Best Christmas movies of all time

ALTHOUGH our Christmas season isn’t all snow and mistletoe, there are still days suited to curling up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate, enjoying a selection of Christmas-themed movies as the countdown to the 25th begins. 

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Why not start with a real classic this Christmas? Now considered one of the greatest films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of a down-on-his-luck bank clerk, played by James Stewart, who is pushed to the brink of suicide before a trainee angel show’s him how sad life would be without him.
Granted, the ‘wonderful’ part only comes in at the end, but this is really a well-watched classic for a reason. Warm and fuzzy!

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Charles Dickens’ age-old Christmas story has been remade countless times, but somehow, it’s this group of beloved muppets who put on the best version.
Taking the title role as Ebeneezer Scrooge is Michael Caine, who maintains a humorously stoic disposition despite the surrounding frivolity. A really wonderful family film.

Home Alone (1990)
If you haven’t seen the film that catapulted Macaulay Culkin to stardom yet, then 2019 is your year.
Wanting some space from his family, Kevin gets his wish when they accidentally go on holiday without him.
After having as much fun as a child can when ‘Home Alone’, things take a turn when two goofy thieves attempt to break into his home, which Kevin defends with some MacGyver-level techniques.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Based on the 1947 original, this feel-good remake continues the Christmas magic of believing in the seemingly unbelievable.
A Christmas store Santa (played by Richard Attenborough) believes he’s the real deal and, with the support of young Dorey (Mara Wilson) and her lawyer friend (Dylan McDermott), proves this to the world.

The Holiday (2006)
Nancy Meyers is known for her happy-go-lucky romantic gems and this one is no different.
Starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two love-sick women looking to escape for the holidays, the pair swop homes (American mansion for cosy English cottage) and, perhaps unsurprisingly, love ensues.

Love Actually (2003)
Richard Curtis brought the world another masterpiece in this star-studded cast that tells a number of cleverly intertwined stories around Christmas time.
There is death, betrayal, weddings, office parties, unrequited love, fun musical numbers, a prime minister, and eventually ‘love, actually’.

Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell is as nutty as ever in the role of a human who thinks he’s a Christmas Elf searching for his father.
His commitment to the role and absolute love of all things Christmas really makes this a fun family film.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Nobody can do awkward family gatherings quite like Clark Griswold and the third installment of the National Lampoon’s franchise really holds its own.
Constantly seeking to give his family the perfect Christmas experience – to the point of absolute insanity – Clark ensures a lot of laughs along the way. 

Die Hard (1988)
It’s been long-debated as to whether this is just an action movie or also a Christmas movie, but seeing as it’s set on Christmas Eve, we’ll go with Christmas!
Considered one of the best action movies around, the storyline follows New York cop, John McClane, who is stopping in to see his estranged wife, Holly Gennaro, at her LA-based office during the office Christmas party.
Things go wrong when a group of criminals enter and hold everyone hostage. Now only John McClane can save the day (and Christmas)!

The Grinch (2018)
If full-on family fun is more your style, then The Grinch – voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch – is a lovely animated option.
The well-loved Dr Zeuss narrative sees the lonely Grinch living on Mount Crumpet with his loyal dog, Max, avoiding the Whos down in Whoville.
When their Christmas merriment gets too much, The Grinch decides to steal Christmas. The 2000 film version featuring Jim Carrey is also a great one to try.