New and old Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit

Nothing says Christmas like snuggling up with a good film, a blanket, and maybe a hot chocolate (or two). 

Whether you’re drawn to heartwarming classics that never get old or want to discover the newest festive releases, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Christmas films to get you into the spirit of the season.

THE NEWBIES

An Almost Christmas Story – Disney + 

An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to reunite with their parents. This short, animated film has a talented voice cast, which includes newcomers Cary Christopher as Moon, Estella Madrigal as Luna and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who also performs original songs. 

That Christmas – Netflix 

Based on the charming trilogy of children’s books by multi-award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually fame. That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys. This heartwarming comedy marks Curtis’ first foray into the world of animation. The voice cast includes Bill Nighy, Brian Cox, Jodie Whitaker, Kathrine Parkinson and Guz Khan, among other famous faces. This little festive treat is a great one for children and parents alike. 

Our Little Secret – Netflix

Lindsay Lohan reunites with Netflix for another festive treat. Avery and Logan haven’t spoken in 10 years since they broke up. As Christmas approaches, they discover that their new partners are siblings, and they’ve both been invited to stay with the family for the holidays. Avery proposes that they keep their past a secret to avoid any awkward confrontations, but hiding the truth turns out to be much more difficult than it seems, and spending time together reignites old sparks… 

Carry On – Netflix

Taron Egerton stars as TSA agent Ethan Kopek, who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveller (Jason Bateman). Ethan is forced to let an ominous package through security onto a Christmas Day flight. If your festive viewing includes watching films like Die Hard, then make sure this suspenseful thriller is on your watch list this Christmas.   

THE OLD CLASSICS

Love Actually – 2003 – Amazon Prime

Love truly is all around in this very much adored star-studded festive classic that weaves 10 romantic love stories together during the most wonderful time of the year. Directed by Richard Curtis and stacked with a cast of memorable actors, including Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Keira Knightly, Andrew Lincoln, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth and Rowen Atkinson, to name but a few. (HLN fun fact – the word ‘actually’ is said 23 times in total during the film)

The Holiday – 2006– Netflix

Two women who are grappling with heartbreak decide to swap houses for the holidays, finding new homes for their hearts in the process. Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black star. Directed by Nancy Meyers, this beloved romantic comedy is also showing at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle. (HLN fun fact – Jude Law recently revealed in an interview that the cottage seen in the famous rom-com isn’t actually real. Every Christmas, people flock in their hundreds to find out where the famous cottage is, only to discover it doesn’t exist…) 

It’s a Wonderful Life – 1946 – Tyneside Cinema 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a Christmas movie as impactful as this magical classic. The film follows the story of George Bailey, a man who unexpectedly falls on hard times and contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve until he meets Clarence, an angel who shows him what life would be like if he had never existed. A poignant, moving and uplifting tale, this is a must-watch to remind us of the true value of family, love and the power of community. (HLN fun fact: It’s a Wonderful Life is the first Christmas movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. However, no Christmas movie has yet to win the award.)

The Bishop’s Wife – 1947 – various independent cinemas  

Another golden oldie that will leave you with a wonderful glow. Henry Brougham (David Niven) has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral, which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn widow. He’s losing sight of his family and why he became a churchman in the first place when a debonair angel Dudley (Cary Grant), comes to Earth to help the bishop and his wife (Loretta Young) in their quest to raise money for the new church. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. Apart from Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, both at work and in his family’s affections, as Christmas approaches. (HLN fun fact – There’s a remake of this movie starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston)  

The Snowman – 1982 – The Fire Station, Sunderland on 22^nd December, and Channel 4 on Christmas Eve.

If you caught our feature on Festive Film Escapes: The Best Pop-Up Cinemas and Screenings, then you’ll know that Sunderland’s Fire Station will be offering a magical screening of one of our favourite Christmas films ever, with gorgeous animation and unforgettable music. Whether you see it live or watch it at home, The Snowman is a true Christmas classic. (HLN fun fact – the well-known song ‘Walking in the Air’ is not sung by Aled Jones in the film – it was sung by youngster Peter Auty, who was paid £300 but never credited. Jones first sang the song after Auty’s voice had broken.)

Home Alone – 1990 – Disney +  

Home Alone has become a cult Christmas movie since it was released in 1990. After his family accidentally leaves him behind when they head for their Christmas vacation in Paris, eight-year-old troublemaker Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) must defend his home from The Wet Bandits – a pair of robbers who target empty houses in his neighbourhood. Kevin must act quickly by wiring his own house with booby traps to stop the burglars and bring them to justice. (HLN fun fact – Home Alone has fooled many people into believing that the black and white movie “Angels with Filthy Souls” is real. Kevin uses the gangster movie to fool the Wet Bandits, but it isn’t actually a real film.)