The amazing thing about Christmas films is that they are very, very rarely watched throughout the year. Instead, they’re always watched at the tail end of the year, which makes sense as these are the sort of films that make you feel cosy, festive and happy.
So when it comes to the moment of watching your first Christmas film of the year, it feels long overdue and more than welcoming to sit through. Finding my favourites out of a bunch of absolutely great films was no easy task, but here’s a select five which I always watch every Christmas, without fault.
5) Jingle All The Way & The Santa Clause
Tied in fifth/fourth place are Jingle All the Way and The Santa Clause. The reason these are tied are because they aren’t exactly classics but I watched them at an early age and they connected to me more as a child than as an adult. Regardless of that I still enjoy watching them. The family aspect of these two films, having the father finding a toy at the last minute and the father admitting he needs to be more closer to his son, is what drives them as great Christmas films.
3) The Polar Express
Then in third place we have a Christmas film which concentrates more on wonder and the mythology of Christmas, and that is The Polar Express. This film captures the innocence, the adventure and the magic of festive season more than any other film. The fact that it is directed by Robert Zemeckis, who made the Back to the Future Films, and features a unique animated style which is an instant win for me.
I love animation, it’s a great way to tell a story without any limitations. Then you have the story, the young boy who wants to meet Santa, it’s a simple approach to a classic trope in films. It’s full of joy and love and you can’t help but smile when the credits roll and just wish it was Christmas already.
2) Love, Actually
In second place we have an absolute classic with Love, Actually. Love, Actually is still considered a recent Christmas film even though it came out in 2003, but despite this it feels timeless. It has a cast that rivals any blockbuster film. It’s charm, humour and light-heartedness is what made me fall in love with the film in the first place. It feels real, there’s heartbreak, sorrow and grief, but all of that is overshadowed by the magic of the holiday. You are invested in each of the character’s, their lives often mirroring others you know. Then the message behind the film, that love actually is all around us, is possibly the most important message in any film ever. I challenge you to not love this film.
1) The Muppet Christmas Carol
At the top of the list, and possibly on top of most people’s lists, is The Muppet Christmas Carol. This film sells you Christmas. It is the classic Dickens story of A Christmas Carol, but with Muppets and Michael Caine singing. It’s a bizarre combination, but it just works! From start to finish you feel like you’re five years old again, singing along, laughing with the characters, watching in amazement at how fantastic the world they’ve created is.
Personally, I don’t watch this till nearer to Christmas, only because it feels like a present in itself. The excitement of sitting down to watch this film with a hot drink, a mince pie in hand and with the heating on in the house is next to nothing. Of course there are loads of other films I could have picked, but honestly, without these five it wouldn’t feel like Christmas. Now you’re probably thinking about what to watch tonight, or tomorrow night, or the night after. I know you’ve got your favourites as well, so go on, stick one on and bring Christmas to you.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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