The holidays are a great time to curl up with something off the beaten path. For those who love their Christmas movies with a unique twist, here are ten lesser-known films that bring geeky vibes, fantastical worlds, and intriguing storytelling to the festive season:

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
A Finnish horror-comedy that explores the myth of Santa Claus as something far darker than the jolly figure we know. In this story, a young boy and his father discover a hidden truth beneath a frozen mountain. It’s an eerie, unique Christmas tale for those who like their holiday movies with a twist of suspense.

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
This heartwarming Japanese anime follows three homeless friends who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. They embark on a journey across Tokyo to find the child’s parents, facing their pasts and bonding along the way. It’s a touching and humorous story with beautiful animation, making it a perfect choice for anime lovers.

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
What do you get when you cross a zombie apocalypse with a Christmas musical? Anna and the Apocalypse blends comedy, horror, and catchy tunes as high school students battle zombies over Christmas break. It’s gory, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt—a great option for fans of quirky horror.

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
This charming film dives into the life of Charles Dickens as he writes A Christmas Carol. It’s a mix of biographical storytelling and imaginative fantasy as Dickens battles his own “inner Scrooge” while developing his beloved characters. An ideal movie for bookworms and history buffs alike.

Arthur Christmas (2011)
This animated adventure reveals the high-tech operation behind Santa’s North Pole headquarters. When one child’s gift is mistakenly left behind, it’s up to Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, to save the day. It’s packed with humor, action, and holiday magic, making it a delightful family watch.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
This fantasy film follows a young boy named Nikolas who embarks on a journey to find his father and prove the existence of Elfhelm, the magical land of elves. Full of wonder and adventure, it’s a fresh take on the origins of Santa Claus that’s great for those who enjoy fantasy and magic.

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
This ‘80s classic explores the story of Santa’s origins and his struggle to modernize his gift delivery operation. While it’s a nostalgic choice, it’s lesser-known today and has a whimsical style that’s especially appealing to fans of retro holiday movies.

The Polar Express (2004)
Although more widely known, this motion-capture animated film is a favorite among fantasy fans. Following a young boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole, The Polar Express celebrates the wonder of belief and holiday spirit with unique animation and memorable songs.

Krampus (2015)
Not your typical holiday movie, Krampus is a horror-comedy centered around the titular creature from German folklore who punishes naughty children. This darkly funny film brings a spooky twist to Christmas and is a great choice for horror fans who want something out of the ordinary.

8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Set in the late ‘80s, this movie is a nostalgic trip for video game lovers. It follows a young boy on his quest to get a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas. With plenty of laughs and retro throwbacks, it’s a geeky holiday delight for gamers of all ages.