Christmas movies are like old holiday decorations—some age like fine wine, while others are…a bit rusty around the edges. The season brings us sentimental favorites we return to year after year, but let’s face it: not all of them hold up. In some cases, what once made us laugh or sigh now makes us cringe, and a few might even get “canceled” if they were released today. Here’s a look at 12 beloved holiday classics that, for better or worse, didn’t age quite as well as we might remember.
1. Holiday Inn (1942)
Oh, Holiday Inn…where Bing Crosby croons some of his best, and Fred Astaire taps like nobody’s business. Sounds great, right? That is, until you remember the film’s infamous blackface scene. It’s hard to believe this was once considered family-friendly holiday fare. The rest of the film is delightful, but that one scene has put a big dent in its holiday appeal. Today, most of us cringe at that outdated “tribute,” which feels glaringly out of place amid the mistletoe and merriment.
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
It’s a claymation classic, but Rudolph might just be one of the most unintentionally mean-spirited “family” movies ever. Rudolph’s peers (and even Santa himself!) bully him mercilessly for being different, only to suddenly love him when his nose proves useful. Not exactly the message of acceptance and kindness we’d like to pass along to the next generation. In the era of anti-bullying, the moral here feels a bit muddled, to say the least.
3. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
We all cheered for little Kevin McCallister as he outsmarted bumbling burglars and befriended NYC’s Central Park pigeon lady. The over-the-top injuries the Wet and Sticky Bandits endure used to be a topic of pure comedy, but some viewers have increasingly worried it desensitized kids to such brutal violence. Add in some questionable parenting decisions, and it’s easy to see why people today might give Kevin’s second adventure a pass.
4. Babes in Toyland (1961)
This Disney classic starring Annette Funicello might’ve seemed sweet back in the day, but it’s a little too saccharine for modern audiences. With its trippy costumes, strange storylines, and outdated gender roles, the whole film feels like it’s from another universe. The bright colors and sing-songy tunes might charm some, but most of us are left wondering what on earth they were thinking.
5. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
Considered one of the worst films of all time, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is a holiday movie that’s so bad it’s practically become a cult classic. Its absurd premise, low-budget effects, and bizarre plot are dated to the point of being laughable. Martians kidnapping Santa to save Christmas? It’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and today’s audiences can only shake their heads (or laugh hysterically) at this B-movie oddity.
6. Jack Frost (1998)
Not to be confused with the creepy horror film of the same name, Jack Frost is the one where Michael Keaton dies and comes back as a wisecracking snowman to reconnect with his son. But between the questionable CGI and the bizarre premise, the film has become a bit of a “What were they thinking?” moment. Nowadays, a movie about a dead dad in snowman form feels more eerie than endearing.
7. A Christmas Carol (1951)
Alastair Sim’s version of A Christmas Carol is a classic, but the heavy-handed, almost frightening scenes and language can be tough for modern kids to sit through. The entire movie has a haunting, gray quality that feels more suited to Halloween than Christmas, and the Victorian-era dialogue doesn’t help. Ebenezer Scrooge’s story will always be timeless, but this version is for hardcore traditionalists only.
8. Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray’s dark and twisted take on A Christmas Carol was cutting-edge at the time, but today, it comes across as a bit much. The film’s mean-spirited humor, gruesome visuals, and Murray’s over-the-top cynicism make it feel almost nihilistic at points. Scrooged has its fans, but it’s definitely an acquired taste—and maybe not the heartwarming Christmas spirit we’re looking for these days.
9. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a dad on a crazed mission to find a Turbo Man doll, Jingle All the Way felt fun back then, but now it’s like an exhausting reminder of our worst holiday shopping nightmares. The humor is exaggerated to cartoonish levels, and the movie’s consumerism-first message is a little much for today’s viewers. These days, many parents would much rather skip the mall rush and order from the comfort of home!
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
This Tim Allen movie is still a holiday favorite, but its storyline is surprisingly bleak if you think about it. Tim Allen’s character becomes Santa after the previous Santa dies, which they play for laughs, but feels a bit dark. Add in the unaddressed broken family dynamics, and suddenly it’s not quite as kid-friendly as you remembered. It’s beloved for sure, but it’s also a little strange by today’s standards.
11. White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye singing and dancing their way through a snowy holiday plot—what could go wrong? Well, White Christmas has some odd bits that feel out of place today, like the awkward and outdated humor and occasionally stereotypical depictions of relationships. While the film is as glittery as tinsel, it also feels like a time capsule, with all the mid-century social norms and gender roles intact. Fun to watch, but it can be a little cringey too.
12. Elf (2003)
Hear us out—Elf is still fun and full of heart, but the humor sometimes borders on uncomfortable today. Buddy’s naiveté leads to a lot of inappropriate moments that might raise an eyebrow in today’s culture. And while it’s still a fan favorite, the story’s reliance on a grown man acting childlike can sometimes feel like it’s pushing the boundaries of humor. It’s still beloved, but it’s amazing how much culture has shifted since 2003!
These Christmas classics may not have aged perfectly, but that’s part of what makes revisiting them so interesting. Each one is a little time capsule of how holiday stories have been told—and, hopefully, a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of what we celebrate in the spirit of the season.
