Classic Christmas Films

Deck the halls with boughs of DVDs… maybe not but only because most films are on a streaming service these days! If you still own DVDs or VHS then it is entirely possible that some of these films will be in your collection. There are a lot of wonderful new Christmas films released every year but they will never bring me the same joy as re-watching some of my old favourites. For this week’s ‘Six for Sunday’ I wanted to share with you some classics that if you haven’t watched, or haven’t watched for a while, you should definitely dust them off:

Bridget Jones’s Diary

My number one favourite Christmas film of all time. It is the first film that I can remember watching when I was growing up that had a woman meant to represent part of the female population that is usually ignored on the big screen. The average woman. Bridget Jones is hilarious. I love her. She is always putting her foot in it, has no idea what she is doing most of the time and has to force her way through awkward social situations like the rest of us. It gives me all the feels and has one of the most romantic film lines ever, which I won’t say just in case you are yet to experience it for yourself. A fantastic comedy with romance, big pants, eccentric family and a woman trying to navigate it all.

Love Actually

A wonderful film with some well known romantic scenes. There are so many great characters in Love Actually. I really enjoy how all of the individual character stories are woven together. Although it is a romantic comedy there are sadder moments in the film, which give it a lot more depth that the average Christmas watch. Love Actually is a film that is more than the sum of its parts as it explores love, in all its complexities, and how it shapes us all. I always find the ending beautifully poignant. This is at the top of my list to watch at the moment, although it always makes me a little sad when I see Alan Rickman. He was a fantastic actor. If you want a heart warming Christmas film then this should be your go to.

The Holiday

This is one of my friend’s favourite Christmas films. I watched this on repeat when it was first released, mainly because I was jealous of the Cotswold’s cottage that Kate Winslet’s character lives in. It is so charming and would be the PERFECT place to snuggle up with all of my books. We all become fed up with our lives and who hasn’t thought about how much they would love to temporarily switch with somebody else? Well that is exactly what two strangers, Iris and Amanda, decide to do. Having both been unlucky in love maybe a change of scenery will do them some good. A feel-good romantic comedy to enjoy with a big mug of hot chocolate.

A Christmas Carol

You cannot have a classic Christmas films list without A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ novel has inspired numerous film adaptations, including the 1993 version with the Muppets. Personally, I prefer the 2009 animated Disney version with Jim Carey. I think there is room for a new A Christmas Carol film with deeper character analysis and darker visual aspects. I wouldn’t enjoy a horror style film but I could definitely imagine elements from a filmmaker such as Guillermo del Toro. There is yet to be a film version that ticks all of the boxes for me. It is a story that everyone knows but it is always good to have a reminder that you reap what you sow!

Home Alone

The best Christmas family comedy in existence. If you were a kid accidentally left by themselves over Christmas then what would you do? When Kevin’s family fly off to France without him he quickly learns what it means to be the man of the house. Home Alone has a cult following and with very good reason. Macaulay Culkin is a Christmas film icon. Children in the 90s dreamt of the elaborate booby traps that they would set in their own homes should the opportunity ever present itself. John Williams was a musical genius and I love the soundtrack for Home Alone. Whenever I hear “Somewhere in my Memory” it gives me all the feels.

The Grinch

I believe there is a Grinch in nearly every home. In our home it used to be my Dad. One unfortunate Christmas both myself and my Dad were having operations on the same day in two different hospitals. He had a hernia and I was on crutches after an operation on my foot. My mother banned us from being in the same room together for fear of him ripping his stitches as I couldn’t help making him laugh and was incapable of leaving the room fast enough to help him stop. Before I left the room though I put on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas for him to watch. It was very quickly turned off by my Mum as he couldn’t stop laughing. He found it hilarious and I’m sure it was because he recognised himself. The Grinch is a modern A Christmas Carol, where a lesson must be learnt before Christmas can be enjoyed by all. We did eventually find something on the TV my Dad could watch without laughing raucously. Unfortunately when my Mum walked in the living room and found my Dad watching Songs of Praise she had to run straight back out, nearly dropping my Dad’s hot bowl of soup on the floor, almost dying with laughter herself.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is not one of my favourite films but it is definitely a classic that won a lot of people’s hearts. There is a new Grinch film this year, which looks like really good fun. If you enjoyed the new film or are yet to watch it, then why not check out the original!

Which is your favourite?

I honestly can’t wait until the official Christmas holidays are here and I can curl up with my partner on the sofa to watch a bunch of these films! He has not watched, or as he would say “managed to escape”, most of the romantic comedies so I think that is where we will be starting. I think he may be my new Christmas Grinch! Did your favourite film make it onto my list? What Christmas classics are you going to be watching this year?

Thanks for reading! Happy Blogmas!