Christmas is not only a wonderful time for families to gather, share gifts, gorge on mince pies and dance around the festive tree. It is also the best time of year to watch great movies and TV shows about the New Year and Christmas.
Different services offer their favorite Christmas and New Year’s movies for viewing. Here is our selection of the best Christmas movies.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
This film is made by the same production team that made Home Alone, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Christmas Chronicles and is made by Netflix itself, so it is exclusive and truly a Netflix film about Christmas. Kurt Russell is great as Santa. Santa takes on a couple of kids as his assistants who must help him save Christmas after his sleigh is destroyed.
Santa’s Secret Service (2011)
This excellent British film from the studio of Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park has serious emotional impact and is a fresh take on what might be considered a traditional Christmas story. The film follows Santa’s son Arthur and his mission to deliver a present to a little girl and save her Christmas. Helping Arthur along the way will be a loyal team of helpers.
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Have the Best Christmas Ever! (2009)
The Best Christmas Ever is a heartfelt, funny tale starring Martin Freeman as a teacher who, not being a fan of the holidays and a lifelong whiner, must try to turn a simple Christmas performance by his students into a masterpiece in order to impress a girl. Hilarity ensues in this wonderful farce.
A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Bill Murray’s Christmas extravaganza debuted on Netflix in 2015, but it became an instant classic, albeit a bit weird at times. Bill and some of his famous friends team up to sing Christmas classics in a comedy film that should keep you entertained this year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the story of a green “creature” (starring Jim Carrey) who lives on top of a mountain in a town where he plans to steal Christmas. A little kindness from a little girl named Cindy Lou might be enough to change the Grinch’s mind.
Love Actually (2003)
Another Christmas classic, Richard Curtis brings together familiar characters to play out 10 different storylines. It all takes place at Christmas time, and many of the characters are connected in some way. It’s hilarious British romantic comedy at its finest, and is sure to put a smile on your face.
Home Alone (1990)
This is one of the all-time great Christmas movies. It’s unlikely that you’ve never seen it before, but we highly recommend you watch it again, it’s a movie that pleases every time – no matter how many times you watch it.
The Holiday (2006)
Not exactly for kids, but great for fans of romantic comedies and stars like Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. It’s the tale of two intertwining love stories during the holiday season. There are tears, there are laughs, and it’s the perfect movie to grab a mug of mulled wine and watch while curled up under the covers.
Welcome, or No Entry for Neighbors (2006)
Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) has just moved into a new neighborhood and plans to decorate his house with enough Christmas lights to be visible from space. His new neighbor Steve (Matthew Broderick) has always been known as “the Christmas guy,” and he’s not happy with Buddy’s plans. So Steve tries to sabotage the festivities, but things don’t always go according to plan.
A Christmas Present (1996)
“A Gift for Christmas” is a great Christmas movie starring the inimitable Arnold Schwarzenegger. He plays a desperate dad who promised a super toy for Christmas, only to find out that all stores are sold out. Watch it, you’ll love it.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Miracle on 34th Street is a wonderful Christmas movie. It’s a remake of the original, starring Richard Attenborough as a department store Santa who must convince a little girl and a New York court that he’s real. It’s an incredibly enjoyable movie.
The Polar Express (2004)
The live-action Polar Express never fails to amaze, and the story itself is just as charming. It’s the story of a boy who, dressed in his pajamas, boards a magical train headed to the North Pole. While on the train, he meets a variety of characters, including Santa, most of whom are voiced by Tom Hanks.
A New Christmas Carol (1988)
This is a modern retelling (well, an 80s retelling) of A Christmas Carol. It’s easy to see why Bill Murray is revered by everyone. His deadpan style shines through like a television screen, and the film is rightfully considered a classic.
Bad Santa (2003)
Bad Santa is one of our favorite modern Christmas movies. Billy Bob Thornton is great as Willie, a thief who uses Santa’s clothes to rob department stores. His journey of redemption is both touching and hilarious. This is definitely not a movie for kids.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Muppet version of the classic film A Christmas Carol. Great for kids, but not just any kids’ movie, with some familiar characters including The Great Gonzo, Kermit and Miss Piggy in traditional roles.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Considered by many to be not only one of the best Christmas movies, but one of the greatest movies of all time, it is the story of George Bailey, who wants to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A guardian angel is sent to show him all the good things he has done in his life and what people would be like if he had never been born.
Die Hard
Finally, while some refuse to admit that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, they are wrong. It all takes place during a Christmas party, and you have to remember the immortal line, “now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho.” What more do you want as an argument? 😉