Following the popularity of my favourite Halloween film article in October, I thought I’d share my favourite Christmas films with you all. Not the best, but I like them! Something to get you prepared for Christmas and improve your English along the way. So, curl up with a hot chocolate, watch something festive and study English at the same time.
These will cover you for all 12 days of Christmas… you are welcome!
As always, I have tried to avoid spoilers, but as most of these are over a decade old, I think we should be pretty safe!
So let’s get to it!
1. Die Hard (1988)
While this list is in no particular order, Die hard is number 1 by a country mile. An action classic with Alan Rickman pulling off an incredible performance. No Christmas is complete without watching John McClane running around a building in a white vest and no shoes. Classic!
2. Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
When I was little, I had this film on VHS. For anyone too young to remember it, they are the huge black tapes that you had to rewind at the end of every viewing (Google it!). Oh the nostalgia! We watched this Christmas film so often that I am pretty sure we wore it out and had to buy a new copy. Muppets, Michael Caine and Christmas. Enough said!
3. Jingle all the way (1996)
I love Arnie! I’m not going to lie. I know almost every word to nearly every film he has made. So, a list of favourite films has to include this beauty. The cheesy performance from Kindergarten Cop wrapped up in a Christmas bow. “Where’s your Christmas spirit?”
4. The Nightmare before Christmas (1993)
I love this film so much that I considered putting it in the Halloween list too. The animation is still incredible and the storytelling is fantastic. After one watch, I can’t get the songs out of my head for a week. Which is the sign of any good film in my opinion!
5. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
As you might have guessed, I am a sucker for animated films. I can’t remember when I first watched this one, but it has become a bit of a Christmas tradition. The Bluray appears when we put up the Christmas tree and it get’s a least one watch before the big day. Worth a try if you haven’t seen it.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Also known as “The Sorcerer’s Stone” to our American friends, it’s the first installment in one of my favourite film series. It’s always on the TV over the Christmas season and we usually set the challenge to watch all 8 films. Nostalgia, magic and just enough snow to count as Christmasy! “Wingardium Leviosa!”… prepare to be charmed!
7. Love Actually (2003)
You can’t talk about Christmas films and not mention Love Actually. It’s repeated so often that you will always find a chance to see it. Watching it now, I can’t believe the amazing selection of actors they got and all the different storylines. Something new with every watch.
8. Arthur Christmas (2011)
A fun festive family film. (Think I could get more alliteration into that one?) A lighthearted adventure with Santa’s son, Arthur, his Grandad and a very energetic elf. Need I say more?
9. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell is incredible in this film. Stupid, silly and over the top just enough to make it truly hilarious. If you want something easy to watch and laugh out loud, then you are in the right place.
10. Trading Places (1983)
I thought I had slipped this one in unnoticed! One of the more tenuous links to Christmas but I am still counting it! An absolute classic comedy from Eddie Murphy here. If there were more references, I would have also included “Coming to America” and “Beverly Hills Cop”. If you haven’t seen it you are missing a trick!
11. The Santa Clause (1994)
I’m a big fan of Tim Allen and this film is no exception. The classic Christmas film! Festive, fun and just a little silly. Exactly what you need!
12. The Holiday (2006)
Ok, I admit it! I like a Romcom… don’t tell anyone! Only joking, who doesn’t like one now and then? With Jude Law, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, it’s a great choice for something a bit different.
There you have it. My favourite Christmas film selection. Do you think I have missed anything? Try and convince me why it should be up here in the comments below.
Until next time!
