Christmas is much more than gatherings and celebrations. It is also the perfect time to enjoy the warmth of home, popcorn and the best company. The plan? An afternoon of cinema that makes us laugh, dream and get excited, thanks to those films that continue to be a classic at this time. We have prepared a selection with essential titles that will make your Christmas days even more special, so take note:
1.”It’s a Wonderful Life” (It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946)
Released in 1946 and directed by Frank Caprathis film is one of the jewels of classic Christmas cinema. The story of George Bailey (James Stewart), a man on the verge of despair who receives unexpected help from an angel, reminds us of the value of life and the importance of the little things. With five nominations for the Oscar, How beautiful it is to live! continues to excite generation after generation.
2.”A Christmas Carol, 1951
Based on the novel by Charles Dickenyesthis 1951 adaptation, directed by Brian Desmond Hurstis one of the most beloved versions of A Christmas Carol. Alastair Sim gives life to Ebenezer Scroogewho, during a cold Christmas Eve, receives a visit from three spirits who will take him on a journey through his past, present and future. This story of redemption reminds us of the importance of generosity and the Christmas spirit, becoming an essential title for these dates.
3.”Frosty the Snowman” (1969)
This animated film, based on the famous Christmas song of the same name, has been a part of Christmas traditions since its release. Frosty is a snowman who comes to life thanks to a magic hat and becomes the best friend of a group of children. However, your time is limited, as snow cannot last forever. This story, full of innocence and magic, perfectly captures the essence of Christmas.
4.”Gremlins” (1984)
If you are looking for a Christmas movie with a different touch, Gremlins It is your ideal option. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielbergthe story begins when Billy receives as a gift an adorable mogwai called Gizmo. But this cuddly creature comes with three essential rules: it can’t get wet, it can’t be exposed to sunlight, and it should never, under any circumstances, eat after midnight. Of course, the rules are broken, and what was a sweet gift turns into Christmas chaos filled with mischievous creatures.
With a perfect balance between comedy, fantasy and light horror, Gremlins It remains a unique film that never loses its charm.
5.”Die Hard” (Die Hard, 1988)
Although it is not the typical Christmas movie, crystal jungle has earned a place on the list of holiday classics. John McClane (Bruce Willis) is a police officer who confronts a group of terrorists in a skyscraper on Christmas Eve. This film combines fast-paced action with a purely Christmas atmosphere. Christmas carols, snow and Bruce Willis They make this film an unmatched classic for those looking for something different in their Christmas marathons.
6.”Home Alone” (Home Alone, 1990)
A Christmas without “Home Alone” is like a tree without decorations. This classic directed by Chris Columbus and starring a very young man Macaulay Culkin continues to seduce us with the story of Kevin McAllistera boy who, due to his family’s forgetfulness, is left alone at home during the holidays. But far from being sad, Kevin takes the opportunity to do what any child would dream of: have the entire house to himself! However, his freedom is complicated when two clumsy thieves try to rob his home, and Kevin must use all his creativity to defend it.
Although more than 30 years have passed since its premiere, Kevin’s adventures have not lost their freshness. If you are left wanting more, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992) offers a new dose of fun, this time in the Big Apple, with more traps and hilarious situations.
7.”The Nightmare Before Christmas” (The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993)
The animation in stop motion devised by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick in 1993, offers us a different and dark vision of Christmas. Jack Skellingtonhe Halloween kingdecides to “hijack” Christmas to give it his own spooky touch. With a unique aesthetic and a soundtrack known to everyone, Nightmare before Christmas it’s a gothic tale that delights fantasy and animation lovers year after year.
8.”Little Women, 1994
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, This 1994 adaptation, directed by Gillian Armstrongis a cinematographic gem that combines the Christmas spirit with the adventures of the March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Starring by Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon and Christian Balethe story transports us to a time when family love and small moments are the most valuable thing in difficult times. The Christmas scenes, with warm homes and generous gestures of kindness, fill us with nostalgia, making it a perfect film for this time of year.
9.”The Grinch” (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000)
No Christmas villain has been as beloved as the Grinch, and this character masterfully played by Jim Carrey It is a classic in its own right. Directed by Ron Howardthe film takes us to Whovillea small town where everyone loves Christmas… except the Grinch. Grumpy, lonely and determined to ruin the holidays, this antihero devises a plan to steal all the gifts and decorations. However, his encounter with the little girl Cindy Loua girl full of kindness, will lead him to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
With a spectacular visual design, large doses of humor and the inexhaustible energy of Jim Carrey, The Grinch is a film that manages to remind us that even the coldest hearts can find warmth this time of year.
10. “Love Actually” (2003)
Christmas is love, and “Love Actually” demonstrates it in all its forms. Written and directed by Richard Curtis, This British romantic comedy interweaves multiple stories that revolve around the same feeling: love, in its happiest, saddest and most surprising versions. From a prime minister (Hugh Grant) who falls in love with a young assistant, to a writer (Colin Firth) who finds love in a foreign country, to a widowed father (Liam Neeson) who helps his son win over his first love, each story is moving in its own way.
With a luxury cast and a memorable soundtrack, Love Actually It is the perfect film for those looking to laugh, get excited and let themselves be enveloped by the Christmas spirit.
11. “Polar Express” (2004)
The magic of Christmas comes to life in this endearing animated adventure, based on the book of Chris Van Allsburg. Directed by Robert Zemeckis The film follows the extraordinary journey of a boy who, on Christmas Eve, boards a magical train called Polar Expressbound for the North Pole. There you will discover the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of believing in the magic of these dates, even when it seems to have been lost.
12. “The Holiday” (2006)
If you like romantic comedies, The Holiday It is the perfect movie for these holidays. Released in 2006 and directed by Nancy Meyershas an all-star cast: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. The story follows two women who, after a disappointment in love, decide to exchange homes during Christmas. What they didn’t expect was to find love in the most unexpected place. Sweet and fun, The Holiday It has become a modern Christmas classic.
These films are not only part of Christmas cinema, but also part of our memories. So now you know: prepare a cup of hot chocolate, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and enjoy these stories that have conquered our hearts. Because there is no better plan than an afternoon at the movies at Christmas, where each film invites us to celebrate the spirit of these holidays as it deserves. Merry Christmas… and happy movie marathon!