Features
10 Christmas Films For Cosy Nights In
by Kelly Morris, Guest Writer
Now that December is finally here, we’re stepping into Christmas the best way we know how and transforming our living rooms into our very own home cinemas.
The perfect way to spend those chilly dark nights with candles lit aplenty, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best Christmas films that capture the spirit of the season and spread a little magic ✨.
From heart-warming classics, to a few newbies you might not have seen yet, it’s time to slip on your favourite loungewear, grab a cosy blanket and snuggle up with one of these festive flicks 🎥.
1. Home Alone (1990) – Available to watch on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+
One of our all-time favourite Christmas films, Home Alone is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of the whole family. When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is left behind during a chaotic family dash to the airport on their annual Christmas break, he unwittingly becomes the man of the house. Forced to defend his family’s home from two bumbling burglars, Kevin devises an assault course of booby traps to thwart their devious plans.
2. The Holiday (2006) – Available to watch on Netflix
Looking for a cute Christmas rom-com? The Holiday stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who swap homes in Los Angeles and the English countryside for the festive season. Both nursing broken hearts and seeking change, they unexpectedly find themselves swept up in new romances and forced to make tough decisions about returning to their real lives.
3. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (2001)
Some might say that the first film in the Harry Potter series isn’t a Christmas movie, but we’ve got news for you — it definitely is. From Harry celebrating his first ever Christmas to Hogwarts in the snow and Ron’s homemade jumper, it’s brimming with festive feels, not to mention magic… and what could be more magical than Christmas?
4. Elf (2003) – Available to watch on NOW TV
Packed full of some of the funniest Christmas movie moments of all time (“SANTA!!!! I KNOW HIM!), Elf is a festive must-watch. A baby raised as an elf grows into an adult three times the size of those around him and realises he will never truly fit in at the North Pole. After finally meeting his real family, Buddy discovers his 10-year-old brother doesn’t believe in Santa or elves leading him to discover his destiny — to save Christmas for New York and the world.
5. The Polar Express (2004) – Available to watch on Amazon Prime
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his window the night before Christmas. Doubting the existence of Santa Claus, he’s invited on board for an extraordinary train ride, learning the wonder of life and the magic of Christmas never fades for those who believe.
6. Love Actually (2003) – Available to watch on Netflix
Ok, so some of the characters stories may not have aged too well since its release, but there’s no denying our Christmas movie list wouldn’t be complete without Love Actually. Nine intertwined stories in the run up to Christmas focus on the one emotion that connects us all, love. Whether you find Andrew Lincoln’s Mark creepy or cute, Hugh Grant’s iconic dance as the Prime Minister never gets old. And let’s not forget Bill Nighy’s outstanding performance as washed-up rock star Billy Mack… “Thank you Ant or Dec”.
7. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) – Available to watch on Amazon Prime
Another perhaps controversial addition to our list, but Bridget Jones’ Diary IS a Christmas movie. Bookended by two Christmases, it focuses on Bridget taking stock and reflecting on the events of the last 12 months, and hey, who doesn’t do that? Colin Firth rocks a bold reindeer Christmas knit looking both dorky and adorable at the same time, and of course, there’s that kiss in the snow.
8. The Snowman (1982) – Available to watch on Amazon Prime
“We’re walking in the air…” Short and sweet, The Snowman is the iconic Christmas movie with the most festive soundtrack of all time. Set to music, this animated classic tells the tale of a snowman who magically comes to life at the stroke of midnight. To avoid his new friend melting, the boy and his snowman take flight soaring over the South Downs and Brighton Pier on their way to meet Father Christmas.
9. Frozen (2013) – Available to watch on Disney + and Amazon Prime
It’s hard to believe it’s only been eight years since the phenomenon that is Frozen took over the world. If you haven’t seen it, where have you been? A stone cold classic, it tells the story of two sisters divided by one’s ability to turn any object or person into ice. Expect loveable sidekicks, Oscar-winning songs and classic Disney magic.
10. Last Christmas (2019) – Available to watch on Netflix
A romantic comedy with a twist, Last Christmas tells the story of aspiring singer and George Michael super-fan Kate, who works as an elf in a Christmas shop between going to auditions. Feeling suffocated by her family, disheartened by her career and lurching from one disaster to the next, she meets a mysterious man named Tom outside her shop who changes her perspective on life forever.