We all know the feeling. Christmas lunch complete. Belt loosened. Feet up. Time to kick back and pick at the chocolates. It is now time to see the evening out with a couple of classic films with the family.
We can imagine it now, you are thinking; what film should I watch on Christmas day?
We have put together a list of our favourites that range from classics to modern greats that we are sure your whole family will enjoy.
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
One of the greatest Christmas stories ever written by Charles Dickens with a brilliant cast and the added comedy magic from the Muppets. Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit make for an unlikely but brilliant team.
The Muppet Christmas Carol is 30 years old this year and is still a classic and much loved by all ages. We know you will love watching this again and again with your family, probably as many times as we have!
2. Elf (2003)
Verging on legendary status, Will Ferrell plays an out of place elf looking for his dad in New York City after growing up in the North Pole in this family friendly comedy that will have everyone laughing.
Christmas in most households would not be complete with watching Elf at least once during the festive period.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
If you want to try something a little different this Christmas and watch a beautifully crafted stop-motion Tim Burton film, then The Nightmare Before Christmas is for you.
This classic combines the love of the macabre and Christmas into one musical Halloween-Christmas mix up which will leave you enchanted and wanting to see more like this one-of-a-kind film.
4. Klaus (2019)
A more modern film but becoming a firm favourite already. Watch as a man with a long beard who has a talent for toy making but no interest in children finds his way in the world and escapes from the most miserable place on earth, Smeerenburg, with help from his sub-par-postman and cynical teacher friends.
Though it sounds like a miserable way to spend your Christmas evening, don’t threat, your heart will be warmed by the touching tale of Klaus.
5. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Arguably one of Jim Carrey’s finest acts, this grumpy character is fed up with the Christmas spirit of Whoville and plans to steal all the toys and all the joy from the town below his mountain-cave home. Will he succeed?
Most people know the story but this film is worth a watch for the production, the brilliant portrayal of the Grinch by Jim Carrey and the beautiful set and animation design.
6. Love Actually (2003)
Like it or not, no Christmas film list would be complete without Love Actually. This bittersweet British love-film favourite that delves into the lives of a select few within the UK with a star-studded cast, has become a Christmas staple in many homes around the country.
From Bill Nighy’s aging rocking turn out, Alan Rickman’s philandering ways and Hugh Grant’s bumbling Prime Minister make for an eclectic cast and story.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
This one is more for the adults if you are a bit over watching sweet and sickly Christmassy films and may have to be watched once the little ones have fallen asleep as there is a lot of swearing and innuendos in it, but this hilarious story about Clark Griswold’s series of festive mishaps leaves you with laugh out loud belly pains.
A true classic from the National Lampoon catalogue which sees Chevy Chase play one of his most famous characters.
8. Home Alone (1990)
The hilarious story about the boy who was left alone for the Christmas holiday whilst his family go on holiday, more than once in the end, who wreaks havoc on two bumbling crooks trying to rob his family home by stopping with them with homemade devices will leave you and your family laughing out loud.
It may be a cliché to watch Home Alone at Christmas, but there is a very good reason for that!
9. Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
This Christmas short (only half an hour long so great for the little ones) follows the plucky farmyard set of friends as they get themselves into trouble each year. A real Aardman classic, this film will turn you and your families into superfans just from half an hour of fun and laughter.
Whether you watch Wallace and Gromit or Shaun the Sheep, no Christmas is complete without an Aardman film.
10. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
Your favourite Frozen characters are having fun again the Christmas. Anna and Elsa don’t have any Christmas traditions so Olaf goes on an adventure to find them one. It is great to get kids thinking and talking about their own traditions this year.
This goofy adventure is also only half an hour long so it will be perfect for your youngest to enjoy and interact with.
So these are our top 10 Christmas films for you and your family to enjoy this year after the main portion of eating and party games have finished.
