The Best Sci-Fi Christmas Movies

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Summary

  • Sci-fi Christmas movies are a rarity despite a few standout classics.
  • Examples include Santa Claus Conquers The Martians & Iron Man 3.
  • The best balance of sci-fi & Christmas is seen in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

As someone who has spent countless Christmases watching everything from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Die Hard”, I can confidently say that the list you’ve compiled is a delightful journey through the interstellar holiday season. Each of these movies captures the essence of Christmas in their unique ways, whether it’s Batman fighting crime under the mistletoe or the Guardians of the Galaxy celebrating with Kevin Bacon.

Christmas films and sci-fi movies are akin to distant relatives who seldom cross paths. Each genre individually enjoys immense popularity with viewers, but it’s unusual for them to intersect. One might wonder if extraterrestrials are indifferent to holiday cheer, or perhaps robots lack the capacity for festivity. Could it be that experiments in a lab never malfunction during the Yuletide season? These seem like unlikely scenarios, yet they appear to be the assumptions Hollywood has made when producing films.

Although not many films combine the genres of science fiction and Christmas, the ones that do are intriguingly rare given their potential for popularity. Ranging from humorous sci-fi interpretations to classic cult favorites to contemporary superhero stories, here are the top sci-fi Christmas movies currently available, organized based on their quality as films and how much they embody the holiday spirit.

8. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)

The Title Alone Is A Selling Point

If a film like “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” fails to attract viewers, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the future of movie production. This type of 60s sci-fi flick lost its serious edge from the start, right when the script was penned. That’s not necessarily a negative aspect, but it does lead to a unique form of entertainment that is equally unsuitable for taking too seriously, as doing so might prove dull and tedious.

In the movie, Martians are worried about their offspring’s uniqueness and believe they need an Earth-like Christmas to celebrate. They concoct a scheme to abduct Santa Claus for this purpose. However, upon reaching Earth, they are deceived by numerous imposter Santas, leading them to seize two human children instead to help locate the genuine Santa. The movie maintains its absurdity consistently but concludes on a heartwarming note that is typical of Christmas films.

7. The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

It’s Not Good, But It’s Star Wars

There’s no more clear indication of how sparse the collection of sci-fi Christmas movies is than finding that even The Star Wars Holiday Special – a production that doesn’t even manage to secure last place on this list – fails to impress. This television special was universally bashed upon its release and remains notorious as one of the poorest Star Wars productions ever made.

Even for die-hard Star Wars fans, this special is a struggle to get through. What’s amazing is that this was the second Star Wars-related movie ever released, coming just one year after A New Hope and intended to bridge the gap between that movie and The Empire Strikes Back. This was also the debut appearance of one Boba Fett. He went on to become an iconic Star Wars character, even starring in his own Disney+ series, but he made his first on-screen appearance in a Christmas special. How about that?

6. Iron Man 3 (2013)

Tony Stark’s Reckoning Comes During The Holidays

The initial Marvel Cinematic Universe film that continued the storyline from 2012’s “Marvel’s Avengers” received varied reactions, mainly due to the changes made to the well-known Iron Man comic book antagonist, The Mandarin. However, independently, Iron Man 3 offers an engaging, semi-noir narrative filled with espionage, super soldier serums (not the ones you might be thinking of), and holiday cheer—specifically Christmas. During this festive season, Tony Stark faces his post-traumatic stress disorder, engages in a fight against both The Mandarin and Aldrich Killian, and even vanishes to a quaint town in Tennessee.

Although the film isn’t set primarily during Christmas and much of it occurs in Malibu instead (making it appear more like summer than winter), the scenes featuring Tony bonding with Harley Keener carry a distinct Christmas atmosphere. They include snowfall, Christmas trees, and even a Christmas gift exchange from Tony to Harley. The film concludes with a Christmas light display, where Tony destroys all his Iron Man suits as a romantic gesture towards Pepper Potts, thus making it a fittingly festive Marvel movie, despite not being the most overtly Christmassy one.

5. A Message From Mars (1913)

The First British Sci-Fi Movie Ever Made Was Also A Christmas Movie

It’s no wonder that A Christmas Carol, widely regarded as the best Christmas tale, has inspired a unique science fiction adaptation (interestingly, the only sci-fi retelling in film format). One such adaptation is A Message From Mars, a 1913 silent movie and the first British science fiction film ever produced.

Horace Parker is wealthy yet unkind, often mistreating those around him and demanding they mirror his behavior perfectly. His fiancée, Minnie, is considering ending their relationship, with the impending event being Christmas Eve. Suddenly, an unusual visitor from Mars appears to Horace, leading him on a tour of town where they eavesdrop on conversations about Horace when he’s absent. In a twist reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge, these insights prompt Horace to reform himself before the holiday arrives.

4. Gremlins (1984)

Don’t Spill Water On Them

Although not traditionally thought of as a Christmas movie, the storyline of Gremlins significantly revolves around the holiday season. In fact, if Die Hard can be classified as a Christmas movie, then it’s reasonable to consider Gremlins in that same category, although it offers an unusual take on the genre. This is because the movie unfolds during Christmas, explores themes of friendship and trust between strangers, and the entire storyline revolves around the giving of a Christmas gift.

The gift that the hard-up inventor bought for his son is actually a creature known as a Mogwai, or Gremlin. This pet comes with three crucial guidelines: Exposure to sunlight is lethal, avoid getting it wet, and never feed it after dark. Despite these warnings, the Mogwai finds its way into the family’s home, where young Randall gives it to his son Billy. Predictably, the rules are broken as the story unfolds, leading to a city-wide Gremlin uprising. In the end, it falls on Billy and his pet Mogwai, Gizmo, to bring order back and put an end to the invasion.

3. Brazil (1985)

Have A Dystopian Consumerist Christmas

Unlike traditional Christmas movies, Brazil, even when compared to other unconventional ones on this list, doesn’t embody holiday cheer or end with heartwarming messages. Instead, Terry Gilliam’s dystopian sci-fi masterpiece portrays Christmas as a pestilence, a manipulative distraction enforced by the oppressive regime controlling its citizens. To make matters worse, this government is run by fools, transforming the film into a sharp amalgamation of the themes found in 1984 and Idiocracy.

Sam Lowry is an ordinary employee in the government who prefers to blend in, yet yearns for romance and excitement. However, a typo causes the mistaken arrest and subsequent death of Archibald Buttle rather than Archibald Tuttle, the suspected terrorist. This administrative error sends shockwaves through Lowry’s life, pushing him to address the bureaucratic mistake and eventually break free from his monotonous existence. The film Brazil concludes on a rather grim tone, deviating from the usual Christmas movie spirit. Nevertheless, Christmas plays a crucial role in the film, not as a cause for celebration, but as a means to convey a harsh and sobering critique.

2. Batman Returns (1992)

Christmas In Gotham

Batman Returns can be seen as the sci-fi equivalent of the action movie, Die Hard, during the festive season. Just like how Die Hard uses New York City as a backdrop without being about the city itself, Batman Returns utilizes Christmas without making it the central theme. It’s set during Christmas, has a significant scene involving a Christmas tree, mentions mistletoe frequently, and ends with a holiday greeting. However, much like Die Hard, the film’s plot points are primarily driven by the setting of Christmas rather than being a traditional Christmas story.

In a twist of fate, Oswald, once relinquished by his affluent parents as an infant, resurfaces in Gotham City as The Penguin, the mastermind behind the Red Triangle gang. His ambition is to regain entry into the city’s high society, regardless of the methods employed, and it falls upon Batman to thwart his plans. Yet, a complicating factor emerges in the guise of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, who develops a romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne while engaging in a feud with Batman. Although it may not elicit the same warm, fuzzy feelings as typical Christmas movies, Batman Returns is an excellent film and a highly suitable choice for viewing during the holiday season.

1. The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)

The Perfect Holiday Recipe

Among the films on this compilation, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” stands out as the one that masterfully combines its sci-fi storyline with the charming essence of Christmas. While it might be brief, at only 40 minutes in length, some might not categorize it as a full movie. Yet, for this particular list, we’re including it because it is unquestionably the finest sci-fi Christmas film ever produced.

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of melancholy this holiday season, far away from Earth and mourning the loss of Gamora (my Gamora) in Avengers: Endgame. To lift my spirits, Mantis and Drax have come up with an extraordinary Christmas surprise – they’ve managed to bring my favorite actor, Kevin Bacon, right to me! The Guardians ventured to Earth, snatched the real Kevin Bacon from his home, but when they presented him to me, I was utterly shocked and demanded that they return the actor back to Earth immediately.

During their return trip, Kevin Bacon discovers that his acting has been the driving force behind Peter’s transformation into a galactic hero. As a result, he chooses to celebrate Christmas with the Guardians before heading home. Despite its quirky and improbable nature, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” captures the essence of a heartwarming Christmas film. It emphasizes selfless acts during a time when they are needed most, and spending quality time with cherished loved ones. James Gunn’s touching prologue to “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” strikes all the right chords for a Christmas movie, while also offering the stunning visuals and intellectual puzzles that define science fiction.

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2024-12-22 12:44