With the holidays upon us, take the opportunity to catch up on your favourite shows and movies. This list of the top 10 Christmas films is bound to get you in the festive mood …
Love Actually
Our all-time favourite festive flick! Watch as the lives of several Londoners, from a dapper Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) to a heart-sore widower (Liam Neeson) and his faithful friend intertwine in the weeks leading up to Christmas. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, it’s bound to put a sentimental smile on your face.
It’s A Wonderful Life
The quintessentially Christmas classic, this 1940s family drama always helps us feel better about our festive stress. When banker George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he was never born, a gentle angel comes down to Earth to help him remember all the positive things in his life. So uplifting!
White Christmas
Set in rural Vermont, two male singers, Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis, partner with beautiful sisters Betty and Judy to become a smashing musical act. Of course, there are many romantic muddles, and you’ll love the moving performance of the film’s namesake hit.
Miracle on 34th Street
A whiskered old man is roped into working in a department store over Christmas pretending to be Santa Claus. When he starts suggesting he’s the real Father Christmas, chaos erupts and a young lawyer attempts to plead his case. Infinitely whimsical and heartwarming!
The Family Stone
Uptight Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) has a hard time fitting in with her boyfriend’s eccentric family when he brings her home to meet them over the Christmas holidays. During her stay, she learns more about herself and the family she wants to be part of.
The Holiday
The ultimate feel-good holiday film. Two successful women, one in Los Angeles and one in the English countryside, swap homes for two weeks over Christmas. Despite trying to escape complicated love lives, they each fall for men they meet on their trips. Starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black.
The Snowman
In Raymond Briggs’ delightful silent animation, a small boy goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole when the snowman he made on Christmas Eve comes to life. A timeless classic.
While You Were Sleeping
Sandra Bullock plays solitary transit worker Lucy Moderatz who’s all alone over the festive season. Her quiet life gets complicated when she saves a man from being hit by an oncoming train, and she suddenly finds herself with several holiday plans.
Fred Claus
This quirky Christmas comedy boasts an unexpectedly stellar cast. Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti star as the contrasting Claus brothers, while Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth banks play their respective love interests. This is a great option if you’re looking for light-hearted holiday fun.
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch stole Christmas
We love this live-action remake of Dr Seuss’ classic children’s tale. Jim Carrey stars as the grumpy Grinch, who’s determined to ruin Christmas for the merry citizens of Whoville. Listen out for the talented writer’s clever quips.
