The Best Movies On HBO Max To Watch During The Holidays

It's time to settle this debate once and for all: Die Hard is a Christmas movie. The film's events take place on Christmas Eve, after all. Widely considered to be one of the best action films ever made, Die Hard features knockout performances from Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. It may not be the most kid-friendly pick, but if you've got an adult-only audience, you're in the clear. Focused on a New York City police detective caught up in a terrorist takeover of a skyscraper, Die Hard is the opposite of a Hallmark Christmas movie. But you should still definitely watch it.

Paul Feig's romantic comedy Last Christmas is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. It's a cheeky story about a Christmas store employee (Emilia Clarke) who falls for a mysterious man (Henry Golding), before she realizes his true identity. You will find this heartfelt film to be touching and clever. Clarke and Golding have wonderful chemistry that will stay with you long after the credits roll. What better time to fall in love than Christmastime?

You can't go wrong with a classic holiday film like A Christmas Carol. The story has been adapted several times over, but this particular incarnation from the 1930's is a good introduction to the tale. For one, several of the darker elements were toned down to make the film more family friendly. This means it's safe for youngsters to watch, without any fear of unsightly ghouls.

There's no place like home for the holidays. Except if you're Meridith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) in The Family Stone. An uptight businesswoman, nothing can prepare her for her boyfriend's outgoing bohemian family. There's all sorts of narrative twists and turns as Meridith's sister Julie (Claire Danes) gets involved. But at its core, it's a story about the strength of family ties, making it a worthwhile family watch. At the very least, you can see that your family isn't that dramatic in comparison.

If Die Hard is a Christmas movie, then so is Batman Returns. It might not offer all the warm, snuggly holiday cheer, but it's a whole lot of fun to watch. It's directed by Tim Burton of Nightmare Before Christmas fame, and his signature quirkiness is at play here. Michael Keaton gives a strong performance as Batman, but it's Danny DeVito's performance as The Penguin that steals the show. See? There's penguins in this movie. It must be a holiday classic!

The beloved children's cartoon The Flintstones celebrates the holidays in this fun Christmas special. Our favorite prehistoric family is getting ready for Christmas, and Fred Flinstone gets assigned as Santa Claus for the children of Bedrock Orphanage. But after a series of mishaps, he accidentally starts delivering presents all over the world. Afraid he won't make it back in time for the orphanage's Christmas party, he calls upon the real Santa for help. This short but sweet special is only 48 minutes, making it a good option for younger kids with an early bedtime.