Happy Hanukkah sign (Photo by Rimma Bondarenko on Shutterstock)
Growing up Jewish, it used to be hard to find a good Hanukkah movie. But times have changed, and while there aren’t a ton, there are more movies you can dive into during the holiday’s eight nights. The best Hanukkah movies are mixed with old-school gems and fresh new takes. These films are not just about lighting the menorah; they dive into what it’s like being Jewish, with laughs, tears, and plenty of heart.
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Best Hanukkah Movies for 8 Nights, According to Experts
1. “An American Tail” (1986)
“An American Tail,” the beloved 1986 animated film, broke box office records as the highest-grossing non-Disney animated feature of its time. The heartwarming story follows Fievel Mousekewitz, a plucky young mouse immigrating from Russia to America with his family. As Katie Couric Media notes, while it’s not strictly a Hanukkah movie, it’s become a holiday season favorite that continues to captivate audiences 35 years later.
The film masterfully weaves together themes of Jewish identity, persecution, and the immigrant experience in American history. With its rich animation and creative storytelling, it’s earned praise from critics like Patheos for its thoughtful exploration of faith and family bonds. The emotional depth of Fievel’s journey to reunite with his family has proven so enduring that many argue it’s time for a new installment in the franchise.
While The Wrap playfully warns viewers to keep their cats away from this mouse-centric tale, the film’s lasting impact is undeniable. Fievel’s adventure, from the heart-tugging trailer to the final frame, challenges viewers not to get misty-eyed as they follow his quest through nineteenth-century New York. The story’s blend of historical context with universal themes of belonging and perseverance has helped it maintain its status as a cherished family classic.
2. “Eight Crazy Nights” (2002)
“Eight Crazy Nights,” the 2002 animated musical spawned from Adam Sandler‘s iconic SNL “Hanukkah Song,” delivers a mix of his signature humor and surprising emotional depth. Katie Couric Media notes that while some elements haven’t aged gracefully, making it better suited for after the kids’ bedtime, the PG-13 film maintains its heart throughout.
The movie serves up more than just Sandler’s trademark silliness and bathroom humor. Patheos highlights its unique take on redemption and grief, praising the original storyline that manages to be both outlandish and emotionally resonant. The film’s distinctive blend of comedy and genuine sentiment has earned it a special place in holiday entertainment.
For those seeking a crash course in Hanukkah traditions, The Wrap suggests this animated romp as an entertaining primer. The inclusion of Sandler’s famous “Hanukkah Song” adds a nostalgic touch, complete with its playful celebrity roll call of who is and isn’t Jewish (sorry, O.J., but yes to David Lee Roth). Despite its rough edges, the film stands as a rare animated Hanukkah movie that isn’t afraid to color outside the traditional holiday movie lines.
3. “Full-Court Miracle” (2003)
“Full-Court Miracle,” the 2003 Disney Channel original film, brings together basketball and Hanukkah in an uplifting true-story adaptation. Based on coach Lamont Carr’s real-life journey, the story follows a college basketball star whose career-ending knee injury leads him to an unexpected role coaching a struggling yeshiva team in Philadelphia, as noted by Good Housekeeping.
Katie Couric Media points out the heartwarming dynamic between Lamont and Alex, a young Jewish player who sees potential in the injured athlete and convinces him to coach their underperforming team. This well-crafted sports drama, now streaming on Disney+, proves that Disney Channel’s original movie magic still holds up nearly two decades later.
The Wrap pegs this as a “Hanukkah staple,” and for good reason – it serves up the perfect blend of sports movie determination and holiday spirit, complete with latkes on the side. The film’s emotional depth and inspiring message have helped it maintain its status as a beloved holiday classic, guaranteed to bring tears to viewers’ eyes while celebrating both athletic perseverance and cultural traditions.
4. “Hebrew Hammer” (2003)
“The Hebrew Hammer,” a 2003 cult classic directed by Jonathan Kesselman, follows orthodox Jewish hero Mordechai Carver (Adam Goldberg) on an outrageous mission. As Parade and Good Housekeeping explain, this comedic adventure sees Carver working to save both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa from Damian Claus (Andy Dick), Santa’s malevolent son.
The Wrap notes the film’s intentional embrace of Jewish stereotypes, which has helped cement its status among devoted fans. This over-the-top approach, combined with its adult-oriented content, positions it firmly in the category of alternative holiday entertainment.
The film’s distinctive blend of cultural satire and holiday themes has carved out its own niche in seasonal viewing, though its edgy humor and mature content make it strictly grown-up fare. It stands as a bold departure from traditional holiday movies, offering a satirical take on cultural identity and holiday traditions.
5. “Menorah In the Middle” (2022)
Menorah in the Middle, a 2022 release starring Lucy DeVito, Jonah Platt, and Sarah Silverman, follows Sarah (DeVito) as she returns home for Hanukkah to introduce her fiancé to her family. Good Housekeeping reveals the central conflict: Sarah discovers her family’s beloved bakery is at risk – and her new fiancé is the one threatening to take it over.
The stakes escalate when Sarah’s father suffers a heart attack during her visit home, as noted by Seventeen, transforming what should have been a joyous engagement announcement into a complex family crisis. The film weaves together themes of tradition, family loyalty, and unexpected romance.
While the film delivers sweet moments, Insider says it struggles to justify why Sarah would date Chad, adding an element of puzzling character motivation to this otherwise heartfelt holiday story about family, tradition, and the preservation of cherished businesses.
6. “Hitched For The Holidays” (2012)
Hitched for the Holidays pairs “Schitt’s Creek” star Emily Hampshire with Joey Lawrence in an interfaith holiday romance. Katie Couric Media describes Lawrence’s character as a commitment-phobic Catholic from a large Italian family, while Hampshire plays a Jewish woman recovering from a broken engagement. They meet online and agree to fake-date through the holiday season to satisfy their families’ expectations.
This film explores cross-generational family bonds and Jewish traditions, though it’s not exclusively focused on Hanukkah. The story weaves together themes of cultural heritage, family obligations, and unexpected connection (Parade ).
Good Housekeeping reveals the plot’s driving force: Lawrence’s character is trying to fulfill his grandmother’s dying wish to see him find love, leading him to connect with Hampshire’s character online. Spoiler: Their arrangement to navigate both Christmas and Hanukkah together as a pretend couple predictably evolves into genuine romance.
7. “The Night Before” (2015)
“The Night Before,” a 2015 R-rated comedy, follows three lifelong friends (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, and Seth Rogen) on their final Christmas Eve adventure together. Good Housekeeping notes that while not a Hanukkah film, Rogen’s Jewish character brings cultural humor to this holiday romp.
According to Katie Couric Media, these “three ride-or-die homies” face a transition point as Rogen’s character approaches fatherhood. Their solution? One last epic night checking off holiday traditions while under various influences. The film’s adult content makes it strictly grown-up entertainment.
The Wrap says Rogen’s memorable appearance in a “dorky Hanukkah sweater” during this Christmas Eve escapade is a standout moment. Rogen himself playfully noted on Facebook that the film, which opened on Thanksgiving, was “Made by Jews, is about Christmas,”creating a delightfully multicultural holiday cocktail.
8. Bonus: “Round and Round” (2023)
Here’s a bonus Hanukkah movie that aired for the first time on the Hallmark Channel in 2023. Vic Michaelis stars in this movie as “Rachel, a woman who keeps reliving her parents’ Hanukkah party. (I mean, if you have to relive something over and over again, a party with fried noshes doesn’t sound that bad),” writes Kvellar
Let us know what you think about this one in the comments below!
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