Why you should watch: This Christmas film is a debatable one, which is why it’s perfect for December the 1st, when whether the Christmas period has actually started is also debatable. In all honesty, this is an excellent film all year around. The action scenes are legendary, as is Willis’ oft-quoted John McClane. It’s such a classic, in fact, that in 2024 festive thrillers are still trying to replicate its success. New Netflix film Carry On director Jaume Collet-Serra called the Die Hard “our North Star for the entire [filmmaking] process”.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: Nominated for a whopping 294 awards (winning 104), rated the British Film Institute’s best LGBTQ+ film of all time, and reportedly receiving a ten-minute standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere, Carol is widely regarded a modern masterpiece. Again, it’s debatable whether it’s a Christmas film, but as most of the action takes place during the festive season - including Therese and Carol’s first romantic encounter - we’d say a strong yes.

Available on ITVX

Why you should watch: Bridget Jones is a British icon and - despite being American - an Oscar-nominated Zellweger does a fantastic job portraying her painfully relatable yet oddly charming wit on screen. While not specifically a Christmas film, the festive season very much bookends Bridget’s story - ending with an unforgettable kiss in the beautiful snow-covered London of our fantasies.

Available on Netflix and Prime Video

Why you should watch: It's already been mentioned That Christmas is based on books, but we didn't mention those books were written by Love Actually and Notting Hill writer-director Richard Curtis. He's never failed to bring a smile to audiences, and he's not about to start now. Let's also not overshadow that the director at the helm is Simon Otto, coming in hot with experience on family favourites like the How to Train Your Dragon epics.

Available on Netflix December 4

Why you should watch: Richard Attenborough is utterly magical as Santa Claus, and then it-girl Mara Wilson is a convincing foil, in this wonderful reworking of a Christmas classic for a new generation of children. This is a loving, well-casted, tribute to the original film that recaptures the magic without trying to beat it.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: First released in November this year, critics praised the chemistry between the two unlucky-in-love leads, which TheWrap described as “adorable”. Music fans will also enjoy a long cameo from the Grammy-winning acapella group Pentatonix, whose sell out show is at the centre of the plot.

Available now on Netflix

Why you should watch: The Nightmare Before Christmas is visually stunning and endearingly original, which makes it an excellent antidote when one is starting to tire of the sameyness of festive films. Praised by critics and cult audiences alike, Rolling Stone called the film “74 minutes of timeless movie magic”.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: An undoubtedly entertaining premise made all the funnier by Allen’s sardonic deliveries. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the film was a box office smash, sparking two film sequels and a Disney+ series. It even did well during a 2020 re-release during the Covid-19 pandemic where there was a dearth of Christmas films.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: This box office hit inspired several sequels and a stage musical that tours every Christmas and has featured celebrity guests such as Louis Walsh, Danny Dyer and Sharon Osbourne. While the film sports some top notch names in Freeman, Watkins and Ashley Jensen, the kids are the real beating heart of this good-natured Christmas classic. Heat magazine summed it up perfectly with: “Outnumbered meets Britain's Got Talent, with added Christmas.”

Available to rent on AppleTV+

Why you should watch: Regularly recognised as not only one of the best Christmas films of all time, but one of the best films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life is a true classic. While first released in 1946, its central message transcends time and appeals across generations - teaching hope, optimism, and the value of life through the trials of the painfully relatable George Bailey.

Available on Prime Video and NOW TV

Why you should watch: Only five years before this 2009 gem, Zemeckis proved he could work his seasonal magic with his ambitious adventure film The Polar Express. A Christmas Carol proves it was no fluke, but the real gift of this retread of a literary classic is the one and only Jim Carrey. He was perfect as the Grinch, and he's just as up to the challenge of playing not only Scrooge but the three ghosts too. You can never hear a great story too many times, and if you're not convinced, a supporting cast topped up with Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and more is the splendid ribbon wrapped around an already fantastic package.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: Multi-award winning actor Stiller is in his comedic element here portraying a fish out of water, but what really sets this film apart is director David Gordon Green’s commitment to authenticity. The four boys are real brothers and the film is set at their family’s ranch, which sets a tone of familiarity that just cannot be otherwise replicated.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: Egerton more than proved his worth as an action film frontman in the critically acclaimed Kingsman franchise, while Bateman excelled in a criminal role in Ozark. With those two in the lead roles, this has all the makings of a festive action classic. Think Die Hard's younger brother.

Available on Netflix

Why you should watch: Released in November and rising straight to the top of the Netflix streaming charts, Chad Michael Murray’s latest film is a festive Magic Mike set to make the snow melt this festive season. To promote the film, Netflix has already released a shirtless Chad Michael Murray calendar, and it’s a convincing advert for the film.

Available on Netflix

Why you should watch: There’s no denying the appetite for Wham!’s hit song, which reached number one in the charts last Christmas, 39 years after its release. While critic reviews for this Christmas adaptation are more mixed, most agree on the excellent performances of the two charismatic leads, with Chicago Sun-Times declaring: “Henry Golding and Emilia Clarke make a charming duo in a sweet love story that rises above the standard, lightweight holiday fare.”

Available on Prime Video/NOW TV

Why you should watch: The movie was mind-blowing at the time for its use of both live-action and motion capture to bring the characters and world to life. Performances from the likes of Tom Hanks help sprinkle a little extra magic over this 2004 instant classic. It wouldn’t be December without taking a seat amongst the train’s cosy carriages. This is a perfect winter warmer to keep everybody happy.

Available on NOW TV

Why you should watch: Much-loved for her performances in Mean Girls and the 2022 Netflix cheese-fest Falling for Christmas, it’s great seeing Lindsay back and having a blast in a rom-com. The movie doubles as an unexpected mini-Mean Girls reunion of sorts too, with Tim Meadows (he played the headteacher in the 2004 cult favourite) also part of the cast. Promising plenty of hilariously cringe-inducing moments, a future festive staple may be on the cards.

Available on Netflix

Why you should watch: Accompanied by a stand-out supporting cast that includes Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends), it’s seeing Eddie flex his comedic muscles once again that’s a treat you can’t afford to skip. Fusing in a playful fantasy element, it’s a wild ride big on laughs the entire family can kick back with. Hitting Prime Video in 2023, it’s a pick-me-up of a film yet to arrive on many’s radar, so here’s to fixing that!

Available on Prime Video

Why you should watch: The summary alone might make this one worth trying, but if not rest assured that Hot Frosty is far from a hot mess, according to critics. At the time of writing, it is rated 85% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with compliments to its silly premise, comedy and Christmas spirit. In the words of the Guardian: “It’s a sincerely stupid idea executed sincerely.”

Available on Netflix

Why you should watch: Based on one of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss' most championed books, this 2000 blockbuster from director Ron Howard is generally considered the best adaptation, even though the critics weren’t too keen. Established as one of the biggest stars of the ‘90s thanks to efforts like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber, Jim was perfectly cast in the role of cinema’s ultimate grump. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry… well, cry laughing.

Available on Prime Video

Why you should watch: If traditional Christmas content is starting to get a little sickly, Bad Santa is your perfect, foul-mouthed antidote. It’s the rarest of beasts: that Christmas classic just for adults so good you have to rewatch it annually. Billy had been nominated for two acting Oscars before he donned the Santa suit in this tinsel-strewn romp, but many fans would argue he’s never been better than he is here, embracing his rudest, crudest side.

Available to rent on AppleTV+

Why you should watch: The Muppets’ take on Charles Dickens’ iconic Christmas story is one of its best adaptations. The Muppets capture the heartwarming and emotional tone perfectly, while also adding some catchy original tunes. The legendary Michael Caine makes a memorable Scrooge, hilarious in his indifference but later truly haunted by the Ghosts.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: Although it’s been remade multiple times, sometimes you can’t beat the original. The 1947 crowdpleaser boasts a soaring 96% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, and if that’s not enough, it won three Academy Awards in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Writing for Original Story, and Best Writing for Screenplay categories. Not only is it a great Christmas movie, it’s perhaps the Christmas movie. Even with hard competition from It’s a Wonderful Life, there’s a strong argument to be made.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: While some stories have dated faster than others, the big moments in this Christmas classic still hit perfectly: Hugh Grant’s iconic dance, Colin Firth’s Portuguese proposal, Emma Thompson’s painful Christmas realisation and Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s optimistic young love. The film’s big strength is exploring many types of love, and thus being open to pain, which makes it such a rollercoaster of emotions. That, and the idea of a Prime Minister who everyone likes.

Available on NOW TV

Why you should watch: Chevy and the team had already lit cinematic dynamite with the previous National Lampoon films, but none beg for repeat viewing like this one. The acting legend has never been funnier, the outlandish jokes executed perfectly. It often features high on 'Best Christmas movies ever' lists, and any spot below the top five is frankly too low. Written by John Hughes (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club), it's yet another '80s masterpiece from one of the geniuses who defined that decade. If you're looking for a movie to bring the family together or just to kick back with solo, you can perhaps do no better.

Available on NOW TV

Why you should watch: Macaulay as Kevin remains one of the greatest child performances of all time, let alone the ‘90s. Joe Pesci (Goodfellas) and Daniel Stern (The Wonder Years) are just as iconic as the crooks he’s up against. Even with moments to make audiences wince no matter how many times they’ve seen the film, Home Alone is full of heart with a touching message fans are always happy to be reminded of each year.

Available on Disney+

Why you should watch: It’s hard not to root for Buddy, whose childlike playfulness and optimism is a joy to watch. Much of the film’s humour comes from his fish out of water situation, as he deals with the harsh realities of regular humans, including his Scrooge-esque father (James Caan). Ultimately, however, this is a heartwarming crowd pleaser celebrating family at Christmas.

Available on NOW TV

Why you should watch: Danny DeVito’s comic timing is legendary, but he’s not the only comedian in a starring role - his real life daughter Lucy plays on-screen daughter Abbie, while That '70s Show star Wilmer Valderrama is also in the mix. Despite being set in sunny Italy in August, this hits all the holiday beats, and Screen Rant called it a “modern and unique Christmas hit”.

Available to buy on AppleTV, Prime Video and Sky Store

Why you should watch: Three-time British Comedy Award winner Lee Mack rarely misses. He’s been a team captain on BBC One panel show Would I Lie To You since 2007, and his series Not Going Out is currently the UK’s second-longest running sitcom. Alongside him, fellow funnyman Chris McCausland is everyone’s man of the moment, given his increasingly impressive performances on Strictly Come Dancing.

Available on NOW TV

Why you should watch: A Christmas Carol has been revisited time and time again, but who better to fire a fresh spark into the mix than two of Hollywood's absolute finest. You've never heard jokes like these in an adaptation before, and the musical sequences help make this a resounding holiday hit. The Daily Express wrote "the film's offbeat charms are hard to resist" in its favourable review, and deciding to indulge is one of the guilt-free joys of the festive period. Dig in.

Available on AppleTV+

Why you should watch: A true classic of both the romcom and Christmas genres, Winslet and Diaz are perfectly cast, as are their co-stars Jude Law and Jack Black. The script is funny, warm and comforting. The plot is pitch perfect - who can’t relate to wanting a fantasy Christmas away from their troubles? Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Iris and Amanda are both the owners of some truly gorgeous homes.

Available on NOW TV

It doesn't feel like Christmas until you're sitting down and watching your favourite festive films in the lead up to the big day. Make December sparkle with classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and The Muppet Christmas Carol, or dive into recent hailed blockbusters like Elf, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and The Holiday.