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| Illustration by: MissABeet |
A Christmas movie marathon is something I insist on carrying out every year. There’s nothing like the magic of the movies to get you in the festive spirit. Even if you are struggling to get hyped for the big day, I guarantee a Christmas movie or two is going to rid you of any Scrooge-like feelings and convince you that this really is the most wonderful time of the year.
There’s just two more sleeps, so stop whatever you are doing and gather your loved ones… it’s time for a roaring fire, a steaming mug of hot chocolate (or perhaps a little mulled wine), a bowl popcorn and a pile of your favourite Christmas movies...
It's A Wonderful Life
Released: 1946
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers
Probably the world's favourite Christmas movie, It's A Wonderful Life is a must for every festive movie marathon. I have a real soft spot for James Stewart in all of his movies, but especially in this classic. He plays the charming George Bailey, the anti-Scrooge, who is attempting suicide on Christmas Eve. Up in heaven, Angel Clarence is assigned the task of saving him. In order to prepare for this task, he looks back on George's selfless life, which he has spent forgoing his own dreams and ambitions in order to help others. You'll probably shed a tear every time you watch it, unless you really are a cold-hearted Grinch!
The Snowman/Father Christmas
Released: 1982/1991
Created by: Raymond Briggs
I always try to watch these two Raymond Briggs classics in tandem (especially as they are both only 30 minutes long). As most of you know, The Snowman is the story of a boy whose snowman is magically brought to life for a night time adventure. The film is completely free of words and dialogue, other than the well-known song "Walking in the Air", which you'll probably be humming for days after viewing. Father Christmas, on the other hand, is filled with the moans and groans of a somewhat grumpy Santa Claus as we are given a glimpse into his life on the other 364 days of the year. Both films will give you hefty doses of both magical Christmas charm and nostalgia. Bonus points if you watch the 1983 version of The Snowman with an introduction by David Bowie.
Love, Actually
Released: 2003
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and every other British actor you can think of
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and every other British actor you can think of
Often one to find a lot of romantic comedies cringey and a little vomit inducing, I actually really like Love, Actually. It never fails to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and I'm always left hoping that Hugh Grant will one day be Prime Minister. Featuring an ensemble cast of several famous faces, the film tells around ten intertwining stories of various individuals dealing with their love lives in the lead up to Christmas. By the end of the film, you'll truly believe that love actually... is all around.
Edward Scissorhands
Released: 1990
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
Not your bog standard Christmas film, but one of my favourites none the less. Edward Scissorhands is the magical, charming and innocent tale of a gentle outsider attempting to fit into a suburban community. He struggles to find acceptance on the account of having scissors for hands. The enchanting final scenes show the town being covered in snowfall caused by the creation of magnificent ice sculptures by Edward with the help of his scissorhands. The movie also features a haunting, yet magical soundtrack by Danny Elfman.
Home Alone
Released: 1990
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Macaulay Culkin
Starring: Macaulay Culkin
Every child's dream and every parent's nightmare... Home Alone is the story of Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, who is left to fend for himself after his family accidently leaves him at home when they leave to spend Christmas in France. Kevin's fun is brought to an end when he is forced to defend his home against two idiotic burglars. I think most of us have seen and loved this movie time and time again. After all, it was written by the great John Hughes, creator of every single one of your favourite 80s teen movies (or at least all of mine). The sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is just as amazing and is possibly even more likely to get you in the Christmas spirit. So, why not watch both?
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Released: 1993
Director: Henry Selick
I think we'll never know if The Nightmare Before Christmas is really a Halloween film or a Christmas film. In my opinion, it really doesn't matter! It is just as likely to get you in the festive spirit ready for the 25th December as it is to get you in the mood for ghosts and ghouls on the 31st October. In this unique tale, Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween, decides there is more to life than scaring small children on Halloween. After he stumbles across Christmas town, he persuades the residents of Halloween town to spread some festive cheer. Although he has the best of intentions, Jack doesn't quite get it right and ultimately risks ruining Christmas for one and all!
Miracle On 34th Street
Released: 1947
Director: George Seaton
Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne
Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne
Miracle On 34th Street, like It's A Wonderful Life, is often regarded as one of the greatest Christmas films of all time. It was even nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The movie tells the charming story of Kris Kringle, the real Father Christmas, who is roped into the job of being Santa at Macy's Department Store in New York. After insisting that he is the real Santa Claus, Kris is institutionalised. He must prove that he is the one and only Santa in order to be released in time for Christmas. The film was also remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough in the role of Santa Claus and Mara Wilson, mostly known for her role in Matilda, as Susan.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Released: 2000
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Jim Carrey
Starring: Jim Carrey
In How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Suess' grumpy, green Grinch is brought to life by comedy actor Jim Carrey. The story takes place in Whoville, home of the Whos, where Christmas is celebrated with much happiness and joy. The Grinch, who lives on the outskirts of Whoville, despises Christmas and is hell bent on ruining it for the Whos. However, Cindy Lou, a young Who, is determined to teach the Grinch the true meaning of Christmas. A strange yet heart warming tale!
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Released: 1983
Director: Burny Mattinson
Like many young girls, my sister and I were Disney fanatics growing up. I remember having Mickey's Christmas Carol on video and watching it frequently (probably when it wasn't even Christmas). So, this is a bit of a nostalgic one for me. It's the classic story of Dicken's A Christmas Carol told by all your favourite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit and, of course, Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge. What's not to love?
Elf
Released: 2003
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel
In the ten years since its release, Elf has become a classic Christmas film. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a man who has been raised as an elf, who is sent to America to find his true identity. It is a sweet, good natured comedy full of yuletide cheer! It also features a blonde Zooey Deschanel as Buddy's love interest, Jovie.
Which Christmas movies will you be cracking out this year?
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