The festive season is well and truly upon us now, and despite the restrictive measures presented by the global pandemic, there are always movies to help provide some much needed escapism.
We have a selected a delightful list of 20 festive Christmas flicks to get you right into the holiday spirit.
Check out our picks below and start watching, merry binging!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Watch for: Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Dr. Seuss character is priceless. This is one movie you really need to see over Christmas. Make it a tradition every year. Filled with laughter, joy, and much grinchy mischief, this deserves pride of place in your festive film collection.
Elf (2003)
Watch for: Buddy is a human elf raised in the North Pole, however, when he realises that he has a family in New York he sets out to find them, not realising that the real world is more of a challenge, especially when you’re one of Santa’s helpers.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Watch for: “What’s this? What’s this?” Indeed, what is this? It is an amazing feature from director Tim Burton. Jack the Pumpkin King seeks to fill the void of his ghoulish sorrow by stealing Christmas. Complete with a soundtrack that will have you singing from the top of the Christmas tree!
Love Actually (2003)
Watch for: This feel-good, rom-com involves eight London couples dealing with their relationships on the run up till Christmas. With an all-star cast and highly entertaining this is one movie you should include on your Christmas watch list.
The Holiday (2006)
Watch for: A chick-flick that see’s two women swap homes for the holidays. Both end up falling for local men and must deal with the debacle of moving back home after Christmas.
Home Alone (1990)
Watch for: Look out for this one “Ya filthy animals!” A young boy is accidentally left home alone over the festive period, and when disgraceful bad guys try and infiltrate his house, there is no way he will make it easy for them. A cult Christmas classic must-watch!
Jingle All The Way (1996)
Watch for: Arnie is fighting a different kind of machine in this movie – the Christmas machine. A father trawls all over town in search for a toy he has promised his son for Christmas. A fun, festive caper for the holidays.
Die Hard (1988)
Watch for: An NYPD Detective’s festive plans are scuppered when he learns of a hostage situation in downtown L.A, a German terrorist decides to ruin everyones fun and holds an entire building captive. A Christmas action-thriller with guns instead of bells and whistles.
The Polar Express (2004)
Watch for: A young boy embarks on a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Clause on Christmas Eve, his experience on board the Polar Express teaches him about bravery, friendship, and the importance of believing in the spirit of Christmas.
Jack Frost (1998)
Watch for: A true tearjerker. Watch with caution. When a man is tragically killed in a road accident, he takes the form of a snowman built by his son one year later, he returns to set things right with his son before he is gone for good.
White Christmas (1954)
Watch for: A song and dance duo team up with a sister act to put on a Christmas show in rural Vermont in order to save an army general’s failing country inn. This musical extravaganza will sure put a sparkle in your step this season, so take a trip back in time to the height of Hollywood glamour and lavish in this festive masterpiece.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Watch for: Hilarity mostly. These moms are ready to take Christmas by the baubles and do it their way, well, that was at least until their moms showed up. Filled with foul language, estranged family bondings, and much inappropriateness, watch this if you fancy some cringe-worthy banter over Christmas – not one for the kids.
Scrooged (1988)
Watch for: Watch this classic 80’s Xmas flick starring Bill Murray, who plays a selfish TV exec that becomes haunted by Christmas spirits, of past and present. A modernised play on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, this movie teaches us valuable life lessons to live by, and to be grateful for life.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Watch for: After a freak accident involving a guy in a Santa suit, Scott is transported to the North Pole and assists the man, what he doesn’t realise is that he has just inadvertantly agreed to be the next Santa Clause. A fun comedy for all the family to enjoy.
Bad Santa (2003)
Watch for: A conman and his friend pose as Santa and his little helper and attempt to rob a mall, their plan goes south when they come across a troubled kid whom they befriend.
Frozen (2013)
Watch for: The Disney animation that broke the internet. The question is, why haven’t you watched Frozen? Anna and her companions set out to find her ice-queen sister Elsa before she turns the entire kingdom into crystal fractals. With adorably likeable characters, and addictive tunes this is one movie you really shouldn’t let go!
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Watch for: Another classic Christmas movie from Tim Burton. Edward, a synthetic man with scissors for hands is blamed for a crime he did not commit when is maker passes away. A fantastical tale filled with wonder, drama, and Johnny Depp.
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Watch for: This classic cinematic picture shows a man what life would have been like without him when he considers ending it all. A reminder of how precious life truly is, and the wonderful joy it is to be alive. Hold on to your hankies.
Last Christmas (2019)
Watch for: A fairly recent addition to the festive movie collection. An aspiring singer works an elf in a year-round Christmas store in London, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a handsome inspiration. You’ll definitely get feel-good festive vibes from this one.
Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
Watch for: Bridget is a thirty-something woman who realises she wants to upgrade her life, as she writes her diary within a year two men battle for her affections. A relatable romantic comedy to enjoy, well, alone.
