With the christmas season in full swing, here’s my rundown of the best christmas films to watch this year …
10. Krampus (2015)
Santa’s evil accomplice Krampus is a prominent feature in Bavarian folklore and is the inspiration for this questionable Christmas comedy horror directed by Michael Dougherty. When Max loses his Christmas spirit Krampus (half-goat, half-demon) punishes him by terrorising his entire family. Despite only receiving “mixed or average reviews“, Krampus is a great film for those who love horror and Christmas cheer alike. And with Toni Collette and the late Conchata Ferrell, what more could you want?
9. Klaus (2019)
A very new film to be included in a top 10 list, but bear with me with this one. Klaus is an animated movie telling an alternative story of the origin of Santa Claus. Winning Best Animated Film at the BAFTAs and only just losing out on the Oscar to the phenomenal Toy Story 4, making it the first animated film from Netflix to be nominated at the Academy Awards, Klaus is hugely popular with critics. It’s a great film to sit down to watch in front of the telly with the whole family, and perhaps is one you’ve not seen yet!
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Despite there also being 1947 and 1973 versions, the 1994 release of Miracle on 34th Street is the most festive and magical for me. Maybe its because it stars Matilda herself, Mara Wilson, who reminds me so much of my childhood. Perhaps it’s Richard Attenborough’s iconic, warm portrayal of Father Christmas. Either way, this film is full to the brim with nostalgia and is a must watch every festive season.
7. The Santa Clause (1994)
1994, a very strong year for Christmas films it seems, also gifts us this classic staring Tim Allen. After accidentally injuring Santa, ‘The Santa Clause’ means it his legal duty to now take over the role. Despite receiving mixed reviews when released, The Santa Clause is a holiday staple in my house. It is currently free, usually costing £9.99, on Sky Store for any Sky VIPs, so you may as well give it ago!
6. The Holiday (2006)
No Christmas movies list is complete without this romantic classic with an impressive cast: Cameron Diaz; Kate Winslet; Jude Law; and Jack Black. Whilst the one hill I am willing to die on is that this film is half an hour too long (what romantic comedy needs to be over two and a half hours?!?!) I still watch it at least once every year and love it.
5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Arguably one of Jim Carrey’s most iconic comedy performances, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a staple in most of our festive film rosters. Your classic monstrous to loveable story-arch, this is the ultimate feel-good film with lots of laughs along the way.
4. Home Alone (1990)
Grossing more than $285 million worldwide, Home Alone is just as popular now as it was when it was released 30 years ago. After being accidentally left at home whilst his family travels to Paris for the holidays, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) has to defend his house from two burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), resulting in enough slapstick comedy moments to tickle the whole family.
3. Nativity! (2009)
This comedy Christmas musical starring iconic British actor Martin Freeman never fails to warm my heart. The songs are catchy, the kids are hilarious and it is so much more impressive when you learn their scenes were largely improvised. Spawning a host of sequels and a theatre tour Nativity! ubiquitous with the onset of Christmas, and you’d be a fool to try and avoid it.
2. Elf (2004)
Now, perhaps I’m biased because I remember going to see this in the cinema as a five year old and then getting a kitten the next day and naming him after Buddy the Elf, but I LOVE this film. Will Ferrell is hilarious and New York City at Christmas time is unparalleled. Every year Elf makes me belly-laugh and sometimes even have a little cry at the end – it is a must watch.
1. Love Actually (2003)
Finally, my favourite Christmas film of all time: Love Actually. This ensemble cast consists of the crème de la crème of British actors: Martin Freeman (Christmas King, am I right?); Hugh Grant; Colin Firth; Emma Thompson; Alan Rickman… I could go on for hours. I love this film so much, I’ll watch it all year round – why the heck not? If there is one sure fire way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit it is with Love Actually; God bless you Richard Curtis.
Nia Thomas
Image courtesy of Duy Hoang via Unsplash. Image licence found here. No changes were made to the image.