Whilst my baby sleeps I’ve been getting into Christmas by watching Christmas Films on Netflix or Disney+. Over the years I’ve definitely accumulated a large list to watch each Christmas time, for me as soon as Halloween is over then it is time to get into Christmas.
Christmas films are something I look forward to all year round, I have so many fond memories of snuggling up on the sofa with the dogs and cats watching Christmas films with the family and feeling the true magic of Christmas. The roaring fire in the background lighting the room with The Holiday on in the background whilst we decorate the tree, little things like that remind me of happy memories.
Christmas films for the family
Harry Potter and the philosopher stone: This film really needs no introduction, from scenes like Hagrid dragging the Christmas tree into the great hall or Harry’s excited face when he realises he has presents under the tree, you can’t help feel the magic. Whilst the film isn’t necessary set fully at Christmas time it is something that before streaming services was always on TV and in the Christmas Radio Times edition for each year to watch when I was growing up.(Netflix)
The Grinch: “You’re a mean one” This update on a classic with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the Grinch is a wonderful version on the classic story. Funnily enough as a child I could never understand why the Grinch would want to live alone with his dog, as an adult I couldn’t identify and empathise more with him! This heartfelt story is great for everyone and my son loved seeing Whoville. This universal story is about the spirit of Christmas and being kind to everyone. (Netflix)
Klaus: This is an animated film which is really heart warming. You follow a postman’s journey of friendship with a toy maker. This Christmas films is a Santa origin story unlike any other, it’s full of the wonder of magic but also shows we all shouldn’t be alone. It carries a really important message and is great to watch with little ones. (Netflix)
Christmas Chronicles: A brother and sister have to save Christmas together after causing Santa’s sleigh to crash. The Christmas Chronicles shows the power of working together and sibling bonds. This is a film my partner introduced me to and one I look forward to watching together.(Netflix)
A Christmas Prince: One of my favourites, I’ve made my family watch this and it’s sequels since it came out each year. I truly love this film, a little cheesy but just the right amount. The scenery is gorgeous and who doesn’t love a royal family love story?(Netflix)
Frozen: Let it go! Forever a family favourite you can sing along to with your little ones. (Disney+)
Not your typical Christmas films
These films are close to my heart, they are not the average fall in love Christmas film. These films are so much more and often hilarious. They represent very real situations that happen when family is together and often have a really good message as to what is important this time of year.
Christmas With the Coopers: A film with many familiar faces, we follow the members of the family in the lead up for Christmas day. This isn’t your typical Christmas film as I think it represents complicated family dynamics very well and is actually close to being a more like reality Christmas Film. The film has Christmas goes wrong storyline but still manages to put a smile on our faces and have us laughing when the dog eats the “dump salad”. (Netflix)
“and then I saw this reckless girl would forgotten how beautiful she was I thought I thought if I could wake up every day and look at that face I could get through anything. and you were standing right next to her.”
Christmas With The Coopers
The Family Stone: I love watching this film with my mum each year and we always remember our favourite scene when she drops part of the Christmas dinner on the floor and whilst an argument is going on and they end up covered in the food. This film will have you hysterically crying with laughter. This film follows Sarah Jessica Parker as she struggles to fit in with her partners family and will leave you feeling a lot better about any family drama you have going on. (Disney+)
Noelle: A girl Santa?! Loved it and adore her little reindeer in training companion. Noelle seemingly gets everything wrong and almost ruins Christmas. Noelle goes on a quest to find her brother who is Santa clause but instead finds herself and her powers. It’s such a lovely film and I’ve already watched it twice this year. (Disney+)
The classics
Love Actually: I actually have a top from Primark with Hugh Grants famous dance scene in the white button up shirt. I adore this film, Love actually follows several storylines all at once and they are all connected. As a Christmas film it has so many iconic lines and scenes that are really powerful about love and what is important. Some are not you typical love story from falling for the Prime Minister to realising your husband has bought a necklace for another woman. Love actually is a film I watch several times in winter and I will never forget these words-
“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
Love Actually
The Holiday: Two wonderful storylines intertwined, anyone who has experienced heart break can truly identify with this film. It is so beautifully done and really makes anyone fall in love with Jack Black. It isn’t your typical romance, this film will have crying with laughter and seeing how wonderful it is to fall in love with Mr Napkin Head. (Netflix)
Miracle on 34th Street (1994): A lawyer has to prove Santa is real. This feel good classic is a heart warming story of a little girls desire for family. This timeless classic is one I look forward to watching each year it’s such a wonderful story..
Santa Clause 1,2 & 3 including The Santa Clauses (TV series): We’ve just finished season 2 of the tv series and I love it. It really has improved with each film, a Santa origin story with a twist. This Christmas comedy is one for the believer in all of us. (Disney+)
Sleepless in Seattle: A bereaved man gets another shot a love. Tom Hanks is incredible in this film, sleepless in Seattle will have you feeling all of the emotions. The way Tom Hanks describes his wife to the radio host in this film is absolute goals. (NowTv)
Probably won’t watch these again
- Falling for Christmas(Netflix)
- The Holiday Calendar(Netflix)
- Office Christmas Party (Netflix)
- Chalet Girl (Netflix)
- Godmother (Disney)