Christmas is undoubtedly the most amazing time of the year, and it is certainly the most fascinating time at the movies. Although Christmas movies have a somewhat shaky reputation, bringing to mind images of red-cheeked brats and poorly animated reindeer, the best Christmas movies have a lot to offer. In this list of top 10 Christmas movies, you will find everything from a gun-wielding Santa Claus, to all the warming sentiment and feel-good frolics we often demand and cherish during Christmas time.
Happy Christmas (2014)
In most cases, Christmas-themed movies are produced by big studios, and only a small number of independent directors in America have attempted to pursue this ‘commercial’ topic. However, Joe Swanberg was brave enough to name this film that features Anna Kendrick ‘Happy Christmas’. The movie deals with a group of people in their early and mid-twenties struggling to figure out things. It particularly deals with Kendrick’s character who just broke up with her boyfriend and decides to show up at her new family-guy brother’s doorstep. In the course of her stay, it dawns on her that she ought to start being responsible for her actions.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
This movie features James McAvoy, Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent and it’s directed by Barry Cook and Sarah Smith. This cute and touching animation film can simply be described as intelligent, delightfully charming and moderately sentimental. While it is the traditional ‘save Christmas movie’, it is still remarkably human in the way it presents the challenges that the main characters have to deal with. Santa’s clumsy yet kind-hearted grandson has to take responsibility for his own wrongs and correct them. He only has 2 hours.
Love Actually (2003)
This UK film is directed by Richard Curtis and features Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and Bill Nighy. It is the true blueprint for contemporary British romantic/feel-good comedy/Christmas movie. The immense influence that the movie has had internationally also warrants some acknowledgement. The movie has been copied almost everywhere and virtually every national cinema has produced its own version. Indeed, the movie is a true feel-good treat, and it is always a delight to watch especially during Christmas.
Reindeer Games (2000)
This movie features the first time the Santa suit has been criminally misused in this list. The snow packed thriller was unveiled in some countries under a slightly less festive title of ‘Deception’. In the movie, Ben Affleck stars as a released convict who goes around robbing casinos while dressed as Santa Claus. The film also features Gary Sinise and Charlize Theron.
The Family Stone (2005)
This is another delightful Christmas film. Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams and Claire Danes feature in this comedy-drama set in America. The story is about a nervous guest (Parker) visiting the liberal Stone household. In the household, the matriarch, Diane Keaton, rules with the utmost supremacy.
The Polar Express (2004)
In the movie, Robert Zemeckis splashed some of his family-friendly charm on the performance-capture animation in which Tom Hanks stars in multiple roles such as narrator, Santa Claus, and narrator. This movie surely ticks numerous boxes for Christmas enthusiasts, including elves, reindeer, and a lot of snow.
The Holiday (2006)
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap houses during Christmas and they conveniently meet Jude Law and Jack Black respectively. Romance is in the air, there is an incredibly huge country cottage and light laughs from the attractive cast. This film is the sort of slushy movie you can easily get away with watching just because it is Christmas.
About a Boy (2002)
Christmas holds a central theme in this fascinating British comedy. Grumpy Will, played by Hugh Grant, is surviving off the proceeds generated by the Christmas song that his father composed. He later realizes the value of celebrating Christmas with the family through his friendship with a young man Nicholas Hoult. Although it sounds schmaltzy, it is worth watching during Christmas time.
Home Alone (1990)
This 1990’s classic is one to watch this Christmas. With the main character set around a child, acted by Macaulay Culkin – you’re guaranteed for some festive fun. The film takes you on a Christmas adventure, which is perfect for children and adults to enjoy. As the family are quickly preparing to leave for a Christmas holiday in Paris, the end up forgeting something, or should I say someone. That’s right, they accidently leave behind Kevin. They only realise once it’s too late. With Kevin left alone, things start to get ugly, but it’s all fun and games for the kid.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget, played by Renee Zellweger, thinks that she might have met her “Mr. Right” (Colin Firth), but she spots him wearing a repulsive Christmas jumper. However, this wardrobe malfunction plays a central role in the sharp romantic comical-drama. It also features one of the most famous festive favorites, Hugh Grant.
The post 10 Movies to Watch this Christmas appeared first on TechDaring.
