It’s that time of the year when watching Christmas movies is acceptable so we’ve rounded up a guide to our favourites!
It’s around this time of the year that it’s hard not to stumble upon a festive flick when you’re watching tv. From the classics like Home Alone that remind you of your childhood to the tearjerkers like Love Actually that still get you on the 100th watch, there are so many to choose from. Thanks to Netflix, Stan and other movie streaming platforms, we can now press play on the films we want to watch without checking the TV guide. With just 10 days till Christmas, we thought we’d give you a few of our favourite Christmas movies to get you through till Santa comes down the chimney.
The Grinch
It’s a classic for good reason. Based on the Dr. Seuss novel, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the movie is centered around the magical land of Whoville which inhabits Munchkin-like people who adore Christmas. Just outside of the land, the Grinch (played by no other than Jim Carrey) is a nasty green creature that plans to steal the Christmas cheer from the Who’s of Whoville. Little Cindy Lou Who decides to befriend the Grinch and a series of events unfold as she tries to tame the beast. Watch on Netflix here, Stan here or purchase off iTunes here.
Santa Claus
On Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) is reading The Night Before Christmas to his son. Shortly after, he receives an unexpected visitor on his roof and is left with an 8-reindeer sleigh and a Santa suit. Scott puts on the suit and is transported around town where he drops off gifts to children and makes his way down to the North Pole. Charlie, Scott’s son is proud of his new job while Scott is convinced it’s all a big dream (that is until his hair turns white, his beard refuses to stay shaved and he gains weight). The only question is, how does he keep it all a secret from his disbelieving family? Purchase off iTunes here.
Love Actually
It still hurts that Alan Rickman didn’t give Emma Thompson the necklace (if you know, you know). Love Actually is a rom-com for the whole family that follows the lives of 8 very different couples dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales. It’s set in the frantic month before Christmas in London, England. Oh, and Hugh Grant performs an iconic dance to The Pointer Sisters. Watch on Netflix here, Stan here or purchase off iTunes here.
Elf
Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) was a baby in an orphanage who was packed away in Santa’s sack and transported to the North Pole. As an adult human who was raised by elves, Santa allows him to visit New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Soon he discovers that Walter is a bad man who has been added to Santa’s naughty list for being heartless. Buddy experiences the delight of NYC and human relationships while trying to navigate life with his new dad. Watch on Netflix here, Stan here or purchase off iTunes here.
Home Alone
Hands down the best Christmas movie of all time. Every Christmas, the McCallister family goes on vacation and this time, they are heading to Paris, France. The youngest child Kevin (played by Macaulay Culkin) gets into a heated argument with his older brother the night before and was sent to his room on the third floor. The next morning, while the rest of the family is rushing to the airport, Kevin wakes up with the house all to himself. Being home alone is all fun and games until two burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) rob his house on Christmas Eve. Kevin acts quickly by booby-trapping his house. Purchase off iTunes here.
The Polar Express
This is the story of a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. During the adventure, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and makes the realisation that the wonders of life don’t fade for those who believe. This is a wholesome flick for the whole family that stars no other than Tom Hanks. Purchase off iTunes here.
The Holiday
In London, Iris Simpkins (played by Kate Winslet) is heartbroken to find out that her lover is engaged to marry another woman. In Los Angeles, Amanda Woods (played by Cameron Diaz) has just discovered that her boyfriend is unfaithful and she wants to forget him and getaway. Through a house exchange website, Amanda swaps her mansion for Iris’ cottage in Surrey for the holidays. While there, Amanda meets Iris’s brother and they instantly fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, Iris meets someone next door who might just help retrieve her self-esteem. Watch on Stan here or purchase off iTunes here.
Die Hard
NYPD cop John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) takes Christmas vacation to visit his wife in Los Angeles. While he is at their Christmas party, a group of robbers takes control of the building and holds everyone hostage with the exception of John. While they plan to perform a heist, John is forced to take matters into his own hands and become the hero on Christmas. Purchase on iTunes here.
After new Christmas movies? Browse the selection on Netflix here and Stan here.