Red brings a new level of action and comedy to heartwarming Christmas films, with audience reviews commenting on how fun the Christmas film is. Red features an all-star cast of action stars, especially Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson, who are perennial fan favorites. However Red is unique in many ways, there are other great films that also include Red cast members or that have a similar tone to the action-packed holiday film to follow.
The humor and action of Johnson and Evans as Callum and Jack, the commanding presence of Lucy Liu, and Kiernan Shipka’s mythical villain Gryla add unique elements to the Red which have already made it one of the most notable Christmas films of 2024. From previous action comedies starring RedFrom casting, to non-traditional Christmas films with a touching message, there are countless projects for audiences to check out next.
10
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Another Christmas action comedy for the whole family
Netflix’s 2018 Holiday Comedy The Christmas Chronicles, directed by Clay Kaytis, is a perfect sequel to Red. The Christmas Chronicles is an equally unconventional take on a family-friendly holiday film which features two children saving Christmas after crashing into Santa’s sleigh and seeing Santa get arrested in a car chase. As Red, The Christmas Chronicles gives Santa Claus a modern update and includes some interesting action scenes.
The Christmas Chronicles certainly has a different tone to Christmas classics like Frosty the snowmanbut it’s worth watching for its creativity. The film infuses common Christmas movie themes such as gratitude, starting over, and finding joy in helping others without losing your enthusiasm. What’s even better is that the film even has a sequel streaming on Netflix too for fans who want even more Christmas fun.
9
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
For another collaboration between Kasdan and Johnson
Before Reddirector Jake Kasdan had previously worked with Dwayne Johnson on the 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its 2019 sequel Jumanji: The Next Level. Kasdan had already made a name for himself directing films and TV shows, but Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle it became an instant success. The film took the original setting from the 1995 board game Jumanji and updated it into a video game to make the film more suitable for the 21st century. The resulting film is a fun, action-packed adventure.
Thanks to his performance as an awkward teenager who grows into a strong group leader, Johnson’s Dr. Xander Bravestone is consistently funny, and the entire cast works well together to elevate Kasdan’s direction. However Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle lack RedChristmas scenery, the film is a perfect sequel for audiences looking for an action film with a similar style of humor and a familiar face on screen.
8
Krampus (2015)
A different view of a character that appears in red
Directed by Michael Dougherty, Krampus is a 2015 horror-comedy release starring Adam Scott, David Koechner, Toni Collette and Allison Tolman. The film sees a rival family accidentally trigger a darkness in their home, which sees Krampus stalking them on Christmas Eve.
- Director
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Michael Dougherty
- Writers
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Michael Dougherty, Todd Casey, Zach Shields
- Cast
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Luke Hawker, Toni Collette, Adam Scott, Emjay Anthony, Allison Tolman, Stefania Owen, David Koechner, Conchata Ferrell
- Release date
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December 4, 2015
- Execution time
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98 minutes
Inside RedKrampus is Santa Claus’ adopted brother, But this is not the only story of the Christmas legend. Traditionally, Krampus is a demonic creature from Alpine folklore who punishes bad children on the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas, serving as a sort of opposite to Santa Claus. Although it’s not exactly user-friendly for most Red, the 2015 holiday horror film, Krampusmakes the character noticeably darker.
Krampus follows a boy named Max and his family as they prepare for Christmas and spend time with their family. When the family begins to be attacked by toys that come to life and monstrous creatures, the grandmother explains that it is the work of Krampus, who is furious that his family has lost the Christmas spirit. Krampus explores the origins of the legendary figure who appears in Red in more depth while also adding scares suitable for audiences who want a little more edge in their Christmas films.
7
Gremlins (1984)
More magical creatures at Christmas time
Gremlins is the perfect accompaniment to Red for viewers interested in the mythological creatures that appear throughout the film. The magical creatures that appear in Redlike Krampus, RedGryla’s villain, and even the Headless Horseman, all started out in legend or history in the same way as gremlins. In that case, Gremlins was inspired by the mischievous creatures of the same namefirst mentioned in the 1920s and popularized in a book by Roald Dahl.
However Gremlins includes less action than Redfocusing on combining aspects of comedy and small amounts of horror, it’s still a classic Christmas film that works well as a double feature with Red. The evil creatures in Gremlins wreak havoc on the town of Kingston Falls during the Christmas season, in a similar way to Gryla’s children Redwith some laughs and touching moments along the way.
6
Charlie’s Angels (2000)
An equally funny action film starring Lucy Liu
Charlie’s Angels is the first film in the Charlie’s Angels franchise that began in 1976. The film was released in 2000 and starred Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu as the titular “Charlie’s Angels.” The film received a sequel in 2003 titled Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Charlie’s Angels was a box office success and received mixed to positive reviews upon release.
- Director
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McG
- Writers
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Ed Solomon, John August, Ryan Rowe
- Cast
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Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Bill Murray, Sam Rockwell, Kelly Lynch, LL Cool J, Matt LeBlanc, Tim Curry, Crispin Glover, Luke Wilson, Tom Green
- Release date
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November 3, 2000
- Execution time
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98 minutes
Lucy Liu Charlie’s Angels character, Alex, is like a spiritual predecessor to her character, Zoe Harlow, in Red. The 2000 film Charlie’s Angels sees Liu’s Alex, Cameron Diaz’s Natalie, and Drew Barrymore’s Dylan working as investigators for Charlie Townsend as they try to rescue a man they believe has been kidnapped. The Angels are stealthy and in control, just as Zoe Harlow, the Director of the Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority (MORA), is in control. Red.
Liu and her co-stars’ performances in Charlie’s Angels make the film funny and entertaining in its own right, and its action sequences put the film over the top. However Charlie’s Angels is certainly not a Christmas movie and features a very different set of characters, for fans of Redthe action and the funny dialogue between its leaders, Johnson and Evans, Charlie’s Angels It’s perfect.
5
Elf (2003)
A modern Christmas comedy classic
The 2003 Christmas comedy classic Elf follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised among Santa’s elves in the North Pole, as he sets off for New York to find his biological father (James Caan). After learning that Walter Hobbs publishes children’s books is his father, Buddy works to immerse himself in human culture – including getting a job at a department store, where he meets and falls in love with fellow “elf” Jovie (Zooey Deschanel). However, when Santa’s sleigh crashes and Christmas is threatened, only Buddy can help save the holiday.
- Writers
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David Berenbaum
- Release date
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November 7, 2003
- Execution time
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97 minutes
Elf and Red are the perfect match for the holiday movie fan who loves comedy. Will Farrell’s role as Buddy the Elf has become iconic since Elflaunch in 2003. The film follows Buddy, who grew up in the North Pole, as he realizes he is human and ventures into the real world to find his father. The two had a rocky start, but in the end, just like Callum and Jack in Redthey manage to bond and save Christmas.
In addition to helping Santa and saving Christmas, both Red and Elf touch on the idea of the real meaning of Christmas.
While Elf it lacks the action sequences that help make it Red so moving, its comedy is next level and, surprisingly, the two films share some important themes. In addition to helping Santa and saving Christmas, both Red and Elf touch on the idea of the real meaning of Christmas. The characters in each film realize that many people have lost the joy of Christmas, causing more people to be on the naughty list or not believe in Santa Claus. Red and Elf help the audience realize that people are often kinder than they seem.
4
Violent Night (2022)
For a not-so-family-friendly Christmas action-comedy movie
David Harbor dons Santa’s red silk coat and hat in Violent Night, a black comedy Christmas action film from director Tommy Wirkola. A group of mercenaries lay siege to a wealthy family’s estate on Christmas Eve in hopes of obtaining a self-bestowed $300 million gift, leaving Santa Claus as the unlikely but capable last line of defense. Although the family may not be perfect, the youngest daughter remains a kind-hearted child. With her help and a unique repertoire of magical skills and tools at his disposal, Santa will double-check his trick-or-treat list as he metes out his own brand of justice on bullies.
- Director
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Tommy Wirkola
- Writers
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Pat Casey, Josh Miller
- Release date
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December 2, 2022
- Execution time
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101 minutes
As RedIt’s kidnapping, Violent night similarly involves a hostage situation, only this time it’s Santa Claus (played by Stranger Things‘ David Harbor) who is in the rescue. Upon arriving at their home to deliver the presents, Santa Claus realizes that the family has been taken hostage by a group of mercenaries using Christmas code names. In the action-packed thriller, Santa Claus must save the family from their captors before finishing his tasks on Christmas Eve.
While Violent night may not be familiar in the same way as Redcritics and the public liked it upon release.
Funny, Violent night seems to function as a kind of mirror image of Red, with Santa Claus responsible for fighting the villains himself. While Violent night may not be suitable for families in the same way as Redcritics and the public liked it upon release. Likewise, the adult audience of Red will be entertained by Violent nightaction and humor, making this the perfect combination for fans of intense action with a Christmas twist.
3
Knives Out (2019)
To see another side of Chris Evans
At first sight, Knives out may seem the most unusual Red continuation of this list, but the two films are actually the perfect combination due to Chris Evans’ different performances. While Red is built on its action sequences, and Evans has more than made a name for himself as an action star through his previous role in the MCU, Knives out allows him to showcase his talent in a dramatic roleallowing the public to see a different side of his work. Although he still maintains a similar touch of humor in both.
Knives out accountants Red in many waysbut Chris Evans fans will like it anyway. Furthermore, while Knives out never explicitly states when the film is set, the characters’ attire, as well as the film’s Thanksgiving Day release, indicates that Knives out is set in the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, which makes it the perfect film for this time of year.
2
Santa Claus (1994)
No Christmas movie list is complete without it
While Santa Claus is not directly related Red, without a doubt the Santa Claus movies wouldn’t be what they are today without Santa Claus. Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin accidentally assumes the role of Santa Claus when he dons the Santa Claus costume one Christmas Eve, leading to chaos in his personal life and at the North Pole. Similar to how Johnson’s Callum comes to Santa’s rescue in Redthe elves in Santa Claus form a task force to break Scott Calvin out of prison when he is arrested, creating another clever parallel.
Like this Red changed Santa Claus and his helpers to fit into a more modern context, Santa Claus revamped Santa Claus for the 1990s and became a Christmas classic in the process. Santa Claus is the perfect Santa-themed continuation for Redand really any other Christmas movie too.
1
Die Hard (1988)
The original Christmas action movie
During a holiday party, the workplace of NYPD detective John McClane’s wife is hijacked by German terrorists led by evil icon Hans Gruber. McClane (Bruce Willis), evades capture and fights to save hostages, including his wife, and foil Gruber’s elaborate robbery initially without weapons, shoes or shirt.
- Writers
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Roderick Thorp, Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza
- Execution time
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132 minutes
- Budget
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US$28 million
Die Hard is definitely a Christmas movie, and a classic, so it’s only fitting that the action classic pairs well with Redthe new humorous version of a Christmas action film. However Die Hard may not be considered a comedy in the same way as Redhas its own moments of humor wrapped up in a tense battle between a New York police officer and a group of terrorists in a skyscraper. When his wife’s Christmas party is hijacked, John McClane steps in to save the day, taking out his adversaries one at a time.
Many modern action films have found inspiration in Die Hardand the cultural importance of the film is enormous. Even a Christmas action movie like Redwhich includes its own unique magical elements, owes a legacy to Die Hardmaking the film a must-see for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. While Red is certainly an exciting addition to the Christmas genre, the recommendations on this list are a variety of great options for fans to further expand their watch lists and maybe even find a new favorite.