Local cinemas screening classic and new films this season
There is nothing quite like watching festive films to get you in the Christmas mood. The magic of these movies becomes even more enchanting when you see them on the big screens, whether you like a heart-warming drama or a thrilling holiday horror. Here are the Courier’s film favourites that are screening in local cinemas this December.
Dr Seuss‘ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The film starring Jim Carrey features the revenge-seeking Grinch who hates Christmas and steals all the presents to ruin the holiday for everyone. There cannot be a better time to watch this classic on the big screen as it is back for its 25th anniversary at ODEON.
The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012)
This animated sequel of The Snowman film, adapted from Raymond Briggs’ classic book looks even better on the big screen. If you have not seen it on the small screen (it is usually on Channel 4 every year), this is the one to catch at the ODEON this December. Besides the gorgeous animation, it is also a timeless tale of a boy whose snowman and snowdog come to life at midnight as the trio go an amazing adventure.
A PAW Patrol Christmas (2025)
This fun animated film showing at the ODEON is the perfect holiday film for all the tiny PAW Patrol fans. See how the adorable pups go on an adventure to save Christmas when Santa gets sick.
Die Hard (1988) and Die Hard 2 (1990)
Whether you are still debating if Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not, you cannot argue it is a good watch for this time of the year. John McClane is back in the cinemas with an action-packed Christmas Eve. You can catch both films at the ODEON now.
Gremlins (1984)
Joe Dante’s horror comedy starts off with a boy taking a bunch of adorable monsters as pets. But there is a rule: “Don’t ever feed them after midnight”. So what happens when you break this rule? Watch the film at the ODEON now to see how the story unfolds in a small town during Christmas Eve.
Elf (2003)
Jon Favreau’s feel-good comedy Elf is on at ODEON this Christmas. Ever wondered why this modern film became one of the most timeless holiday classics? Is it the giant elf? Or New York’s Christmas chaos? Watch it on the big screen for the full festive fun of it all.
Christmas Karma (2025)
Directed by Gurinder Chadha, Christmas Karma is a brand new film and a modern-day musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that celebrates London’s cultures and communities. Exploring identity, prejudice and belonging with a diverse soundtrack influenced by gospel, bhangra, carols, rap and classic pop – this is a wonderfully modern spin on a Christmas classic. The film is on at ODEON now.
Love, Actually (2003)
Richard Curtis’ ultimate Christmas rom-com follows nine intertwined stories of individuals who find love in their own ways. Watch the star-studded film featuring Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant at the ODEON.
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
The movie may be 40 years old this year but it still stands up as one of the best of the season. Watch the 4K version of the film at ODEON to see how the 14th-century Santa finds himself lost in modern-day New York.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)
Christmas does bring something for everyone – even for horror movie fans. Mike P. Nelson’s new Christmas film reimagines a 1984 cult horror classic where the holiday turns into a haunting nightmare as a killer dressed as Santa commits a series of murders in a small town. Do not miss out on this psychological horror coming to ODEON on 12 December.
Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2 (1992)
It is time to tick off one thing from your Christmas checklist and that is watching Home Alone. Kevin McCallister is back in cinemas to make your holidays more nostalgic and heart-warming. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are on at ODEON. See Home Alone at Curzon also on 20 December.
Fackham Hall (2025)
Sick of Christmas films? This new British comedy might be the perfect antidote for you. Directed by Jim O’Hanlon, the movie explores mistaken identities, forbidden love and murder mystery. Watch it at the ODEON on 12 December for a change of pace this season.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
If you are looking for a bittersweet watch this season, Frank Capra’s iconic Christmas classic might be the perfect film for you. See it at the ODEON now.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Enjoy a muppet style Christmas Carol with Michael Cain as the miserable Scrooge who encounters a group of ghosts during Christmas Eve. The musical, directed by Brian Henson, has returned to ODEON. The film will also be screened at Christ Church Surbiton Hill on 20 December along with raffle draws, festive treats and drinks. All proceeds go to Momentum Children’s Charity. Find tickets here.
The Nightmare before Christmas (1993)
If you are still stuck in October, Tim Burton’s cult animation blends the dark themes of Halloween with the festive spirit of Christmas. Watch this rather frightening Christmas classic at the ODEON now.
The Polar Express (2004)
Robert Zemeckis’ visual masterpiece tells the story of a boy finding himself on a magical train that takes him to North Pole. Why not watch it on the big screen and be a part of the breathtaking journey yourself? The animation film is on at the ODEON. After the big day, you can catch it at Curzon on 27 December.
The Shining (1980)
Although not a traditional Christmas movie, Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror has many elements of the holiday season like winter hibernation, festive snow and the joy of being with family. The twist? This is a film where a writer moves into a secluded hotel with his family and gradually goes insane. Enjoy a very unconventional Christmas film at the ODEON on 12 December for its 45th anniversary.
