We’re finally in December and have reached the point where it’s socially acceptable to watch Christmas movies (not like we haven’t been watching them since 1st November or anything…). Whether you’re still in student accommodation or back home, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a Christmas film.
Finding the perfect one can be a challenge so we thought we’d help you out by sharing some of our firm faves:
The Christmas Classics
Ideal for when you’re in the mood for some Christmas fun, these movies have stood the test of time and are bound to stir up some nostalgia.
Home Alone
Kevin is a little kid in a big family who just wants to be left alone and his wish gets granted when he’s left home alone over the holiday season. Unfortunately for him, his time gets cut short when he must protect his home from two goofy intruders. Home Alone is just pure kid fun, the sort of film that you can watch with your entire family as it’s got something for the kids and the grown ups too.
Miracle on 34th Street
When the Santa at Macy’s starts redirecting tired parents to other stores to find the right Christmas gift, people begin to notice. They start paying even more attention when he proclaims that; he’s the real Father Christmas. This story is a total classic that touches on a lot of themes and what Christmas means outside the realms of just getting presents. With a 1947 and 1994 version to choose from, you can be assured that this is a universal story.
The Christmas Romantics
Perhaps you’re all loved up, or maybe you are looking for that special someone like you see in the movies…these movies are perfect if you’re a romantic at heart.
Love Actually
The stories of 12 interconnected strangers are told over the course of the holiday season in London. The stories about love, loss and romantic triumph really make you think about what matters most to you. It is a timeless story that still feels as fresh as it did when it was released 16 years ago. It boasts an impressive coast with the likes of Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson so keep your eyes peeled…
The Holiday
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet are two unlucky in love women who decide that Christmas is the perfect time for a change. So, they decided to swap houses and countries for the Christmas season and embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance. It’s the sort of quiet rom-com that you can just switch on at the end of a long day. Also, if you’re the type of person that loves cottage interior then you will love the aesthetic of this film.
The Christmas Comedies
Elf
Will Ferrell is a comedy giant (quite literally), and Elf might just be his best film regardless of the season. Buddy, a human, raised in the Elf community sets off to New York to find his father, having never been in the human world before there’s a rather steep learning curve involved. If you’re looking for a film that has you belly laughing and spreading the Christmas cheer with your flatmates – this is the one!
Scrooged
This Bull Murray is a 20th century update on Charles Dickens Christmas Carol. Only this time, he’s a television executive forcing his employees to work through the Christmas season. Bill Murry is perfect as the curmudgeonly and miserable main character who doesn’t care about the people around him. As funny as it is, Scrooged is also very heart warming and memorable.
Movies that you didn’t know where Christmas movies
If you are after a movie that is still kind of Christmassy but doesn’t hit you over the head with it, then you should check out these movies…
Die Hard
Did you know that this Bruce Willis action flick is technically a Christmas film? In this film, John McClane takes on a terrorist group who take over an office building and take his estranged wife hostage. Die Hard takes place during a work Christmas party, the soundtrack and the wintery theme are prevalent throughout this movie, making it the most action-packed Christmas treat out there.
Gremlins
Gremlins shares the story of Billy and his mysterious new pet that comes with very specific instructions to take care of it. The story takes place across the Christmas period. So even if it’s not particularly pertinent to the story it’s still definitely there. If you haven’t seen Gremlins before, then I definitely recommend you give it a watch. If you like fun horror and sci-fi, you’ll see it’s influenced in loads of other films as well.
Christmas Movies for when you’re not in a Christmas mood
It happens. Sometimes at Christmas you just don’t feel that Christmassy. In fact, sometimes you’re feeling positively anti-Christmas. If that’s the case then these films might just be perfect for you..
The Grinch
I mean, come on you knew this one was coming. The Grinch is a great film for when you’re just not feeling all that jolly. When the residents of Whoville start annoying The Grinch with all of their Christmas cheer. To get his own back he steals Christmas from them. It’s great because there are a couple of versions to choose from, the most recent is animated! So if you’re feeling particularly frosty you can just binge watch them all!
Krampus
When a family lose their Christmas spirit, they accidently summon the demon ‘Krampus’ who’s determined to drag them all to hell. This film is an underrated modern film with plenty of jumpy parts and a closer look at all of the bad parts of Christmas. If you’re feeling quite frustrated with the festive season, then this could be a cathartic watch for you.
Whatever you’re watching this December, we hope it’s an enjoyable one!
Merry Christmas!
