A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)

A Bad Moms Christmas is the rare holiday comedy that understands the season’s true pressure point: it’s not the kids, it’s the expectations—and the mothers who installed them. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and the endlessly fearless Kathryn Hahn bounce off each other with the kind of loose, high-voltage chemistry that makes even the film’s most ridiculous detours feel like part of the party. The vibe is loud, raunchy, and knowingly over-the-top, but underneath the dirty jokes and boozy chaos is a surprisingly relatable release valve for anyone who’s ever wanted to “take Christmas back.” If you prefer your holiday movies sweet and cozy, the R-rated edge may be too much, but if you want a crowd-pleasing, cathartic laugh with a great comic ensemble, this one delivers.

A Bad Moms Christmas is trying to be a raunchy, stress-relief holiday comedy about setting boundaries with family and ditching the “perfect mom” fantasy, and you can feel the cast leaning into that mission. The problem is it often plays like a checklist of crude gags and rushed reconciliations, with a thin plot that coasts on familiar sitcom conflicts rather than earning its big emotional beats. If you loved the first film’s sharper bite, this sequel may feel louder but less funny, with sentiment that lands a bit heavy-handed and raunch that can seem mechanical. Still, Kunis, Bell, and especially Kathryn Hahn bring enough charisma to make parts watchable—just don’t go in expecting a fresh holiday classic or consistent laughs.