‘Tis the (Movie) Season: 12 Movies to Watch Before Christmas
As the 25th of December fast approaches, what better way to get in the Holiday spirit than to watch a Christmas movie? We have written a list of our top 12 recommendations and, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s for sure something here for you.
Photography by @samivash
1) The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
Directed by: Brian Henson
Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes
Genre: Family / Musical
The muppets rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale tells the story of Scrooge, a hateful man who learns to change his outlook on life when he is visited by the three Christmas spirits of the Past, Present and Future. A story you already know with characters you already love, this muppet tale is perfect to put on while doing Christmas crafts or baking.
2) Home Alone (1990)
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes
Genre: Family / Comedy
When Kevin is accidentally left alone on Christmas Day, he embarks on a seasonal adventure to defend his family home from two burglars. As overplayed as Home Alone may be, it will never fail to make you laugh.
3) Elf (2003)
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
Genre: Family / Comedy
Buddy is a human raised by elves. When he discovers that he is not an elf, he embarks on a journey to New York to look for his biological father. Will Ferrell is absolutely hilarious in this feel-good Christmas staple.
4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Directed by: Ron Howard
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Genre: Family / Comedy
Just outside of Whoville, the most Christmas-loving-town of all, lives the Grinch. When the sweet and well-meaning Cindy goes to befriend the Grinch, he cannot help but see what the holiday spirit is all about. This timeless Dr. Seuss story is perfectly captured in Jim Carrey’s performance as the Grinch.
5)Your Christmas or Mine? (2022)
Directed by: Jim O’Hanlon
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Two university students attempt to surprise each other by travelling to their partner's house, only to find out that the other has done the same. Stuck for Christmas day meeting each other’s families for the first time, the couple gains insight into just how different their experiences growing up have been. Your Christmas or Mine? is a heartwarming and tasteful commentary on how different social and economical upbringings can affect us and our relationships with the people we love.
6) The Holiday (2006)
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes
Genre: Comedy / Romance
When two women swap homes for the holidays to escape their individual relationship issues, they end up finding just what they were looking for. The Holiday is the perfect mix of cheesy, heartwarming, and seasonal awkwardness.
7) The Nativity (2009)
Directed by: Debbie Isitt
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
Genre: Comedy / Family
Primary school teacher Paul is asked to produce this year’s nativity play, but gets caught in a web of lies that he has no choice but to make happen. This movie is best experience with as little knowledge of it as possible. You’ll know if you love it within the first 15 minutes, I can assure you!
8) Love Actually (2003)
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Love Actually is the intertwined stories of eight unique couples and their lives in the lead-up to Christmas. Truly the perfect film for that boxing-day-to-new-years limbo.
9) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Directed by: Henry Selick
Runtime: 1 hour 16 minutes
Genre: Family / Fantasy
When Jack Skellington, from Halloween Town, stumbles across Christmas Town he is instantly in awe and decides to steal some of the Christmas spirit for himself. A Tim Burton classic, perfect for those still wishing it was Halloween or who enjoy something on the spooky side this Christmas.
10) The Holdovers (2023)
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes
Genre: Comedy / Drama
An unlucky teacher is set the task of looking after the students left at a boarding school over the Christmas break, during which he forms an unlikely bond with a troublemaking student and the school’s head cook. With a total of 5 Oscar nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, and one win for Da’Vine Joy Randolph for actress in a supporting role, this film’s success speaks for itself.
11) Klaus (2019)
Directed by: Serigo Pablos
Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
Genre: Family / Comedy
When a selfish Postman is sent to an isolated island to start a postal service, he learns about the lives of the locals, the spirit of Christmas, and most importantly himself. Klaus is a beautiful animation with a delightfully heartwarming story. Please have tissues on hand as there’ll be a high risk of tears.
12) The Snowman (1982)
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Runtime: 26 minute
Genre: Fantasy / Animation
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life, he is taken on a magical adventure to meet Santa Claus. An extremely beautiful animation with an incredible score, The Snowman is perfect to watch on Christmas Eve before bed. If you enjoy this, I’d also recommend Hilary Audus’s The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012).
Written by Hazel Earthy