‘Tis the season to binge watch all your favourite feel-good Christmas films throughout the festive period. Whether you’re a Grinch or a Christmas obsessed Whovillian, here’s a list, in no particular order, of our Top 10 Christmas films that will have you feeling suitably Christmassy.
Elf (2003)
The hilarious Elf is a heart-warming tale of a 6ft3 Buddy the Elf discovering that he is human. Travelling from the North Pole to New York City to locate his real father, Buddy learns that his father is in fact on Santa’s Naughty List. Fond of tuneless singing, Buddy teaches him that “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” It’s a reminder that you’re never too old to spread the magic of Christmas.
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Home Alone (1990)
A charming and iconic tale of one boy’s fight against a pair of inept burglars after being accidentally left home alone by his family. Possibly the most gruesome film on the list, with fiery booby traps and skittering tarantulas, I do worry about Kevin’s murderous tendencies. Perhaps his parents ought to have a ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ chat. Still, Home Alone is a hilarious Christmas favourite.
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It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
The 1946 film tells the struggle of George Bailey, stopped from taking his own life by his Guardian Angel, Clarence. Ok, not the jolliest of starts. But after being shown what his town would be like if he was never born, George realises the importance of family and ultimately discovers happiness. Emotional stuff.
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The Polar Express (2004)
After hopping on the train that stops outside his house on Christmas Eve, a young boy takes a mesmerising epic adventure to the North Pole, complete with a catchy song about hot chocolate. The Polar Express is a beautifully animated story about friendship and the necessity of keeping the Christmas spirit alive. I’m still waiting for the train to appear outside my house...
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Dr. Seuss masterpiece is the story of a Christmas-hating, heartless Grinch who tries to ruin festivities for the residents of Whoville. Thanks to the overwhelming love of little girl Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes and Christmas is celebrated by all. It’s Jim Carrey’s crazy brilliance that really brings the film to life.
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The Santa Claus (1994)
After accidentally killing Santa, disgruntled divorcee Scott, played by Tim Allen, is forced to take on the magical role. Aside from the bizarre plot holes (Why aren’t the elves utterly heartbroken at Santa’s sudden death? Does Santa just deliver presents to people in Illinois?) it’s a classic family favourite full of proper holiday spirit.
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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
In Clark Griswold’s desperate attempt at a “fun old-fashioned family Christmas”, everything that can go wrong, does. With one disaster after another, including a SWAT team invasion and a tragic cat-astrophe, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is gloriously crude. Although, amongst all the gross humour is the real meaning of Christmas. It just takes a colossal mental breakdown from Clark to get there. One to watch without the kids I think.
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The Holiday (2006)
As far removed from Christmas Vacation as you can possibly get, The Holiday is whimsical, romantic, funny, and another firm Christmas film favourite. With an LA/Surrey house exchange to escape their disastrous love lives over the Christmas holidays, lovesick Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz discover new love awaits them. Typical rom-com cosiness.
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Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
The 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street has a wonderful warmth emanating from the friendship between Richard Attenborough’s Kris Kringle and Mara Wilson’s sceptical Susan Walker. Whilst trying to prove that Kringle is the real Santa, Susan discovers the power of faith. A Christmas film that melts our hearts.
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Love Actually
A classic British rom-com full of tear-jerking and joyful storylines from an all-star cast. From Rowan Atkinson’s gift-wrapping skills, to Emma Thompson’s heartbreak, and not forgetting Hugh Grant’s dancing, Love Actually is a triumph. Remember… “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
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