Top 5 Christmas movies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but is it the most wonderful time at the movies? Christmas films have something of a shaky reputation, conjuring up images of apple-cheeked brats, poorly animated reindeer and Bing Crosby in a dodgy cardigan. Here are the best 5 Christmas movies you can watch.

1. The Santa Clause (1994)- Tim Allen stars in this festive comedy about an ordinary man who must step into Santa’s shoes after an accident. A trip to the North Pole follows, along with various comic scenarios as he physically morphs into Santa in front of his disbelieving ex-wife (Wendy Crewson).
2. Reindeer Games- Featuring the first instance of criminal misuse of the Santa suit in our list, this snowy thriller was released in some countries under the slightly less festive title of ‘Deception’. Ben Affleck stars as the released convict who robs casinos dressed as Father Christmas (tut, straight on that naughty list). Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise also appear.
3. The Family Stone- Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes and Rachel McAdams star in this American comedy-drama about an uptight guest (Parker) in the liberal Stone household, where matriarch Diane Keaton rules supreme.
4. Love Actually- This is either unbearable schmaltz or a festive heart-warmer, depending on who you ask. Love is certainly all around in this ensemble comedy-drama set in the holiday season: even a school nativity play is an opportunity for romance. Comic standouts include Bill Nighy as an aging rock legend who’s reduced to competing in the race to land a Christmas number one.
5. The Polar Express- Robert Zemeckis sprinkled his family-friendly magic on this performance-capture animation starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, including narrator, train conductor and Santa Claus. This one ticks a lot of boxes for Christmas fanatics, including reindeer, elves and a whole heap of snow.