The countdown to Christmas is on and those in the mood to get festive will be searching for the best films to watch over the holidays. Christmas films have the power to make us feel like a kid again so why not take a trip down memory lane?
To honour the nostalgic seasonal spirit, here’s a list of films to watch, so you can reminisce over the best (and worst) Christmases over the year.
10. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Meet Me in St. Louis is a heart-warming Christmas musical starring Judy Garland. It explores the life of the Smith family and their four daughters in the lead up to the St. Louis fair. The film explores the four seasons but Christmas is definitely the standout. Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will ease you into the holiday spirit.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
This Christmas disaster film will make you feel better about your own nightmare Christmases. As the Griswold family prepares for the big day, everything predictably goes wrong. Chevy Chase’s performance as the disastrous dad ‘Clark’ has turned this film into a cult classic.
8. Scrooged (1988)
Based on the Charles Dickens’ classic, a miserable television executive is taught a lesson over the holidays. After firing a member of staff on Christmas Eve and no longer in contact with his loyal brother, Frank learns the true meaning of Christmas when he’s visited by three ghosts.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Santa’s sanity is questioned in this nostalgic Christmas film. After the department store worker Kris Kringle claims he is the real Santa Claus a court case begins to uncover the truth. The classic film will get you thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This spooky stop-motion film has gained a cult-following over the years. The Tim Burton classic follows Jack Skellington, the King of “Halloween Town” as he encounters “Christmas Town”. Filled with monsters, music and miracles it’s certainly one to get you in the spirit.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Based on Dr Seuss’s children’s book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a holiday favourite for many. Jim Carrey’s outlandish performance as the Grinch has become a symbol of the Christmas season.
4. Gremlins (1984)
Yes, Gremlins is a Christmas film! What’s more festive than mischievous creatures wreaking havoc over the Christmas period. Much like the Grinch, they’re determined to make everyone’s holiday worse.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Another adaptation of a Dickens’ tale, this Muppets musical film was a big success and a current favourite among many. Kermit and the gang will have you singing Christmas songs in no time.
2. It’s a wonderful life (1946)
What’s more nostalgic than a black and white film? This timeless film follows George Bailey as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas with the help of an angel sent from heaven. This film is certainly a tearjerker and offers a happy ending.
1. Home Alone (1990)
This classic christmas film tops the list for most nostalgic films. The mischievous eight-year-old, Kevin McCallister, is accidentally left home by his family during the Christmas holidays. As his family desperately try to get home in time for Christmas, Kevin protects the house from clumsy burglars.
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