5 Essential Christmas Movies

It is the end of 2020, a Christmas time like nothing we have never seen before. For many of us it will be lonely, underwhelming and most likely one to forget. Here are 5 Christmas films that will certainly never be forgotten and may do a job of cheering you up in these trying times.

5. Elf (2003) Dir. Jon Favreau

The story of ‘Buddy’ the elf who is actually a full-sized human working in Santa’s workshop. An eccentric and inherently good person, Buddy sets out on a journey to New York City to find his father and reconnect with his real family at the most wonderful time of the year. Buddy arrives in New York with optimism and Christmas spirit, only to be crushed by the brutal ‘real life’ aspects of New York life that get in his way. Leaving him on a journey to reclaim his Christmas spirit.

In many ways Elf’s outlandish and wacky plot probably shouldn’t work, but the caring direction by Jon Favreau and a quite brilliant Will Ferrell performance leaves it not just one of the standout Christmas films, but one of the Christmas classics. Elf is fun, pleasant, and redeeming in every way, it excels in creating the kind of family, warm atmosphere you need at Christmas time. 

Will Ferrell’s ‘Buddy’ is the kind of guy who everybody loves to the point where they are almost annoyed by his persistent positivity. An inherently good side to him with one goal, to spread Christmas cheer. An important message that at this time of the year the most important things in life are often the simplest. Love, Family, and fun.

Undoubtedly, it’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is one of the most deeply faceted and complex Christmas stories out there, but this year I feel we need an extra amount of warmth and Elf supplies that in abundance. 

4. The Snowman (1982) Dir. Jimmy T. Murakami, Dianne Jackson

The Snowman is the heart-warming tale of James, the boy who builds a snowman that remarkably comes to life and takes him to see Father Christmas on the North Pole. What makes The Snowman so timeless is its ability to resonate with young children and full-grown adults with it’s universal themes of imagination and vibrant optimism. The Snowman has an unforgettable soundtrack, anchored by the amazing ‘Walking in the air’ written by Howard Blake and made famous in a cover version by a young Aled Jones.

The Snowman is a Christmas must and at just over 25 minutes, this pocket-sized classic is perfectly placed for any scenario. The Snowman highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty in the most innocent way possible, through a child. Perfectly showing the bravery that children possess in dealing with loss with such maturity and grace. 

It is often considered ‘A wonder without words’ and I can’t think of a better way to describe it. A beacon of light for film score, showing that there is always a home for cinema without dialogue. The simplistic nature of the twinkling animation only helps to serve what is a warm and worthwhile 26 minutes of cinema. It is not merely timeless due to it’s relatability, but its small takeaways that each viewing experience brings, as you watch The Snowman at different stages of your life, you always end up learning something new about yourself.

Without the usual Christmas cliches, style and glamour, you always know what you are getting with The Snowman. Nostalgia at its finest. 

3. Home Alone (1990) Dir. Chris Columbus

Can you believe that Home Alone is 30 years old? I cannot either. As the Macalister family goes on their Christmas vacation, accidentally leaving behind their youngest member of the family – Kevin, no one could expect the events that would follow. In the Beginning Kevin relishes his newfound freedom of being home alone in the family home over Christmas, this all falls to the side when Kevin realises that his house is actually about to burgled on Christmas eve by two dim-witted local thieves. Kevin uses this opportunity to create a wide range of boobie-traps in his house in the event of the break in.

It was Macauley Culkin’s breakout role and arguably his best to date, along with the witty appearance of legendary actor Joe Pesci, Home Alone for a certain demographic is a fixed annual feature. Home Alone is every young child’s dream (for about the first 30 minutes) until the reality kicks in that you have to fend for yourself, but it is always nice to imagine. 

Home Alone is full of twists and turns, mainly with the idea that the Burglars are quite literally trying to steal Christmas and Kevin is the hero that must stop them. Full of slapstick and light-hearted humour, Kevin is remarkably always one step ahead of the grinchy thieves. Plus, it is always refreshing to find two actors in Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci so perfect for their roles. Stern with his stupid and gangly presence, accompanied by Joe Pesci who believes he is the ‘clever’ one of the pair, in truth he is equally as stupid, and this only helps to pile on the laughs.

An Everlasting Classic of the Christmas period that will still be as relevant in 30 years’ time as it is now. A sequel followed, but for me Home Alone is unmistakably brilliant. 

2.  The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992) Dir. Brian Henson

It is the Dickensian Scrooge combined with the muppets. A picture that most 90’s kids will have been introduced to at school as the teachers and students wind down for the Christmas period. While the 1951 A Christmas Carol is often considered the most authentic to the original story, The Muppets Christmas Carol offers a refreshingly unique take on the recycled Charles Dickens tale. The story is full of the usual Ebenezer Scrooge grumpy attitude and unkindness, but the introduction of the muppets presents a refreshing amount of delight and warmth throughout. The main theme of every Christmas carol is redemption, but with this version of the tried and tested classic, Michael Caine is unforgettable in his transformation into a better person full of Christmas cheer.

Brian Henson got this one spot on all the way through, the use of the various Muppets roles was ingenious, most notably Waldorf and Statler with their constant bickering nature as Jacob and Robert Marley. Plus, the Exceptional Kermit the Frog who plays Bob Cratchit with the compassionate charm that brings Scrooge back round to become a much better person.

The Muppets Christmas Carol is predictable and satisfying but isn’t that what you need at Christmas time? I think so. The songs are not cringeworthy and in fact are fun and catchy, nothing is offensive, and it is perfect for the family, whatever your age. The ending is sentimental, and the performances are on brand. A lovely film, that is rightly considered a Christmas classic.

Brian Henson succeeded in creating a beautiful picture for his late father, but this picture transcends Brian’s own family. The Muppets Christmas Carol is the most wholesome family Christmas film out there. The kind of film that you could imagine even Charles Dickens himself would have loved.  

1. Love Actually (2003) Dir. Richard Curtis 

So, my number 1 spot is not It’s a wonderful life, it’s Richard Curtis’ magical, intertwining Christmas love story Love Actually. A delightful ensemble cast and a brilliant use of Christmas cheer, love, and music that for me makes Love Actually the most essential Christmas film for everyone to watch this year. I have probably seen Love Actually 20 times, but it never gets old, each time finding out more and more about the heart-breaking, and complicated story that is full of elation and joy.

The movie follows eight truly diverse couples and their loosely related lives in London a month before Christmas. There are Unforgettable performances from British stalwarts like Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson, but it is Hugh Grant who steals the show as the British Prime Minister. Curtis does a fantastic job in making the PM appear apolitical, meaning he can be loved by anyone, regardless of their political affiliations!

Love Actually is not your traditional non-funny romantic comedy, it showcases love in all of its different forms, highlighting that love often arrives in the most unexpected places. Along with the collapsing of love, how a relationship can only work when two people are equally invested in one another, in the case of Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson. These are merely snapshots of people, and the people they love and its so unbelievably wholesome, real and most of all, fun.

At Christmas time we talk about the importance of family and happiness but there is a whole host of people (who will not admit it) that there is nothing better than falling in love at Christmas time. Love Actually is the most essential film for all of us right now, enjoy it and lets all hope for a more fulfilling and productive 2021. 

Merry Christmas! X