WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS
A blanket, good company, and good films—what better plan for these holidays? We show you a selection of the best Christmas films of all time.
The best Christmas films are those timeless classics that will let you enjoy an afternoon of good cinema alone or with your loved ones. At this time of year, television schedules fill with afternoon films that have the Christmas theme as a backdrop, but let's be honest, they tend to be quite predictable and ideal for taking a nap after a hearty meal.
The Best Christmas Films
If you are one of those who avoid these films with stories about the importance of wishes, love, and mall Santas, we are going to suggest some films that will make you see Christmas in a different way.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Classic cinema has given us gems like this film directed by Frank Capra. It tells the story of a man contemplating suicide during Christmas. George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, is a man tired of life who intends to end his insignificant existence. Before he succeeds, an Angel appears in his life and shows him what life in his neighborhood would be like if he were not there. It is a true delight and a timeless classic.
The Apartment (1960)
It is a classic among classics, in this funny comedy by Billy Wilder masterfully played by Jack Lemmon, you will dive into the life of a lonely office worker whose main dream is to woo an elevator operator at his workplace, who in turn is having an affair with the boss of our protagonist. A true work of art that won two Oscars. You cannot miss it.
Not all Christmas films have to be about times full of light, warmth, and good wishes; there is also room for terror, and Black Christmas is a good example of this. It tells the story of several young women who are part of a university sorority. During Christmas, they are harassed by a bloodthirsty madman who wants to kill them. Get ready for a terrifying Christmas with a horror film classic.
Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins are adorable little creatures that have become the fashionable gift for Christmas. Their owners only have to follow three rules: never feed them after midnight, never expose them to sunlight, and never get them wet! Seems simple, right? But what for Billy was his adorable mogwai Gizmo, will lead to a true invasion of these little beings for not following the rules. You will laugh out loud with this horror comedy and its characters. Ideal for an afternoon with your friends.
Home Alone (1990)
It is the quintessential Christmas classic and one of the films most repeated on television during this season, especially on themed channels. It tells the adventures of a rascal, the youngest in an American family (played by Macaulay Culkin), who decides to spend Christmas in a different way. For this, the whole family will travel to Paris, but in the rush, with the luggage and the confusion, they forget the youngest at home. When they realize he is missing, it is already too late—they are flying. While the whole family returns home from a failed vacation, the boy will face two clumsy thieves whom he will try to defeat with his tricks.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington hates Christmas and wants to get rid of Santa Claus, to do so, and to uphold his kingdom of Halloween. Besides being an animated film where the director lets his imagination run wild with the creation of these characters that have become a reference for a whole generation, you can enjoy a fantastic soundtrack created by Danny Elfman, a regular in Tim Burton’s films.
The Day of the Beast (1995)
Generally, American studios produce the most Christmas films each year, some more successful than others. In Spain, films of this type are not usually made, but we can find an example that you will love if you want a different Christmas. The Day of the Beast is one of the masterpieces of Álex de la Iglesia.
It tells the story of a priest who believes that after some investigations he has uncovered one of the most important secrets for mankind: the Apocalypse. Thanks to his research, he discovers that the Antichrist will come to Earth on December 25, 1995. He only has the date but does not know where it will happen, so he teams up with a Death Metal fan (Santiago Segura) who helps him decipher the clues.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones is a woman unlucky in love, with weight problems and some unhealthy habits. Her life seems meaningless, especially at Christmas when her parents force her to attend their Christmas party. This party and her relationship with her boss will shape the plot of this funny film. You will laugh a lot with Renée Zellweger and her quirky family.
Love Actually (2003)
Set at Christmas, this love story is one of the most beautiful you can see made nowadays. It tells 10 love stories of different characters with different views on life. Warning: you might shed a tear and rekindle your enthusiasm for this time of year.
