Need help with your Christmas film viewing? I’ve got you covered with my recommendations for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day marathons!

The below list is taken from my full Christmas Movie Guide over on my film website, dawnofthetapes.com. Check it out for more Christmas film recommendations!

Christmas Eve

Elf
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Will Ferrell can be a lot to take in many of his movies, with his humour often being, to put it lightly, over the top, but he can get away with it in this kids’ movie as it calls for some childlike, Jim Carrey-esque comedy with a sweet family tone. It will also fuel your Christmas cheer and indulge your belief in Santa, if that’s how you roll.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Mostly because it’s perfect for both those who love Christmas and those who are more of a Grinch. Jim Carrey’s skills in physical comedy reach soaring heights as he embodies Dr. Seuss’s most famous, hilarious yet relatable character, and though it can be vomit-inducing for those with a weak constitution for sickly sweet songs and sentiments, it’s bursting with Christmas warmth and fantasy.

The Holiday
Why is it a good Christmas movie? 1. Romance by the bucket load. 2. Iris’ quaint British cottage in the snow. 3. Comedy. Honestly, it’s not a ground-breaking movie, but it is in many ways relatable and is particularly good for those that need a good cuddle at Christmas, a holiday renowned for making singletons feel “less than”.

Love Actually
Why is it a good Christmas movie? It sums up everything good, bad and in between about Christmas. Many of the UK’s favourite actors star in this movie, making it feel very homely for many of us Brits. A solid Christmas movie that is beloved and watched annually by millions of people worldwide.

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Why is it a good Christmas movie? TNBC bridges the gap nicely between Halloween and Christmas, so really you can watch it on those days or any time in between to get you in to the Christmas spirit. It makes for a good Christmas Eve movie because, well, the title says it all. It’s also a great stop-motion movie with excellent and popular songs.

The Polar Express
Why is it a good Christmas movie? One reason: Tom Hanks. Not many names in Hollywood resonate with warmth and magic, but Hanks is one that does, and those are things we need at Christmas time. This is another movie that’s great for both Christmas believers and Christmas Scrooges, as it pushes audiences to keep the faith even when all seems lost.

Christmas Day

Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather (2-part mini-series)
Why is it a good Christmas movie? It’s really one for the Terry Pratchett fans, but if you enjoy some different fantasy around Christmas, you may just enjoy this one. It features a slew of popular British actors and it’s just fun to turn our traditional Christmas on its head.

Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Why are they good Christmas movies? Frankly, Christmas is not Christmas without Home Alone. The movies have a lot of fun antics for kids but also some cheeky adult humour. These movies would be great at any time of the year if they weren’t set at Christmas time, but the fact that they are give it an added bonus of being comfort movies for this time of year.

It’s A Wonderful Life
Why is it a good Christmas movie? This is a movie that really lifts the spirit in the darkest of times. James Stewart puts in a wonderful performance that will keep you fully immersed and intrinsically connected to George and everything he goes through, good and bad. You will laugh and cry, and any dwindling faith in life and people you may have may be slightly restored by this gem of a classic.

Klaus
Why is it a good Christmas movie?It’s a delightful little animation and made quite a stir upon its release. It’s very much got an Emperor’s New Groove vibe about it, including similar humour, and it’s another tale that turns the traditional Santa Claus trope into something a little different. It’s got lovely themes and takes your emotions on a bit of a spin.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
Why is it a good Christmas movie? You have all the greatness of the classic Charles Dickens story, but with the humour and wit of the Muppets and the legendary straightfaced acting of Sir Michael Caine. The songs are epic, the dialogue is hilarious, and the themes are strong and resonant. It is the first movie many like to watch on Christmas morning (with a tipple and some snacks).

The Snowman
Why is it a good Christmas movie? If you grew up in the UK, this 30-minute gem was on every Christmas, and it would always get highlighted in the TV guide to make sure you wouldn’t miss it. It has an incredibly famous song, Walking in the Air, which you are likely to hear somewhere every Christmas, and most kids had the Raymond Briggs book. The animation is beautiful, and because of its lack of dialogue, it can be enjoyed by anyone of any language. It’s a heart-warming classic, even if the ending is a bit devastating, especially for children.

Boxing Day

The Holdovers
Why is it a good Christmas movie? If Dead Poets Society and The Breakfast Club had a baby birthed on December 25th, The Holdovers would be the result. Tremendous in comedy and deep in heart, it hits all the beats of a Christmas film while standing out from the crowd with its ability to connect with the audience.

Jingle All the Way
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Because it’s Arnie, that’s why! But really, it’s just a super fun Christmas movie, and seeing action-man Arnold play a dad figure is often great entertainment (also thinking of Kindergarten Cop and The Last Action Hero). It’s a great background movie to have on during Christmas dinner or when opening gifts.

Scrooge
Why is it a good Christmas movie? This one might not be for everyone, especially younger generations, but it’s rather popular with older generations. It’s got a classic Victorian Christmas vibe to it, which can feel super cosy and nostalgic. On a personal note, this movie also reminds me of my late mother. She particularly enjoyed the song Thank You Very Much, and so it’s one I now enjoy, too. Additionally, as a fan of the late, great Albert Finney, this movie will always have a special place in my home at Christmas.