Elf has 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, Elf tells 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 by Ferrell’s witty one-liners, and themes of belonging, redemption, and the power of believing in something greater than yourself.
For fans of Elf who are looking for a similarly heartwarming feel, holiday classics like Love Actually and Home Alone also offer a comparable type of humor intertwined with genuinely moving moments. Like Elf, 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 finished Elf).
10
Love Actually (2003)
Directed by Richard Curtis
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6.9/10
Love Actually
R
ComedyDramaHolidayRomance
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.
Release Date
November 14, 2003
Runtime
135 minutes
Cast
Colin Firth
, Emma Thompson
, Liam Neeson
, Keira Knightley
, Chiwetel Ejiofor
, Laura Linney
, Alan Rickman
, Hugh Grant
, Bill Nighy
, Andrew Lincoln
Director
Richard Curtis
Writers
Richard Curtis
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
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Despite not being the most obvious choice after watching Elf, Love Actually encapsulates 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 in Love Actually isn’t quite as slapstick as in Elf, 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 like Elf, Love Actually exudes Christmas at its finest, with all of its flaws and humanity included. Although the relationships in Elf are mostly depicted as lighthearted, while Love Actually is more nuanced overall, both films earnestly explore human connections in the midst of the holiday season — guaranteeing at least one tear-jerking moment.
9
Gremlins (1984)
Directed by Joe Dante
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6.9/10
Gremlins
PG
ComedyFantasyHorror
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.
Release Date
June 7, 1984
Runtime
106 minutes
Cast
Phoebe Cates
, Corey Feldman
, Zach Galligan
, Hoyt Axton
, Polly Holliday
, Howie Mandel
Director
Joe Dante
Writers
Chris Columbus
Studio(s)
Warner Bros.
, Amblin Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
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While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Gremlins is 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 as Elf takes an innocent, joyful character and places him in an unfamiliar world, Gremlins does the same with its cute yet dangerous leading creatures, which unexpectedly cause mayhem as the story progresses.
With its irreverent wit and unpredictable twists, Gremlins notably still has a surprising amount of heart, mirroring a similar setup in Elf. The dark comedy and holiday chaos, combined with its sweet moments, fit well with Elf’s offbeat, quirky humor and heartwarming ending. Thus, Gremlins makes for a great next step for fans of Elf who are open to a more unconventional take on the Christmas genre.
8
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Directed by John Hughes
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8/10
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
pg-13
Comedy
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.
Release Date
November 25, 1987
Runtime
93minutes
Cast
John Candy
, Steve Martin
, Kevin Bacon
Director
John Hughes
Writers
John Hughes
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
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In Planes, 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 an Elf-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 Automobiles has the same spirit of holiday mishaps and warmth as Elf. 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, but it still offers a similar blend of chaos and tenderness. 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.
7
Scrooged (1988)
Directed by Richard Donner
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Scrooged
PG-13
ComedyHoliday
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.
Release Date
November 23, 1988
Runtime
100 Minutes
Cast
Bill Murray
, Carol Kane
, Karen Allen
, Alfre Woodard
, Bobcat Goldthwait
, Robert Mitchum
, Michael J. Pollard
, John Forsythe
, John Glover
, David Johansen
Director
Richard Donner
Writers
Mitch Glazer
, Michael O’Donoghue
Studio(s)
Mirage Productions
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
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Marking one of Richard Donner’s best movies, Scrooged is a holiday staple you don’t want to miss. It’s a modern and comedic twist on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, reflecting Elf’s themes 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 to Scrooged while still ending on a positive, uplifting note. Despite its witty humor overflow, much like Elf, the movie also delivers a moving message about what really matters during the holidays. Scrooged is funny, heartwarming, and still manages to surprise, making it a perfect movie to watch after Elf.
6
Bad Santa (2003)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
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9/10
Bad Santa
R
ComedyCrimeDocumentary
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.
Release Date
November 26, 2003
Runtime
1h32m
Cast
Billy Bob Thornton
, Tony Cox
, Brett Kelly
, Lauren Graham
, Lauren Tom
, Bernie Mac
Director
Terry Zwigoff
Writers
Glenn Ficarra
, John Requa
Distributor(s)
Miramax Films
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For those looking for a grittier, edgier version of Christmas with dark humor, Bad Santa delivers. It’s a cynical look at the holiday through the eyes of a con artist, but it has surprising moments of emotional sincerity, much like Elf. With perhaps an unexpected amount of heart, Bad Santa might be much raunchier than Elf, yet it still somehow captures the same holiday feeling.
The emotional transformation at the heart of Bad Santa very obviously mirrors Buddy’s own growth, making it clear why it’s one of the best choices to watch after Elf. 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 Santa stands out as an unexpected but fitting holiday contender for Elf enthusiasts.
5
Spirited (2022)
Directed by Sean Anders
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Spirited
PG-13
ComedyMusicalFamilyHoliday
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.
Release Date
November 11, 2022
Runtime
127 minutes
Cast
Marlow Barkley
, Sunita Mani
, Joe Tippett
, Octavia Spencer
, Patrick Page
, Ryan Reynolds
, Jen Tullock
, Will Ferrell
, Aimee Carrero
Director
Sean Anders
, John Morris
Writers
John Morris
, Sean Anders
Studio(s)
Apple
Distributor(s)
Apple
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Another modern take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this time in a musical version, Spirited also shares a number of similarities with Elf, especially in its blend of humor and heart. Much like Buddy in Elf, 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, making Spirited one of the best movies to turn to after you finish Elf.
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 in Spirited as the Ghost of Christmas Present, which is good enough reason to turn it on after Elf. The star brought a similar level of charm and warmth to his Spirited role as he did with Buddy in Elf, while Reynolds’ signature sarcasm perfectly mirrored Buddy’s innocent but amusing awkwardness.
4
Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
Directed by Seth Kearsley
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Eight Crazy Nights
PG-13
AnimationComedyDramaMusical
Release Date
November 27, 2002
Runtime
76 minutes
Cast
Adam Sandler
, Jackie Sandler
, Austin Stout
, Kevin Nealon
, Rob Schneider
, Norm Crosby
Director
Seth Kearsley
Main Genre
Animation
Writers
Brooks Arthur
, Allen Covert
, Brad Isaacs
, Adam Sandler
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Those eager to switch it up after watching Elf while staying on a similar holiday theme, Eight Crazy Nights is worth the watch. Despite not being the very best among Adam Sandler’s animated movies, this underrated holiday title carries an underlying message of redemption, kindness, and family.
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While Eight Crazy Nights’ humor is more mature and includes more adult themes compared to Elf, 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, makes Eight Crazy Nights the perfect sequel to Elf in a Christmas marathon (not one with little kids, though).
3
Red One (2024)
Directed by Jake Kasdan
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73
7.9/10
Red One
PG-13
ActionAdventureComedyFantasy
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.
Release Date
November 15, 2024
Runtime
123 Minutes
Cast
Dwayne Johnson
, Chris Evans
, J.K. Simmons
, Lucy Liu
, Kiernan Shipka
, Bonnie Hunt
, Kristofer Hivju
, Nick Kroll
, Wesley Kimmel
, Mary Elizabeth Ellis
, Wyatt Hunt
, Lanz Duffy
, Marc Evan Jackson
, Ashleigh Domangue
, Cody Easterbrook
, Jon Rudnitsky
, Morla Gorrondona
, Jenna Kanell
, Rod Maxwell
, Fedor Steer
, Octavia Grace
, Matthew Zuk
, Cora Kass
, Ahmad Ghafouri
, Jeff Chase
Director
Jake Kasdan
Main Genre
Action
Writers
Chris Morgan
, Hiram Garcia
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In spite of its distinct tone and approach to storytelling, Red One makes for a notable contender to follow Elf during 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 parallels Elf’s subversive charm.
Led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans, Red One is 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 as Elf, Red One’s clever humor and heartwarming undertones, paired with the inevitable cynicism of its main characters, offer a refreshing take on holiday tales.
2
The Ref (1994)
Directed by Ted Demme
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The Ref, also known as Hostile Hostages, is a dark comedy that makes a surprisingly fitting follow-up to Elf for holiday movie nights. While it’s a stark departure from Buddy’s wide-eyed optimism, The Ref delivers sharp, sarcastic humor along with a surprising touch of warmth and redemption, reflecting some of the same themes found in Elf.
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.
Like Elf, The Ref reimagines 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 Ref actually has a heartfelt core. 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.
1
Home Alone (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus
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18
8.6/10
Home Alone
PG
ComedyFamily
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.
Release Date
November 16, 1990
Runtime
103 minutes
Cast
Macaulay Culkin
, Joe Pesci
, Daniel Stern
, John Heard
, Roberts Blossom
, Catherine O’Hara
Director
Chris Columbus
Writers
John Hughes
Studio(s)
20th Century
Distributor(s)
20th Century
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Humor, heart, and the magic of Christmas — Home Alone has it all, which makes it the ultimate holiday classic to watch after Elf. Both films strike the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud moments and emotional warmth, cementing them as two of the best Christmas movies of all time.
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Just like Elf, Home Alone centers 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. Elf features Buddy’s wild adventures in New York City, while Home Alone delivers some of the most iconic slapstick comedy of all time as Kevin McCallister defends his house from bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. Elf and Home Alone share 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.
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19
9.2/10
Elf
PG
FamilyComedyFantasy
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.
Release Date
October 9, 2003
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Will Ferrell
, James Caan
, Bob Newhart
, Ed Asner
, Mary Steenburgen
, Zooey Deschanel
, Daniel Tay
, Faizon Love
, Peter Dinklage
, Amy Sedaris
, Michael Lerner
, Andy Richter
, Kyle Gass
, Artie Lange
, Leon Redbone
, Ray Harryhausen
, Claire Lautier
, Ted Friend
, Patrick Ferrell
, Patrick McCartney
, Jon Favreau
, Lydia Lawson-Baird
, Brenda McDonald
, Annie Brebner
Director
Jon Favreau
Main Genre
Comedy
Writers
David Berenbaum
Studio(s)
New Line Cinema
Distributor(s)
New Line Cinema
, Warner Bros. Pictures
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