5 Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

No doubt you'll find yourself with a great deal of free time during the festive period, especially as you and your extended family digest the Christmas meals you've gorged on, and that leaves the way open to the viewing of movies with seasonal appeal. The Christmas movie industry is alive and well, and every year brings with it new films that use the holidays as a hook or backdrop. Some of these recent efforts may well be half decent, though others may leave a lot to be desired as well as opting for royalty-free Christmas music in preference to having to pay for the use of festive classics, but on the whole, the magical movies in this genre come from the past, chiefly because they are movies we have grown up on. They are, on the whole, family-friendly viewing that either has us feeling warm inside or rolling on the floor in hilarious fits of laughter. Let's take a closer look at five of the best Christmas movies which you and your loved ones can watch this year.

Elf (2003)

This modern classic has it all. There's generally a feel-good vibe to the whole piece, and it's also damned funny, with a poignant message that really resonates with audiences. It proved a massive hit when it was released, making over $225 million at the box office, which is quite a stunning return for a movie that cost in the region of $30 million to make. Will Ferrell stars as a larger-than-life elf, quite literally, as he leaves the North Pole in search of his real father, played expertly by James Caan. He meets and falls in love with Zooey Deschanel, and much hilarity ensues. Perhaps the reason the movie really works and still does so today in 2022 is that Jon Favreau's production has an almost old-school approach and feels that makes much of what is happening almost timeless. There's no mistaking the quality of the movie, so much so that you can guarantee that any family that stumbles upon the movie will happily continue to its conclusion, despite having seen it multiple times before.

Love Actually (2003)

The archetypal Christmas movie, another comedy, is a delight and another movie that is always high up on the best Xmas movie lists. It's very much an ensemble piece and stars several award-winning acting talents, from Emma Thompson to Liam Neeson to Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Again it very much pushes the right emotional buttons for the season and is consistently funny and charming. Each repeat viewing often brings different perspectives, leading to viewers altering their opinions about which characters really steal the show. This if, of course, a trick question, Bill Nighy as an aging rocker, most definitely steals the show without a shadow of a doubt. It also includes a great soundtrack and is often laugh-out-loud funny. Another family watch, albeit with a bit more edginess than Elf.

Die Hard (1988)

Now there are many that will happily debate with you as to whether Bruce Willis's first run as John McClane is actually a Christmas movie, but let us let you in on a little secret. It most definitely 100% is a Xmas movie. Why is it a Christmas movie, you might ask? Well, it's set on Christmas Eve, and that's good enough for us. Unlike our first two choices, this has less family-friendly action and more action of the violent, explosive type. However, the whole piece is almost tongue in cheek, as evidenced by Alan Rickman's wonderfully over-the-top portrayal of villain Hans Gruber (also note that Rickman starred in Love Actually, so he certainly likes a good Christmas movie).

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express is a timeless animated film that enchants audiences of all ages with its magical journey to the North Pole. Based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie follows a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary train ride on Christmas Eve. The train, known as the Polar Express, is bound for the North Pole, where children are given the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself. The film's breathtaking animation, heartwarming storyline, and memorable musical numbers, including the Academy Award-nominated song Believe, make it a must-watch during the holiday season.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

No list of the best-ever holiday movies can pass without the inclusion of this James Stewart classic, which is as popular now as it has ever been. It very much defines the notion of Xmas movies and is a cautionary tale that is both comedic and touching. On its surface, the story could be considered very dark; indeed, it starts with our main character, George Bailey, toying with the idea of killing himself before a series of events occur that lead, ultimately, to the happiest of endings. He is convinced by a guardian angel, who walks him through flashbacks, to reconsider his intentions. It's based, in some ways, on Charles Dickens's novella A Christmas Carol and is a movie that is watched by millions every Christmas, both by those who have never seen it and those who make it an annual viewing that always pushes the right festive buttons.

These are just a handful of the great Christmas movies that your family should indulge in this year or any year, and countless others are worthy of your attention.