The Essential Christmas Film Guide

1. A Christmas Prince

By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the train wreck Netflix movie that is A Christmas Prince. Number one on this list purely because it’s so trash you have to watch it this Chrissy holidays. Basically, aspiring journo Amber gets sent abroad to find out everything there is to know about Prince Richard. You can probably guess what happens. If you can ignore the major plot holes, poor acting and low budget, you’re in for a real Christmas treat.

2. Die Hard (1988)

No argument in the world can refute the claim that Die Hard is without a doubt the greatest Christmas movie of all time (yeah, it should definitely be above A Christmas Prince on this list). Bruce Willis plays a detective that literally punches and shoots his way out of a failing marriage and personality problems, saving Nakatomi Plaza as well as the world in the process, all with the backdrop of December 25th. Truly iconic. Yippee-kay-yay, Father Christmas.

3. Elf (2003)

Whether or not you can stand Will Ferrell in any other context, there is no denying that there’s just something about Elf that you can’t help but love. Goofy but full of heart and endlessly quotable, this is one I’m sure we all find ourselves looking forward to watching year after year.

4. Love Actually (2003)

A total sap-fest, but it is my personal belief that anyone who says they don’t like this film is lying. The cast of literally every English actor of the early 00s and that killer soundtrack leaves you with a smile and feeling totally ready for the Christmas season, as well as with “Christmas Is All Around” stuck in your head for the next few days.

5. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

If this film is good for anything, it’s for wondering what ever happened to Taylor Momsen after she went a bit weird when she was on Gossip Girl. It’s also good for a whole bunch of laughs and Christmas inspiration. Also, you’ll realise you identify with the Grinch more than anyo

6. Home Alone (1990)

We all grew up with this one. Kevin was our hero, left alone for the holidays to do whatever he wanted, and smart enough to defeat the Wet Bandits with gangster movies and a lot of tricks.

7. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Arthur Christmas is such a modern take on the whole Santa Claus idea, and the whole thing is entirely enjoyable. It helps that Arthur himself is such a cute dork, because you’re really rooting for him the entire time.

8. The Santa Clause (1994)

A fun idea wrapped into a film that’s just a bit cheesy and a little bit dated, The Santa Clause and its sequels are always a good time.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s twisted tale of the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown who just wants something more is a creepy take on Christmas and holidays altogether.

10. The Holiday (2006)

A classic rom-com. Surprisingly, the most unrealistic thing about it isn’t the fact that Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz switch houses across the world in one day, it’s actually Kate Winslet’s two sad sack love interests. But Jude Law in this movie. Yes, please!