Hanukkah Movies – They Do Exist!

It’s that time of year! We’re drinking hot chocolate, building gingerbread houses, blasting Kenny G, and oh yeah, trying to find some Hanukkah movies! Yes, there are thousands of Christmas movies (looking at you Hallmark), but the number of Hanukkah movies is far smaller. I’m here to suggest some movies for your Hanukkah stay-at-home celebrations! (Not only Eight Crazy Nights… you’re welcome)

An American Tail (1986)

Yes, we have an animated film that isn’t Eight Crazy Nights. Steven Spielberg’s animated film that’s an allegory for the Jewish immigrant experience became the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film of its time. The film details the story of a family of mice, the Mousekewitzes, who emigrate to America to escape persecution from… cats. Does anyone remember the little park built at Universal Studios from this?

Little Fockers (2010)

The third film in a powerful trilogy starring Robert De Niro (the king of Christmas, but we’ll get into another date) is a Hanukkah staple! Yes, the film has horrible reviews, but we don’t care! Barbra Streisand and Ben Stiller must be Hanukkah!

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer are here to light up our world for eight nights! Chalamet crying after lighting the menorah (on night seven folks) with his family, a Hanukkah icon. Their housekeeper Mafalda even makes latkes! Elio, played by Chalamet, plays with GELT! An iconic Hanukkah film. Maybe the sequel will take them to Passover together!

The Night Before (2015)

Seth Rogen described the film as “Made by Jews, is about Christmas, and opens on Thanksgiving,” but Rogen does wear a Hanukkah sweater the entire film. Mostly a Christmas film, but we get a sweater!

The Holiday (2006)

This is my favorite holiday movie in general, BUT this is actually a Hanukkah movie folks!! Hello, Arthur and Iris host a Hanukkah meal! Complete with a menorah, brisket, wine, and JACK BLACK! We love to see it.

And that’s it from me! I’m not a fan of Eight Crazy Nights, but it exists. I’m hoping maybe Netflix could crank out some original Hanukkah films someday.