Halloween is over and Bonfire Night has been and gone, so that means it’s totally acceptable to be wearing our Christmas jumpers already, right? Yes? Good! Because we’re already thinking about what festive movie to put on first to get us in the Christmas mood. Just in time for the big day, we’ve made a list of the top 10 Christmas movies that are sure to get your heart warmed in time for some festive cheer. So, deck the halls and make yourself some eggnog, are you ready to get Christmassy?
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol – Nobody quite does Christmas like The Muppet’s, so when they decided to retell the classic story of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, we knew we’d learn the true meaning of Christmas as well as hearing some fabulous Muppet’s songs. Back in 1992, our buddies Gonzo and Rizzo told the story of cold-hearted Scrooge, played by the amazing Michael Caine, and took us on a journey through Christmas past, present and future. With all your favourite Muppet characters like Miss Piggy and Kermit making the rounds, this movie is sure to get you in the mood. Take a look at the moment you meet the dreaded Scrooge!
2. It’s A Wonderful Life – What’s Christmas without It’s a Wonderful Life? In this classic tale from Frank Capra back in 1946, family-man George Bailey is desperately depressed and struggles to find the strength to go on, but he’s in luck, an angel comes along to show him what life would be like if he never existed. What follows is a heart-warming story of love, family and remember not to take the little things for granted. With brilliant performances from James Stewart and Donna Reed, we recommend this if you’re in the mood for an oldie but a goodie. Anybody remember this classic scene?
3. Elf – This is one of the most successful contemporary Christmas films going! Directed by John Favreau and starring the brilliant Will Ferrell, Elf tells the story of Buddy, a full sized man that was brought up in The North Pole by Santa’s Elves. Once Buddy realises his real Father is a high-flying business man in New York, he begins a journey of joy and havoc to be reunited with his real family. Cue the manic tree decorating, radical snow ball fights and high-pitched singing, Buddy the Elf is in town! Take a look at this hilarious clip, where Buddy unveils a Santa impostor!
4. A Christmas Story – All too often we do forget the real meaning of Christmas and it’s films like A Christmas Story that bring us back down to earth. In Bob Clark‘s Christmas adventure, the Parker family guide us through all the traditional Christmas ups and downs with affection and hilarity! All little Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, wants for Christmas is a BB Gun but his parents and teachers are convinced he’ll take his eye out! Will Ralphie get his dream present? You’ll have to watch to find out. Will family-friendly laughs a plenty, this film will no doubt get you in the mood for present wrapping! Take a look at the trailer.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas – Not all of us like to dive straight into the fluffy feelings of Christmas, sometimes mixing the dark with the light is a match made in heaven. So for those of you who are after a little spook in their Christmas, this Henry Selick movie is the one for you. Written by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas see’s the king of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington, discover Christmastown and all the delights it holds. Jack decides he’s had enough of the ghosts and ghouls, it’s time they brought Christmas to Spook City but he’s not all that sure about the concept. Check out the trailer, are you in the mood for a slightly sinister Christmas?
6. Love Actually – At Christmas, all you really need is…love. Well, at least that’s the case in Richard Curtis’ fantastically popular Love Actually! With an all star cast including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Martin Freeman, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor and many more, we’re treated to a string of interwoven stories of love at Christmas. From a British gent making his way to American to the Prime Minister falling in love with a tea girl, this film has it all. One of the most famous scenes is when Andrew Lincoln declares his love for his best mates wife, knowing full well he can’t have her. Grab the tissues and take a look.
7. The Family Stone – While we’re already a little weepy from the previous pick, here’s a real tearjerker. When uptight, conservative business woman Meredith, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, joins her boyfriend’s family at Christmas, she definitely gets more than she bargains for! Battling a quirky would be mother-in-law, a sarcastic sister and the wandering eyes of her boyfriend’s brother, it makes quite the family drama. With brilliant performances from Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson and Craig T Nelson, this family feuding leads you down a very weepy path, as the families future hangs in the balance. Have a look at the charming trailer:
8. The Santa Clause – What happens when you kill Santa Claus? No, this isn’t a murder mystery of the big man himself, instead Tim Allen dons the red coat and becomes Father Christmas in this brilliant Christmas movie. After accidentally knocking Santa off of his roof, Scott Calvin finds himself magically transformed into the bearded present giver, much to the joy of his young son, Charlie. Scott struggles to adapt to his new life, while the rest of the world looks at him with bemusement! Directed by John Pasquin, this movie is all about the laughs! Check out this clip to see what kind of Christmas spirit Tim Allen had before he became the big man.
9. Home Alone – This classic Christmas caper brings in huge laughs with a fabulous performance from a young Macaulay Culkin. When Kevin McCallister get accidentally left behind as his family jets off for their Christmas vacation, he finds himself having to defend his home against two idiotic burglars. With real slapstick comedy and hilarious performances from Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, this is a great movie for kids and parents too. Take a look at the trailer:
10. The Polar Express – Here’s a heartwarming Christmas movie that’s both festively fun and beautifully made. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and staring Tom Hanks in numerous voice roles, The Polar Express teaches children who are losing their belief in Father Christmas, to find their spirit before it’s too late. They head to The North Pole on a magical train to discover the truth of Christmas time. Using motion capture technology, this is a truly unique Christmas movie with a big heart. Have a look at this clip of the title song.
Anybody else bursting with Christmas joy? With a line up like that, we defy you not to get into the seasonal spirit! Grab a blanket, some hot chocolate and start your Christmas movie marathon early. Think we missed some of the best Christmas movies you and your family love to watch together? Comment below and let us know!
For about the first 20 or so years of my life The Wizard Of OZ would be shown on TV on Christmas day and it was a family tradition that we all stuck to, whether sat avidly watching or falling fast asleep overstuffed with Christmas joy (and dinner) then all of a sudden they stopped showing it! 🙁 I think I should get the DVD and restart that tradition!
Absolutely, why not?! It’s an excellent idea! 😉
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