Each year, one of my festive activities to do in the run-up to Christmas is watching Christmas movies. Pre-pandemic, I loved to go to the movies on Christmas Eve. This year, I am having to adapt my tradition and watch them all in the comfort of my own home. Here are twelve Christmas movies to put on your watch list this December.
1. A Christmas Carol
If you’re going to watch A Christmas Carol this month, make sure it’s the original—the one released in 1951 starring Alastair Sim. Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy man who has no time or tolerance for Christmas, gets visited by three spirits who show him the error of his ways. If you can’t get your hands on the original movie, my runner-up remake has to be The Muppet Christmas Carol.
2. Home Alone and Home Alone 2
If you’re looking for binge-worthy Christmas movies, Home Alone and Home Alone 2 are a must-watch, even if you’ve seen the movies countless times! Home Alone really never gets old. In the first movie, a boy named Kevin McCallister is accidentally left at home when his family goes on winter vacation. He is left to protect his house from a couple of bumbling burglars. In the second movie set a year later, Kevin finds himself stranded in New York City fending off the same criminals. These classic 90s movies are hilarious and can’t be missed this winter.
3. Elf
Personally, Elf is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. I could watch it even when it’s not Christmas! When Santa discovers he accidentally took a baby from the orphanage and brought him to the North Pole, he decides to raise him as an Elf. Once the baby, Buddy, grows up and discovers he’s in fact human, he sets out on a quest to find his parents. Having never left the North Pole before, Buddy takes the viewer on a hilarious and magical journey.
4. Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands is often overlooked as a Christmas movie but it is one not to be missed. Johnny Dept and Winona Ryder star in this heart-warming film directed by Tim Burton. The main character, Edward Scissorhands, is a man-made almost-complete creation who has scissors for hands, as the creator passed away before he could finish his masterpiece. Edward Scissorhands lives an isolated life until he meets a young lady from the suburbs who welcomes him into her home. This tear-jerking movie has to be on your list this winter.
5. The Santa Claus
Having been released the year I was born (1994), The Santa Claus has only crept onto my list in the last few years. Starring Tim Allen, this is a feel-good funny movie for all the family to enjoy. The storyline follows a suburban father who accidentally bumps into Santa resulting in Santa falling from the roof of his home. The father then has to step into Santa’s shoes (literally), delivering presents to children all around the world. It’s a bumpy yet magical ride along the way!
6. Gremlins
One of my father’s favorite Christmas movies, Gremlins is another movie that is often overlooked during the month of December. This Christmas film was released in the 80s and involves a boy accidentally breaking three rather important rules concerning his new pet Gizmo. This then leads to the release of a swarm of mischievous creatures in his local town. This cult classic should be on your list this Christmas.
7. The Holiday
Each year, The Holiday always makes it onto my watchlist. Two women, one from America and one from England, are having a tough time when it comes to love. Fed up with their hometowns and the men in them, they decide to switch lives for two weeks. This rom-com is more romance than comedy but with the appearance of Jack Black, humor finds its way in.
8. The Christmas Chronicles
A rather recent release (2018), The Christmas Chronicles is a movie based on every kid’s Christmas dream. Two siblings set out to catch Santa Claus and end up having a night that no one saw coming. I absolutely love this movie and this year, The Christmas Chronicles 2 has been released! I am really excited to watch the second movie and see if it knocks any others off the top spots.
9. The Night Before
If you’re a fan of Seth Rogan, add this one to your list immediately. I honestly wasn’t expecting much when I went to see The Night Before a few years ago but it really took me by surprise—it’s hilarious and cannot be missed! Three men who are lifelong friends spend their night on Christmas Eve seeking out the hottest parties. This plot sounds like a drag but I can assure you, it’s one you won’t regret.
10. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
How The Grinch Stole Christmas has to be my runner-up behind Elf as it holds a special place in my heart. I used to watch this movie every single year on my VHS. In a town called Whoville, the Grinch sets out on a revenge-seeking mission to destroy Christmas for everyone in sight. Jim Carrey does a fantastic job of playing the Grinch and has you secretly rooting for him even though you really don’t want him to ruin Christmas. Recently, a cartoon remake called The Grinch was released and although not as good as the classic, it’s still a pretty good watch!
11. Last Christmas
Last year, I watched this movie with my mum and we both really enjoyed it. Although I’m not too much of a fan of George Michael, this movie had me singing along in no time. What I really liked about this movie was the issues it explored such as Brexit, homelessness, and mental health. The plot involves a young woman called Kate who continuously makes poor decisions about her life. That is until she meets Tom. If you’re looking for something a bit different this holiday season, check out Last Christmas.
12. Arthur Christmas
And finally, Arthur Christmas. This movie involves Santa’s clumsy son setting out on a mission to give out a present that was misplaced on Christmas night. This animated film will leave you feeling full of festive cheer and wanting to watch it again.
So if you’re wondering where I will be this Christmas, rest assured, I will be wrapped in a cozy blanket enjoying my favorite Christmas movies of all time. Happy Holidays!
Also by Anna: These 6 Documentaries Convinced Me To Go Vegan (Watch With Your Roommate or Partner!)
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Photo: Mike Symon via Unsplash
