While the debate continues on as to which movies classify as Christmas movies, we discuss which Christmas comic book movies we want to watch this holiday season.
In the world of comic book movies, only a handful revolve around the holidays and most only squeak into the category of a Christmas movie. However, if you want a comic book related movie to watch this holiday season, we wanted to give you some options. We do take a little bit of liberty with the final two.
These films are not to replace other holiday classics, but if you are looking for some superhero action with Christmas undertones – we got your covered.
Iron Man 3
Plagued with worry and insomnia since saving New York from destruction, Tony Stark, now, is more dependent on the suits that give him his Iron Man persona — so much so that every aspect of his life is affected, including his relationship with Pepper. After a malevolent enemy known as the Mandarin reduces his personal world to rubble, Tony must rely solely on instinct and ingenuity to avenge his losses and protect the people he loves.
While Iron Man 3 does not take place in the North Pole or include Santa Claus, the film does take place during the holiday season and it is prominently on display.
Batman Returns
The monstrous Penguin, who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle, finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
Similarly to Iron Man 3, Batman Returns takes place during the Christmas season in Gotham City. Keep an eye out of our discussion of the film on the Capes and Tights Podcast (dropping December 22).
Jingle All The Way
Workaholic Howard Langston wants to make things up to his son, Jamie, and wife, Liz. He promises to get Jamie the hottest toy of the season, Turbo-Man — even though it’s Christmas Eve and the toy is practically sold out. As Langston hunts down the elusive gift, he runs into mailman Myron, another father on the same quest. With the clock winding down, Langston’s moral code is tested as he starts to learn the real meaning of Christmas.
While not a comic book movie exactly, the Jingle All The Way does revolve around a superhero. We let it slide.
Shazam!
We all have a superhero inside of us — it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson’s case, all he needs to do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of himself by doing what any other teen would do — have fun while testing out his newfound powers. But he’ll need to master them quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam’s magical abilities.
Like all the films on this list, Shazam! takes place during the holidays and does a good job using the theme in the background to add depth to the story, even if it has nothing to do with actual Christmas.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man. When he meets Peter Parker, he soon realizes that there are many others who share his special, high-flying talents. Miles must now use his newfound skills to battle the evil Kingpin, a hulking madman who can open portals to other universes and pull different versions of Spider-Man into our world.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse has a few nods to Christmas, including Spider-Man’s Christmas album, but all we need for confirmation is the director calling it a Christmas movie.
Star Wars Holiday Special
Chewbacca and Han Solo try to get to the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk to celebrate Life Day, but are impeded by an Imperial blockade. Chewie’s family passes the time with various forms of entertainment.
Not that we should be happy to even discuss The Star Wars Holiday Special, but here we are.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
In the The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, the Guardians, who are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, head to Earth in search of the perfect present. The Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation stars Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn and The Old 97’s with Michael Rooker and Kevin Bacon.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is the most Christmas-y movie on this list of Christmas comic book movies. If you want to debate wether its a movie or tv show.
