The best ever Christmas movies
Don’t waste your time with the good, the bad and the average, take a look at the best Xmas movies – perfect for kick-starting Christmas.
Elf
The Nightmare Before Christmas
What’s this, a Halloween film or an Xmas one? Covering two different seasons now seems like good business, but the tale of how Jack Skellington accidentally ruined Christmas also prompted plenty of debate about which season suits. Why not watch (and love!) in both? It’s an alternative, animated delight.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
One of the few films that highlights the ridiculous lengths some of us go to to ensure an amazing Xmas, this Christmas classic offers plenty of heart and loads of laughs. Some of the jokes cut a little close, as Chevy Chase readies the home for the ultimate Xmas, but that’s often where the funny is to be found.
Christmas Carol
One of the most told and re-told Xmas tales, no holiday period is complete without at least one telling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. And since it offers so many versions, it’s up to you which one you choose. Black and white, animated or with Muppets? The choice is yours!
Home Alone
More John Hughes entertainment can be found in the tale of young Kevin Mcallister, left alone by accident at Xmas. If that weren’t enough for an 8 year old, he also has to defend his home from a pair of hapless burglars called the Wet Bandits. There’s some brilliant slapstick in this family classic, and, like the best Xmas films, loads of heart too.
It’s a Wonderful Life
A quintessentially Christmas tale, watching James Stewart learn the true value of life is enormously heart-warming, and the ending sequence will put you in a fantastically festive, feel-good mood. As important today as it was when first released over 70 years ago, it’s a true Christmas treat.
The Holiday
A more recent feel-good festive delight, much of this tale of love in the snowy season takes place in an amazing holiday cottage in an idyllic village. We may be a bit biased, but that’s the perfect setting for some fantastic festive schmaltz. (Find your own amazing Xmas escape).
Gremlins
We’ve all been there: it’s nearly the big day and the only Xmas gifts left on the shelf are completely unsuitable. But no matter how terrible your choice of gift may be, at least it won’t ruin your house if you feed it after midnight. Such is the premise of Joe Dante’s Christmas creature feature. Fun, funny and slightly scary, it’s a unique festive treat.
Die Hard
This action classic gave the world the big screen careers of Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, plus the debate as to whether it’s actually a Christmas film (it is!). With a hero trying to prevent thieves from breaking in at Xmas, it’s not unlike Home Alone for grown-ups and an amazing action classic too!
