Twentieth Century Fox has called the long-debated Die Hard 'the greatest Christmas story ever told'.
Twentieth Century Fox has called the long-debated Die Hard 'the greatest Christmas story ever told'.
Wondering what to watch that’s not Love Actually? Sarah Pollock has some suggestions.
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to throw up the tinsel, blast the Bublé and get into the festive spirit. Few ways get us feeling celebratory like a good Christmas movie and luckily for you, we’ve got a film for every vibe whether you like your movies old and classic, packed with action or as cheesy as possible.
If you want cheesy trash: Falling for Christmas (2022)
Sometimes we enjoy complex award-winning films. Other times, we need a supremely cheesy cookie-cutter movie where beautiful people find predictably happy endings. There are countless options but we can’t skip past a Lindsay Lohan comeback. In this film, Lohan plays a spoiled heiress with amnesia who loses her memory in a skiing accident and falls under the care of a cabin owner. Say less.
Christmas movie or not? It’s a debate that has raged for 35 years but for the sake of all the people out there who can’t stomach any film that doesn’t include a shootout, we say yes. During a Christmas Eve office party, NYPD officer John McClane battles terrorists (and you thought your office party was bad) in an action-packed thriller that will satisfy all the action-lovers out there.
Watch it on Disney+, Apple TV or Amazon Prime.
The Bruce Willis film has become a cult Christmas classic.
If you want something historic: Joyeux Noël (2005)
Need something that satisfies the history fans, war buffs, foreign film lovers and those who simply want a Christmas film? Joyeux Noel ticks all the boxes. Based on the Christmas truce of December 1914, the moving film shows how six French, British, and German soldiers work together to create an incredible moment of peace that leads to an unexpected compassion and empathy amidst a cruel war.
If you want a replacement for Love Actually: The Holiday (2006)
So you rewatched Love Actually last year and realised it’s unbearably awkward and sexist. Yet, you still desire a classic mid-2000s rom-com. Swap out the cringe for the absolute delight that is The Holiday and thank me later. Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black shine in a totally predictable yet deeply comforting film about love, not just for others but for yourself.
Watch on Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Google Play Movies.
English rose Iris (Kate Winslet) meets American Miles (Jack Black) in The Holiday.
If you want a perfect classic: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Does it get any more classic than this 1940s flick? No, it doesn’t. This beloved story of hope and redemption follows George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his dreams for his family. Then, on Christmas Eve he faces a crisis that makes him wish he’d never been born. Thanks to the appearance of an angel, George sees the impact he’s had on those around him and, well, I won’t give the end away.
Watch on Apple TV, or Google Play Movies.
If you want a nostalgic trip to the 90s: Home Alone (1990)
Today, a kid like Kevin McCallister would probably text his parents when he realises they’ve left him at home. Or spend the time scrolling TikTok. But back in the 1990s there was nothing to do but to wait for his family to realise and defend his home from two bumbling burglars. Rich in 90s nostalgia and good old-fashioned slapstick comedy, Home Alone is a goodie for the whole family.
Watch on Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Google Play Movies.
Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci in Home Alone.
If you want an animated movie: Klaus (2019)
In this visually stunning flick, a reclusive toymaker and selfish postman form an unlikely friendship when they decide to try and turn a feuding town into one of peace and community. Based on the origin story of Santa Claus, the moving themes are a reminder that even animated films can have festive and important messages for us all.
Watch on Netflix.
If you want some child-like optimism: Elf (2003)
If you’ve yet to see Will Ferrell acting like a human mistakenly raised by elves who escapes to New York to find his father, then you are, in his character Buddy’s words, “a cotton-headed ninny muggins”. If you need a little reminder of the optimism and wonder to be found in the world, and especially Christmas, this is one film you should add to your watch list.
Watch on Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Google Play Movies.
Will Ferrell's performance as Buddy the elf has become a feelgood favourite.
If you want a classic, reimagined: A Christmas Carol (2009)
Jim Carrey brings Ebenezer Scrooge to life (well, animated life) in a modern adaptation of Dickens’ famous tale. With immersive visuals and a moving storyline, it’s a captivating retelling of the miser’s journey to redemption. On the night before Christmas, three spirits visit the old man who despises all things Christmassy and happy and attempts to change his mind.
Watch on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or Google Play Movies.
If you want one for the girls and the gays: Happiest Season (2020)
Pour yourself a Christmas cocktail and settle in for a movie that is as festive as it is fierce. Kristen Stewart is Abby, a lesbian who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper but realises Harper hasn’t come out to her parents. A film about love, acceptance and family dynamics, the rom-com is one everyone can enjoy.
Watch on TVNZ+, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime or Google Play Movies.
If you want a singalong with big laughs: Spirited (2022)
Ever wished there was a musical comedy Christmas film to watch this season? Well, if the animated A Christmas Carol isn’t your cup of tea, opt for Spirited, a modern, musical twist on the story featuring comedy powerhouses Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Warning, prepare for catchy tunes, laugh-out-loud jokes and a sentimental ending.
If you want something sentimental: The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
If you can’t stand the overly festive, modern movies, try this sentimental romantic comedy starring 1940s heartthrob Cary Grant. In the black-and-white flick, scored with soaring classical music, Grant plays an angel who visits a bishop whose marriage and church are struggling and tries to help them as they draw near to Christmas.
Watch in full on YouTube.
If you want hope for finding love: Serendipity (2001)
In the era of dating apps, Sara’s decision to ditch Jonathan after a meet-cute at Christmas because she wants to test their destiny feels idiotic. Yet that’s the beauty of a good Christmas movie; it encourages us to hope beyond reason. If the world of romance is feeling a touch bitter, settle in for this lighthearted romance that sees the couple cross paths 10 years and two engagements later and decide whether it’s fate or pure chance.
