Christmas is a magical time of the year, full of warmth, love, laughter and cosiness. Plus, food and great movies! What’s better than sitting down on Christmas Eve in front of the fire or under the Christmas decorations, with your family to watch some good old Christmas movies? Here are my top 15 movies that put the tinsel on tree!
15. The Holiday (2006)
Director: Nancy Meyers
Cast:
Cameron Diaz
Kate Winslet
Jude Law
Jack Black
Plot:
Not only is the cast and story great, but the music is beautiful. Although not entirely centred around the traditional holiday, the story of two women swapping houses on two different continents to escape their lives is uplifting and magical. The characters aren’t cardboard cut-outs, like a lot of Christmas films. They’re relatable and of course, funny. This is a great feel good film, packed full of jokes and moments to make your heart melt. Winslet’s cosy cottage in the Surrey countryside, surrounded by snow is fabulous to get you into the Christmas spirit.
14. Deck the Halls (2006)
Director: John Whitesell
Cast:
Danny DeVito
Matthew Broderick
Kristin Davis
Kristin Chenoweth
Plot:
Whether you go to town on your decorations or not, this film sums up a lot of people’s competitive attitude at Christmas. When a competition breaks out in a small American suburb to make their decorations visible from space, two warring neighbours set out to win; causing laughter throughout the film. If you’re not into slapstick comedy, this is not the film for you. But it is a lighthearted Christmas comedy that always gets me into the Christmas mood.
13. The Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Director: Peter Ramsey
Cast:
Chris Pine
Alex Baldwin
Hugh Jackman
Isla Fisher
Jude Law
Plot:
This is a very new animated Christmas film and upon first glance, looks like every other kids film. However, it is so much more than a children’s movie. Just like many of Dreamwork’s classics – for example, Shrek – it is funny on many levels, making it enjoyable for the entire family. Small twists on classic fable characters such as Santa Claus, being called North instead and Russian in this movie. Also, the elves who work for him do none of the work. Instead, Yetis make the toys. This movie had me giggling all the way through.
It is centred more on Jack Frost, who is a lesser known fictional character, but no less important. When the Boogeyman or Pitch Black (Jude Law) begins to destroy children’s happiness all over the world, it relies on the Guardians (North, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and the Sandman) to overcome the threat and bring joy back to the children. With the help of Jack Frost, who has been invisible since his creation 300 years ago, now chosen by the Man in the Moon to be a guardian, they set out to defeat Pitch Black. It is yet another heart-warming film that leaves you feeling happy and Christmassy.
12. The Polar Express (2004)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast:
Tom Hanks
Nona Gaye
Eddie Deezen
Peter Scolari
Plot:
It follows an unnamed boy protagonist, who, on Christmas Eve, boards the Polar Express train that takes children from all over the world (though it’s unclear) to the North Pole. The boy faces many dangers along the way and gets up to mischief with the children he meets on the train.
It is an action packed film and with graphics long before it’s time, it will become a classic. Tom Hanks is his typical flamboyant self, bringing Christmas to life for all ages.
It’s a film that reminds us that the 25th December is not just about the material objects, but being thankful for the love all around us. Get a cup of hot chocolate, a cosy blanket and settle in for a Christmassy ride.
11. Jack Frost (1998)
Director: Troy Miller
Cast:
Michael Keaton
Kelly Preston
Joseph Cross
Mark Addy
Plot:
Not to be confused with Jack Frost (1997) the horror film. This is a light-hearted family film that also reminds of what Christmas is really about.
The protagonist, Jack Frost (Michael Keaton), is your average guy. However, he travels a lot with his band and can never seem to find the time to spend it with his young son, although loves him dearly. But, when Jack dies in a car crash, his son is left fatherless until a friendly snowman appears, who is, in fact, his father. Finally, they can do all the things they couldn’t when Jack was human. However, the father and son face the inevitability of winter ending – and of course the fact that his dad’s a snowman.
Although quite a tear-jerking film, it is definitely one to put on your Christmas film list.
10. Elf (2003)
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast:
Will Ferrell
James Caan
Zooey Deschanel
Bob Newhart
Plot:
The film follows the story of a human who was brought up by elves after stowing away in Santa’s sack when he was little from an orphanage. After years and years of thinking he was an elf, he overhears a conversation which brings to light the fact he is a human. Buddy (Will Ferrell) runs away from the North Pole in search of his real father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). His adventures in New York and his interactions with people along the way a, e funny to say the least. From fighting with a fake Santa at the department store where he works, to his weird eating habits and to his relationship with a shop worker, Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), this is the one and only film where I enjoy Will Ferrell and it is always on my to-watch list at Christmas. If only for the animated talking whale and snowman.
9. Scrooge/ the Christmas Carol (1951/2009)
Plot:
I’ve chosen two adaptions of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, because I think the 1951 film is the best old-style one and the new animated film with Jim Carrey is also worth a mention.
Now if you don’t know the story of A Christmas Carol, then I’ll be very surprised but to summarise for those of you poor people who haven’t seen it, it’s based on a character called Ebenezer Scrooge. He is a cruel wicked old man, who is a shut out to all of his old friends and family. And, he especially hates Christmas – as that’s what the holiday is all about, being with loved ones. So, on Christmas Eve, he gets three visits from three very different spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past transports Scrooge into his own past to show him the events that had circulated around Christmas involving himself. The second is the Ghost of Christmas Present, who shows Scrooge exactly what his beloved old friends and family think of him now, bringing to light what his cruel, malice ways have led other people to think of him. Finally, and for me the scariest of them all, is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Not only does he frighten Scrooge, but he shows him the consequences of his actions if he carries on being ‘bah humbug’. In doing so, Scrooge is returned to his bed on Christmas Day morning and is ready to repair his life and his relationships with the people around him.
This is yet another uplifting story that reminds us all what Christmas is about. Plus, to teach us not to be so grumpy.
Both films follow similar storylines and are both the best adaptations of the original book. Put that on your to-watch list this Christmas Eve!
8. Love Actually (2003)
Director: Richard Curtis
Cast:
Hugh Grant
Liam Neeson
Colin Firth
Emma Thompson
Plot:
Now, there are too many story strands to write about in this article, but the gist of the plot is set during the weeks running up to Christmas. It follows ten different families and people, all in various jobs and stages in their lives, showing the impact that Christmas can have on us all.
One of the things I love the most is how all their stories intertwine, to show us how small our world actually is and how our actions can affect everyone around us.
It’s an everlasting film, filled with love, happiness and most importantly, reality. We can relate to all of the characters in many different ways. Because at the end of the day, we are all human and Christmas sparks joy in all of our hearts – even if we don’t like to admit it sometimes.
7. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Director: Joe Roth
Cast:
Tim Allen
Jamie Lee Curtis
Dan Aykroyd
Erik Per Sullivan
Plot:
Set in an American suburb, the film follows a middle aged couple who have just said goodbye to their daughter, Blair, who has gone off to join the Peace Core. Suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome, the couple decide to look to Christmas to keep their mind off the absence of their daughter. However, Luther (Tim Allen) realises that they spend an extortionate amount of money every year for the holiday season. So, he convinces his wife, Nora, to skip Christmas, to save them money, and go on a cruise instead. However, in doing so, they are considered as social pariahs by the rest of their close community of neighbours.
So, in the weeks on the run up to Christmas, they face the problem of getting ready for their cruise – which includes a hilarious scene in a tanning salon – whilst trying to avoid their nosey neighbours.
This film is one of my all-time favourites and whenever December rolls around, I put it on to get me into the jolly old spirit of Christmas. Definitely one of the funniest seasonal films, and one to watch this Christmas Eve.
6. The Grinch (2000)
Director: Ron Howard
Cast:
Jim Carrey
Taylor Momsen
Jeffrey Tambor
Christine Baranski
Bill Irwin
Plot:
Based on the book by Dr Seuss, the Grinch is set in a land, inside a Snowflake, called Whoville. The Whos take Christmas very seriously and spend the entire year preparing for it – I think they have the right idea you know. However, just outside of Whoville, lives a green monster called the Grinch. No one knows how he really came to the town, as he is unlike any of them, but what they do know, is he hates Christmas. The story follows his plans to ruin Christmas for all of the Whos, as revenge for being bullied when he was a child. Though, a small Who, Cindy Lou befriends him and ultimately changes the Grinch’s cold tiny heart forever.
Jim Carrey brings this story to life for me and even now, after countless amounts of views, I still laugh at all the jokes. Truly a Christmas film to watch.
5. White Christmas (1954)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast:
Bing Crosby
Danny Kaye
Rosemary Clooney
Vera-Ellen
Plot:
The film follows two men after World War 2, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who were both performers and singers beforehand. They go on tour only to meet two pretty young sisters, Betty and Judy, who are also a duo act. When the two girls go to Vermont to perform a Christmas show, the men follow. Upon arrival, they find that their former Commander owns the lodge. After realising that the business isn’t doing too well, the two men, ever faithful to their old Commander, decide to bring their show from Broadway, to his hotel to bring in more business. And, of course, at the end of the show, there’s the iconic scene where the snow has covered the entire town bringing them a White Christmas.
It’s a classic and even if you’re not a fan of 50s musicals, give it a watch this Christmas because this is certainly one of those films that will help you get into the Christmassy mood. Plus, the songs are great!
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Director: Les Mayfield
Cast:
Richard Attenborough
Mara Wilson
Elizabeth Perkins
Dylan McDermott
Plot:
This wouldn’t be a Christmas film list without this movie on it.
Six-year old Susan has always doubted one of childhood’s oldest miracles; Santa Claus. Mainly due to the fact her mother told her the truth a long time ago, spoiling the magic for poor little Susan. However, after meeting a Santa at a department store – who believes he’s the real Kris Kringle – Susan’s beliefs gain strength and the magic of Christmas comes to life.
Although quite a long film and I always seem to lose track along the way, it is certainly Christmassy and always on my to-watch list. As you get older the magic of Christmas fades, so the character Susan is almost more relatable as you get older. This film reminds me of how exciting Christmas was when I was a child, making sure I don’t sleep on Christmas Eve out of anticipation.
3. Home Alone 1&2 (1990/1992)
Director: Christopher Columbus
Cast:
Macaulay Culkin
Joe Pesci
Daniel Stern
Catherine O’Hara
Plot:
Now, like with A Christmas Carol, if you don’t know the story of Home Alone, may I ask, where have you been living for the past twenty years? But for those of you who have been stranded on a desert island for all this time, I shall enlighten.
Mainly a coming-of-age story, the movie follows eight-year-old Kevin who is the youngest of five children in a very large family. Upon packing and heading to the airport, his family accidently leave him behind and go on holiday. They only realise once it’s too late, leaving Kevin home alone during the days running up to Christmas. At first, it was Kevin’s wishes coming true to have the house to himself and to act like a grown up, however, when two idiotic burglars attempt to rob the seemingly empty house, Kevin realises that he isn’t as grown up as he thought and may infact miss his family.
The second follows a similar storyline, where Kevin ends up on the wrong plane to his family and finds himself in New York while they are in Florida. Both films contain booby traps galore, the two same burglars and Kevin being the smart-ass, mischievous kid he is.
Yet another Christmas film that reminds us what the holiday is really about. Definitely one of my top favourites and a must watch this Xmas.
2. Santa Claus 1, 2&3 (1994-2006)
Director: John Pasquin (1) / Michael Lembeck (2&3)
Cast:
Tim Allen
Eric Lloyd
David Krumholtz
Spencer Breslin
Plot:
Now a lot of people will disagree with me when I say that all three films were excellent and very entertaining, but I stand by it. All are very different in their own way, however, they kept consistency which is what a lot of those movie franchises struggle to do. Tim Allen and many of the cast members stayed the same throughout all three films, with only additional characters here and there. Not only are all three hilarious, with mostly original storylines, but also heart-warming, uplifting and magical. I have fond memories of watching these films around Christmas time and even now, as an adult, I can enjoy them as much as I did when I was a child.
If these aren’t on your watch list, I need to know what could be better.
1. Father Christmas (1991)
Director: Dave Unwin
Cast: Mel Smith
Plot:
Based on two short stories by Raymond Briggs, the short animated film Father Christmas is my all-time favourite Christmas film. Although old and the graphics don’t even compare to the Polar Express, it is as magical, if not more. The simple art work is rustic and expressive, making the story more personal and much more like the old-fashioned Christmas, instead of the materialistic one our society has morphed it into today.
The film follows the life of Father Christmas over a year. He decides after the previous Christmas run that he needs a break, so turns his sleigh into a caravan and begins a long holiday around the world. He goes to France where he eats divine food, but gets food poisoning. He visits Scotland where he gets drunk but realises it’s too cold and he nearly gets eaten by a shark. He finally jets off in his sleigh to Las Vegas where he lounges by the pool, gambles, plays golf and dances with show girls. However, he is soon yet again recognised as Santa Claus, so decides to make a move.
It’s such a funny, warm film where Father Christmas is made out to be an average guy who delivers presents on Christmas Eve but spends the rest of the year doing mundane activities and living in an average house in the English countryside. His favourite word being ‘blooming’.
Upon research, I was shocked to see that when it was broadcasted in America, ‘blooming’ was replaced with ‘merry’ which totally distinguishes his personality completely. Plus, scenes of his over-eating, getting drunk, gambling and dancing with show girls had been cut out. Even his builder’s bum was edited out.
Oh well, their loss! The film is outstanding and if you’re looking for a Christmas favourite, make it this one – the British version.
Bonus:
The Snowman (1982)
Director: Dianne Jackson
Plot:
It’s Christmas Eve and after building a Snowman, a young boy retreats to his bedroom to wait for Father Christmas to come. However, soon he realises that his Snowman has come to life. The two go on an adventure, flying through the sky until they reach the North Pole, where there is a party with many other snow-people. The boy and his snowman become very good friends and although he melts upon Christmas morning, you know that he will build him again and their adventures will continue.
This short film is also an adaptation of a Raymond Briggs’s story, of the same name. Though not the oldest one on this list, it is the most memorable. With its famous song ‘We’re Walking in the Air’ by Aled Jones, this film is the definition of Christmas. Just like Father Christmas, The Snowman is as magical, uplifting and delightful to watch. Also drawn in the same style, the two are pairs in being my absolute Christmas favourites.
If you haven’t already seen them, given them a watch as you might be surprised as to how good they are.
So for all you Bah Humbugs out there get watching! And for everyone else, ‘Blooming’ Christmas and have a very Happy New Year! Remember, Love is All Around.
Have you got a favourite Christmas movie? Drop me a tweet with the #ilovexmas