When it comes to the festive season, there’s nothing better than sitting down in front of the television and watching a classic Christmas film. With hundreds of seasonal flicks to choose from, it’s easy to spend hours scrolling through your options while your hot chocolate gets cold. We’ve made the task easier for you, by compiling a list of some of the greatest Christmas films ever made (in our humble opinion); these are must-see films in the run up to Christmas.
Elf
Will Ferrell’s Christmas comedy has become a festive tradition in many households. Suitable for all ages, this timeless Christmas classic never gets boring, and the escapades of Buddy the elf get funnier each time you watch it. Beyond a comedy, the film captures the innocence and magic of the season, shining a light on what the festive period is really about. The film even has a cameo from Game of Thrones star, Peter Dinklage, before his rise to fame.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Christmas-hating Dr Seuss character is masterfully brought to life by the hilarious Jim Carrey. This film has undergone so many remakes, but the 2000 version is the only one worthy of a spot on this list. Perfect for even the biggest ‘Grinches’ in the family, this story explores the true meaning of Christmas beyond materiality. Watch this with your favourite drinks and snacks and get ready for your heart to melt.
Love Actually
Calling all rom-com addicts; this star-studded blockbuster is not to be missed! This festive classic warms your heart and tickles your funny bone all at once. The film focuses on several protagonists’ storylines, including Bill Nighy, who delivers the best one-liners in his portrayal of an ageing rock legend hoping to land a Christmas number one. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without this romantic comedy.
Home Alone
It’s the film that made us cling to our parents (and really crave a cheese pizza). Harry and Marv are the idiotic bandits hoping to steal from young Kevin’s house, but the boy has a few tricks up his sleeve to try and stop them. For those who enjoy slapstick comedy and some iconic one-liners, uproarious laughter is guaranteed.
Die Hard
Is it a Christmassy film or not? This is the question that has divided families for years, but we think your Christmas is incomplete without a viewing of this action-packed classic. With iconic villains and epic explosions, John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) Christmas Eve is off to a rocky start; instead of waiting for Santa, he’s stopping terrorists. This one’s sure to spice up your film night.
The Polar Express
For a sprinkling of magic, this film is a must-see. Loved by children and adults alike, this modern classic features everything festive that you expect from the season, including snow, reindeer and a special appearance from the big man himself. Tom Hanks voices multiple characters masterfully, and it’s always a fun challenge to guess when he’ll pop up next. One viewing of this beautifully animated film is enough to make a believer out of us all.
It’s a Wonderful Life
A Christmas film list isn’t complete without the inclusion of this James Stewart staple. Made in the 1940s, its legacy and sentimental message are still potent today. With a sprinkling of dark science fiction, this unique film is a refreshing addition to the Christmas genre. Filled with heart-warming moments and memorable quotes, it’s a film that you can watch every year and never get bored of.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Warm up your vocals before watching this Tim Burton classic, because the soundtrack is outstanding. Perfect for those who love the joy of Christmas as well as the creepiness of Halloween, this film sees Jack the Pumpkin King try to take over Santa Claus’ job… with questionable results. Festive, spooky, funny and melodic, this macabre addition to the genre has something for everyone.
Bad Santa
One for when the younger kids go to bed, this comedy will have you in stitches. Billy Bob Thornton plays an alcoholic and morally ambiguous department store Santa that nobody should ever hire. The countdown to his annual Christmas Eve heist will have you simultaneously howling and sobbing. Will he ever make it onto the nice list? Find out at your next Christmas film night.
Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger ditches his leather jacket and infamous catchphrase for a light-hearted festive film. Getting that dream toy during the Christmas Eve rush is a dilemma that all parents have faced, but no day has been quite as disastrous as this. Perhaps one of the cheesiest on the list, this movie is unashamedly filled with Christmas clichés and a lovely message sure to pull on your heart strings. Packed with drama, comedy and a warehouse of angry Santas, Jingle All the Way is sure to make everyone’s Christmas film list.
Gremlins
Don’t expose him to sunlight.
Don’t get him wet.
Most importantly, never feed him after midnight
If you throw away the instructions for this gift, the consequences could be disastrous. Gremlins combines the comedy and horror genre for a film that will send a tingle down your spine. The festive cheer ends at the snowy landscape and Christmas trees as the protagonists try and stop their well-meaning gift from terrorising the town… and multiplying. Be careful what you wish for this merry season; a pet is for life, and a Gremlin could be the end of yours.
Did your favourite Christmas film make it onto the list? Whichever film you decide to put on, watch it in style on a quality and affordable television set from Cheap TVs. We have amazing deals on all of our televisions, from high-definition flat screens to smaller designs that are ideal for your bedroom. To all of our customers, who love nothing more than a cosy and festive film night, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
