Movies by Jake Van Wagoner

Jake Van Wagoner is a rising star in the world of holiday-themed comedies, known for his unique blend of heartwarming sentiment and irreverent humor. With a knack for crafting films that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Van Wagoner has carved out a distinctive niche for himself in a genre often dominated by saccharine sentimentality. Van Wagoner's directorial debut, "Christmas Time" (2017), showcased his ability to subvert expectations, delivering a refreshingly modern take on the holiday rom-com. His subsequent films, such as the sci-fi tinged "Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out" (2023) and the Christmas caper "Deck the Walls" (2024), have further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to inject unexpected twists and unconventional humor into familiar tropes. But it is Van Wagoner's most recent work, "Christmas on Duty" (2025), that has truly solidified his status as a rising talent to watch. A hilarious and heartwarming tale of a pair of mismatched police officers forced to work the holiday shift, the film is a showcase of Van Wagoner's ability to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional resonance, all while maintaining a unique visual style that sets his work apart from the holiday movie crowd.