Christmas films – Essential Festive viewing

Films and Christmas go together like mistletoe and wine. Over the festive break it’s cold and dark outside, warm and cosy inside. You’ve probably just eaten your annual allowance of cheese and are in need of a good sit down.

Here’s some festive favourites to keep you company over the next two weeks, as well as some newer Christmas flicks you might not have seen yet…

Home Alone 1+2 – Stone cold classics. Although some question marks over the family’s ability to leave Kevin home alone for a second time given the traumatic war with The Wet Bandits in the first film, the second film is just as good. It even features a cameo from political up-and-comer Donald Trump!

Die Hard – Don’t argue with me. This is my favourite Christmas film and only someone who hasn’t seen it would claim it isn’t a Christmas movie. It’s a nice change of pace from other Xmas flicks, and is essential festive viewing for me.

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special – I’ll admit I haven’t watched this yet, BUT, if you have a Disney+ subscription and love Star Wars, this looks excellent. A mix of “old” and new Star Wars characters (plus Mandolorian favourite Baby Yoda), in glorious Lego. Lego movies always hit the spot for me.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and The Grinch (2018) – Any Christmas movie fan worth their salt will have seen the original Grinch movie. Jim Carrey is at his wacky best, and it is genuinely hilarious. But, don’t turn your nose up at the 2018 remake either. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the animated Grinch, and it’s also excellent!

The Santa Clause – Tim Allen playing a toy salesman who ends up becoming Santa Claus? It’s funny and heart-warming, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up for the rest of the trilogy… Sorry, Tim.

The Muppet Christmas Carol – Not even going to bother describing this one. Michael Caine and Muppets. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. If you have seen it, probably just go watch it, again.