The holidays are upon us! Which means pudding, carols, presents, cricket during the day and, of course, Christmas movies by night.
Nothing gets us into a jolly mood quite like the favourite flicks we save for this special time of year.
Sure, we’ve seen them all a thousand times before, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without our favourite festive flicks. And, it’s been 12 long months since we’ve been able to relish in these merry movies (without it being weird).
From the holiday classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, to modern favourites like Elf, scroll through for our pick of the bunch…
Love Actually, 2003
Love Actually (2003):
It has quickly become a Christmas favourite and for good reason (Hugh Grant dancing in his undies, for one). Exploring love in all its pain and glory through nine intertwined stories, it dolls out nine times the heart-warming fuzzies with a star-studded cast and Christmas cheer to match.
Elf, 2003
Elf (2003):
Elf has the most gifs of any Christmas movie EVER thanks to the over-the-top-joyous portrayal of Buddy the elf by Will Ferrell. Buddy is the embodiment of everything that is wonderful about Christmas and we can’t help but feel giddy as we watch the human-elf navigate the real world with hilarious results.
It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946):
A favourite holiday movie, the classic film is also a favourite of stars Donna Reed, James Stewart and director Frank Capra, who called it “the greatest film he ever made”. A festive tale of appreciating life, George wishes to disappear but when it’s granted by an angel he realises how many lives he has touched and what an impact his absence would have.
Home Alone, 1990
Home Alone (1990):
A wish-come-true for Kevin McCallister and many kids, the youngster is home alone and free to get up to all kinds of trouble. When the trouble finds him he’s left to defend his home with the kinds of genius booby-traps we all dreamed of devising at that age.
Gremlins, 1984
Gremlins (1984):
A ho ho horrifying Christmas gift gone wrong, these creepy creatures are very temperamental. When Billy is gifted a Gremlin on Christmas Eve he breaks all the rules – no water, no light and no food after midnight – and has to face the frightful consequences.
Bad Santa, 2003
Bad Santa (2003):
Santa’s list is all about naughty and nice, so we had to include at least one misbehaved Christmas movie on ours. Don’t feel guilty giggling at this dark comedy about a pair of con artists who dress as a mall Santa and elf to rip off surrounding stores.
The Santa Clause, 1994
The Santa Clause (1994):
It’s the epitome of Christmas disaster – Scott accidentally kills Santa Claus and is forced to take over his role, beard and belly included. As he hilariously tries to navigate life as the most well-known man on earth, he faces seemingly endless obstacles in both aspects of life.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989):
Rarely does a third sequel in a movie franchise meet expectation but when it comes to Griswold family chaos, bringing Christmas into the equation makes for a great holiday flick. The Griswolds want a perfect Christmas but staying true to form, everything and anything goes awry, creating the most outrageous and hilarious havoc possible.
A Christmas Story, 1983
A Christmas Story (1983):
Based on the works of Jean Shepherd, this low-budget film became exceedingly popular thanks to its boyish charm, told through the eyes of nine-year-old Ralphie. Unlike other festive films at the time, A Christmas Story relished the craziness, the realities and the downfalls of the merry season as celebrated by a normal family.
Meet Me In St.Louis (1944):
Have yourself a merry little Christmas with this classic which was the origin for the widely popular carol. The story of four sisters learning to make their way in the world on the cusp of the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair is full of song, dance and fabulous costumes making.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993):
In true Tim-Burton style, this movie takes Christmas cheer and gives it a fantastically gothic twist. Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King of Halloween, grows tired of the holiday and decides to take over Christmas in this wickedly festive flick.
Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000):
The magic of Dr. Seuss comes to life in this live-action adaptation of his Christmas tale about the grump who learns to love the holidays again thanks to the adorable little girl with a heart of gold. Featuring many of the classic Dr. Seuss rhymes, it’s an uplifting and eccentric addition to any holiday binge watch.
Keen to watch a whole bunch of Christmas movies before December 25? BINGE is home to many of your favourites, including Elf, Love Actually and Bad Santa. Stream now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
