20 non-traditional Christmas movies to watch this year

3. Batman Returns

Watch if: You’re pulling for Catwoman to get her own movie — a good movie — in this post-Wonder Woman world.

What it’s about: Tim Burton’s follow-up to Batman sees the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton) facing off against a creepy businessman (Christopher Walken) and the sewer-dwelling Penguin (Danny DeVito). Meanwhile, the mousy Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) transforms into the slinky, morally flexible Catwoman.

Connection to Christmas: Moderate. Decorations and trees are in the background and the film ends with Bruce Wayne and Alfred (Michael Gough) cryptically wishing each other a merry Christmas.

Why it makes for good holiday entertainment: Like Gremlins and Black Swan, Batman Returns is a great Christmas watch because it’s dark and can break up the fa la la la la monotony. It’s that rare Batman film where Bruce Wayne is one of the least tortured characters. (I know!)

Even better, Batman Returns is the perfect film to see if you’re experiencing single gloom this holiday season. (Really, what is worse than being the spare wheel at a gathering of all couples?) Selina Kyle is first presented as the stereotypical spinster: she’s lonely, frumpy, meek and has a cat. Then she dies and is somehow resurrected with the help of some cats (vindication!). Next thing you know, she’s Catwoman and is loving life. She luxuriates in her solitude, her sexuality, her body and herself. She has crackling chemistry with Bruce. She’s the best part of the movie.

Christmas can be a very lonely time of the year, especially if you’re not in a couple. If you’re feeling down this holiday, my advice is to emulate Batman Returns’ Catwoman — minus the whole bird thing.