12 Dec Must-watch Christmas movies
One of everyone’s more favoured traditions during the Christmas season is curling up to watch Christmas movies. It goes without saying however that while some Christmas movies are timeless classics that fill us with a sense of nostalgia when watching them, others can be painstaking 2-hour long snooze fests that we’d much rather forget. So here is a list of 11 movies you’ll actually enjoy watching this Christmas.
Home Alone (1990)
Who could forget Macaulay Culkin as young Kevin McCallister, everyone’s favourite misunderstood child who is mistakenly left behind by his parents at Christmas while their family vacations in Paris, and is presented with the comedic task of solely defending his home from two would-be burglars. Directed by famous 1980’s filmmaker John Hughes, Home Alone tops our list as one movie you definitely must watch this Christmas.
The Grinch (2000)
In arguably one of his more memorable roles, Jim Carrey stars in the film adaption of Dr Seuss’ classic novel as The Grinch, a mean spirited person who resents Christmas and all of its festivities, as well as the rest of the members of his community, the Who’s, who he often pulls dangerous and harmful practical jokes on.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
While being considered both a Halloween and a Christmas film, The Nightmare Before Christmas centres on Jack Skellington, the ghoulish ruler of Halloweentown. But Jack has grown tired of celebrating Halloween and so kidnaps Santa Claus in a convoluted attempt to bring yuletide cheer to Halloweentown. Its as dark as it is oddly loveable, and will jump start feelings of nostalgia for any viewers over the age of 15 as a movie always on at Christmas time.
Elf (2003)
This quirky and charming film stars Will Ferrel as a human who has been led to believe his entire life that he is one of Santa’s elves, and upon adulthood has been enlightened to the fact that he is not, and so must learn to live as an adult in the human world whilst trying to find his family. Elf instantly became a holiday classic when it hit theatres in 2003, and is still considered to be a much watch on Christmas 13 years later.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
As far as timeless classics are concerned, Miracle on 34th Street takes the cake. Still adored nearly 70 years after its initial release, the movie takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the impact and antics of a department store Santa Claus who believes himself to be the real Santa.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Whilst in its essence not a traditional Christmas themed film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang stars Robert Downey Jr. as a Christmas “shopping” thief who is forced to masquerade as an actor, and Val Kilmer as the private detective hired to help him get into character. There are enough twists and complications in this action comedy to satisfy both crime movie fans and comedy lovers, whilst in keeping with the festive spirit.
Bad Santa (2003)
One of the more adult catered movies on our list, Bad Santa is a Christmas film we hate to love. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a washed up, wise-cracking Department Store Santa who can’t help being more naughty than nice, as every Christmas Eve, he and his accomplice (one of the stores elves) crack the store safe and make off with their own holiday stash.
The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, two women from opposite sides of the globe who meet online and agree to swap homes for the holiday season to both escape heartbreak. Once in their new homes, both unexpectedly find romance and must choose whether to go home or follow their hearts – romantic comedy gold.
Die Hard (1988)
Bruce Willis is a New York City policeman who attends a holiday party with his estranged wife on Christmas Eve, only to have the party interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the high-rise where the party is being held, and everyone in it. It then dawns upon Willis that the only person able to save the hostages is himself – not a movie exactly full with holiday cheer, but with a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, you can be assured you won’t be disappointed with this pick.
Just Friends (2005)
A film most recognised for putting Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit, this underrated comedy follows Chris, a formerly overweight nerd turned successful record producer as he unexpectedly is forced to stay in his hometown over the holidays, and consequentially runs into and tries to reconnect with his lifelong crush and best friend, Amy. Add in a wacky Anna Faris as a Britney Spears-esque pop star obsessed with Reynolds and the series of unfortunate events that all ensue due to this against the backdrop of Christmas in a small, snowy town, and you’ve got a holiday favourite.
Love Actually (2003)
Nine separate stories all intertwine to examine the complexities of an emotion that connects us all, love. Okay so this movie is super cheesy, but it wouldn’t be a Christmas movie list without Love Actually. It’s as sappy as syrup and impossible to turn off once you’ve put it on.