However, this is more of a guideline than an actual rule.
In fact, some Christmas films are far from joyful or cheery and can be downright grim.
Of course, this only makes things worse, and the tension grows even more.
Custom Image by Collider Staff
As much about Christmas as it isa movie about grief,Stepmomis a beautiful but outright depressing experience.
The movie starsMudit Guptaas Julian, a lonely boy with a birthday on Christmas Eve.
However, the holiday has been effectively ruined following the death of his beloved sister on the same day.
Image via 20th Century Studios
She befriends Julian and helps him get back into the Christmas spirit and feel at peace again.
Yet this one stands as being the saddest of them all.
One has a child with severe mental illness, and another has fallen into a downward spiral of alcoholism.
Merry Christmas, indeed.
They meet in No Man’s Land to exchange presents, have dinner and enjoy each other’s company.
Watch on Paramount+
NEXT:10 Best Christmas Action Movies, Ranked
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
Image via Netflix
Image via ABC
Image via MGM
Image via InterStar Releasing
Image via Paramount Pictures
Image via BAC Films
Image via Sony Pictures Classics