With Covid-19 taking centre stage this year, it's understandable why some of you might not be feeling the Christmas spirit. I, your friendly neighbourhood blogger, am here to change that with my oh so wonderful list of fabulously festive films. If you're the kind of person that legitimately enjoys Love Actually then maybe this isn't the list for you. But by all means, read on, I'd love to educate you on what a good Christmas film actually looks like. I've included a few classics interspersed with a few alternatives that you may or may not have heard of. Either way, they are all worthy of your attention. So, without further ado, let's get into it!
*Disclaimer: I am a HUGE animation fan.*
The Polar Express (2004, Robert Zemeckis)
To start off this list, I have chosen none other than The Polar Express. Not only is it chock-full of Christmas songs and paraphanalia, but it also stars none other than the brilliant Tom Hanks, who voices not one but six characters! It's all about a young boy who boards a mysterious train and embarks on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. It is visually exciting, constantly changing pace and shows huge character development in not just the protagonist but also the supporting cast. The Polar Express fully deserves a place on this list and is an instant classic.
Favourite Quote:
"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." — Train Conductor
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, Jeremiah S. Chechik)
This is a Springham family staple and without a doubt something we all look forward to watching every Christmas. Not least because of the uncanny resemblance between the Griswold family and mine...While I'm not the biggest fan of slapstick, there is something so undeniably funny about how everything seems to go wrong in this family's rollicking run-up to Christmas. Odious in-laws? Check. Christmas dinner disaster? Check. Exploding toilet? Check! Absolutely everything about this film is pure genius with Clark Griswold's (Chevy Chase) desperate attempt to cling onto his sanity proving to be comedy gold. It perfectly balances slapstick with dry humour in a way that I promise will have you laughing till your stomach hurts. With all the misery this year has brought us, I beg you to watch this.
Favourite Quotes (I couldn't just pick one!):
"And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse." — Clark Griswold
"Surprised, Eddie?... If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised."— Clark Griswold
"I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas, and we're all in misery." — Ellen Griswold
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, Henry Selick)
If like me, you are obsessed with anything and everything Tim Burton, then you will have undoubtedly seen this one. Perhaps it's the intricacy of the stop-motion animation that does it for me or maybe it's the visual richness or the sweet escape from realism that seals the deal. However, if you're not as excited by the visual elements of this film as I am, then watch it for no other reason than the adorable Jack Skellington. He truly is the perfect misfit who you can't help but form an attachment with as the film progresses. There is no denying that this is a top tier movie, let alone Christmas movie. A fantastically festive film for all ages, with just the right amount of the macabre. *Chef's kiss*
Favourite Quote:
“Since I am dead I can take off my head to recite Shakespearean quotations.” — Jack Skellington
The Snowman (1982, Dianne Jackson)
A true masterpiece in visual storytelling, The Snowman, in my not so humble opinion, is one of the most beautiful Christmas films to ever grace our screens. This silent animated short film based on the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, is ethereal, iconic and definitely worthy of its praise. In short, it tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and the adventure they share. In just 27 minutes, it manages to cover everything from camaraderie to innocence, to isolation and freedom, in a way that doesn't feel heavy-handed or cheesy. Like many silent films, it relies heavily on its score which most certainly delivers. 'Walking In The Air', written by Howard Blake and sung by the hauntingly beautiful tones of Peter Auty is a delight for the ears and will most definitely stick with you.
Klaus (2019, Sergio Pablos)
If for some odd reason, you're not a fan of the aforementioned older Christmas films, then perhaps this more recent one will tickle your fancy. Without giving too much away, Klaus tells the story of a postman dispatched to a faraway frozen outpost whereupon he discovers Santa Claus...but not as we know him. Despite having only watched it once, it immediately became one of my favourites, not just because of its irreverent humour and inventively staged slapstick, but also because of its unique animation style that fully had me geeking out. It is the perfect holiday movie covering everything from friendship to the importance of Christmas spirit and being selfless. A modern film to rival its older, more established counterparts. Hats off.
Favourite Quote:
"A true selfless act always sparks another." — Klaus
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Ron Howard)
It's safe to say I'm a sucker for the classics so this masterpiece had to be included. Jim Carey and the Grinch are quite simply a match made in movie heaven and I can't imagine any other actor doing this role as much justice. I'm sure most of you know the premise so I won't bother telling you. While the film itself wasn't reviewed in the best of lights, with some claiming it to be too dark and scary for their kids (alright, Karen), I believe it to be an absolute Christmas staple. It certainly made my small, covid-shrunken heart grow three times bigger. Catch me watching this on repeat this Christmas.
Favourite Quote:
“4:00, wallow in self-pity. 4:30, stare into the abyss. 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one. 5:30, jazzercize; 6:30, dinner with me. I can’t cancel that again. 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing. I’m booked. Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9, I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into madness.” — The Grinch
So there you have it. My short but sweet as a candy cane list of my favourite festive films. I'm by no means claiming these to be the best, they are just ones I enjoy time and time again. For those of you wondering why Elf wasn't included on this list, it's nothing personal, I just have an intense dislike for Will Ferrell *controversial*. And if anyone has the nerve to question why The Holiday didn't make the cut, please kindly escort yourself off my blog. On that note, I hope you all have the merriest of Christmas' and stuff yourself senseless with all of the mince pies! I know I will!
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