1. Home Alone (1990)
Where you can watch it: Netflix (UK), iTunes (Worldwide), Blinkbox (UK)
Story: Macaulay Culkin stars in this raucous family film about a young boy, whose parents accidentally leave him home alone while they head to Paris for Christmas. At first Kevin McCallister doesn’t know what to do with himself, but he quickly figures out how to drive and heads to the local supermarket to stock up on festive treats. However, he’s not as alone as he thinks. When two robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) spot the empty looking house, they can’t resist picking the lock and taking a peek inside. Mayhem ensues and it’s down to Kevin to outsmart the dim-witted fools. Quality Christmas viewing.
2. Die Hard (1988)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: All-American hero John McClane swoops in to save the day in a wife-beater and bare feet. Bruce Willis throws some hard-ass punches and killer one-liners, while chasing down terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) at the Christmas work party. It may not be a joyous affair with bells a ringin’ but Die Hard has all the trimmings of a great Christmas movie. Pop this one on after dinner when everyone’s snoozing, it’s guaranteed to wake granny up from her slumber.
3. Gremlins (1984)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: Billy (Zach Galligan) is given a pet Mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas, but he comes with some strict strings attached – don’t get him wet, don’t feed him after midnight, and don’t expose him to harsh sunlight. When Billy’s oafish friend Pete (Corey Feldman) spills water over the cute little critter he starts to multiply. It’s not long before many Mogwais are raiding the cupboards, inevitably after the clock has struck midnight. Like werewolves emerging on a fool moon, the fluffy fur-balls begin to transform into mischievous monsters with razor sharp teeth. It’s frightening festive fun.
4. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK) Netflix (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: This five-time Oscar nominated movie stands as one of the most significant Christmas films of all time. The story centres on George Bailey, played by James Stewart, who tries to take his life in a moment of hopelessness and despair. As death beckons, a guardian angel appears taking him on a journey through a world where he never existed. Shot in black and white, this film is a vintage masterpiece that will stir feelings of nostalgia and goodwill on Christmas day.
5. Elf (2005)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK)
Story: Will Ferrell screams his way through this slapstick stocking filler about a human boy who grows up in the North Pole, with a group of Santa’s elves. Outcast for his giant proportions, Buddy journeys to New York to find his birth parents and make a new life living among his fellow man. Ferrell injects a healthy dose of exuberance and festive cheer into his performance, which is nothing short of silly – but that’s why we love it. Add Elf to your Christmas watch list, it’s an absolute must-see.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: The grumpy old Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, attempts to cancel Christmas in this Oscar-winning movie adaptation of the children’s story, by Dr Suess. With Ron Howard in the reins the film is a festive treat, boasting bright colours and impressive make-up artistry. Dressed from top to toe in green fur with animal like features, Carrey is barely recognisable as the conniving creature who eventually learns the importance of Christmas.
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK – until 18th December), iTunes (Worldwide), Blinkbox (UK)
Story: Who doesn’t love a good Muppet movie? They’ve taken over Manhattan, travelled to outer space, and here they put an animated spin on the classic Charles Dickens tale. Michael Caine gives a grumpy performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Kermit the Frog plays his book-keeper Bob Cratchit, while fellow Muppets Rizzo the Rat, Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy all make an appearance in this colourful adaptation. Jim Henson’s cuddly clan come highly recommended at Christmas.
8. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Where you can watch it: Netflix (Worldwide)
Story: Bill Murray serenades the audience Bing Crosby-style, in this musical extravaganza about a group of strangers caught in the middle of a power cut on Christmas Eve. When a raging blizzard causes the power to go off in Manhattan, the A-list actor gathers a handful of people in his hotel for a festive sing-a-long. But the best is yet to come when a White Christmas-style setting emerges, featuring George Clooney, Miley Cyrus and some leggy looking dancers. This Netflix Original is a harmonious blend of goodwill and musical cheer.
9. Bad Santa (2003)
Where you can watch it: Netflix (US), Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: Alcoholic and sex-addict Willie T. Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton) slips on a Santa suit so he and his dwarf assistant (Tony Cox) can rob shopping malls at night. Crude, lewd and downright rude, Bad Santa follows Stokes as he befriends a hopeless kid and learns a few life lessons along the way. Puking, shouting and shagging, this guy makes the Grinch look like an angel. So if you’re looking for something a bit alternative this Christmas, give this one a whirl.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Where you can watch it: Sky Movies (UK), Blinkbox (UK), iTunes (Worldwide)
Story: This festive remake tugs at the heart strings, with its sentimental story about a young girl who helps save Santa. Richard Attenborough dons the red suit and big black boots as Cole’s resident Kris Kringle. When the department store’s former Father Christmas goads the old guy into a fight, the police put him behind bars. It’s down to Matilda‘s Mara Wilson and her mum’s boyfriend, lawyer Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott) to convince the courtroom that Kringle is the real Santa Claus, and that miracles do actually exist.
See also: The Syncios Christmas Holiday Gift Guide for 2015
Reference: Gamesradar
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