As the year winds down, a certain magic fills the air – the promise of cozy evenings, steaming mugs, and a marathon of Christmas television. We eagerly anticipate revisiting beloved festive specials, from the heartwarming chaos of Gavin & Stacey to the timeless wit of The Royle Family’s ‘The New Sofa.’ But nestled amongst these cherished traditions lie a surprising number of holiday attempts that…missed the mark.
Few failures resonate quite like the 1978Star Wars Holiday Special. Branded a “cultural monstrosity,” it’s a bewildering blend of the familiar galactic saga and a bizarre variety show. Critics questioned its very existence, and audiences were left utterly confused by the mix of comedy, musical numbers, and animation. It attempted to fill the gap between the originalStar WarsandThe Empire Strikes Back, following Chewbacca’s journey home for ‘Life Day,’ but the execution was…unconventional.
The critical reception was brutal. One reviewer described it as something George Lucas wished to erase from human memory. Another called it “baffling insanity,” suggesting everyStar Warsfan should experience it once – but perhaps only once. The special remains a cautionary tale, a testament to how even the most beloved franchises can stumble when venturing into uncharted festive territory.
Fast forward to 2025, andChristmas Karma, a reimagining of the Scrooge story with an A-list cast, also faced a frosty reception. Despite the star power of Eva Longoria, Boy George, and Billy Porter, critics found it induced “Yuletide nausea.” One reviewer lamented an “overload of festive nausea” even before December arrived, while another described it as “spine-twistingly embarrassing.”
Sometimes, even a beloved song can’t guarantee success.Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, based on the infamous novelty tune, landed with a thud. Viewers on Reddit expressed outright dislike, recalling a sense of dread each holiday season when it inevitably appeared on television. Yet, some admitted a guilty pleasure, acknowledging its “fever dream” quality and its role in fostering a love for delightfully bad movies.
The 1980s brought usHe-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special, a blatant attempt to capitalize on toy sales. The premise – Earth children trapped on Eternia – felt weak, and the commercialism was glaring. While nostalgia softened the blow for some, others remembered it as a forced viewing experience. One viewer gave it the dubious honor of being “So Bad it’s Good.”
Tyler Perry’sA Madea Christmas(2013) garnered a mere 21% approval rating from critics. The story revolved around Madea accompanying Eileen to convince her daughter to return home for the holidays, complicated by a secret interracial marriage. Critics found it predictable and creaky, while others deemed it staggeringly odd and ultimately not much fun.
Even established franchises aren’t immune.Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, while part of a beloved series, failed to capture the festive spirit. Viewers pointed to plot holes, a lack of originality, and a sense of franchise fatigue. One user simply called it the “worstIce Agemovie,” admitting they barely remembered what happened.
But perhaps the most notorious flop of all isChristmas with the Kranks, earning a dismal 5% on Rotten Tomatoes. The story of a couple attempting to skip Christmas only to be forced into a last-minute celebration was met with harsh criticism. Reviewers labeled it “unoriginal, unfunny slapstick” and a “patronizing moral conclusion.”
Finally,Elmo’s Christmas Countdown(2007) stumbled with awkward celebrity cameos, repetitive catchphrases, and a pervasive sense of self-promotion. One review pointed out a segment felt more like an advertisement than a genuine part of the festive narrative. It serves as a reminder that even the most beloved characters can falter when chasing the holiday spotlight.
