From classics to new releases, popular holiday movies to watch this Christmas

Schenelle Dsouza

Family time is of utmost importance, especially during the holidays. And what better way to spend Christmas Day than to cosy up with your loved ones, watching your favourite Christmas movies? Whether you prefer the classics or are looking for something new, here are some of the must-watch movies this Christmas.

Christmas classics 

Elf

You can’t really list down Christmas classics without the evergreen Elf. Will Ferrell in his Kelly-green Buddy tunic frolicking around the streets of New York City, is a cherished holiday memory for all those who grew up during the early aughts. A spirited child-like man, Ferrell’s Buddy was raised amongst elves at the North Pole leading him to think he was an elf too. However, once he finds out he isn’t an actual elf, Buddy goes on a quest to New York City to find his biological parents. The movie’s comedic plot with a manchild narrative is beautifully complemented by an abundance of soul-touching moments that add to the holiday cheer, making it a must-watch for people of all ages!

Watch online on Amazon Prime

Home Alone

Christmas or not, the Home Alone series is a family favourite. Although the franchise has had about six films under its belt, the first two starring Macaulay Culkin will always be our favourite. The first movie, Home Alone focuses follows Kevin Mcallister being forgotten at home after his parents leave for a trip to Chicago. Celebrating that his wish to have his family disappear came true, Kevin begins to have the time of his life until he is forced to defend his home against a pair of dimwit thieves. From here begins a journey of chaos and entertainment, and oh how hilarious it is to watch an 8-year-old outsmart two fully grown men!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The Grinch has always been an iconic Christmas character, but Jim Carrey’s portrayal in the 2000 adaptation How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is the one we love and enjoy. The ultimate holiday grump, the Grinch lives in solitude on the outskirts of Whoville. Growing up different, Grinch was mocked for the way he looked, and so he took to the mountains just outside Whoville where he grew up in solitude (with his dog, Max), growing up to hate the townsfolk and of course, Christmas. That is until he meets a cheeky, adorable six-year-old girl named Cindy Lou, who believes in the spirit of the festival, and sets out to reform him. The resulting end, the green-hued, mountain-dwelling loner’s heart ends up “growing three sizes” making him warm, compassionate and charming as ever. Fun fact: Seuss’s Grinch was black and white with pink eyes. Chuck Jones made him green for the screen.

Watch online on Amazon Prime 

Miracle On 34th Street (1994)

Do you believe in Santa Claus? If not, then Miracle on 34th Street might just be what you need this Christmas — a man having to prove his identity as Santa Claus in court. After claiming ot be the real Santa, Kris Kringle is about to be admitted to a mental health facility by the New York City authorities. But a young believer Susan Walker can’t let that happen. She along with her mother, Dorey and their lawyer Bryan Bedford work towards proving Kringle’s identity as Santa which then goes on to be called the miracle on 34th street. The ultimate in cuddly Christmas afternoon movies, the 1994 adaptation might not be a match to the original, but it to this day a yearly must-watch for all Santa believers.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Is it a Halloween movie? Or is it a Christmas movie? Who knows! But one thing we do know for sure is that The Nightmare Before Christmas is definitely a holiday classic. The movie follows the story of Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town. Growing tired of the mundane tradition and routines in Halloween Town, Jack decides to take another route which lands him in Christmas Town. Excited and overjoyed by the view in front of him, Jack invites his friends and townsfolk from Halloween Town. However, unable to understand the concept of Christmas, they attempt to revamp the festivities with Halloween traditions. A blunder in the making, the movie is a joy ride that switches between Halloween and Christmassy moments making this chaotic premise an enjoyable watch for both seasons!

Watch online on Disney+ Hotstar 

New Christmas favourite 

Falling for Christmas

Marking Lindsay Lohan’s big return to the silver screen (OTT), Falling For Christmas is a fun take on a cheesy, holiday romedy. While we do have the done before “rich girl meets humble boy and falls in love” trope, the movie is surprisingly refreshing, especially with Lindsay Lohan’s evergreen charm and comedic timing. A spoiled heiress to her dad’s Aspen resort business, Lohan’s Sierra Belmont has the perfect life, although her only identity is her being her father’s daughter! After an unfortunate cliff injury, she wakes up with amnesia and can’t remember much about her old life (or the fiancee whose proposal she accepted just before taking her tumble). While trying to recover her memory, Sierra stays with a local lodgekeeper whom she can’t help but fall for. The movie is exactly what you’d expect it to be, predictably good and corny, making for a sweet, holiday binge.

Watch online on Netflix

Holidate

The holidays can be stressful on their own. But being single on a holiday, even more so! Especially when you’re the only single one in your family hounded by relatives pressuring you to find a partner. Holidate tells the story of Sloane, a girl who always finds herself in this situation, as does Jackson a man she befriends on Christmas. The duo then enter an arrangement wherein they become each other’s holidate, a platonic plus-one arrangement to avoid the questions about their singlehood. But is it very easy to keep things strictly platonic? We don’t think so!

Watch online on Netflix 

The Noel Diary

From the director of Father of the Bride, The Noel Diary is for those looking for a warmer, heart-touching Christmas watch. The movie follows best-selling author Jake Turner who returns to his childhood home after the death of his mother. While clearing out his mother’s estate, Turner meets a woman named Rachel Campbell, who is searching for her birth mother as he discovers a diary that helps them replay the past, in a romantic adventure that will also change their present. Together, the two embark on a road trip to help each other uncover the truths of their families’ pasts. The film is based on the novel by Richard Paul Evans.

Watch online on Netflix 

The Princess Switch

Vanessa Hudgens wins all hearts with this very special Christmas franchise that came out back in 2018. Playing multiple characters, The Princess Switch showcases Hudgens in multiple roles. As the story goes, a baker named Stacy from Chicago travels to the Kingdom of Belgravia for a prestigious baking competition where she bumps into Margaret, the Duchess of Montenaro, with whom she shares an uncanny resemblance. One week before Christmas, the two switch places so Margaret can live and explore the Kingdom as an ordinary woman. And because no arrangement is without its complications, the two fall for each other’s male companions,  Margaret for Stacy’s best friend and coworker Kevin Richards, and Stacy for Margaret’s fiancé, Edward Wyndham, who is also the Prince of Belgravia. If you think this is chaotic, wait till you get to part two, where a third (Vanessa Hudgens) character shows up. We’re talking about a classically sassy Hudgens in the form of Lady Fiona Penbroke, cousin of Lady Margaret Delacourt.

Watch online on Netflix 

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