Netflix Movies For Holiday Watching That Have Nothing To Do With Christmas.
With tinsel stuck to our shoes and random price tag snippets stuck in peculiar places, sometimes it’s good to just “Netflix and Chill” without the jingles, snow, and “Ho, Ho, Ho’s”
Believe it or not, some people don’t like the holidays. Some people become very depressed during the season of joy. Others are “in it to win it” but just need a little break from the chaos. So, here are the best Netflix movies for holiday watching that have NOTHING to do with Christmas.
Fear of 13
This is an interview documentary. Not off to a good start. However, the interview is with a Death Row Inmate that tells his story of crime, escape, love, education, the perils of solitary confinement, and his request to be executed immediately.
The prisoner (and main speaker) is such a compelling storyteller that you find yourself just wanting to hear more. With no more than a middle school education, he crafts his words and delivery in such a way that you just want to hear more.
Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie
Funny, heartfelt, and a little off-beat, this is certainly worth a watch. Most people know Jeff Garlin from Curb Your Enthusiasm. Many will recognize Natasha Lyonne from Orange is the New Black. Frankly, there is a wonderful ensemble cast that includes: Amy Sedaris, Christine Woods, Steven Weber, Eddie Pepitone, and Leah Remini.
The title, frankly, wasn’t appealing. However, the cast was impressive. To us, it was a time-killer or a “why not?”. The results were pleasantly surprising. It’s funny without the typical gags. It draws you in and makes you invested in the characters. As the story unfolds, you just keep getting surprised not knowing if the next setup is for humor or to make you more sympathetic to the characters.
Guest House
This is, certainly, the most raunchy comedy on our list. Not safe for children or anyone with a stick up anything. Pauly Shore brought his A-game to this picture with an all-star cast and some surprising cameo appearances. One reviewer wrote, “This is like a more intense version of that Seth Rogen movie Neighbors”.
The pace works. The jokes land. And the ending is, well surprising. Don’t watch alone, but put the kids to bed.
Mr. Right
This movie checks two boxes: Rom-com and Action. So, there’s something for everyone. In my case, I put it on to please the lady and ended up having a good watch. Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick make a believable match up. This movie makes you root for the bad guy. Or, is he a bad guy? See what I mean?
You can’t go wrong with Mr. Right.
Polar
This is a must-watch for so many reasons. For this one, let’s just look at the reviews. “This begs for a sequel.” “Wow, didn’t expect it to be this good!” “The soundtrack is amazing in this movie” “Okay, I didn’t expect to enjoy that film so much.” “John Wick meets Smokin’ Aces” “Been a while since I enjoyed such a great movie like this….thank you. Everything was on point.”
So, it’s not just me. This needs to be on the top of your list.
War On Everyone
This one is over the top on so many levels. Fortunately, you don’t have to try and figure sub-plots and twists. This movie is pure entertainment and no brains required. Huge fan of both Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood) and Michael Peña (Crash, Million Dollar Baby, The Mule). They knew they were making a shoot ’em up fist fest where everyone either bad or worse.
Take a break and just watch the mayhem play out.
Kill The Irishman
We started with a true story and we end with a true story. However, this is not a documentary. This is the depiction of a mobster from Cleveland, OH. For years, the mob was big business in Cleveland and Youngstown. Most mobster movies are totally set in New York or New Jersey. Here, we get the full mobster experience about an anti-hero Danny Greene. Of course, you’ll notice some of the actors that always appear in the New York movies. Plus, a healthy Val Kilmer which is good to see.
There’s an added bonus. If you put in the wrong title and get “The Irishman” you’re still in for a treat. Both movies are worth the watch. So, watch them both.
