Christmas Countdown: Top 7 festive films you must watch this Christmas
The decorations are out, the fires are lit and it’s time to put the telly on – here are UNIfied’s top 7 Christmassy films to get you in the mood!
Grab a blanket, light the Yankee Candle, get cosy and watch these classics to get you in the feeling festive.
Elf (2003)
One of our all-time favourites! This has to be on your movie list in the run-up to Christmas.
Buddy the elf, played by Will Ferrell, commonly known for his comedy genius in Step Brothers and the Anchorman franchise.
As a child, Buddy was accidentally taken to the North Pole and then raised by elves, despite being a (very large) human. Unable to get over the fact that he doesn’t fit in, he decides to go to New York in search of his real father, Walter, who attempts to form a bond with his child-like son Buddy, but it ends in total chaos!
How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000)
The classic Christmas film was original a children’s book written by the incredibly talented Dr Seuss.
The secluded green Grinch is played by Jim Carrey who gives the character a delightfully horrid and hilarious personality. Carrey is also known for starring in other films such as Dumb and Dumber and Bruce Almighty.
The Grinch is not that much of a big lover of Christmas, which is why he makes it his priority to ruin it for the cheery citizens of ‘Whoville’, alongside his trusty pooch, Max.
After causing utter chaos, his plans fall through when he meets young Cindy-Lou Who, who doesn’t have any Christmas spirit. He then does everything in his power to help make Christmas right again for her and Whoville, which results in everyone finding their festive cheer and the Grinch falling in love with the Mayor’s finance!
The Home Alone franchise (1999-1992)
Starring the bratty Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin and being splashed across our screens since 1999, the Home Alone franchise will always be a family favourite.
When Kevin acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother punishes him by forcing him to sleep in the attic. After the family leaves to catch their flight, Kevin is left behind by mistake! He realises he has an empty house and that his wish of having no family around for the holidays, has come true.
But after a few hours, two con men plan to rob the home and Kevin alone must protect it with his cunning and childish pranks!
The Polar Express (2004)
Train conductor, Tom Hanks is on board a magical train that is heading towards the North Pole. This film is based on a story book by Chris Van Allsburg.
A young and unnamed boy has got to the age when he has doubts that Santa is real. On Christmas Eve, he listens out for Santa’s sleigh bells and wakes up to find a train in the middle of his street. The boy then boards the train for the journey of a lifetime. Meeting lots of other boys and girls on the way. However, the journey involves many complications, from missing train tickets, train tracks covered in ice and a whole lot more.
Finally the children reach their destination and meet Santa Claus just in time to get back home for Christmas Day.
Jack Frost (1998)
A musician whose dream is to be super-famous, turns into a snowman? Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but it’s such an amazing story line.
Jack didn’t really have the time for his wife, Gabby, or his younger son, Charlie, as he was touring all the time. It takes a tragic turn for the worst when Jack dies in a car accident on Christmas Day.
Even though it’s not a very merry film, it has a really heartfelt story. After Jack magically becomes a snowman, he is given the chance to make up for lost time with his son.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Recently added to Netflix on the 22nd November, The Christmas Chronicles is incredible.
It is a film for those who love a good laugh, cute elves, and a bad-ass Santa, who is completely bonkers, to the point that he ends up in a police chase and gets arrested.
The Christmas Chronicles stars the famous Kurt Russell, also known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Fast and the Furious, this film will have you perched on the edge of your sofa waiting for the next gripping scene to explode into action!
It’s based on a family who lost their dad, which means that Christmas is not really the same. Father Christmas believer Kate and her non-believer brother, Teddy, meet the jolly St. Nick and they must save Christmas before it’s too late!
Santa Buddies (2009)
If you’re a huge fan of cute puppies, then this film is for you!
Butterball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud go on a festive journey to the North Pole.
It’s about reminding Santa Paws’ son that Christmas is not about what you get, and it is really about what you give! If you love this then you’ll be happy to know there are 7 movies starring these adorable pups.
