9 Un-Orthodox Christmas Movies To Liven Up Your Holiday

9. Ocean's Eleven (1960)

Okay, so this movie's not a full-out "Christmas movie," since all of the second and third act occur not not on Christmas but New Year's Eve. However, Christmas decorations abound in the Vegas casinos and there are a few early scenes that take place on Christmas. Therefore, it qualifies for inclusion here. This classic caper flick has been overshadowed for over a decade by the 2001 Steven Soderbergh remake. While the Soderbergh film boasts a better-constructed plot and stronger performances, the original flick has lots of merit, as well. The biggest of said merits is the opportunity to see Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and their fellow Rat Pack cronies doing what they do best (namely, acting cool, chasing ladies, drinking, and singing). Ultimately, the film's plot, that of a group of WWII veterans teaming up to knock over a bunch of Vegas casinos, serves as nothing more than a skeleton to support the Pack's schmoozing. Such a sketchy plot might have been a problem in the hands of lesser personalities. However, Sinatra, Martin, and company were able to use their larger-than-life personas to fill in the holes the screenwriter left, resulting in a fun little '60s time capsule. If you're looking for a way to while away a lazy holiday afternoon, you could do a lot worse.