks, this year’s holiday offerings promise something for everyone.
Certified Fresh Films Leading the Pack
Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point
This festive drama captures both the joy and the challenges of holiday gatherings. Set in a small Long Island town, the story follows an extended family as they come together for Christmas, highlighting the humorous and often frustrating dynamics of family life. Directed by Tyler Taormina and starring Michael Cera, Elsie Fisher, and Sawyer Spielberg, the film resonates with its authentic portrayal of yuletide chaos.
Terrifier 3
For those craving something darker this holiday season, Terrifier 3 delivers a bloody, unrelenting slasher that contrasts the usual holiday cheer. Picking up after the horrors of Halloween, the film follows survivors Sienna and her brother as they face off against the malevolent Art the Clown. This gory thriller directed by Damien Leone has earned praise for its brutal, horror-filled holiday antics, perfect for fans of the genre.
An Almost Christmas Story
This heartwarming animated feature, available on Disney+, tells the story of Moon, a young owl who finds himself unexpectedly trapped in a Christmas tree. As the holiday magic unfolds, Moon discovers the true spirit of the season. Directed by David Lowery and featuring voices from Cary Christopher and Natasha Lyonne, this charming tale offers a fresh, family-friendly holiday experience.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Based on the beloved holiday book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever brings a group of misfit kids to the stage in a heartwarming story of redemption and holiday spirit. With Judy Greer and Lauren Graham starring, the film is a festive favorite that highlights the importance of community and kindness, all while offering a good dose of humor.
Holiday Thrills and Festive Adventures
Carnage for Christmas
This thriller follows a true-crime podcaster, Lola, as she returns to her hometown for Christmas after years of estrangement. What starts as a festive reunion soon turns into a chilling mystery. Directed by Alice Maio Mackay, this film offers a suspenseful twist on the usual holiday fare, featuring a standout performance from Dominique Booth.
Merry Christmas
Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, Merry Christmas takes a turn from traditional rom-coms, as two strangers meet on Christmas Eve only for the night to spiral into a nightmare. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this film blends romance with suspense, adding an unexpected layer of tension to the holiday narrative.
Hot Frosty
For those in the mood for a lighthearted, magical story, Hot Frosty delivers just that. After losing her husband, Kathy magically brings a snowman to life, leading to unexpected romance and lessons in love and loss. Starring Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milligan, this whimsical film is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of holiday magic with their holiday cheer.
Meet Me Next Christmas
This rom-com takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through New York City as Layla races against time to find the man of her dreams before Christmas ends. Featuring Christina Milian and Devale Ellis, the film combines romance, festive charm, and the thrill of a city at Christmastime.
A Mixed Bag for Audiences
That Christmas
Adapted from Richard Curtis’ beloved children’s book trilogy, That Christmas brings together a star-studded cast including Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, and Bill Nighy. While the movie promises heartwarming holiday moments, its pacing and tone may be divisive. Directed by Simon Otto, this film draws on Curtis’ signature wit but may not resonate with every viewer.
Red One
This action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans presents a high-energy holiday adventure after Santa is kidnapped. Despite its slick packaging and star-studded cast, Red One fell flat with critics, who found it lacking the holiday magic. However, audiences seem to enjoy it, awarding it a Verified Hot designation for its action-packed thrills. Directed by Jake Kasdan, this is one holiday film that might be better suited for action lovers than traditional Christmas fans.
A Year Full of Christmas Cheer
The 2024 holiday movie season has something for every taste—whether you prefer heartwarming tales, suspenseful thrillers, or a bit of bloody horror with your holiday cheer. As we unwrap these films, it’s clear that this season’s lineup delivers both fresh takes on beloved Christmas traditions and new, exciting entries that will quickly become holiday favorites.
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