If you’re like my family, you watch a lot of rented movies after all the presents are opened Christmas Day. I think most families do because when you go to rent something, all the good movies new movies are gone. What to do?

Here are a list of good older movies that I took a chance on and really enjoyed. And I’m pretty sure that they’ll all still be on the shelf on Christmas Eve.

Mystery Men (1999) – A very fun not-so-super hero story with a lot of actors and actresses that are a lot more popular now than they were then. Folks like Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Greg Kinnear, Paul Reubens and a whole bunch of folks you’ll remember by face if not by name.

The Iron Giant (1999) – A boy makes friends with a giant robot from outer space. What’s not to love? The robot is voiced by Vin Diesel if you need any further convincing.

Frequency (2000) – A great sci-fi-ish story about a man connecting with his father via a strange ham radio connection. I don’t want to give away anymore. Trust me, It’s a gem.

Gattaca (1997) – In a world where parents choose their children’s gender, talents, and can genetically enhance almost anything, an unaltered man tries to make his way into a space program by assuming the identity of a genetically superior person. A great movie. Even my wife enjoyed it.

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) – A rich man has his poor friend locked away because he’s jealous of the poorer man’s life. The poor man uses a hidden treasure to exact his revenge and restore things as they should be.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) – An evil king keeps a man who wears an iron mask in his dungeon. Can the Three Musketeers save him and use his secret to overthrow the king?

The Family Man (2000) – Not Family Guy! Our only Christmas-type movie tells the opposite story of “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The story of a man who gave up the simple life for the life of a rich high-powered executive who has given up everything truly important to achieve his goals. With the help of an street-thug angel, he visits an alternate reality where he’s a blue-collar tire sales man, husband and father.

Last Action Hero (1993) – I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks. I liked this movie. Sure it’s a bucket of cheese, but it has some of the best villains I’ve ever seen in a movie. It’s the story of a young boy who enters the action movie universe and joins his favorite action hero on an amazing adventure. Everything is wonder and magic until the larger-than-life movie villains cross back into the real world.

Any of these that you haven’t already seen would be a great addition to your Christmas Day entertainment. And I guarentee you’ll find a copy at the local Blockbuster.

Do you have any you’d like to share? Post them in the comments!