Grab your favourite movie snack and snuggle up with these Christmas movies for a cosy evening full of the warm fuzzies.
It’s that time of the year – Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé are awakened from their deep slumber, homes are filled with fresh (or fake) trees, festive markets are popping up and Orchard Road is transformed into a winter wonderland sans (real) snow.
To add to the joyous spirit, we’ve curated a list of our favourite flicks for the Yuletide season. From cult classics to comedies and even a tinge of horror, these Christmas movies will get you in the festive mood.
The Holiday (2006)
Two lovelorn women, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, escape their personal heartbreak by flying halfway across the world for a home exchange during the festive season. And Jude Law in a Christmas movie? Count us in. Apart from a cast of Hollywood heavyweights, this movie is endearingly sweet and bound to make the coldest of hearts melt.
Elf (2003)
Comedian Will Ferrell plays a happy-go-lucky elf, so you know you’re in for a good laugh. But don’t let the title fool you – turns out he’s actually a human who crawled into Santa’s bag when he was a baby. Upon that revelation, he travels from the North Pole to the Big Apple to find his biological dad, and all sorts of silly shenanigans ensue. A great family movie, if you ask us.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Now, on the surface, the plot might seem slightly creepy – Sandra Bullock’s character saves her crush, played by ex-heartthrob Peter Gallagher, from a freak accident and ends up acting as his fiance while he struggles with memory loss. Totes normal! But apart from that, you’ll likely be rooting for her lovable character as she tugs at your heartstrings with her naivety and innocence. Also, spoiler alert: She ends up falling for someone else.
Love Actually (2003)
First of all, it’s a holiday must-watch featuring an all-star cast, including the likes of Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson. This British romcom may have weathered controversy over the years, but it’s still at the top of our festive list. Warning: You may or may not shed a tear as the film shows the different nuances in relationships through 10 love stories and how all the characters are linked in one way or another.
Home Alone (1990)
This movie is a cult classic for over two decades and with good reason. It’s got slapstick humour, a little crazy action, memorable quotes (“keep the change, ya filthy animal!”) and a happy ending all wrapped up in a bow. Plus, you can continue the rib-tickling marathon with its numerous sequels.
Four Christmases (2008)
Hollywood sweetheart Reese Witherspoon and funnyman Vince Vaughn play a couple who visit all four of their divorced parents… hence the title. If you’re one of those people who dread family reunions during the festive period, this movie will get you in four ways with its funny and heartwarming scenes.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)… and all the sequels
What’s Christmas without Bridget Jones (and her baby)? We get to marvel at Hugh Grant in his prime years and it all starts with a holiday party and an ugly sweater. If that doesn’t scream Christmas, we don’t know what does.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Christmas is magical and what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion with a Harry Potter movie? We know, the other films in the franchise have wonderful Christmas scenes, but they tend to be darker than the original. Also, in the first instalment, Harry spends December at the magical Hogwarts, enthralling us all with the whimsical world of wizardry.
Gremlins (1984)
This one is for the horror junkies. Imagine getting a cute little critter as a Christmas present, but wait for it…there are three rules: Don’t get it wet, don’t expose it to light and, most importantly, don’t feed it after midnight. Of course, like all good horror movies, the rules get broken and all hell breaks loose. But don’t worry, it’s more campy than scary.
Mean Girls (2004)
Hear us out. Mean Girls deserves to be on this list just for its iconic Winter Talent Show scene where Lindsay Lohan saves Christmas with her rendition of the classic Jingle Bell Rock song alongside a risque dance routine. Come to think of it, truth be told, this movie is for all seasons!
