My top 5 Christmas films

Nothing shouts Christmas more than getting cosy and settling down to watch a pick of your favourite festive movies over the holiday period. However, maybe you are bored of watching the same thing every year and want to try something new, with that in mind here are my slightly left field picks for the top five films to watch at Christmas in no particular order.

1. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Probably the most controversial on this list for the split opinions on whether it is actually a Christmas film, the first iteration into the Narnia trilogy is an exciting and very well made fantasy adventure.

It does however, especially at the beginning, show a great deal of festive iconography. For example, when Lucy first enters Narnia she is greeted by a vast winter wonderland and eventually bumps into a very surprised Mr. Tumnus who is wearing a knitted red scarf and bearing a stack of parcels. Everything shouts Christmas! Never mind the actual appearance of Father Christmas later on in the film who presents the children with individual gifts.

If you’re looking for a change and something slightly more whimsical than your regular Christmas movie, this is perfect with a hot chocolate and some Turkish Delight (points if you already get the reference). Even better is that once you’re finished there are two more brilliant sequels to enjoy!

2. Batman Returns

The 1992 follow up to Tim Burtons ‘The Batman’ is as Christmassy as a superhero movie is likely to get. Whilst dark in its tone, the choice to present Gotham city under a cover of ice and snow is what really brings the film up to Christmas movie standard.

The Christmas elements throughout are what really sell it, the symbol of the Christmas tree for instance, or the fact that the main villain was abandoned by his parents on Christmas day. Whilst it is up for debate as to how far it can be argued as a Christmas film, there is no doubt that Christmas was in the directors mind when filming the flick.

3. The Muppets Christmas Carol

This one is very basic but it is in no way boring, its a unique take on Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ with the added charm of the Muppet characters. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and can be watched with relative ease. If anything, it is better than watching the plethora of older versions of the Christmas Carol story, and who doesn’t love the Muppets? It remains a solid choice.

4. Little Women (2019)

This is one of the most heart-warming movies of the last decade without debate and Oscar nominated, it pulls on the heartstrings and feels very “Christmas”. What especially sticks out is the colour palette used early on in the film when the sisters are young, it is festive and warm which helps to show their innocence and sense of charity which is represented also by the Christmas backdrop. If you want to feel cosy this is definitely the film to watch this holiday.

5. It’s a Wonderful Life

A certified classic which needed to be included, It’s A Wonderful Life is a story of redemption from selfish businessman to cherished family man. One of the best moments of the movie is the transformation from bleak black and white to vivid colour as the protagonists redemption arc is completed. Whilst it is a long film at just over two hours it really embodies the feeling of Christmas and in any case should not be overlooked this holiday season.