The Christmas Season is almost upon us. It’s time to decorate that tree, send out those cards, buy those last-minute presents and settle down to those magical Christmas films we enjoy every year. Now, everyone has their favourites, of course, but there are certain films that are just that little bit better. Here’s our list of the best Christmas films for you and your family to enjoy this year.
Elf
The fact that Will Ferrell almost missed out on Elf is maddening, as it seems this role was made for him. Will as Buddy is simply perfect, there’s no other way to describe it. Not only does this film include Ferrell’s comedic genius but with icons such as James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Bob Newhart it’s a sure fix for a great Christmas film. This film also has heart, a lot of it, that is demonstrated in the last section of the film, that will make even the Walter Hobbs of the world tear up.
Arthur Christmas
One of the most heartwarming films in this list features James McAvoy as our starring man, Arthur, the son of Father Christmas. Arthur, like so many of us, loves Christmas and the joy it brings to children around the world. This star-studded film not only makes for great viewing with the likes of Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, and Bill Nighy but also brings many tears to the eye near the end of the film.
Home Alone
Home Alone may be the most iconic film on this list. With a John Hughes script directed by Chris Columbus, this was always going to be a hit. Macaulay Culkin shines in this film, although he isn’t the only one. A great performance also comes from John Candy, who filmed all of his scenes in one day. And who could forget our favourite criminals, The Wet Bandits? Maybe not the greatest film ever made, but that doesn’t matter. Culkin’s charm, along with the beautiful and sentimental ending always works.
Nativity
Maybe Nativity isn’t the most groundbreaking film to ever grace our screens, but do Christmas films need to be? A quintessentially British film, Nativity follows Paul Maddens, a primary school teacher with a broken heart. Luckily for us and the school, this broken hearted educator is a surprisingly good songwriter. And, with the help of his almost fanatical teaching assistant, Mr Poppy, and primary school class, he manages to put on the best Nativity show ever.
The Muppets Christmas Carol
There have been so many different adaptations of Dickens’ classic, but this particular one is a real family favourite. You wouldn’t think Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Scrooge would work but strangely it does. This heart-warming film is the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Eve night before the big day. The addition of the Muppets and their fantastic soundtrack to this literary classic makes this film one of the greats. Also, Gonzo playing the narrator (Charles Dickens) is actually fantastic – who would have thought?
A Christmas Story
Although this film is rarely shown in the U.K, across the pond it is a classic and even has its own channel dedicated to showing the film 24/7. A Christmas Carol follows Ralphie in the late 1940s in the run up to the big day. There is one thing Ralphie wants, and that is a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas. An adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s own story of growing up in Hammond, this story combines dark comedy, nostalgia and heart-warming moments to make a perfect film.
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