Shout out to Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights for its overt reference of Hanukkah in the film’s title and plot alike, but how many other Hanukkah movies come immediately to your mind? (Go ahead, we’ll wait.)
Far more seasonal movies are actually movies about Christmas with Hanukkah subplots tossed in for good measure — to tick the requisite inclusivity box, or attract a trickle of new viewers. Other movies have strong Jewish themes — including history, culture, values and immigration stories — but they’re far from being technically considered Hanukkah movies.
The fact is, when it comes to holiday movies, the Jewish community is badly lacking in representation. But that doesn’t have to mean your TV must go dark during the Festival of Lights. That's why we've rounded up the best movies to watch during Hanukkah. Our list includes a range of films just right for all eight nights of Hanukkah, for viewers of all ages.
So light the menorah and get your decorations ready, stack a mountain of delicious latkes and sufganiyot on the coffee table, and cozy up under a blanket on the couch for these Hanukkah movies and movies with Jewish themes, from poignant to just plain silly.
Need more entertainment? Look to these Hanukkah games, party ideas and amazing recipes!