10. The Santa Clause (1994) - Just believe
Everyman Scott Calvin inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas eve and so finds himself magically recruited to take his place. For his part Tim Allen manages to inject some poignancy into the tale of divorced dad Scot who can’t seem to get things right for his son. Forgive it it’s punny title, give in to the rather unlikely premise and just enjoy this fun, festive, family flick.
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9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - A little bit scary
Jim Carrey is at his best in this adaptation of the Dr Seuss fable about this furry green grouch who plots to steal Christmas gifts from the inhabitants of Whoville. Even with a thick latex skin and green makeup Carrey’s cheeky bravado shines through. While this version of the film doesn’t really add anything seeing Carrey do his stuff as the Grinch is a wonder to behold.
8. Elf (2003) - A Ferrell family favourite
A real modern Christmas classic, Elf lets Will Ferrell showcase his extraordinary artistry as a manchild. With Ferrell at the helm the bubbly charm of this film is truly memorable for both adults and children. Gangly and goofy, Elf could quite easily have gone badly wrong and this film owes it to Ferrell’s comedic skills that today it is regarded as a Christmas family favourite.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) - Hell on earth
No more annoying man has ever been conceived for cinema than Chevy Chase’s, Clark W. Griswold. As such you can’t help but take great pleasure in every mishap after chaotic mishap as Clark tries to provide the perfect family Christmas. From nasty neighbours to nasty relations and bosses, Clark tirelessly battles them all in a Christmas from hell at home.
6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - An oldie but a goodie
In this all time favourite Christmas tale, Christmas, well Santa actually, is put on trial. The basic premise is a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalised as insane and a young lawyer decides to defend him. He does this by rocking the judicial system to its foundations by endeavoring to prove in court that Kris is, indeed, the real Santa Claus. No spoilers here on how he does that suffice to say there is a joyous faith affirming ending. Heartwarming with a capital “H”.
5. Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Snow flurries
While some might think Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas would be a better fit for Christmas we beg to differ. Alright, the link to Christmas is a bit tenuous but it did come out in December and there is lots of snow. Furthermore the beginning and the end, and one great scene in the middle, are snow-covered and Christmassy. And it does answer the question of why there is snow at Christmas. Plus it is a sweet tale come fable and Johnny Depp - that’s all.
4. Bad Santa (2003) - Adults only
This definitely adults only Christmas comedy sees mean-talking, boozin’ sexaholic conman Billy Bob Thornton as santa. This unashamedly naughty take on Christmas sees Thornton posing as a shopping centre santa with his elf sidekick to do inside jobs on department stores. He is wonderfully despicable but ultimately redeemed as he befriends a bullied kid adding a twisted sweetness to this modern Christmas tale.
3. Love Actually (2003) - enough syrup to turn you diabetic
Corny but impossible to turn off, this remains a getting in the mood for Christmas staple. And what’s not to love. A top-notch cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley and the wonderful Bill Nighy bring to life this criss-crossing romantic story-line. Cheeky, unapologetically sentimental and sweeter than a plum pudding, it is a must every year.
2. Die Hard (1988) - Christmas with a side order of gunfire
Christmas is generally action packed but not quite in this way. Bruce Willis sets John McClane loose on a group of unsuspecting terrorists as they try to take Nakatomi Plaza hostage during a Christmas party in order to carry out a well planned theft. Some will see it as a perfect metaphor for the season - at least at some family gatherings - for others it is just rather violent good fun.
1. Home Alone (1990) - Living the dream
While their son is happily eating ice cream for tea and watching gangster movies his parents are going mad trying to get home to him over the Christmas break. Kevin's, Macaulay Culkin, plans are put on hold as some opportunistic burglars give him more to think about. While every moment entertains it is the death match between Kevin and the wet burglars that arguably made this movie an instant classic.