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It’s that time of the year when we all become amateur film critics, diving headfirst into the treasure trove of Christmas movies. There’s no shortage of festive flicks, each with its own charm. In the realm of festive films, one gem is set to make a grand return to the big screen as it marks its 20th anniversary in 2023.
As we dust off our beloved Christmas movie collections, the announcement of “Love Actually” getting a cinema re-release couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Directed by Richard Curtis and initially released in 2003, this ensemble Christmas movie has become a staple in our seasonal celebrations.
While “Love Actually” didn’t initially dazzle critics, it has since aged like a fine wine, capturing hearts with its timeless charm. From Bill Nighy’s unforgettable rendition of “Christmas Is All Around” to the iconic Joni Mitchell sequence, the film has earned its place as a beloved classic. You can grab your tickets here.
Now, in the spirit of spreading holiday cheer, we tapped into the festive vibes of the POPSUGAR team and asked them to spill their go-to Christmas movies.
Some movies carry sentimental weight, while others are simply beloved for the pure enjoyment they bring. As you explore our team’s favourites, you might just find your own cherished classic or discover a new addition to your holiday watch list.
So, without further ado, here’s POPSUGAR’s picks for the best Christmas movies.
“The Polar Express”
Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Why we love it: “It’s just so fantastical but still kinda dark and obviously the animation is so realistic that it’s almost unnerving. What other movie will have scary train ghosts, caribou and a song dedicated entirely to hot chocolate? NONE!” — Jackson
Where to watch: Streaming now on BINGE.
“Love Actually”
Synopsis: Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.
Why we love it: “My wife and I went to see it at Moonlight when we first started dating, and its become an annual tradition” — Josh
Where to watch: Streaming now on Netflix, BINGE, Stan
“Die Hard”
Synopsis: A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.
Why we love it:
“It’s got everything a Christmas film needs: family, explosions, a little kindness, and lots of suspense. If you think about it, it’s a movie about a man trying to get home for Christmas. I watch it with my fiancé every year around Christmas” — Tash
“I binge it with my Dad every year. Nothing screams Christmas quite like, ‘Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho'” — Joel
Where to watch: Streaming now on Disney+
“The Santa Clause”
Synopsis: Scott Calvin is about to turn 65 and, realising he can’t be Santa forever, sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in life south of the pole.
Why we love it: “I love Tim Allen and it really does get me excited for Christmas every year. The movies are so fun, bright, full of family and Christmas treats and traditions. Absolutely love love love them!” — Steph
Where to watch: Streaming now on Disney+
“Muppet Christmas Carol”
Synopsis: The Muppets present their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale.
Why we love it: “It is so funny and charming and just makes me feel happy. Michael Caine plays Scrooge 100% seriously which is amazing” — Josh
Where to watch: Streaming now on Disney+
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Synopsis: On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.
Why we love it: “He’s the OG holiday troublemaker! Dr. Seuss gave us this green, fuzzy grump, brilliantly brought to life by Jim Carrey, and he’s become the undisputed king of Christmas chaos.With Jim Carrey’s humour and a message that warms even the coldest hearts, ‘The Grinch’ is the Christmas classic that nails the naughty-nice balance” — Kailah
Where to watch: Streaming now on Netflix
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”
Synopsis: An orphaned boy enrols in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.
Why we love it: “There’s just something so magical about the Christmas scene where they’re playing chess and Harry gets his invisibility cloak as a present” — Sohan
Where to watch: Streaming now on Netflix, Paramount+, Stan
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