10 Must-Watch Movies About Holidays That Went Awry

      Pack your suitcase and remember to bring your passport for these unforgettable holidays that went awry!

      Holidays are meant to be relaxing getaways from the daily grind. Whether you’re heading to the snowy slopes for skiing or enjoying the sun, sand, and Sangria at a beach in Spain, everyone needs a bit of rest and relaxation.

      The simple holiday often serves as a great backdrop for a film’s narrative, but it wouldn’t be engaging if it were an ideal vacation. In the realm of cinema, holidays tend to spiral into chaos, thrusting the main characters into tumultuous and, at times, perilous situations (depending on the genre). Here are ten notable holidays gone wrong…

      Withnail and I

      This classic line, “We’ve gone on holiday by mistake,” comes from Bruce Robinson’s beloved comedy featuring two unemployed actors (Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann) who impulsively escape the monotony of late 1960s London for some fresh country air. Unfortunately, they are met with rainy weather, muddy grounds, and a complete lack of modern conveniences at Withnail’s (Grant) odd Uncle Monty’s holiday home.

      Monty’s arrival adds to the chaos, especially for Marwood (McGann), who becomes the object of Monty’s obsession. Every line is memorable, and while the vacation itself is a disaster, it marks a significant turning point for Marwood, who returns to London acknowledging that a separation from Withnail is unavoidable. The film features outstanding performances, and amidst the comedy, the characters are layered and intriguingly flawed, which adds substantial depth.

      Sonatine

      Takeshi Kitano poses an intriguing question about what gangsters do on vacation. Following an escalation of a gang conflict, a group of gangsters (including Kitano) seek refuge at a beach, engaging in childish and sometimes dangerously reckless games to pass the time.

      As these violent criminals become increasingly restless, Kitano finds himself captivated by a woman he meets. Predictably, their brief seaside retreat is soon interrupted by brutal violence, all set to a remarkable soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi. The film’s distinctive style makes Sonatine a refreshing addition to the genre of violent gangster cinema.

      Die Hard

      New York police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to Los Angeles for Christmas to reconnect with his estranged wife and children, heading to her office building for a party. However, what should have been a routine office celebration turns into a nightmare when international terrorists seize control of the building, targeting a safe containing bonds.

      It falls to Bruce Willis, dressed in a progressively filthy vest and barefoot, to confront the criminals (led by Alan Rickman) and rescue the hostages (including his wife). Die Hard transformed the action film landscape, establishing a refreshed archetype now known as a sub-genre (Die Hard in a...). It also sparked one of cinema’s great debates: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Absolutely!

      Home Alone

      There’s little debate about the holiday spirit surrounding Home Alone. For many, it has become a Christmas staple as indispensable as mince pies. A family holiday descends into chaos when the mischievous Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind by his neglectful parents (and even more negligent relatives).

      At first, Kevin enjoys being home alone, indulging in B movies and ice cream, but his fun is soon interrupted by Harry and Marv, two burglars targeting this affluent neighborhood. Cue a series of elaborate traps as the bumbling thieves underestimate the resourceful child who likely grew up to be Jigsaw.

      In Bruges

      After a botched job, an older hitman (Brendan Gleeson) is instructed to take his young apprentice (Colin Farrell) away from harm's way, hiding out in Bruges at the request of their callous boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Why Bruges? Well, it's a "fucking fairytale" (at least according to Harry).

      For Ken (Gleeson), it’s an opportunity to appreciate the historical setting and enjoy a tranquil escape from his life of crime. For Ray (Farrell), the surroundings feel dull and gray, trapping him with his guilt over a failed assassination. The situation becomes more complicated when Harry orders Ken to eliminate Ray. Martin McDonagh's dark comedy is a true cult classic, brimming with memorable dialogue and a superb cast at the height of their talent.

      Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday

      Scott Adkins reprises his role as hitman Mike Fallon, who, weary of his gun-for-hire lifestyle in London, seeks a break in Malta. Unfortunately, the criminal underworld is never too far behind, as he finds himself battling rival assassins while attempting to safeguard the ungrateful son of a mafia boss.

      Adkins has consistently demonstrated his reliability as an action hero, and his creative contributions to the Accident Man films (and personal