Christmas is well and truly coming – and I can hardly wait! Whether you’re big on celebrating this time of year, or you prefer staying away from most of the festivities, I think we can all agree that we’re all in need of a proper break.
With so many of our usual merrymaking haunts closed or cancelled (e.g. pubs, restaurants, cinemas, Christmas markets, theatres and more), our homes are going to be the venue for celebrations this year. And so, perhaps like me, you’re going in the extra mile this year. In my cozy little home, the tree is already up, the stockings are hung, the lights are twinkling in the window, and the wreath is secured on the front door. Christmas tunes have already been sampled in the car, I’ve acquired a festive jumper, and yes, holiday films have graced the television!
I’ve compiled a bunch of films together for whether you’re: looking for something to play in the background whilst your putting your tree up, looking for something lighthearted to watch on a quiet night in, need to fill that time in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (aka no man’s land).
For that Christmas feeling…
#1 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I’m a Jim Carrey fan (Side note: Have you seen him play Joe Biden on SNL?), so this is a no-brainer. He plays the Grinch exceptionally well, and delivers some pretty epic one-liners in his cave up on the mountain.
#2 – Elf
I’ve seen this so many times but I still giggle every time Buddy says “Santa! I know him!” And I always sing along to Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
#3 – Arthur Christmas
You know those films you don’t expect to be any good but then completely surprise you? This was one of them! I randomly watched it about 8 years ago, and it’s been one of the films I re-watch yearly. It’s animated, and yes, aimed at a younger audience, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a watch.
#4 – Home Alone
The perfect film to have playing in the background as you put up your tree and get your holiday game on. The very first Home Alone film (released in 1990) is arguably my favourite, but the second one (also with Macaulay Culkin) is great too.
#5 – Die Hard
It’s not Christmas until you’ve watched Die Hard. Bruce Willis. Alan Rickman. Need I say more? Ah, yes, one more thing. Yippee-ki-yay.
For when you’re looking for something light-hearted and funny…
#6 – Airplane
It’s such a silly film, and a great one to watch as a group. Grab a drink, put your feet up and prepare to be in stitches! Surely you can’t resist?
#7 – Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Like Airplane, a satirical comedy starring Leslie Nielsen. This time, it’s a spoof of Dracula. This is one of my favourite films, and so nostalgic for me because it reminds me of my childhood friends.
#8 – Good Morning, Vietnam
Starring Robin Williams, this war-time comedy and drama combo is a great Sunday morning watch. If you’re not yet convinced, Rotten Tomatoes has given it an impressive 90%.
#9 – Father of the Bride (Part I and II)
This film always makes me think of home and family, so this is top of my personal watchlist this year as I won’t be able to return home for the holidays. The first film came out in 1991, the second in 1995, and they both never fail to get me a little teary-eyed. These will be on my screen as soon as Christmas break begins!
For the week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (aka No Man’s Land)…
This is the week for the trilogies, sagas and franchises. When else are you going to have the time to watch all these films in one sitting?
#10 – The Harry Potter films
Whether you’ve read the books or not, the films are really quite enjoyable. Think scenes of Hogwarts on your TV as you’re wrapped up in a cozy throw, sipping on a cup of tea and indulging in Christmas chocolates. Perfection? I think so.
#11 – The Lord of the Rings films
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is just over 11 hours in total: The Fellowship of the Ring (3.4 hrs), The Two Towers (3.7 hrs) and The Return of the King (4.1 hours). If you start at 9 in the morning, you should be able to get through this before bed time! Challenge accepted?
#12 – The Star Wars films
Now these films will take you longer to get through – there are 9 after all (+3 if you’re counting spinoffs). But if you’re committed, this should be a few days of continuous watching. If there’s nothing else to do and nowhere to go, why not, right?
#13 – The Indiana Jones films
A great set of films to watch with the entire family! I’m personally not fussed by the order I watch these films, but I do prefer the ‘old school’ look of the older films.
Have a good holiday season…
I hope you found one or two films to watch over the next month or so. I know a lot of these will be ones you might’ve already seen, but there’s a reason we keep coming back to them – the memories, the nostalgia, that warm feeling inside…
Have a nice, warm, lovely, safe, Christmas wherever you’re spending it this year. I hope you get some very much deserved rest and relaxation, and here’s to hoping that the New Year brings us all some good news, good fortune, and most importantly, good health.
Happy Christmas!