Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Chaos comes to town as careless Chirs Caver played by Eddie Murphy unknowingly agrees to a Faustian bargain with a malevolent elf. With the help of his wife (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) and their children, the Caver family is on a magical mission to restore order and prevent the elf’s evil undertaking. Expect the unexpected with talking toy figurines and plotting pigeons in this comedic Christmas adventure.
Klaus (2019)
This heartwarming animated adventure comedy film received critical acclaim for its rich emotional complexities and masterful animation. It not only won Best Animated Feature at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, but took home seven awards at the 47th Annie Awards. The story follows Klaus, an intimidating-looking woodsman with a gift of crafting toys, and Jesper Johansen, a spoiled postman needing to be reformed. Together they deliver toys to well-behaved children and infect a bitter town with kindness while inadvertently transforming Johansen’s ways at the same time.
Elf (2003)
Buddy merrily grew up amongst the elves at the North Pole, but has always thought himself different to the others. Finding out that he is actually a human being upon adulthood, he seeks out his biological father by venturing to New York. Facing rejection with an upbeat attitude, Buddy proves that kindness can open doors to friendships, family bonding and even true love. This earnest and sweet classic is one of Will Ferrel’s most iconic films to date.
Falling For Christmas (2022)
Lindsay Lohan plays a spoilt heiress who stumbles into the care of a dashing cabin owner after losing her memory in a skiing accident. Is this Christmas movie filled with clichés? Yes. But do we love it? Also yes.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A Boy Called Christmas is essentially Santa’s childhood biography. Set in a time when Christmas was not a festival known to humankind, a young boy named Nikolas ventures into the snowy north to search for his father, who is on a quest to uncover Elfham, a fabled elf village filled with hope. With the company of a talking pet mouse and a reindeer named Blitzen, Nikolas beats all odds and arrives at Elfham — where his destiny awaits.
Single All The Way (2021)
Tired of being constantly asked why he’s single by his family, Peter talks his best friend Nick into acting as his boyfriend on a trip home for Christmas. When Peter’s family decides to play matchmaker, the two friends begin to realise that love was right in front of them all along. Ring the (jingle) bells!
The Princess Switch (2018)
Think Mark Twain’s The Prince And The Pauper, but with a princess-to-be duchess named Margaret and a baker named Stacy. To top it all off? Vanessa Hudgens stars as both of them.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
What happens when a scheme to capture Father Christmas goes wrong? In a plan to catch Santa in his act on Christmas Eve, siblings Kate and Teddy stumble into his sleigh and accidentally scare the jolly old man into crashing his vehicle. Together with Santa’s elves, the two children try to save Christmas before it’s too late.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women in need of a change of scene swap homes for the holiday season, sparking transatlantic love stories. Their lives are world’s apart – Iris (Kate Winslet) is a wedding columnist, her home a chocolate-box cottage in the English countryside, while Amanda (Cameron Diaz) produces film trailers from sun-soaked Los Angeles. Set over Christmas and New Year, the film examines love in its many forms, with Jude Law and Jack Black in starring roles either side of the pond.
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a beloved family favourite about a mischievous eight-year-old boy named Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) who must defend his household from burglars after he was mistakenly left behind by his family leaving for vacation. An adrenaline-filled classic with bouts of slapstick comedy, this endearing holiday story is appealing to all ages and a timeless delight.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Don’t let the animated nature of this film fool you, this off-the-wall holiday fairytale is a visual wonderland, written and directed by none other than Tim Burton. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion film that is stunningly detailed, with effortless animation and marvellous musical numbers. The ghoulish take on the festive season is an unexpectedly delightful twist, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Love Actually (2003)
Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Alan Rickman and Liam Neeson are just a few notable names from the star-studded cast of Love Actually. This charming British film takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing a number of heartwarming relationships. From sharp-witted humour to devastating heartbreaks, this romcom is not to be missed.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street centres around department store Santa Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn). Gwenn’s phenomenal depiction as Kris saw him win an Oscar, as he embodies the Yuletide spirit in its full glory. This film is heartwarming and memorable without being overly cheesy, while moments of tension and entertaining spells of humour keep the viewer on their toes.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
This unconventional yet moving film sees a striking sense of composition merged with impressive storytelling skills, directed by renowned animator Satoshi Kon. Tokyo Godfathers follows a mismatched trio of homeless friends that have formed a makeshift family of sorts, as they search tirelessly to find the mother of an abandoned baby they discovered on the streets of Tokyo.
Last Christmas (2019)
Emilia Clarke stars alongside Henry Golding in new romcom Last Christmas. Kate (Clarke) works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop, and chances upon Tom (Golding) in a moment of apparent fate. While London lights up with Christmas festivities, nothing seems to be going in their favour and Tom and Kate must see if the strength of their relationship can see them through trying times.
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Arguably one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life is a timeless American classic in which times of darkness and desperation are combatted by themes of hope and elation. The heartfelt and tender moments in this bittersweet film will warm even the most cynical of viewers, all thanks to Frank Capra’s clever writing and direction and the help of a talented cast including James Stewart and Henry Travers.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in 1940s America, A Christmas Story follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker as he attempts to convince everyone around him, from his parents and his teacher to even Santa, that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun is the only gift he needs for Christmas. Get ready for a good laugh and some family scenes that will warm your heart.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel of the same name, A Christmas Carol is a classic through and through. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he travels through time with the spirits of Christmas past, present and future and remind yourself what Christmas is truly about: love, generosity and compassion.
The Polar Express (2004)
On Christmas Eve, a mysterious train stops in front of the house of a young boy whose belief in Santa Claus is wavering. He joins several children on a magical journey to the North Pole to visit jolly old Saint Nick. All aboard The Polar Express!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the great, green Grinch that tried to steal it. Based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved 1957 book, this movie tells the tale of the most iconic Christmas anti-hero in the world and how he attempted to pack Christmas into a sack.
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