Here at Screen and Film School we’ve been asking our staff and students for their top Christmas film recommendations to see you through the festive season. From classic animations, to grown men dressed as elves, and even a few spooky films thrown into the mix, we’ve got you sorted!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Granted- it’s looking a little different this year to the usual holiday period we know and love, but that’s not going to stop us from throwing on our winter-themed onesies and cosying up in front of a cheery festive classic. No matter what your Christmas plans are this year: grab a hot cocoa, pop your slippers on, and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
“Got a real soft spot for this one as I was only seven when this came out and saw it at the cinema! It tells the story of an unscrupulous toy manufacturer who attempts to take over Christmas and put the legend of Santa Claus in jeopardy. What I remember really loving at that age, was that it made Santa and what his job was really real, yet keeping it all fantastical – it brought it to life. There was a real spirit of adventure, fantasy and Christmas all wrapped in to one. Highly recommended if a tad dated these days!” – David Thompson
Arthur Christmas (2011)
“Arthur Christmas: I just think it’s super wholesome and heartwarming!” – Gwen Rathbone
Elf (2003)
“For me, it has to be Elf of course – what else do you need – New York, Christmas Cheer, Snowball fights in Central Park and a grown man in an elf costume – perfect!” – Fiona Adams
“It has to be Elf! The jokes never get boring and it makes me feel so happy, plus it gets me excited for Christmas!” – Holly Blackhurst
Home Alone (1990)
“Watching this film brings me back to those old times of being a young kid, sitting on the sofa with a giant scoop of Ben & Jerry’s and not having a single worry about the world. This timeless classic is the perfect watch for the entire family despite how messed up the storyline is!” – Tom Zini
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“My fave Christmas film has to be The Nightmare Before Christmas! I’ve always preferred Halloween, but this film always manages to get me in the Christmas spirit eventually, so it’s become quite the staple in my festive viewing. I’m not sure there’s anything better than getting cosy and singing along to “What’s This?” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” whilst eating the last of the Halloween sweets!” – Natalie Purchase
Jingle All The Way (1996)
“Jingle All The Way because Arnold always makes me giggle!” – Jack Rooney
The Snowman (1982)
“The Snowman. It’s a one of a kind breathtaking wonder that captures winter and Christmas!” – Danny Barker
Christmas With The Kranks (1993)
“Christmas With The Kranks! The ham scene in this film is the best (if you know- you know!)” – Amy Collins
Die Hard (1988)
“Die Hard because it’s amazing” – Luke Corcoran
“Die Hard because it’s not Christmas if Hans Gruber doesn’t fall!” – Matt Boyd
Gremlins (1984)
“Gremlins. As a horror fan, it’s nice to have a spooky yet fun festive film to enjoy!” – Marco Jay
“I will go as far as to say that the bar scene in Gremlins is one of my all time favourite movie moments. It’s a hilariously accurate depiction of working in the hospitality industry during the Christmas period!” – Rebecca Brandler
Love Actually (2003)
“Love Actually because it’s just a bloody classic and no matter how you feel it just makes you smile!” – Liam Coombes
The Santa Clause (1994)
“The Santa Clause, because it took me until this year to finally understand the pun.” – Benjamin Smith
What will you be watching this Christmas? Let us know on our socials!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
