10 Must-Watch Movies About Holidays That Go Awry

      Prepare your luggage and remember your passport for these classic holidays that took a turn for the worse! Vacations are intended to be serene getaways from the daily grind. Whether you're headed to snowy peaks for skiing or enjoying the sun, sand, and Sangria on a Spanish beach, everyone deserves a bit of rest and relaxation.

      The simple holiday often serves as a backdrop for cinematic plots, but they wouldn't be captivating if they unfolded perfectly. In films, vacations typically spiral into disasters, thrusting the main character into chaotic, sometimes deadly situations (depending on the genre). Here are ten noteworthy holidays gone awry...

      Withnail and I

      Infamous for the line, “We’ve gone on holiday by mistake,” Bruce Robinson’s legendary comedy follows two unemployed actors (Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann) who embark on a spontaneous trip to escape the drudgery of late 60s London, looking for some countryside air. Unfortunately, they are met with rainy weather, muddy terrain, and no modern amenities as they arrive at Withnail’s (Grant) quirky Uncle Monty’s holiday home.

      Monty’s arrival complicates matters, particularly for Marwood (McGann), who becomes the focus of Monty’s affection. Every line is quotable, and despite the disastrous holiday, it marks a significant growth moment for Marwood, who returns to London knowing he must separate from Withnail. The stellar performances and beneath the humor, the characters are complex and deeply flawed, lending emotional depth.

      Sonatine

      Takeshi Kitano poses an intriguing question: what do gangsters do on vacation? Following an outbreak of gang warfare, a group of gangsters (including Kitano) retreats to a beach to lay low, engaging in childish, sometimes perilously dangerous activities.

      These violent criminals find themselves adrift, while Kitano becomes fascinated by a woman he encounters. Ultimately, their relaxing seaside getaway is interrupted by brutal violence once more, all to the backdrop of a fantastic Joe Hisaishi soundtrack. Sonatine bears Kitano’s signature style, presenting a fresh take on the violent gangster genre.

      Die Hard

      New York police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to Los Angeles during Christmas to reconnect with his estranged wife and children, visiting her office building. What should be a mundane office party turns into a nightmare when international terrorists seize control of the building with a safe full of bonds as their target.

      It’s up to Bruce Willis, clad in a filthy vest and bare feet, to confront the criminals (led by Alan Rickman) and rescue the hostages (including his wife). Die Hard redefined action cinema, establishing a popular archetype that birthed a new sub-genre (Die Hard in a...). It also ignited one of cinema’s great debates: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Absolutely!

      Home Alone

      There’s little debate about the Christmas spirit of Home Alone. For many, it’s as much a holiday tradition as a mince pie. A family vacation descends into chaos when mischievous Kevin McCallister is inadvertently left behind by his neglectful parents (and other relatives).

      Initially, Kevin revels in his solitude, but his fun with B movies and ice cream is disrupted by Harry and Marv, two bumbling burglars targeting this affluent neighborhood. Cue the sadistic traps as the hapless thieves find themselves outmatched by the child who likely grew up to be Jigsaw.

      In Bruges

      After a botched hit, an aging hitman (Brendan Gleeson) is instructed to take his young apprentice (Colin Farrell) away for a break in Bruges, on the orders of their ruthless boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Why Bruges? According to Harry, it’s a fucking fairytale.

      For Ken (Gleeson), it’s an opportunity to enjoy some history and heritage away from his criminal life. For Ray (Farrell), it feels dreary and confining, leaving him unable to escape guilt from his failed job. The narrative takes a twist when Harry orders Ken to eliminate Ray. Martin McDonagh's black comedy is cult cinema at its finest, filled with sharp dialogue and a remarkable cast at the height of their talents.

      Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday

      Scott Adkins returns as hitman Mike Fallon, tired of life as a hired gun in London and seeking peace in Malta. Unfortunately, the criminal world is never far away, and he finds himself fighting rival assassins while attempting to protect the ungrateful son of a mafia boss.

      Adkins has consistently proven himself a reliable action star who rarely disappoints. His creative input in the Accident Man films (and other passion projects) elevates them above many of his other works, allowing him to showcase his comedic skills as well, with a script (co-written with Stu Small) brimming with witty lines. Naturally, no Adkins film is complete without incredible, bone-cr