10 classic Christmas films on our “to watch” list this season
For many, the festive season would not be complete without gathering around the TV to enjoy a Christmas film or two with loved ones.
A survey reported by Joe found that 77% of people indulge in festive films before the month of December, while almost 40% admit to watching them year-round.
Whether you’re a dedicated December-only viewer or satiate your guilty pleasures and watch them year-round, there are plenty of great Christmas films to help you feel excited for the big day.
So, to help you narrow down your festive watchlist, we asked our team to share their favourite Christmas films and what makes each one special to them. Continue reading to discover 10 of their favourites.
About a Boy
While Mark’s choice isn’t the most traditional Christmas film at first glance, About a Boy certainly has its own unique charm.
In the movie, Hugh Grant’s character, Will, coasts through life thanks to royalties from an inherited Christmas song his father wrote.
Despite his wealth, he struggles to find meaning, until he meets Marcus (played by a young Nicholas Hoult), a boy who shakes up his life.
Mark loves the blend of humour, heart and music in About a Boy. In fact, the soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy features a lesser-known Christmas song, ‘Donna and Blitzen’.
Elf
Steph’s pick, Elf, is truly a family favourite – or, as she puts it, “I’ve forced my family to love it!”
Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, the film combines brilliant comedy with heartfelt festive moments as Buddy navigates the streets of New York City in search of his biological father.
Steph admires the film’s ability to bring out the laughter in everyone, no matter their age. Its humour and message about embracing your quirks and spreading Christmas cheer have made it a staple in her house during the festive season.
Miracle on 34th Street
For Ella, Miracle on 34th Street is the quintessential feel-good Christmas classic. Whether you watch the 1947 original or the 1994 remake, the story focuses on a shopping centre Santa who claims to be the real thing, spreading joy and restoring people’s faith in Christmas.
“It’s a film that embodies the magic of the season”, Ella explains, the perfect reminder that believing in some magic can make all the difference.
Daddy’s Home 2
Brad’s pick, and a relatively new addition to the list of Christmas favourites, Daddy’s Home 2, sees Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as rival dads trying to navigate the chaos – and joys – of a blended family over the festive period.
Brad appreciates the film’s easy-going humour, and as a big Mark Wahlberg fan, it might come as no surprise that this film is at the top of his list when he’s looking for a fun and festive watch.
Jingle All the Way
When Trey mentioned Jingle All the Way as his favourite Christmas film, his reasoning was simple: “It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, which is enough reason in itself to make it a contender for top Christmas film”.
If you’ve ever been in the same situation, you’ll know that the film perfectly encapsulates the frenzy you feel during a last-minute shopping trip before Christmas. Indeed, in the film, Schwarzenegger’s character battles to ensure he purchases the year’s must-have toy for his son.
The Holiday
Laura describes The Holiday as “a great feel-good Christmas love story to curl up on the sofa with a glass of red to”, and it’s easy to see why.
Starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black, the film follows two women who swap homes over the festive season, only to discover unexpected romance.
The cosy atmosphere, charming performances, and romantic spirit make it one of Laura’s go-to Christmas films.
The Santa Clause
For Sam, The Santa Clause is a classic that never fails to bring about the festive spirit. In it, Tim Allen stars as a man who unwittingly becomes Santa Claus after an accidental Christmas Eve mistake.
It’s a film that perfectly balances humour and heart, making it a recurring favourite for people around the country.
Sam also shares a fun personal touch, stating “I’ve always wanted to try the hot chocolate from that film!”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Carrie’s pick, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, is a hilarious festive comedy that perfectly captures the chaos of family gatherings, and the inevitable mishaps that occur.
The film follows the Griswold family (headed by the legendary Chevy Chase) who are determined to create the perfect Christmas. Though, in true National Lampoon spirit, everything quickly – and hilariously – starts to unravel.
Describing it as “such a truly silly film”, Carrie enjoys the over-the-top humour that never fails to make her laugh.
The Polar Express
Adrian watches The Polar Express with his younger loved ones, explaining that “I watch it every year, with my two grandchildren snuggled up to me on the sofa – the best Christmas film ever when you have little ones around.”
The film – which is visually stunning – tells the story of a boy’s journey to the north pole on a train filled with wonder.
It has a fairly star-studded cast, too, with performances from Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Josh Hutcherson, and Michael Jeter.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Louise has a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition of watching The Muppet Christmas Carol. This heartwarming (or, “fuzzy”, as you could say) adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale features Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, alongside the rest of the beloved Muppets characters.
“It’s a Christmas Eve tradition spent with Michael Caine and the Muppets”, Louise explains, adding that the humour and heart make it perfect as a lead-up to the big day.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
