If you do not know what film to watch this Christmas, or if the choice is so big you do not even know where to start, keep reading for some suggestions.
With the wintry day becoming shorter and colder every day, there is no better excuse to relax in the warmth of one’s home and watch a movie, perhaps with your loved ones. This list of Christmas movies will help you choose, get into the Christmas mood, and be embraced by the typical heart-warming stories of these productions:
Home Alone (1990)
First, Home Alone had to be on this list. It is one of the most loved films of all time and the favorite Christmas movie of many. It stars Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O'Hara. It tells the story of an eight-year-old who must defend his home from two robbers when his family unintentionally leaves him home alone over the Christmas holidays. Therefore, the troublemaker boy will stage ingenious and hilarious traps to this end.
The film's success turned it into a franchise and followed five other films, and the latest came out in 2021. This movie is a classic and a definite must-watch during the Christmas period. Available to watch on Disney+.
Miracle On 34th Street (1994)
An oversized classic of the genre. This remake of the original 1947 film stars Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, J.T. Walsh, and Mara Wilson. This is the story of a very factual little girl who longer believes in Santa Claus. However, when her mother, who works at a department store, employs Kris Kringle to impersonate Santa Claus, their vision is challenged because the man claims to be the real deal.
The story of this film is enjoyable for both adults and children, and it is simultaneously humorous, sad, and heart-warming. Available to watch on Disney+.
Elf (2003)
A man, Buddy, who has been adopted by one of Santa’s elves when he was unintentionally brought to the North Pole at four years old, is brought up as an elf. Learning about its origins, he decides to leave the toy factory and go to New York City to find his family. The elf will bring the Christmas spirit to the people in the city.
The cast includes Will Ferrell as Buddy, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, and Mary Steenburgen. With an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, in 2004, the film won the ASCAP Movie Award for ‘Top Box Office Film’ and a Golden Trailer for ‘Best Comedy.’
This film stands out as one of the most beloved Christmas films. Moreover, it is cheerful and funny, and its humor attracts adults and children. Besides, it is a must-watch during the festivities, and in fact, it airs every year on television during the holidays. Available on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
The Holiday (2006)
On the other hand, not directly a film about Christmas, but a Christmas classic, starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. This romantic comedy tells the story of two women, Iris, and Amanda, who are troubled by their love life and are looking for a change in their life; they decide to switch homes during the holidays. Iris will move to Los Angeles, while Amanda will stay at Iris’ cottage in London.
Then, the women will have to adjust to their new life, which is so different from theirs, and in the meanwhile, they will find love. This is a film about change and getting a new perspective. It is easy to watch, funny, and touching too. Perhaps predictable, but still enjoyable. Available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Klaus (2019)
An animated film distributed by Netflix, starring Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, and Joan Cusack. This is the origin story of Santa Claus set in the nineteenth century following a student mail carrier. Upon being sent to a cold village in the North, he encounters Klaus, a recluse but gently toymaker. Rating 8/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, Klaus has also won ‘Best Animated Feature’ at the Annie Awards and the British Academy Film Awards in 2020.
The animation is superb, and the story can be described as sweet, funny, hopeful, and moving. Available to watch on Netflix.
Last Christmas (2019)
The film stars British stars Emilia Clarke, Emma Thompson, and Henry Golding. Kate dreams of becoming a singer, but until now, her choice-making has not been the best so far. During the festivities, she starts working as an elf in a Christmas store. Consequently, here she meets Tom, a gentle, wise, and mysterious man who will make her perspective about everything change.
The movie features a good performance by its protagonist, and it sets itself as a new addition to the genre's classics. It tells a story that is funny, moving, and comforting. Available to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
Spirited (2022)
Lastly, another adaptation of Dickens’s story and a brand-new addition to Christmas films. This musical version starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynold, and Octavia Spencer, recounts Scrooge’s story from the perspective of the spirits. The result is a hilarious and satirical take on the original story and its previous adaptations. Available to watch on selected cinemas and Apple TV.
In conclusion, this list is not exhaustive but hopefully gives you some ideas. And if the choice is still too broad, the television schedule has it covered. In fact, from the first week of December, many Christmas classics, among them some included in this list, have aired on television. For example, the BBC offers every afternoon a film for the family, sure to be appreciated by both young and adults, including both old classics like Mary Poppins (1964) and When Henry Met Sally (1989) and remakes like Aladdin (2019).
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