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Charming Quail™’s Unranked Nerdy Christmas Must-Watch List (2025)

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

An image of vhs tapes on a table, with a gaming controller, and a bowl of popcorn. A decroative Christmas tree with presents under it is in the background, and it is all styled like a screen shot from a 90's video game.

Every December, the internet fills up with Christmas movie lists. Top 10s. Definitive rankings. Hot takes. The same handful of titles shuffled into a “different” order.

This is not that kind of list.

This is an unranked, intentionally curated collection of nerdy Christmas watches, chosen not because one is “better” than another, but because each one delivers a very specific kind of joy. The kind that makes you say, “Wait… how have I never seen this?” or “Oh wow, you included that?”

Some of these are genuinely great. Some are famously ridiculous. A few live in that magical space where something is so strange it somehow becomes wonderful.

What they all share is this: they’re unapologetically nerdy, unmistakably holiday-ish, and deeply loved by people who enjoy things a little off the beaten path.

If you’re looking for cozy background comfort movies, this probably isn’t your list. But if you love cult classics, glorious misfires, and holiday stories that lean into their weirdness instead of sanding it down, welcome. You’re in the right place.

Why this list exists (and why it’s very Charming Quail™)

If you’re new here, a quick bit of context: Charming Quail™ is a jewelry studio that makes heirloom-quality pieces for nerds. The kind of jewelry that looks elegant at first glance, but quietly celebrates the things you love — sci-fi, fantasy, fandom, and stories that mean something to you.

This list exists for the same reason our jewelry does.

We love things that are made with care, personality, and a willingness to be a little weird. We’re drawn to projects where you can tell someone leaned into the idea instead of playing it safe. Whether that’s a beautifully strange holiday special, a cult-classic sci-fi mess, or a piece of jewelry inspired by a very specific nerdy obsession.

So this isn’t a ranking. It’s a reflection of taste. These are the nerdy Christmas watches that feel like us.


Table of Contents



🎄 Nerdy Christmas Must-Watch Movies (Unranked)


The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022, TV-14)

I’ve watched this one with my wife, and we both absolutely loved it.

The Guardians crew is already one of our favorites, so we were pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this going in, but this special still managed to surprise us. It’s heartfelt, silly, and fully aware of how ridiculous it’s being, which is honestly the best version of the Guardians.

And then there’s Kevin Bacon.

I have no words for how excited I was when he showed up. What a delightful, completely unhinged surprise. Why is Kevin Bacon here? Why wouldn’t Kevin Bacon be here? It’s so random, so unnecessary, and so perfect that it somehow elevates the entire thing.

This special feels like a group of nerds got together, leaned all the way into the bit, and said, “Yeah, let’s do that.” And honestly, that’s exactly the energy I want from a nerdy Christmas watch.

If you’ve never seen it (or just want to revisit the chaos), the trailer sets the tone beautifully:


Star Wars Holiday Special (1978, TV-PG)

This one was introduced to me by my wife — who is both a lifelong Star Wars nerd and a Bea Arthur fan — and I am a fundamentally different person for having seen it.

If you’ve somehow managed to avoid this piece of legendary television history, here’s the short version: it aired in 1978, between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and it is absolutely unhinged. Variety show energy. Musical numbers. Extended Wookiee family scenes with no subtitles. And yes — Bea Arthur singing in the Mos Eisley Cantina.

Watching it now feels like discovering a secret level of nerd culture. Not because it’s good — it isn’t — but because it exists, and because so many wildly confident creative decisions were made without a single apparent moment of doubt.

What really makes it hit, though, is seeing it framed in its original context. The way it was presented on TV. The tone. The casual assumption that of course this was what America wanted to watch that night. It’s a perfect snapshot of a very specific moment in pop culture history.

This is not a recommendation in the traditional sense. It’s a rite of passage.

To really appreciate how surreal this was at the time, here’s a period TV intro that aired alongside the special, complete with flashes of characters and that unmistakable late-70s television energy:


Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964, Not Rated)

I haven’t actually seen this one yet — and that fact alone makes me incredibly excited.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians famously bombed when it was released, only to rise later as a cult classic and one of those glorious “so bad it’s good” holiday movies. The premise alone feels like it was created by spinning three completely unrelated idea wheels: Santa Claus, Mars, and mid-century sci-fi optimism.

And honestly? That’s exactly why it belongs here.

This is the kind of movie you don’t watch because it’s polished or subtle. You watch it because it exists, because someone thought this was a good idea, and because sometimes the most memorable holiday experiences come from leaning into something completely ridiculous with the right people.

This one is officially on my watch list, and I already know it’s going to be an experience.

And yes — the full movie is available online:


Tokyo Godfathers (2003, PG-13)

This is another recent discovery for me — and one that instantly grabbed my attention.

Three unhoused people find a baby on Christmas Eve and set out to find its mother. What follows looks like a mix of action, absurdity, heart, and adventure.

I’ve watched a lot of anime over the years, and what drew me to this one is that it doesn’t feel like a reheated version of a familiar theme. It looks like it has its own personality — something human, a little messy, and very intentional. The fact that it’s set at Christmas feels purposeful, not tacked on.

This one strikes me as the kind of movie that rewards you for paying attention and trusting it to take you somewhere unexpected.

If you’re curious, the trailer does a great job setting the tone without giving too much away:


Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010)

Confession time: I’m not a Doctor Who fan… yet.

I have a lot of respect for the franchise, and I genuinely want to love it. I adore Star Trek: The Next Generation, and on paper this feels like a similar mix of sci-fi, big ideas, and character-driven storytelling. But every time I’ve tried to jump in, it just hasn’t quite grabbed me.

That said, this episode feels culturally important enough — and nerd-beloved enough — to earn a spot on this curated list.

If you’re a Whovian:

  • Is this a good entry point?

  • And where can I stream it?

Drop recommendations in the comments — I’m listening.


Clip from the episode

🎁 Bonus Watch

He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985, PG)

This one hits very differently as an adult.

I watched this with my wife and her brothers — all of us fully grown adults — and there’s a good chance I originally saw it when it aired, even though I don’t remember it clearly. I grew up on He-Man. I had the action figures. I even got Skeletor’s hideout for Christmas one year. This world was a big part of my childhood.

Revisiting the Christmas special now is… enlightening.

As a kid, I would have watched this in the family room while my parents were busy making breakfast, completely absorbed in what I thought was just a fun, family-friendly cartoon. Watching it decades later, I noticed a lot of unexpected energy and campy subtext that went entirely over my head at the time. Not in a bad way — just in that “oh wow, I definitely did not clock that as a child” kind of way.

It’s funny, nostalgic, a little ridiculous, and a perfect example of how kids’ media can reveal entirely new layers when you revisit it as an adult. Whether you’re there for the holiday absurdity, the 80s animation, or the pure nostalgia hit, this one earns its spot as a bonus watch.

And yes — the full episode is available online:

So… what should you watch first?

Honestly? There’s no wrong answer.

That’s the whole point of keeping this list unranked. Some of these are genuinely great. Some are beautifully ridiculous. A few might leave you wondering how they ever made it to air in the first place. But each one offers something memorable, especially if you’re watching with the right people.

If this list made you laugh, raise an eyebrow, or immediately text someone a link with “you have to see this,” then it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

If you’re new here

Welcome. We’re glad you found us.

Charming Quail™ is a jewelry studio that makes heirloom-quality pieces for nerds — the kind of jewelry that looks elegant at first glance, but quietly celebrates the stories, fandoms, and obsessions you love. We believe the things that mean the most to us are worth celebrating thoughtfully, whether that’s a strange holiday special from the ’70s, a cult-classic anime film, or a piece of jewelry designed to last a lifetime.

If that resonates, you’re very much our people.

Stick around

If you enjoyed this list and want more things like it, the best way to stay connected is through our Fan Feed.

It’s our occasional email where we share behind-the-scenes stories, new designs, and thoughtfully nerdy things we think you’ll enjoy — the same kind of energy that led to this list. No algorithms, no pressure, and no clutter. Just a quiet note from us when there’s something genuinely worth sharing.

If this post felt like it was written for you, you’ll probably feel right at home there.

Thanks for spending part of your holiday season with us. And if there’s a nerdy Christmas watch you think belongs on this list, we’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this list unranked?

Because this isn’t about declaring a “best” movie. Each entry on this list earns its place for a different reason — some are genuinely great, some are gloriously ridiculous, and some are fascinating cultural artifacts. Ranking them would miss the point.

What makes a movie “nerdy” for this list?

For us, “nerdy” isn’t about popularity or trivia knowledge. It’s about intention, personality, and a willingness to lean into an idea — whether that’s sci-fi, fantasy, cult status, or unapologetic weirdness. These are movies that tend to be loved deeply by the people who love them.

Are these all traditional Christmas movies?

Not exactly. They’re all tied to the holiday season in a meaningful way, but many of them approach Christmas from unexpected angles. If you’re looking for cozy background viewing, this list may surprise you. That’s kind of the point.

Where can I watch these?

Availability changes over time, so we’ve included links and embedded clips or full videos wherever possible to help you explore further. Some are available on major streaming platforms, others exist as archival uploads online.

Are these picks family-friendly?

Some are, some definitely aren’t. Ratings are included where applicable, but we recommend checking details before watching with younger viewers — especially for the more chaotic or cult-classic entries.

Will you do this list again next year?

That’s the plan. Think of this as a yearly snapshot of the kind of nerdy holiday joy we’re excited about right now. Future editions may overlap, evolve, or go in entirely new directions.

What does this have to do with jewelry?

More than you might think. Charming Quail™ exists to celebrate the things people love deeply — stories, fandoms, nostalgia, and thoughtful weirdness. This list is simply another expression of that same philosophy.

Can I suggest a movie for a future list?

Absolutely. If there’s a nerdy Christmas watch you think belongs here, we’d love to hear about it in the comments. Some of the best discoveries come from conversations like that.

 
 
 

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