With Christmas tomorrow, we think it’s time to grab the shortbread, grab the family, pull up a chair and watch these family favourite films for the festive season.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton at his peak, animates this Halloween/Christmas holiday mash-up. Combing two polar opposite holidays seems odd, but Burton masterfully crafts this stop-motion animation to give us a creepy, yet charming holiday tale of good intentions and true love, combined with Danny Elfman’s beautifully haunting musical score.
Favourite Quotes:
“Jack, please, I’m only an elected official here, I can’t make decisions by myself!”
“For it is plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be”
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Tormenting Whoville at Christmas… there is clearly no limit to the Grinch’s evil ways. Set in the snow-capped mountains, Whoville is a magical Christmas village, preparing for the holiday season. This is of course until the Grinch decides to steal it. The most disturbing part is how relatable the Grinch becomes as you grow up. Nevertheless, add this Christmas classic to your list this season, and enjoy the bright colours, and wacky hair-do’s of the Who’s.
Favourite Quotes:
“Inside a snowflake like the one on your sleeve, there happened a story you must see to believe.”
“MAX. HELP ME… I’m FEELING.”
8. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen going from cold-hearted ad executive, to loveable and merry Santa Claus sounds like a successful pitch, to me. This 1994 Disney Classic has taken a special place in many people’s hearts and has endured for decades. The special effects are endearing, the characters are fun, and the script (in true Disney spirit) becomes funnier and funnier as you age.
Favourite Quotes:
“Whoa Dad, you’re flying!”
“It’s okay, I’m used to it. I lived through the ‘60s”
7. A Christmas Carol (1938)
The OG of Christmas stories, Charles Dickens classic tale offers a warning against bah-humbuggery, and general bad vibes. Some people are just asking to be visited by three ghosts, on Christmas Eve, and none more than Ebenezer Scrooge. Add this cautionary tale to your list of Christmas films, whether that be the original, or one of the plethora of remakes since, including one interpretation by the Muppets.
Favourite Quotes:
“Bah! Humbug!”
“God Bless us, everyone!”
6. Elf (2003)
A misplaced elf with daddy issues, leaves the North Pole and heads to Manhattan. Combining family comedy, and romantic comedy genres, Elf offer a fun, light-hearted look at the importance of family, especially around Christmas. Will Ferrell shines as Buddy the Elf, as he stumbles around New York City, trying to discover his roots.
Favourite Quotes:
“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.”
“I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR.”
5. Gremlins (1984)
The rules seem pretty straight forward, but where would the story be if someone didn’t break them? Little green monsters causing terror in the ’80s… what’s not to love? Considered one of the ‘scarier’ Christmas films, Gremlins has become a classic ’80s rollercoaster of explosions, cinema vandalism, and striped mohawks. Tonnes of family fun and starring the adorable Gizmo.
Favourite Quotes:
“First of all, keep him out of the light, he hates bright light, especially sunlight, it’ll kill him. Second, don’t give him any water, not even to drink. But the most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never feed him after midnight.”
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A charming look back on the magic of Santa and the importance of believing in magic. Miracle on 34th St follows Kris Kringle, as he endeavours to restore the magic of Christmas back into the lives of Doris Walker, and her daughter Susan. In an uplifting story of faith and magic, Miracle on 34th St re-instils the true essence of the Christmas season, which is believing in something bigger than ourselves, whatever form that may take.
Favourite Quotes:
“Faith is believing, when common sense tells you not to.”
“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s frame of mind…”
3. Love Actually (2003)
Not only an excellent Christmas film, but one of the greatest rom-coms of all time. The film will make you cry, both from genuine feelings of warmth, and from laughing so outrageously. It highlights that love and heartache is everywhere, even when it seems life is at a standstill. Jam-packed with some of Britain’s finest actors, this is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh.
Favourite Quotes:
“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
“There was more than one lobster present at the birth of Jesus?”
2. Home Alone (1990)
The Christmas highlight of the ’90s! Home Alone follows Kevin McAllister, a boy left- you guessed it- home alone over Christmas. All that ensues there-in makes for a roaring slapstick comedy, full of twists and turns, and family fun. An essential movie for anyone’s holiday viewing.
Favourite Quotes:
“Keep the change ya filthy animal”
“Kevin, you’re such a disease”
1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
This is the quintessential feel-good film for the holiday season. Though made in the 1940s, It’s A Wonderful Life transcends the era, with themes that resonate with modern audiences, and a moral that perfectly sums up the meaning of Christmas. It is a heart-warming tale of how every single life has value, and everyone has made an impact on the world, no matter how big or small it seems at the time.
Favourite Quotes:
“Every time a bell rings, and Angel gets his wings.”
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
Did your favourite make the list? Comment below what you think deserved the number one spot!