Elfhas rightfully earned its spot as one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, blending earnest holiday spirit with a subversive sense of humor. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell in a career-defining role,Elftells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his biological father and connect with his human roots. The film is a perfect mix of quirky comedy, highlighted byFerrell’s witty one-liners, and themes of belonging, redemption, and the power of believing in something greater than yourself.
For fans ofElfwho are looking for a similarly heartwarming feel,holiday classics likeLove ActuallyandHome Alonealso offer a comparable type of humor intertwined with genuinely moving moments. LikeElf,these movies show how Christmas brings people together, whether through chaotic or meaningful experiences, making them perfect to watch during the holiday season (and right after you’ve finishedElf).
Love Actually
Cast
The 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually follows various couples as they explore their relationships throughout the Christmas season. With a star-studded cast composed of Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Freeman, and Martine McCutcheon, Love Actually has since become a Christmas staple for rom-com lovers.
Despite not being the most obvious choice after watchingElf,Love Actuallyencapsulates humor, warmth, and holiday spirit in a very similar way. Both titles, while differing in tone and genre to a certain degree, share a heartwarming, feel-good essence that makes them enjoyable holiday classics worth watching year after year.
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In comparison, even though the humor inLove Actuallyisn’t quite as slapstick as inElf, it carries a subtle, witty charm that shows up in awkward, relatable moments (think Collin, played by Kris Marshall, leaving for the US). Furthermore, much likeElf,Love Actuallyexudes Christmas at its finest, with all of its flaws and humanity included. Although the relationships inElfare mostly depicted as lighthearted, whileLove Actuallyis more nuanced overall,both films earnestly explore human connections in the midst of the holiday season— guaranteeing at least one tear-jerking moment.
Gremlins
When a father gives his son Billy a magical creature known as a Mogwai as a gift, the boy is given strict rules to follow regarding its care. When a lapse in judgment creates the mischievous Gremlins - creatures intent on destruction that threaten to ruin Christmas for the entire town of Kingston Falls - it’s up to Billy and his Mogwai companion Gizmo to save the town from the army of little monsters.
While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea,Gremlinsis one of those non-traditional Christmas movies you have to watch. The film’s subversive humor flips the typical Christmas plot on its head, introducing chaos and destruction during the holiday season. Just asElftakes an innocent, joyful character and places him in an unfamiliar world,Gremlinsdoes the same with its cute yet dangerous leading creatures, which unexpectedly cause mayhem as the story progresses.
With its irreverent wit and unpredictable twists,Gremlinsnotably still has a surprising amount of heart, mirroring a similar setup inElf. The dark comedy and holiday chaos, combined with its sweet moments, fit well withElf’soffbeat, quirky humor and heartwarming ending. Thus,Gremlinsmakes for a great next step for fans ofElfwho are open to a more unconventional take on the Christmas genre.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Directed by John Hughes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stars Steve Martin as Neal Page, a busy advertising executive who finds himself the unwilling traveling companion of salesman Del Griffith as the two attempt to return to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. Beset by bad weather and a continuing comedy of errors in attempting to make travel plans, Neal and Del must work together, however unwillingly, to accomplish their shared goal. John Candy also stars alongside Martin as Del.
InPlanes, Trains and Automobiles, Neal Page (Steve Martin) is trying to get home for Thanksgiving but gets stuck with the overly chatty and somewhat obnoxious Del Griffith (John Candy). As they struggle to find a way to travel across the country together, the pair face one disaster after another. If that doesn’t sound like anElf-esque movie, nothing does.
For those still not sold on the idea, this Steve Martin and John Candy holiday classic became a streaming hit decades after its release, proving its timeless appeal.
Although not really a Christmas movie,Planes, Trains and Automobileshas the same spirit of holiday mishaps and warmth asElf. Its combination of slapstick humor and emotional moments makes it more than a worthy watch, Christmas or not. Granted, it’s less innocent than Buddy’s antics, butit still offers a similar blend of chaos and tenderness. For those still not sold on the idea, thisSteve Martin and John Candy holiday classic became a streaming hitdecades after its release, proving its timeless appeal.
Scrooged
Scrooged is a Christmas comedy film by director Richard Donner, released in 1988. In this modernized take on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray stars as a narcissistic and selfish television executive named Frank Cross, who looks to put on a big-budget Christmas show for his network while trampling anyone in his way. However, his plans are interrupted when three ghosts of Christmas visit him to coax him to change his ways.
Marking one ofRichard Donner’s best movies,Scroogedis a holiday staple you don’t want to miss. It’s a modern and comedic twist on Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol, reflectingElf’sthemes of transformation and personal relationships. Both Buddy and Frank Cross (played by Bill Murray) undergo significant growth by the end of their respective stories, ultimately becoming better versions of themselves just in time for Christmas.
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Additionally, both titles feature some serious irreverent comedy. Frank’s snarky attitude and the chaotic, humorous situations he faces with the ghosts add a subversive edge toScroogedwhile still ending on a positive, uplifting note. Despite its witty humor overflow, much likeElf,the movie also delivers a moving message about what really matters during the holidays.Scroogedis funny, heartwarming, and still manages to surprise, making it a perfect movie to watch afterElf.
Bad Santa
Bad Santa revolves around Willie T. Stokes and Marcus Skidmore, professional thieves who disguise themselves as a mall Santa Claus and his elf during the holiday season with the plan to rob them at the end of the shopping season. Their latest job becomes complicated when Willie, already struggling from alcoholism, sex addiction and frequently swearing, begins forming an odd friendship with dimwitted Thurman Merman, dating local bartender Sue and coming under the watchful eye of the latest target mall’s head of security, Gin Slagel.
For those looking for a grittier, edgier version of Christmas with dark humor,Bad Santadelivers. It’s a cynical look at the holiday through the eyes of a con artist, but it has surprising moments of emotional sincerity, much likeElf. With perhaps an unexpected amount of heart,Bad Santamight be much raunchier thanElf, yet it still somehow captures the same holiday feeling.
The emotional transformation at the heart ofBad Santavery obviously mirrors Buddy’s own growth, making it clear why it’s one of the best choices to watch afterElf. The movie challenges traditional notions of holiday cheer, ultimately delivering a message about redemption and the possibility of change, even in the most unlikely characters. Both funny and surprisingly heartwarming,Bad Santastands out as an unexpected but fitting holiday contender forElfenthusiasts.
Spirited
The Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, gets a modern musical makeover in Spirited, starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. When the Ghost of Christmas Present visits the wrong soul before Christmas, he gets a work-up of his own from the charismatic Clint Briggs, who decides that it may be the ghost who needs more help than any other poor soul this Christmas. Together the two will visit moments in Present’s life as they try to help him figure out himself as the film is presented mainly through the eyes of the various ghosts themselves.
Another modern take on Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol, this time in a musical version,Spiritedalso shares a number of similarities withElf, especially in its blend of humor and heart. Much like Buddy inElf, Clint Briggs (played by Ryan Reynolds) is initially resistant to change, selfish, and dismissive of the Christmas spirit. Both characters are placed in situations where they have to confront their own flaws and grow, makingSpiritedone of the best movies to turn to after you finishElf.
Marking a full circle moment, Will Ferrell appears in Spirited as the Ghost of Christmas Present, which is good enough reason to turn it on after Elf.
Marking a full circle moment, Will Ferrell appears inSpiritedas the Ghost of Christmas Present, which is good enough reason to turn it on afterElf. The star brought a similar level of charm and warmth to hisSpiritedrole as he did with Buddy inElf, whileReynolds’ signature sarcasm perfectly mirrored Buddy’s innocent but amusing awkwardness.
Those eager to switch it up after watchingElfwhile staying on a similar holiday theme,Eight Crazy Nightsis worth the watch. Despite not being the very best amongAdam Sandler’s animated movies,this underrated holiday title carries an underlying message of redemption, kindness, and family.
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WhileEight Crazy Nights’humor is more mature and includes more adult themes compared toElf, it still shares the subversive comedic approach of throwing an unlikely character into a holiday situation (in this case, Hanukkah) where he is forced to change and grow. Much like Buddy, Davey (voiced by Sandler) is quirky and full of flaws. However, at the same time, he is endearingly sincere, which, paired with an infusion of Sandler’s signature irreverent humor, makesEight Crazy Nightsthe perfect sequel toElfin a Christmas marathon (not one with little kids, though).
Red One
After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with a notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a thrilling, globe-spanning mission to save Christmas. This action-packed holiday adventure mixes comedy and festive magic, with an ensemble cast that includes Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons.
In spite of its distinct tone and approach to storytelling,Red Onemakes for a notable contender to followElfduring the holidays. This action movie with a Christmas backdrop took on a traditional holiday narrative and flipped it in a creative way, bringing to life a never-before-seen Christmas adventure that parallelsElf’ssubversive charm.
Led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans,Red Oneis a full-blown action movie you do not want to miss out on this Christmas season. The 2024 title seamlessly blends action, holiday cheer, and humor in an over-the-top adventure that takes its characters on an unforgettable Christmas mission. While it doesn’t have the same level of innocent charm asElf,Red One’sclever humor and heartwarming undertones, paired with the inevitable cynicism of its main characters, offer a refreshing take on holiday tales.
2The Ref (1994)
Directed by Ted Demme
The Ref, also known asHostile Hostages, is a dark comedy that makes a surprisingly fitting follow-up toElffor holiday movie nights. While it’s a stark departure from Buddy’s wide-eyed optimism,The Refdelivers sharp, sarcastic humor along with a surprising touch of warmth and redemption, reflecting some of the same themes found inElf.
Much like how Buddy helps repair relationships in Elf, whether it’s between his dad and family or with Christmas itself, The Ref points out how Christmas, even in the middle of chaos, can be a time to reflect and mend broken connections.
LikeElf,The Refreimagines the traditional Christmas story. Instead of Buddy’s cheerful antics, this 1994 title brings tongue-in-cheek comedy through Gus’ (played by Denis Leary) growing annoyance as he deals with a wildly dysfunctional family he takes hostage. However, beneath all the snark and bickering,The Refactually has a heartfelt core. Much like how Buddy helps repair relationships inElf, whether it’s between his dad and family or with Christmas itself,The Refpoints out how Christmas, even in the middle of chaos, can be a time to reflect and mend broken connections.
Home Alone
Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McAllister, an eight-year-old who is left behind in his Chicago home when his family flies to Paris for the holidays. Not only must Kevin keep himself safe while his mother flies back across the world, but he must protect his home from the Wet Bandits - serial burglars who are targeting the McAllister House. Kevin must use every trick in the book to keep the Wet Bandits from stealing Christmas before his mother returns.
Humor, heart, and the magic of Christmas —Home Alonehas it all, which makes it the ultimate holiday classic to watch afterElf. Both films strike the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud moments and emotional warmth, cementing them as two ofthe best Christmas movies of all time.
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Just likeElf,Home Alonecenters on the importance of family during the holidays. Both movies use humor and chaos to underline the heartfelt message, thriving on over-the-top scenarios.Elffeatures Buddy’s wild adventures in New York City, whileHome Alonedelivers some of the most iconic slapstick comedy of all timeas Kevin McCallister defends his house from bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv.ElfandHome Aloneshare a timeless holiday appeal that hasn’t been matched by most other holiday titles, which is exactly why we can (and will) watch them over and over again.
Elf
Elf follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. As an adult, he journeys to Manhattan to find his biological father, a work-driven businessman. The film explores Buddy’s comedic attempts to navigate human society and his quest to bring holiday spirit to his family.
