5 great superhero Christmas movies and TV episodes to get you feeling festive
1. Batman Returns
Tim Burton’s Batman Returns is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated sequels of all time and perhaps the most underrated Christmas movie ever. A dark, cynical tale, it centers on the rise of The Penguin and his formidable friends from the Gotham City Circus, as he ascends to the top of Gotham in a race for mayor.
Set during the holiday season, it sees the villainous Oswald Cobblepot attempt to capitalize on people’s good will by manipulating them into voting for him and turning against Batman. Of course, The Dark Knight must find a way to overcome the treachery and ensure that the most wonderful time of the year remains just that.
In a way, Batman Returns isn’t a Christmas movie at all. It’s not heartwarming or fun-filled; it’s a subversion of our expectations – one that could only have come from the brilliant mind of Burton. It’s less A Wonderful Life and more Nightmare Before Christmas and the unusual mix of the festivities of Christmas with the Gothic imagery of the source material works surprisingly well.
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Which festive superhero tale is your favorite? Do you prefer Christmas movies or are you more of a holiday TV fan? Let us know in the comments below!