7 Underrated Holiday Movie Characters That Deserve a Moment to Shine

Mar. 15, 2025

EverettBuddy the Elf, Ebenezer Scrooge and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer are allholiday mainstays, but some of the lesser-known characters in theirfamous Christmas filmsare just as pivotal. Wechanneled our festive sidesand found seven merry costars who could use a little extra love this season.Max inDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Though he has no lines, Max steals the show with his unwavering loyalty to the Grinch. If you didn’t dissolve into a pile of feels upon seeing the Grinch’s change of heart, then you definitely melted when you saw Cindy Lou Who give Max a plate of roast beast.The Octopus inLove ActuallyThe next time you think your love life is awkward, just remember that you could be in the midst of a relationship-defining conversation while a child dressed as an octopus separates you and your boo. It’s worth noting that all the kids in 2003’sLove Actuallyare freakin' fantastic, but the sheer face-palm quality of this scene gives the edge to the octopus.Mr. Narwhal inElfMr. Narwhal makes the briefest of appearances in 2003’sElf, but his one line — “Bye, Buddy. I hope you find your dad.” — is iconic.The Vegetables inThe Muppet Christmas CarolThe Muppet Christmas Carol(1992) is a visual feast of festiveness. The kookycast of Muppetsadds a dimension to this classic tale, and while mainstays like Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo shine in major roles, it’s the singing veggies who bring that extra something. We’ll give an honorable mention to Rizzo the Rat, who helps Gonzo-as-Dickens bring the story to life.Abominable Snowman inRudolph, the Red-Nosed ReindeerNever has a monstrously tall villain been so charmingly cute. The Abominable Snowman was much feared — until aspiring dentist Hermey removed his teeth. Oh, hey, perennial holiday favorite.Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister inHome AloneAlthough they play cousins in 1990’sHome Alone, brothersMacaulayandKieran Culkingive usserious sibling vibes. Mostly because Kieran’s small but memorable role (“Fuller, go easy on the Pepsi!") reminds us of our little sibs.The Whos' Hair inDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!While this is not technically a character, we need to give a shoutout to the masterful hair in thisbeloved Christmas classic. Not only does their hair defy gravity, but it speaks volumes about the culture of Whoville.

Everett

Buddy the Elf, Ebenezer Scrooge and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer are allholiday mainstays, but some of the lesser-known characters in theirfamous Christmas filmsare just as pivotal. Wechanneled our festive sidesand found seven merry costars who could use a little extra love this season.

Max inDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Though he has no lines, Max steals the show with his unwavering loyalty to the Grinch. If you didn’t dissolve into a pile of feels upon seeing the Grinch’s change of heart, then you definitely melted when you saw Cindy Lou Who give Max a plate of roast beast.

The Octopus inLove Actually

The next time you think your love life is awkward, just remember that you could be in the midst of a relationship-defining conversation while a child dressed as an octopus separates you and your boo. It’s worth noting that all the kids in 2003’sLove Actuallyare freakin' fantastic, but the sheer face-palm quality of this scene gives the edge to the octopus.

Mr. Narwhal inElf

Mr. Narwhal makes the briefest of appearances in 2003’sElf, but his one line — “Bye, Buddy. I hope you find your dad.” — is iconic.

The Vegetables inThe Muppet Christmas Carol

The Muppet Christmas Carol(1992) is a visual feast of festiveness. The kookycast of Muppetsadds a dimension to this classic tale, and while mainstays like Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo shine in major roles, it’s the singing veggies who bring that extra something. We’ll give an honorable mention to Rizzo the Rat, who helps Gonzo-as-Dickens bring the story to life.

Abominable Snowman inRudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Never has a monstrously tall villain been so charmingly cute. The Abominable Snowman was much feared — until aspiring dentist Hermey removed his teeth. Oh, hey, perennial holiday favorite.

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister inHome Alone

Although they play cousins in 1990’sHome Alone, brothersMacaulayandKieran Culkingive usserious sibling vibes. Mostly because Kieran’s small but memorable role (“Fuller, go easy on the Pepsi!") reminds us of our little sibs.

The Whos' Hair inDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

While this is not technically a character, we need to give a shoutout to the masterful hair in thisbeloved Christmas classic. Not only does their hair defy gravity, but it speaks volumes about the culture of Whoville.

source: people.com