The top 10 Christmas movies

It’s the holidays, which means it’s time to indulge in a bit of couch and movie time!

There are some great options to choose from, including Christmas classics, some romance, a bit of action with a touch of tinsel.

Here’s a look at our top 10 list to try out this festive season.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

This is a really old classic with some really uplifting Christmas cheer. If you’re a first-timer, this is a story about a down-on-his-luck bank clerk (James Stewart) who is pushed to the brink of suicide before a trainee angel shows him how sad life would be without him. It’s sad, it’s happy, it’s Christmassy!

2. Die Hard (1988)

Bruce Willis might have had to retire from acting but his spirit lives on in this sort-of-Christmas-classic! The only connection it has to Christmas is the setting (an office Christmas party) but there are some great one-liners and plenty of mindless action to keep you enthralled. Watch John McClane save his wife – and Christmas!

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

If you aren’t already quoting this movie, it’s time for a re-watch, or a first watch for those poor souls out there who haven’t seen it already. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is the quintessential family man just trying to do what’s best for his family. But unruly guests and misguided notions lead to some laugh-out-loud comedy.

4. Home Alone (1990)

Younger kids might prefer the sequels and remakes, but the original featuring Macaulay Culkin can’t be outdone! Kevin accidentally gets his wish for a holiday without his family when he’s mistakenly left home alone (see!) by his family heading to Paris for the holidays. But things get tricky when two thieves try to rob the youngster’s home – their mistake!

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Michael Caine has retired, but this classic is just one example of a stellar acting career. Charles Dickens’ age-old Christmas story has been remade countless times, but you really can’t beat the Muppet’s endearing version.

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

If you want to remain true to the classics, the 1947 original is also worth watching but the 1994 version is a really heart-warming film. A Christmas store Santa (played by Richard Attenborough) believes he really is Santa Claus, a point young Dorey (Mara Wilson) and her lawyer friend (Dylan McDermott) end up proving in court.

7. Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell hilarity makes this a Christmas must for adults and children alike. Ferrell puts on a fantastic performance of a human brought up to believe he was a Christmas elf. There’s lots of magic to be discovered!

8. Love Actually (2003)

This has fast become a Christmas classic! If you’re looking for something with a bit of romance this festive season, turn to Richard Curtis’ British Christmas romcom. A series of interconnected stories unfold, some with humour, some with drama, but all with a lot of love (actually!).

9. The Holiday (2006)

Romance continues, this time with a British and American twist in The Holiday. Starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two love-sick women looking to escape for the holidays, the pair swap homes and find love.

10. The Grinch (2018)

There are many versions of this Dr Zeuss classic, but the cartoon one voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch is a great one for the whole family. From a grumpy green gremlin to a beloved festive fellow, this is a wonderful Christmas tale. The 2000 film starring Jim Carrey is also a fun option!

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