If you are a fan of Christmas traditions you probably have a favourite Christmas movie already. But, for those who have not found “the one” just yet, get your popcorn and Coke ready. Here are ten of our all time favourite Christmas movies to binge on!
Making a list at Christmas time just seems like the right thing to do. Shopping lists, present lists, song lists, decoration to-do lists; now add a Christmas movie list to the, well, list also.
There is something I find extra special about a Christmas movie. They are generally full of adventure with an ending that makes you all warm and fuzzy. Christmas movies embrace the true holiday spirit and bring a little extra magic to the home.
Our Christmas movies are not all about Santa and his reindeer on a magical sleigh flying through the night delivering gifts to those who have “been good”. That would simply be too cliché for The Christmas Cart. Instead, our list of favourite Christmas movies rolls everything into one – family, romance, holidays, comedy, drama and action.
The Night Before
Starring Seth Rogen, you know you are in for a treat the minute you read the casting line up of this adult’s Christmas movie. Comedy (even if a little taboo at times) and characters who are adjusting to life as responsible adults are typical of a Rogen flick.
This Christmas movie is about a group of friends who reunite every year for an ultimately wild holiday celebration. It features plenty of off-the-chart, illegal partying and gag-worthy material. But, with just the right amount of melancholy, it is enough to get even the toughest sentimentally misty-eyed.
Jingle All the Way
Jingle All the Way is a Christmas movie about a workaholic father named Howard (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) who is on a mission to get a Turboman doll for his son. But, similar to the craziness that is last-minute Christmas shopping, the plot spirals. Adding to the mix, Howard’s parental anxiety kicks in as he realises it’s turning from mission possible to mission likely to fail! With action, comedy and typical Arnold oddity thrown in, this is a Christmas movie many parents can relate to.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
An all-time Christmas movie favourite that is all about Christmas! Starring the man with one million expressions, Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is based on the story written by Dr. Seuss. Carrey plays the grouchy Grinch who tries to stop Christmas by stealing Christmas gifts and goodies from the homes of the people in Whoville, on Christmas Eve. Despite his best efforts, the people of Whoville celebrate the holiday without their gifts and goodies. The Grinch has the biggest decision to make – to return the gifts or not. This is a Christmas movie that portrays the true meaning of Christmas. This one can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Love Actually
Love Actually is an English Christmas movie which brings out a romantic side. It follows the love lives of eight very different couples in loosely interrelated tales during the silly season. It is a story that features gags and witty banter, which helps to smooth over some of the cheesy elements within the storyline.
Scrooged
Although not popular with critics in its time, Scrooged still makes our Christmas movie list. I guess it has something to do with starring actor Bill Murray and his character’s blowhard arrogance that earns this comedy the cult following it still enjoys.
Just Friends
This Christmas movie is about Chris, a high school outcast now a successful music executive (played by Ryan Reynolds), who obsesses about winning over his teenage crush, who once rejected him, while home for the holidays. With a little bit of nostalgia for Christmas time, Just Friends is romantic comedy-drama that makes our Christmas movie list.
Arthur Christmas
This is a compassionately cheeky Pixar-style Christmas movie that revolves around a story of Santa’s black-sheep son rising to the occasion in the Claus business. Santa’s workshop is trapped between tech advancements and tradition. Arthur is the only one in the business with any Christmas spirit left. Will he succeed in keeping traditions alive? With a British sense of humour, and mixed critic reviews, we love this animated Christmas movie.
The Santa Claus
Starring Tim Allen, you will remember him best from his days in Home Improvement, The Santa Claus Christmas movie is a tale about a divorcee who takes on the role of Santa after witnessing the ‘real Santa’ fall from his roof. He assumes the role with plenty of playful grunts and wit along the way.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Two words that sum up this Christmas movie – Chevy Chase!
Following the mishap-prone Griswalds, this movie sees Clark (Chase) attempt to make his house the most impressively lit on the planet at Christmas time. Adding to his Christmas task list is nabbing his end of year bonus, fixing the newel post, keeping cousin Eddie at bay and plenty more. With Chase at the forefront, this Christmas movie is loaded with smarty jokes and old fashioned Chevy Chase ‘Dad humour’.
White Christmas
An oldie and, we believe, definitely one of the best Christmas movies of all time. White Christmas is a 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. It is full of spectacular musical sequences and is the ideal sedative for anyone who is too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve.
So, we have made our Christmas movie top ten lists and, just like Santa, it is over to you to check it twice.