After an exciting (albeit busy) day of cooking dinner and opening presents, you might relish the chance to settle down to watch a film with your family on the evening of Christmas Day.
Read more: 10 practical ways to beat the festive stress this Christmas
Yet, with streaming services now offering countless options, it can be tricky to decide which movie would best suit your evening.
To make deciding easier, continue reading to discover 10 of the best festive films to watch with your loved ones on Christmas Day.
1. Elf
Elf is essentially mandatory viewing for anyone who needs a laugh after the stress of Christmas Day.
The titular Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, is a human raised by Santa’s elves who decides to travel to New York City to find his biological father.
His innocent and often chaotic attempt to navigate everyday human life offers constant humour, but underneath it all is a touching reminder of the power of belief during the festive period.
2. Home Alone
Yet another classic, Home Alone focuses on Kevin McCallister, the eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family depart for a Christmas trip to Paris.
After enjoying his sudden freedom, Kevin has to defend his home from two burglars – played by the brilliant Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern – with several inventive traps.
The slapstick comedy of the film has been entertaining families for generations.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
Often considered one of the greatest films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man facing despair on Christmas Eve.
However, an angel called Clarence suddenly arrives to show George what his life would have been like for his loved ones if he had never existed.
The film is incredibly emotional and perfectly highlights the value of every life.
4. The Polar Express
The Polar Express, renowned for its style of animation at the time, follows a young boy who boards a mysterious train on Christmas Eve, bound for the North Pole.
Of course, during the journey on the eponymous train, the boy and his newfound friends witness plenty of magic along the way.
5. Love Actually
If you have a slightly older family and would prefer a romantic comedy on Christmas, Love Actually is exactly what you’re looking for.
It follows the love lives of several people and couples in the weeks leading up to Christmas in London.
The film has a star-studded cast, too, featuring the likes of Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and Alan Rickman. Together, they deliver an unforgettable performance.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Based on the Dr. Seuss book, this live-action version stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, a cynical creature who attempts to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville.
Carrey’s performance is iconic, and the film offers a humorous take on materialism during Christmas, promoting the idea that festive spirit shouldn’t depend solely on gifts.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
After a hectic day, you might be looking for a film that shows an equally chaotic experience, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation won’t disappoint.
Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, attempts to host the perfect family day, only for everything to eventually descend into disaster.
It could offer the perfect comic relief for anyone who has experienced the pressures of hosting.
8. Joyeux Noël
For something entirely different, the French film Joyeux Noël tells the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 during the first world war.
It shows the moments when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms on Christmas Day to share peace in the trenches.
It is a powerful film that depicts the deeper meaning of Christmas, even during the worst of times.
9. A Castle for Christmas
The Netflix original, A Castle for Christmas, could be perfect if you’re looking for a festive romantic comedy, but you’ve seen Love Actually too many times.
It follows an American author who travels to Scotland and attempts to buy a castle from its current owner, a grumpy duke.
The breathtaking Scottish scenery and light-hearted comedy are guaranteed to make for a pleasant evening.
10. Die Hard
Whether you think it’s a proper Christmas film or not, Die Hard certainly won’t leave you bored after a busy day of hosting.
The action film is set during a Christmas party, which is taken over by terrorists. One of the attendees, detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, takes it upon himself to rescue the other party-goers in an explosive way.
This action-packed classic could be ideal if you’re seeking a break from the more traditional festive films.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
