While multiple Christmas movies deck the streaming platforms come November, the same cannot be said for Hanukkah-themed splendors.
Hanukkah, a celebration of Jewish resilience, religious freedom, and the triumph of light over darkness is ripe for the silver screen, yet the Jewish holiday has received the short end of the stick for generations.
For those unaware (or in need of a little history refresher), Hanukkah means “dedication” or “rededication” in Hebrew, and the central story is set when the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes ruled over Judea. He outlawed Judaism, desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, and imposed Greek customs on the Jewish people. However, a group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, successfully revolted against the oppressive rule.
The miracle associated with Hanukkah relates to the rededication of the desecrated Temple. According to tradition, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough ritually pure oil to light the menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allowing them to complete the rededication ceremony. Thus, the holiday is about redemption, courage, and the preservation of Jewish identities and traditions. So, while some movies on this list will directly tie into Hanukkah, others will emphasize Jewish traditions and culture.
Eight Crazy Nights follows an animated Adam Sandler as Davey Stone — a 33-year-old party animal who finds himself in legal trouble when his wild ways get the best of him. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the judge gives Davey one final shot at redemption: he must work as the assistant referee for the youth basketball league, which seems like an easy gig until he meets the eccentric head referee, Whitey.
While the movie premiered to critical condemnation upon its release, it has since gone on to become a beloved classic, resonating with those who appreciate Sandler’s irreverent and crude sense of humor. The musical numbers — which feature lyrics like “So drink your gin and tonic-ah, and smoke your marijuan-ikah” — are often utterly ridiculous, yet just when he’s gone off his rocker, Sandler hits you with some saccharine sentiment. In all the comedic chaos, he manages to make you fall in love with the film’s motley crew of characters.
If there ever were a prototype for the term “Jewish Classic,” it would be Fiddler on the Roof. The movie musical follows a rather impoverished family residing in a small village in Imperial Russia during the early 20th century. The film, exploring universal themes of family, tradition, love, and the impact of societal change, follows Tevye, his wife Golde, and their three daughters who wish to marry for love (eschewing the matchmaking norms of the time).
Rich with humor and heart, the numbers — with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnich — have become theater classics. From the reflective and poignant “Sunrise, Sunset” to the lighthearted, darkly comical, and character-defining “Matchmaker,” the songs are an integral part of the film’s celebrated standing. Though set in the early 1900s, the generational conflicts and the struggle to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly changing world remain timeless themes.
The Hebrew Hammer stars Adam Goldberg in a Jewxploitation film comparable to Austin Powers or Shaft. The film follows Mordecai — an Orthodox Jew hired by the Jewish Justice League to go up against Santa’s Evil son, for he has plans to eradicate Hanukkah. Parodying both action and blacksploitation films, the satirical movie exaggerates Jewish stereotypes — like Jewish guilt and Jewish mothers — with a comedic vibe that always feels tributary.
The film also incorporates political satire, addressing issues of racism, tolerance, and cultural diversity. It uses humor to make commentary on social and political dynamics in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With all the Yiddish phrases integrated into the dialogue, The Hebrew Hammer retains an authentic and culturally rich touch.
The animated classic An American Tail revolves around a young mouse, Fievel Mousekewitz, and his family who emigrate from Shostka, Russia, to the United States in the late 19th century to escape persecution from cats. Fievel and his family’s experiences mirror the real-life immigration stories of Jewish families who came to the United States seeking freedom from persecution. The film reflects the Jewish experience of immigration and assimilation, capturing the challenges faced by a minority group arriving in an unfamiliar land.
Fievel’s story as a young mouse separated from his family upon arriving in America tugs at the heartstrings, and the memorable musical score by James Horner, including the Academy Award-nominated song “Somewhere Out There,” only underscores the tearjerking, yet ultimately inspiring atmosphere.
The dramedy’s premise is as follows: An Orthodox Jewish factory worker (Seth Rogen), who has been preserved in pickle brine for 100 years, wakes up in New York City and tries to track down his grandson. The story is based on the New Yorker novella “Sell Out” by Simon Rich, and the film is directed by Brandon Trost.
Seth Rogen’s deft dual performance makes this one to remember, as he plays both the traditional factory worker and his grandson, a modern-day Brooklynite. The contrasting characters — one traditional and religious; the other secular and tech-driven — make for humorous reflections on cultural assimilation. Though not always tonally congruous, the film finds an emotional and relatable core.
Though not a movie, we couldn’t have a Hanukkah viewing list and leave off the renowned Rugrats episode. Clocking in around 24 minutes, the original episode aired in 1996 as part of the show’s fourth season.
In “A Rugrats Chanukah,” the Pickles family attends a public Chanukah festival where Grandpa Boris recalls his childhood in the Russian village of Shlomostopolus. The Rugrats get tangled in the retelling, and Angelica steals Boris’s special latkes. The rugrats ultimately learn about the miracle of Hanukkah and the importance of family and tradition. The episode was a needed step in the direction of cultural representation concerning holiday movies, and Grandpa Boris’ storytelling provides both laughs and emotional resonance.
