Christmas movies are seen as the perfect cozy escape from the chaos and cold weather associated with the holiday season, but a few annoying characters make it their mission to disrupt the audience’s peaceful viewing. Whether they are grouchy villains or characters that know all the ways to pester others, annoying characters are present throughout almost everybeloved Christmas movie. These characters often act as the antagonists whose actions the film’s leading characters must overcome. Yet,other times, these annoying characters are included to do just that — annoy others in the film.
Thankfully,a majority of Christmas films' most annoying characters don’t disrupt the overall ability to enjoy the film. They usually have satisfying endings that audiences celebrate, including changing their negative perspective on the cheery holiday or getting what’s deserved after having wronged others for so long, as seen inElfandIt’s a Wonderful Life, respectively. Despite their annoying tendencies, these characters are necessary figures in the protagonist’s journey and help complete the iconic Christmas stories.
10 Best Christmas Movies Without Santa Claus
The quintessential Christmas movie is a family-friendly adventure with Santa Claus, but occasionally, there’s a great Christmas movie without him.
12Harry
Love Actually (2003)
Featuring a memorable ensemble cast,Love Actuallytakes a look at several different love stories throughout its film, one of which includes the rocky marriage betweenAlan Rickman’s Harryand Emma Thompson’s Karen. The relationship is largely one-sided, as Harry is seen as unhappy with his life, including his marriage. When Harry has a romantic encounter with his secretary, most audiences are less annoyed with the act itself and more so with Harry’s inability to make better choices. Rickman’s performance adds depth to Harry and ensures he’s not a superficial villain.Audiences await Harry’s change of heart, and it’s frustrating to watch how everything in his story plays out.
Elf (2003)
Actor James Caan as Walter Hobbs in Elf.
The protagonist ofElf, Buddy (Will Ferrell), may contain just a bit more energy than some audiences can handle. His enthusiasm for Christmas and life outside the North Pole is infectious to some and tiresome to others. However,anElfcharacter most would label as annoying is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), Buddy’s biological father. Walter is a cynical man who has trouble accepting Buddy as his son. Walter also takes time to give into the cheery holiday spirit, with his grumpy attitude putting a damper on those around him. Luckily, Walter comes around and not only welcomes Buddy into his family but helps restore the Christmas spirit by singing in a crowd with others.
10Jasper Bloom
The Holiday (2006)
A belovedholiday rom-comoften viewed during the titular season,The Holidaytells the story of two women, each in need of a fresh start, swapping their homes during the Christmas season. One of these women is Iris (Kate Winslet), who is introduced as still being in love with her ex-boyfriend, Jasper (Rufus Sewell). Out of every character in the star-studded film, Jasper is easilythe least likable inThe Holiday. Jasper knows just how much Iris still cares for him and uses it to his advantage. Despite being engaged to another woman,he continues to manipulate Iris, and it’s nearly impossible to get through his scenes without feeling immensely annoyed.
9Eddie Johnson
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Compared to many of the other listed characters,Cousin Eddie inNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacationacts as a comedically bothersome character who tends to annoy his family members more than the audience. When he arrives atthe Griswold householdunannounced, his well-meaning actions cause trouble for others. This includes dumping his RV sewage into the street and kidnapping Clark’s boss after taking his angered request literally. Eddie’s actions aren’t as egregious as those of other annoying Christmas characters, but he still manages to stress out those around him. Eddie is a family member most audiences have experience with ashe’s lovable, but it’s difficult to have a peaceful time when he’s around.
8Buzz McCallister
Home Alone (1990)
Home Aloneis a classic Christmas film that sees the young Kevin McCallister accidentally left behind while his family is out of the country for Christmas vacation.The McCallister familyis made up of memorable characters, but one of the more annoying family members is Kevin’s older brother, Buzz. Portrayed by Devin Ratray in the first few films, Buzz acts as the stereotypical bothersome older brother.Buzz appears to make terrorizing his younger sibling his priority in life, and it’s difficult to watch at times. Older siblings pestering their younger family members is a common dynamic in families, but Buzz takes it to a whole other level.
7Teddy Kountze
The Holdovers (2023)
Taking place over Christmas break,The Holdoversfollows a group of students stuck at Barton Academy with nowhere else to go for the holidays. One ofThe Holdovers’ titular studentsis Teddy Kountze. Forced to stay at Barton because his family home is being renovated, Teddy chooses to spend his time bullying others.Teddy is a classic antagonist who knows all the ways to push others' buttons, including the only student stuck at Barton for the majority of the movie, Angus Tully. Unfortunately, Teddy gets an early escape with the remaining held-over students, but when he returns after break, audiences annoyed by his snarky attitude are pleased to learn his skiing adventures came with a painful price.
6Uncle Frank
DespiteHome Alonecontaining tough older siblings, home robbers, and parents who manage to leave their young child at home unattended, one of the more annoying characters in the film is Uncle Frank (Gerry Bamman). Regarded asHome Alone’s least likable character, Uncle Frank is cheap, entitled, and rude to others. Throughout his appearances in theHome Alonefilms, he’s seen being particularly disrespectful towards Kevin.Frank’s behavior is meant to aggravate audiences, and it’s his actions that make it difficult to imagine how one would get through a family vacation with him.
5Scut Farkus
A Christmas Story (1983)
A handful of'80s films feature infamous bullies, one of which isA Christmas Story. The film details the adventures of the young Ralphie Parker, who anxiously awaits Christmas day as he hopes to receive a BB gun. In the film, audiences see Ralphie taunted by well-known bullies Scut Farkus and Grover Dill. The latter is more of a supporting character, and it’s clear Scut is the one in control throughout the film.Scut is reminiscent of the worst bullies one might come across in childhoodand is an important character meant to annoy audiences and be unlikable. Through his character’s behavior, Ralphie and others learn better ways to deal with bullies.
4Mr. Potter (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Lifeis a heartfelt Christmas classic that sees a man learn his value and the impact he’s made on those around him. However, before he has this awakening,George Bailey goes on a downward spiral due to the actions of the film’s antagonist, Mr. Potter(Lionel Barrymore). ThroughoutIt’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Potter makes several attempts to shut down George’s family business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. Mr. Potter steals a crucial amount of money from George’s uncle and refuses to help George, who is desperate and at a low point in life. Fortunately, his plans don’t go smoothly, andIt’s a Wonderful Lifewraps up with a positive ending for those wronged by the annoying Mr. Potter.
3Burgermeister Meisterburger
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
Several Christmas movies feature a character or two who are determined to ruin the holiday for everyone. In the TV specialSanta Claus Is Comin' to Town, that character is Burgermeister Meisterburger, the grumpy mayor of the aptly named Sombertown. Meisterburger’s sour stance on Christmas and the act of gift-giving inspires him to ban the making or distributing of toys.Meisterburger’s stubborn attitude makes him a frustrating character and one of the cruelest villainsin Christmas movies.Santa Claus Is Comin' to Towntells the origin story of Santa Claus, and the iconic figure is able to save the day and deliver toys one night every year.
