10 Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit
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You snow the drill—it’s that magical time of year when you can snuggle up on the couch and watch Christmas films back-to-back and simply indulge our elves.
And from the cherished classics, heart-warming rom-coms, and offbeat indie flicks, we have got you covered. Here’s to not leaving the house all day!
Little Women
Yes, that’s right, we are talking about Greta Gerwig’s most recent adaptation that features Timothee Chalamet, Florence Plough, and Saoirse Ronan. In addition to the brilliant cast, this timeless narrative has been reimagined with a beautiful mix of heartbreak, humour, and inspirational girl power. Greta is simply a genius.
Our reasoning for classing it as a classic Christmas movie? Two of the film’s biggest scenes take place during the Christmas season.
Home and Alone (and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York)
Nothing marks the transition into the Christmas holidays like Home Alone playing in the background. It’s cosy, comforting and riddled with cinematic nostalgia—and less terrifying when watching as an adult. Enjoy!
Edward Scissorhands
Albeit slightly unorthodox, Edward Scissorhands is a timeless classic that is, in fact, set in and around the Christmas holidays. Passed from one generation to the next, the moving tale of outcast and finger-lacking Edward is the kind of film that never quite leaves you. Filled with tender moments, masterful cinematic detail and endless life lessons—it’s easy to see why. It also sheds light on why it snows at Christmas (so, case and point).
Love Actually
Can you remember a Christmas since 2003 without Love Actually being a part of it? From its beautiful love story to its young Hugh Grant, 2022 won’t be any different. In fact, we won’t hear a word against it.
Carol
Following the story of two women who fall in love in Manhattan, Carol is a tender coming-of-age story. Capturing both a quiet longing and tinges of melancholy, Carol dares to capture uncomfortable emotions that can so often linger on the fringes during the holidays. This is a rare Christmas film that you could watch any time of the year.
Elf
Who would have thought that Will Ferrell playing the role of a grown man Elf would become synonymous with ‘Christmas classic’? From its absurdity, quirky characters and ‘burst out laughing’ moments, it is easy to see why.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Leaning towards the more gothic Christmas genre (if that exists?), the mesmerising stop-motion animation of this film creates a magical aesthetic that’s hard to resist. And underneath the narrative of a Santa kidnapping gone wrong lives plenty of poignant life lessons, a groovy soundtrack and the signature creative touches of Burton himself. What’s not to love?
Blast of Silence
While the holidays are usually a time for rest, family and highhearted joy, for New York Hitman Allen Baron this is simply not the case. One to watch just for the cynical internal dialogue, subtle wit, and masterful observations about the city at large. And if you do have to work this Christmas, you might feel some comradery about the fact Hitmen are right there along with you. Well, no promises.
The Family Stone
If you are preparing to spend Christmas with your significant other’s family this year, it might be worth watching the Family Stone. Not so much for its advice but for its warm, inviting nature—and intensely funny moments. A delightful film from start to finish.
The Grinch
Whether you love it, hate it, (or have seen it one too many times), it wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic little film making an appearance. Despite showing the wrinkles of time, the Grinch continues to teach us about the power of kindness—which is perhaps what the holidays are all about.
