I’ve been a comic book enthusiast for most of my life, and I must say, these superhero Christmas movies are nothing short of fantastic! They perfectly blend action, humor, and holiday cheer that even the Grinch would have a hard time resisting.
It’s likely that being a superhero is extra challenging during the holiday season as they can’t really afford to take a break at that time of year. However, this also means that we, as fans, get to enjoy some unique and unconventional Christmas movies and TV specials where our favorite superheroes are tasked with preserving holiday joy. So, why not make the most of the season by watching these fantastic Christmas films, shows, and specials starring your favorite masked crime fighters?
Batman Returns (1992)
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer
In this setting, a snowy Gotham City transforms into a battlefield for Bruce Wayne, who engages in confrontations with The Penguin while also kindling a playful competition with Catwoman.
Why it is one of the best Christmas superhero titles: Batman Returns (also one of the all-time best live-action Batman movies for its dazzling production design and some of Michael Keaton’s best Batman moments) teaches us that mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it, but a kiss can be deadlier if you mean it.
How to watch Batman Returns
- Stream Batman Returns on Max
- Rent or buy Batman Returns on Amazon
- Buy Batman Returns on Blu-ray on Amazon
Hawkeye (2021)
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld
What it’s about: Retired Avenger Clint Barton crosses paths with young, aspiring archer Kate Bishop who helps him defeat a terrifying foe so he can make it back home in time for Christmas.
One reason why Hawkeye is exceptional as a Christmas superhero title is that Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld’s engaging dynamic, coupled with exciting action scenes, make it stand out among Disney+’s Marvel TV shows and one of the most holiday-themed installments within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How to watch Hawkeye
- Stream Hawkeye on Disney+
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
As the holiday season approaches, Tony Stark finds himself grappling with a personal dilemma, namely an identity crisis, when confronting his deadliest adversary to date.
One outstanding reason why it’s among the top Christmas superhero titles is that Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black and confirmed as the first Marvel movie to embrace the holiday spirit on Disney+, stands out with its captivating blend of action and festive cheer.
How to watch Iron Man 3
- Stream Iron Man 3 on Disney+
- Buy Iron Man 3 on Amazon
- Buy Iron Man 3 on Blu-ray on Amazon
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper
Intending to lift Peter Quill’s spirits, Drax and Mantis embark on a journey to Earth, aiming to find the ideal Christmas present for him.
One reason why The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special stands out as one of the top Christmas superhero titles: This latest Marvel Cinematic Universe release, infused with holiday cheer, is poised to become a classic Christmas tradition. With its side-splitting humor and heartfelt moments, an excellent soundtrack, and a guest appearance by a revered cinematic figure, it’s definitely one to watch during the festive season.
How to watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
- Stream The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special on Disney+
Arrow: Three Ghosts (2013)
Starring: Robbie Amell, Katie Cassidy
Overview: Following an ordeal where Oliver Queen is poisoned and abandoned by Cyrus Gold, he receives an antidote from Felicity which triggers vivid recollections of his past, appearing as hallucinations.
What makes “Three Ghosts,” the ninth episode of Arrow’s second season, one of the top Christmas superhero titles: This captivating episode from the second season of Arrow, one of Netflix’s finest DC TV series, cleverly reimagines one of the most impactful holiday tales ever written – Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
How to watch Arrow: Three Ghosts
- Stream Arrow: Three Ghosts on Netflix
- Buy Arrow: Three Ghosts on Amazon
Ultimate Spider-Man: Nightmare On Christmas (2014)
Starring: Drake Bell, Mark Hamill
In Summary: An encounter with Nightmare leads Peter Parker on an exploratory trip through his past, present, and potential future, providing a sneak peek into a universe devoid of Spider-Man.
One enjoyable Dickensian-style superhero Christmas special is the 22nd episode of the third season of “Ultimate Spider-Man,” titled “Nightmare on Christmas.” This episode, like the plot of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” shares some similarities.
How to watch Ultimate Spider-Man: Nightmare on Christmas
- Stream Ultimate Spider-Man: Nightmare on Christmas on Disney+
- Buy Ultimate Spider-Man: Nightmare on Christmas on Amazon
Smallville: Lexmas (2005)
Starring: Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum
Overview: Following a gunshot that lands him in a coma, Lex Luthor has a vision of a future where he is nurturing a middle-class family alongside Lana Lang.
One of the top Christmas superhero titles, “Lexmas” (the ninth episode of the fifth season of Smallville), is particularly noteworthy. It creatively blends elements reminiscent of “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” offering an overall warm-hearted narrative that eventually takes a more somber turn.
How to watch Smallville: Lexmas
- Stream Smallville: Lexmas on Hulu
- Buy Smallville on Blu-ray on Amazon
Batman: The Animated Series: Christmas With The Joker (1992)
Starring: Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill
What it’s about: The Joker challenges Batman and Robin to rescue a kidnapped Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, and Summer Gleeson before midnight on Christmas Eve.
One outstanding Christmas superhero title is “Christmas with the Joker,” a memorable episode from Batman: The Animated Series, where Mark Hamill brings the villain to life. This particular episode, being the 38th from Season 1, stands out among one of the finest animated TV shows ever made.
How to watch Batman: The Animated Series: Christmas with The Joker
- Stream Batman: The Animated Series: Christmas with The Joker on Max
- Stream Batman: The Animated Series: Christmas with The Joker on Amazon Prime
The Flash: Running To Stand Still (2013)
Starring: Grant Gustin, Mark Hamill
What it’s about: Weather Wizard breaks Captain Cold and The Trickster to collaborate on an attack against Barry Allen’s alter ego around the holidays.
One of the top Christmas superhero titles is “Running to Stand Still”, starring Mark Hamill as a villain (The Trickster), in The Flash series. This episode, serving as the second mid-season finale, delivers an enjoyable spectacle and doesn’t fall short even when it comes to holiday themes.
How to watch The Flash: Running to Stand Still
- Stream The Flash: Running to Stand Still on Netflix
- Rent or buy The Flash: Running to Stand Still on Amazon
- Buy The Flash on Blu-ray on Amazon
Shazam! (2019)
Director: David F. Sandberg
Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong
What it’s about: An abandoned teen is imbued with powers and an adult body by a wizard who chooses him to be his champion.
One reason why Shazam! stands out as one of the top Christmas superhero titles: One of the most hilarious superhero films that takes place during the Christmas season (or simply the funniest comic book movie overall) is Shazam!, a film you might remember for its thrilling third act set at an extravagant holiday display.
How to watch Shazam!
- Stream Shazam! on Max
- Rent or buy Shazam! on Amazon
- Buy Shazam! on Blu-ray on Amazon
Merry Little Batman (2023)
Director: Mike Roth
Starring: Luke Wilson, Yonas Kibreab, James Cromwell
Plot Summary: As Bruce Wayne aids the Justice League, his boy, Damian, takes on the task of thwarting a nefarious scheme to grab Christmas.
What makes Merry Little Batman one of the top Christmas superhero titles: If you envision the storyline of Home Alone but swap Kevin McCallister with Damian Wayne, add a touch of Grinch-like mischief, then you’re almost there with the delightful holiday movie called Merry Little Batman – an excellent choice for families who are fans of DC comics to watch together during the festive season.
How to watch Merry Little Batman
- Stream Merry Little Batman on Amazon Prime
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman: Twas The Night Before Mxymas (1996)
Starring: Dean Cain, Teri Hatcher, Howie Mandel
In the story, Clark experiences a mysterious loop on Christmas Eve where small variations occur among the people of Metropolis, all due to an intricate scheme by a mischievous sprite.
What makes “Twas The Night Before Mxymas” one of the top Christmas superhero titles: Although there are numerous time-loop stories associated with Christmas, none of them feature Superman, except for this one – the delightful, frequently amusing, and at times heartwarming 11th episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Season 4.
How to watch Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: Twas The Night Before Mxymas
- Stream Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: Twas The Night Before Mxymas on Max
- Stream Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: Twas The Night Before Mxymas on Tubi
- Buy Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: Season 4 on DVD on Amazon
Hopefully, these titles can help rescue you from a crummy holiday.
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2024-11-30 19:08