It’s that time of year again… Time to curl up on the couch under a comfy blanket to watch all those favorite Yuletide classics. From traditional classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, or 1947’s The Bishops Wife (a personal recommend), to more recent favorites like Chrismtas Vacation, Elf, and Die Hard (yes, Die Hard) there’s no shortage of options to choose from.

But before you bust out those DVD’s and Blu-rays, or look for your favorites on the streaming services why not shake things up a bit this year and consider some alternatives. There’s a lot of other movies out there that can give you a taste of holiday cheer, without all the usual Christmas trappings (and lessons).

In this week’s Friday Five here’s a list of five of my favorite movies that take place at Christmas but aren’t technically Christmas movies. Take a look, and feel free to let me know which of your favorites I missed.

1. L.A. Confidential (1997)

There's nothing festive about the plot (based on the novel by James Ellroy (think corrupt cops, cover-ups, and unsolved murders), but when you set a film in 1950’s L.A. at Christmas, give it a classic holiday soundtrack full of Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, throw in an amazing cast (Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, and Kevin Spacey), and you’ve got everything you need for a festive classic. Throw in a holiday party and Kim Basinger in a hooded cloak trimmed with white fur and all you're missing is a fat guy in a red suit. So maybe that’s an over simplification . But it’s still worth a watch (or a re-watch) this Christmas season.

2. Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton’s 1992 Batman Returns probably wasn’t the sequel fans (or the studio) were expecting. What says Christmas quite like a penguin funeral, and a scene where Danny Devito gnaws on raw fish. But I love it! It’s a wintry, superhero film noir — with Michael Keaton returning as the Dark Knight and Christopher Walken playing Gotham’s evil department store mogul Max Schrek. It’s got moody scenes of snow in dark alleyways, lots of Tim Burton-style holiday decorations, Walken making a big speech in front of a Chrstmas tree, and at one point Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman getting Batman under the mistletoe. Even the Batsignal looks like a Christmas decoration (if you want it to).

3. Gremlins (1984)

Believe it or not, this ‘80’s horror classic is one of the films that led to the creation of the PG-13 rating back in the day. Director, Joe Dante’s 1985 creature feature from executive producer Steven Spielberg may be PG, but its a pretty scary holiday adventure. In Gremlins, Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives a Christmas present from his father: a rare creature known as a mogwai. The creature, which they name Gizmo, starts off cute, but when Billy accidentally breaks the rules required to own one, this species begins to show off its dark side. You remember the rules… don’t you?

4. Lethal Weapon (1987)

If you’re looking to add a new action movie into your Christmas rotation look no further than 1987’s Lethal Weapon. It’s got it all — seasonal depression in the form of Martin Riggs (Mel GIbson), ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas cheer with the budding friendship of Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and his new partner Riggs. It’s got a spot under the tree for Gary Busey playing the bad guy as only Gary Busey can. And like all good Christmas movies it’s got the unlikely “miracle” ending. You’re welcome.

5. Kiss Kiss, Bang, Bang (2005)

Writer, Shane Black (who also wrote Lethal Weapon) must really like Christmas. He sets Kiss Kiss Bang Bang at Christmastime too. Like all the best holiday movies, it’s got a character dressed as (sexy) Santa, helping friends in need (as they get shot in the back), and all-around good cheer. It’s also got bullets. Lots of bullets, and a pre-MCU Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. … along with many inside-baseball jokes at Hollywood’s expense. And bullets. Lots and lots of bullets. This 2005 film is one that is definitely worth unwrapping every year.