Top Ten Christmas Films

Christmas is not Christmas without a whole deluge of old and new films on the TV. There are the classics, the ones for the kids and the period dramas. Whatever you are into there is a Christmas movie to suit everyone. Here is a list of our top ten films relating to Christmas:

• A Christmas Carol – there are many versions of this Christmas Dickens’ classic. Some say the best was the one from 1938 in black and white; others include the newest animated film released in 2009 by Robert Zemeckis.


• Elf (2003) – an unusual twist on the traditional Christmas story of family and redemption. A human baby is accidentally taken to the North Pole and grows up among the elves. In search of his real father the elf travels to New York on the eve of Christmas and brings more than just a glint to everyone’s eye.


• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – a wonderful retelling of the Dr Seuss book. This story is loved by children across the globe for its warmth and ultimately happy ending. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey this is a must to get you in the festive spirit.


• It’s A Wonderful Life (1947) – a film that is on American TV’s over the holiday than any other film. From Frank Capra and starring James Stewart this is a beautiful film and is almost impossible not to cry over.


• The Polar Express (2004) – another story that is slightly unusual. It appears to be a children's film about children but there is so much more to it; particularly the fact that many adults really want to believe in the whole Christmas myth and magic. Tom Hanks voices the main character and brings a warmth and geniality to the film that has made it an instant classic.


• The Santa Clause (1994) – what would you do if you discovered your dad was actually Santa Claus? Obviously make sure you were on the nice list! Tim Allen is brilliantly, transformed into the jolly fat man in a hilarious but still heart warming story.


• Scrooged (1988) – a Christmas Carol with a twist. This fantastically updated version of the scrooge story is brought to life by central star Bill Murray. A top executive feels the wrath of all three ghosts and comes out with the right attitude in the end.


• Miracle on 34^th Street (1994) – When the real Santa is recruited to work in a New York department store over the holiday strange things start to happen. This is a remake of the original 1947 film and stars Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.


• Holiday Inn (1942) – for those with more of a musical bent this is a must. With such amazing talent as Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire and music from Irving Berlin this is the story of a group of musicians spending the festive season at the Holiday Inn. The song “White Christmas” was written especially for the film.


• Arthur Christmas (2011) – finally a new classic. This animated film tells the story of Santa’s family and how they try to fix the problem of a missing present. Arthur is the younger brother and seen as slightly clumsy but manages to come through and save the day.