When I asked my husband what his favourite Christmas movie was he replied without missing a beat…”Die Hard”.
Hmm… that wasn’t really the vibe I was going for. Mind you, I would much rather watch John Maclean shoot up an office building than sit through It’s A Wonderful Life. I realise that’s practically heresy. It’s heart warming and everything but after a while I get a bit bored. Same goes for Miracle on 34th Street. I feel like I should love it but…
The other day my daughter subjected me to the delights of Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey? It was an abomination. I will never get that time back.
So here are my recommendations for telly time over the festive season.
Here goes…
Gremlins, 1984 Still brilliant, if rather dated. I will always want a Gizmo.
Die Hard, 1989 Still super entertainment and nobody can resist cheering “Yippee-ki-yay motherf**ker!”
Elf, 2003 Resistance is futile. Buddy The Elf will steal your heart.
Nativity, 2009 The original is hilarious and heart warming. Not just for kids! I heart Mr Poppy.
Scrooged, 1988 Bill Murray at his best as far as I’m concerned (except for Ghostbusters!) A retelling of Scrooge but with shoulder pads and lots of hairspray.
Prep & Landing, 2009 Wayne, a member of Santa’s Prep & Landing division, has to show his new partner the ropes. Things don’t go to plan! A real gem!
The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1994 A Christmas tale with a Tim Burton bite! The inhabitants of Halloween Town hijack Christmas! Brilliant songs and darkly funny. Could be a bit scary for little ones though.
Love Actually, 2003 This film probably divides people more than any other on this list. I have a friend that calls this movie “Shit, Actually”. It has a cast of thousands and is both feelgood and heartbreaking. Personally, I love anything Richard Curtis although there is one scene I simply can’t watch.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965 For my sister in-law and I, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without Charlie Brown. The soundtrack alone makes me feel festive! I watch it every year without fail. Love, love, love.
The Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992 Michael Caine joins Kermit and Co. for a retelling of Scrooge the likes of which you’ve never seen!
Santa Claus The Movie, 1985 This was a favourite of mine as a child. The special effects are very dated now but I am still hugely sentimental about this film. Plus Dudley Moore plays an elf. Priceless.
Arthur Christmas, 2011 This movie wins Best Newcomer for me. A Christmas movie for the kids of the noughties with old school charm. Arthur Christmas will make you feel all fuzzy inside.
The Small One, 1978 A little boy has to find his beloved donkey a good home. My sisters and I sob at the end EVERY TIME. The kids look at us like we’re crazy.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 I’m talking about the animated TV Special. None of that Jim Carrey rubbish. The classic Dr Seuss tale.
Home Alone, 1990 Like Nativity, the sequels are atrocious but the original was brilliant. Kevin is home alone over the Christmas holidays and when two local burglars start scoping out his house he takes matters into his own hands! Perfect for kids who love physical comedy.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989 This movie is silly. And dated. But oh my God I just LOVE it. Clark Griswold just wants his family to have the perfect Christmas…
I realise I’ve left loads off the list. I excluded The Great Escape because while I realise it’s on TV every Christmas (in the UK) it isn’t actually a Christmas movie. Is it?
Some people create their own Christmas movie traditions. If you make a habit of watching Hot Fuzz every Christmas soon it won’t be Christmas without it.
Plus, Hot Fuzz is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.
