There are SO many Christmas themed movies that it can be difficult to decide what to watch and when. To help with your choosing, DOTT has curated a bunch of popular Christmas favourites along with a short verdict and suggestions on whether they’d make for good Christmas Eve or Christmas Day viewing, followed by a further list of Christmas favourites that can be watched any time in the lead up to Christmas. So, take a look, and have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year (ya filthy animal)!

Elf
Released: 2003
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Buddy (Ferrell) grows up in the North Pole under the care of Santa’s elves. On finding out he is actually a human, not an elf, he goes on an adventure in the big wide world (aka New York City) to find his real family and where he fits in.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Will Ferrell can be a lot to take in many of his movies, with his humour often being, to put it lightly, over the top, but he can get away with it in this kids’ movie as it calls for some childlike, Jim Carrey-esque comedy with a sweet family tone. It will also fuel your Christmas cheer and indulge your belief in Santa, if that’s how you roll. 3/5

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Released: 2000
Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Traumatised by his own memories of Christmas in Whoville, the Grinch (Carrey) resolves to ruin it for all the Whos, but perhaps his heart can be melted by one little girl who believes in the goodness of Christmas.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Mostly because it’s perfect for both those who love Christmas and those who are more of a Grinch. Jim Carrey’s skills in physical comedy reach soaring heights as he embodies Dr. Seuss’s most famous, hilarious yet relatable character, and though it can be vomit-inducing for those with a weak constitution for sickly sweet songs and sentiments, it’s bursting with Christmas warmth and fantasy. 4/5

Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather (2-part mini-series)
Released: 2006
Starring: David Jason, Marc Warren, Michelle Dockery, David Warner, Tony Robinson
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: In an alternate Pratchett universe, Christmas is known as Hogswatch and Father Christmas is the Hogfather. When the Hogfather goes missing, he is replaced in the interim by Death (Richardson), and Death’s granddaughter Susan (Dockery) reluctantly sets herself a mission to find out what happened to the Hogfather.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? It’s really one for the Terry Pratchett fans, but if you enjoy some different fantasy around Christmas, you may just enjoy this one. It features a slew of popular British actors and it’s just fun to turn our traditional Christmas on its head. 4/5

The Holdovers
Released: 2023
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner, Ian Dolley, Jim Kaplan, Michael Provost, Naheem Garcia
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: During the Christmas/New Year break of 1970-71, teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) supervises the handful of students remaining at Barton Academy boarding school over the holiday.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? If Dead Poets Society and The Breakfast Club had a baby birthed on December 25th, The Holdovers would be the result. Tremendous in comedy and deep in heart, it hits all the beats of a Christmas film while standing out from the crowd with its ability to connect with the audience. 5/5
Read the full The Holdovers review.

The Holiday
Released: 2006
Starring: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, Rufus Sewell, Eli Wallach
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Iris (Winslet) is sad and single in London. Amanda (Diaz) is angry and single in LA. They find each other online and decide to swap homes, and countries, for the holiday period. Iris meets Miles (Black), Amanda meets Graham (Law). Romance ensues and hard decisions are made.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? 1. Romance by the bucket load. 2. Iris’ quaint British cottage in the snow. 3. Comedy. Honestly, it’s not a ground-breaking movie, but it is in many ways relatable and is particularly good for those that need a good cuddle at Christmas, a holiday renowned for making singletons feel “less than”. 3/5

Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Released: 1990/1992
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, John Heard, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Tim Curry (HA2)
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: In Home Alone, Kevin McAllister (Culkin) is left behind as his family take a trip to France for Christmas, and he must protect his home from two intruders who call themselves the “Wet Bandits”. In Lost in New York, Kevin finds himself separated from his family in the Big Apple. This time, he faces the Wet Bandits once again while also working to keep a nosy concierge from discovering that he is staying in a hotel alone on his father’s credit card.
Why are they good Christmas movies? Frankly, Christmas is not Christmas without Home Alone. The movies have a lot of fun antics for kids but also some cheeky adult humour. These movies would be great at any time of the year if they weren’t set at Christmas time, but the fact that they are give it an added bonus of being comfort movies for this time of year. 4/5, 3/5

It’s A Wonderful Life
Released: 1946
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: George Bailey (Stewart), a popular man of upstanding morals, is hit with financial woes and his thoughts turn to ending his life. In a bid to do a good deed to earn his wings, novice angel Clarence (Travers) is sent to help George see what life would be like for his friends and family if he was gone.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? This is a movie that really lifts the spirit in the darkest of times. James Stewart puts in a wonderful performance that will keep you fully immersed and intrinsically connected to George and everything he goes through, good and bad. You will laugh and cry, and any dwindling faith in life and people you may have may be slightly restored by this gem of a classic. 5/5

Jingle All the Way
Released: 1996
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Jake Lloyd, Rita Wilson, Phil Hartman
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: Howard (Schwarzenegger) promises to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas, but it proves to be the most popular toy for Christmas. Howard goes to great lengths to get the toy for his son, resulting in crazy capers and unexpected cosplay for Howard.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? Because it’s Arnie, that’s why! But really, it’s just a super fun Christmas movie, and seeing action-man Arnold play a dad figure is often great entertainment (also thinking of Kindergarten Cop and The Last Action Hero). It’s a great background movie to have on during Christmas dinner or when opening gifts. 3/5

Klaus
Released: 2019
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: Rich and ungrateful Jesper (Schwartzman), son of the Post Master General, is sent to the isolated town of Smeerensburg, where he is tasked with delivering 6000 letters, lest he get cut off from his family’s fortune. It’s here that he meets Klaus, a toymaker with a sad story. Together they work on Jesper’s task and giving the townspeople a delightful Christmas. 
Why is it a good Christmas movie? It’s a delightful little animation and made quite a stir upon its release. It’s very much got an Emperor’s New Groove vibe about it, including similar humour, and it’s another tale that turns the traditional Santa Claus trope into something a little different. It’s got lovely themes and takes your emotions on a bit of a spin. 4/5

Love Actually
Released: 2003
Starring: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, Kris Marshall, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rowan Atkinson, Heike Makatsch, Martin Freeman, Joanna Page
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Multiple stories intertwine in this movie that is set in the run-up to Christmas Day. People are in love, discovering love, falling out of love, getting hurt, getting laid, finding friendship and finding themselves.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? It sums up everything good, bad and in between about Christmas. Many of the UK’s favourite actors star in this movie, making it feel very homely for many of us Brits. A solid Christmas movie that is beloved and watched annually by millions of people worldwide. 4/5

The Muppet Christmas Carol
Released: 1992
Starring: Michael Caine and the Muppets
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge (Caine) hates Christmas, and people, but loves money. It takes the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come to convince him to change his ways, or he could face dying alone and hated by all.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? You have all the greatness of the classic Charles Dickens story, but with the humour and wit of the Muppets and the legendary straightfaced acting of Sir Michael Caine. The songs are epic, the dialogue is hilarious, and the themes are strong and resonant. It is the first movie many like to watch on Christmas morning (with a tipple and some snacks). 5/5

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Released: 1993
Starring: Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Ken Page
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Jack Skellington (Sarandon) is bored of Halloween Town. One day, he stumbles upon Christmas Town. Entranced by the lights and sounds, Jack attempts to recreate Christmas in Halloween Town, but it doesn’t all go exactly to plan.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? TNBC bridges the gap nicely between Halloween and Christmas, so really you can watch it on those days or any time in between to get you in to the Christmas spirit. It makes for a good Christmas Eve movie because, well, the title says it all. It’s also a great stop-motion movie with excellent and popular songs. 3/5

The Polar Express
Released: 2004
Starring: Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: A young boy has begun to lose his belief in Santa and the magic of Christmas. During the night of Christmas Eve, he jumps aboard the Polar Express and heads to the North Pole. Along the way he makes some friends and learns about the meaning of friendship and bravery, and eventually he may even have his belief in Christmas magic restored.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? One reason: Tom Hanks. Not many names in Hollywood resonate with warmth and magic, but Hanks is one that does, and those are things we need at Christmas time. This is another movie that’s great for both Christmas believers and Christmas Scrooges, as it pushes audiences to keep the faith even when all seems lost. 4/5

Scrooge
Released: 1970
Starring: Albert Finney, Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, Kenneth More, David Collings
When to watch: Christmas Eve
Synopsis: Another adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with musical numbers but no muppets.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? This one might not be for everyone, especially younger generations, but it’s rather popular with older generations. It’s got a classic Victorian Christmas vibe to it, which can feel super cosy and nostalgic. On a personal note, this movie also reminds me of my late mother. She particularly enjoyed the song Thank You Very Much, and so it’s one I now enjoy, too. Additionally, as a fan of the late, great Albert Finney, this movie will always have a special place in my home at Christmas. 4/5

The Snowman
Released: 1982
When to watch: Christmas Day
Synopsis: A boy builds a snowman that comes to life on the night of Christmas Eve. Together they fly to the North Pole where they meet Father Christmas.
Why is it a good Christmas movie? If you grew up in the UK, this 30-minute gem was on every Christmas, and it would always get highlighted in the TV guide to make sure you wouldn’t miss it. It has an incredibly famous song, Walking in the Air, which you are likely to hear somewhere every Christmas, and most kids had the Raymond Briggs book. The animation is beautiful, and because of its lack of dialogue, it can be enjoyed by anyone of any language. It’s a heart-warming classic, even if the ending is a bit devastating, especially for children. 4/5

Special Mentions:

An Almost Christmas Story
Released: 2024
Cast: Mamoumou Athie, Cary Christopher, Jim Gaffigan, Natasha Lyonne, John C. Reilly
Synopsis: A little owl finds himself lost in New York City and trying to get home, when he meets a young girl who is also trying to get home.
Verdict: This film is just twenty-minutes long, but it a has lovely animation style, some good music and songs, and its own little Christmas message. Lots of cute and touching moments make it perfect for Christmas. 4/5

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Released: 1965
Cast: Peter Robbins, Bill Melendez, Tracy Stratford
Synopsis: Feeling unloved at Christmas, Charlie Brown (Robbins) is given the role of director of the school Christmas play, which he accepts in an attempt to escape the commercialisation of the holiday.
Verdict: Whether you embrace the religious aspects of Christmas or not, this one has something for everyone, especially those who grew up watching Charlie Brown, who will get a kick in the proverbial stomach by the nostalgia it stirs up. The characters are wonderful, and it’s just a pleasant, humbling 26-minutes of joy. 5/5

A Christmas Carol
Released: 2009
Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Steve Valentine, Daryl Sabara, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Bob Hoskins, Lesley Manville
Synopsis: As the Dickens story goes, Ebenezer Scrooge (Carrey) must learn the error of his selfish ways through the medium of three ghost representing Scrooge’s past, present and future.
Verdict: This movie was quite pioneering for motion-capture, and it certainly lends it a particular realism that feels quite unsettling, which works somewhat for an unsettling story. The film tries to stay as true as possible to Dickens’s story, so if you’re looking for an adaptation without muppets or songs, this is a good one to opt for. 3/5

A Christmas Story
Released: 1983
Cast: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz
Synopsis: Little Ralphie (Billingsley) really wants a BB gun for Christmas, but he finds himself running into some trouble in the run-up to Christmas.
Verdict: This is such a fun Christmas film, a snippet in Ralphie’s life with his family, friends and enemies. The cuts to his imagination are hilarious and the characters overall are so well written. Definitely an entertaining film that the kids can watch, but we aware of some profanity and non-PC aspects that don’t fly today. 4/5

Die Hard
Released: 1988
Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason,
Synopsis: When John McClane (Willis) arrives at the office of his estranged wife where they’re having an office Christmas Eve party, the building is besieged by terrorists, and John, being an NYPD cop, takes it upon himself to save everyone.
Verdict: A Christmas setting makes many people believe Die Hard is a Christmas movie, but it’s up for debate. Either way, some find this movie thrilling and action-packed, as well as brimming with many a famous line and scene, but others find it to err on the side of boring. Each to their own, but if you fancy a Christmas setting with more action, this could be for you. 3/5

Edward Scissorhands
Released: 1990
Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price
Synopsis: When Avon representative Peg (Wiest) discovers a young man named Edward (Depp), who has scissors for hands, living alone, she takes him to stay with her and her family, but he struggles to fit in with the status quo of their cosy, uptight little town.
Verdict: Though not directly a Christmas movie, some of its scenes are set around Christmas and it has a lot of snow, so it is often enjoyed as a gothicly fun Christmas movie. Because Tim Burton isn’t just for Halloween, y’know. 4/5

Frozen
Released: 2013
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk
Synopsis: Elsa (Menzel) is crowned queen of Arendelle, but she harbours a secret: magical ice powers that she is unable to fully control. When Elsa leaves, her devoted sister Anna (Bell) risks everything to bring Elsa back.
Verdict: Strangely, Disney isn’t exactly known for Christmas movies, despite being mostly family orientated. However, Frozen is a great one to enjoy in the colder weather! The snowy backdrop to the movie along with some award-winning songs makes it enjoyable to cosy up to for kids and adults, along with its slightly lesser sequel, Frozen 2. 4/5

Gremlins
Released: 1984
Cast: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates
Synopsis: Billy (Galligan) receives a mogwai named Gizmo from his father as a present. Although Billy follows the three strict rules of raising a mogwai, something goes terribly wrong, and soon the town is overwhelmed with darker creatures: gremlins!
Verdict: Another film that isn’t strictly Christmas-themed but rather set at Christmastime, it’s a funny romp with some slightly scarier and even darker moments that keep it quite thrilling. If you’re after something a little different at Christmas, perhaps a Halloween/Christmas blend, this one is for you. 4/5

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (US: Sorcerer’s Stone)
Released: 2001
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Fiona Shaw, Henry Melling, Tom Felton, Ian Hart, Warwick Davis, Verne Troyer, John Hurt
Synopsis: On finding out he is a wizard, Harry Potter (Radcliffe) attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers further secrets of his past, and that he already has a dark enemy.
Verdict: There’s something very Christmassy about the first two or three Harry Potter movies – perhaps because the Christmas scenes feel cosy and classic, so the series is often a popular choice at this time of year. Of course, by the penultimate movie, they’ve forgotten it’s even Christmas while on the hunt for horcruxes, so it is recommended to stick with just the first movie as a “Christmas” movie. 4/5

Last Christmas
Released: 2019
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson, Boris Isakovic, Lydia Leonard
Synopsis: With her life apparently going nowhere and relying on her job at a year-round Christmas shop, Kate (Clarke) finds a little happiness when she meets Tom (Golding), though he is not completely truthful about his presence in her life.
Verdict: Who was it that listened to a classic Wham! Christmas song about figuratively giving someone their heart, took it literally, and made a movie out of it? If you’re particularly susceptible to romcoms with emotional themes, this one will be for you. It’s a relatively easy watch and does have some fun scenes and definitely encompasses that Christmas-in-London vibe. 3/5

Little Women
Released: 1994
Cast: Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Trini Alvarado, Christian Bale, Samantha Mathis, Eric Stoltz
Synopsis: Jo (Ronan) is keen to live her life as a writer, away from the hum drum life of marriage and wifely duties. As her family experiences deep changes, Jo reconciles her childhood growing up with her three sisters with her desire for freedom.
Verdict: A truly delightful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel that, while not entirely Christmassy bar some Christmas-set scenes, boasts that period setting and family closeness that many enjoy during the holidays. With wonderful performances, this is a cosy festive favourite for a reason. 4/5

Little Women
Released: 2019
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Meryl Streep, James Norton, Louis Garrel, Chris Cooper
Synopsis: Jo (Ronan) is keen to live her life as a writer, away from the hum drum life of marriage. As her family experiences deep changes, Jo reconciles her childhood growing up with her three sisters with her desire for freedom.
Verdict: This is another one of those cosy classics that harkens back to a time when Christmas was simply about family. It’s not specifically set at Christmas, but like some other movies, it has a lovely family feel to it and does include some Christmassy and snowy scenes. On the whole, it is a terrific, beautiful film. 5/5
Read the full Little Women review.

Miracle on 34th Street
Released: 1947
Cast: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood
Synopsis: When the real Santa Claus/Kris Kringle (Gwenn) shows up in town, young sceptic Susan (Wood) has her world turned upside down as she learns to believe and have faith, encouraging her mother, Doris (O’Hara), and many other grown-ups, to do the same.
Verdict: A truly lovely Christmas film that embodies the Christmas spirit and encourages believing and pushing aside sceptisism. An delightful performance from Edmund Gwenn and excellent performance from such a young Natalie Wood really makes this film the enduring classic it is. 4/5

Miracle on 34th Street
Released: 1994
Cast: Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson
Synopsis: When the real Santa Claus/Kris Kringle (Attenborough) shows up in town, young sceptic Susan (Wilson) has her world turned upside down as she learns to believe and have faith, encouraging her mother, Dorey (Perkins), and many other grown-ups, to do the same.
Verdict: This remake updates the 1947 film for a late-twentieth century audience, but it doesn’t lose any of its Christmassy appeal. The adult characters (aside from Kris) are a little more lacking in emotion and character depth, and the ending doesn’t quite hit the same as the original, but the performances of Attenborough and Wilson keep the spirit alive. 3/5

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Released: 1964
Cast: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann, Stan Francis
Synopsis: Rudolph (Richards) is expected to take over from his father one day as one of Santa’s (Francis) reindeer, but with his red nose, he stands out far too much from the rest.
Verdict: A nice, ever-popular (particularly in the US) Christmas short that’s a cute little classic for the family. This movie is probably to the Americans what The Snowman is to the British, and is a staple in many households on Christmas Day. Good for children who enjoy tales of how Christmas traditions came about. 3/5

The Santa Clause
Released: 1994
Cast: Tim Allen, Eric Lloyd, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold, David Krumholtz
Synopsis: Scott (Allen) finds himself the new Santa Claus after the last one falls from his roof and disappears. When his son Charlie (Lloyd) tells everyone about their trip to the North Pole, Scott’s ex-wife Laura (Crewson) bars him from seeing Charlie, and it’s down to Scott to set everything right in his new role.
Verdict: A fun family film that has plenty of action and humour for the kids and some excellent adult quips from Allen. It’s another that puts a lot of emphasis on the themes of belief and faith, and puts a little spin on the tyically age-old story of Santa. 4/5

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Released: 1970
Cast: Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn, Robie Lester, Paul Frees
Synopsis: Tells a story of how Santa Claus//Kris Kringle (Rooney) came to be, along with his traditions of bringing presents, coming down the chimney, and his flying reindeer.
Verdict: Considering this film is over fifty years old (at the time of writing), it holds up pretty well. With some fun tunes, awesome stop-motion animation and interesting characters, it’s a solid one for youngsters to watch at Christmastime. 4/5

Scrooged
Released: 1988
Cast: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, David Johansen, Carol Kane, Alfre Woodard
Synopsis: Following the basic plot of A Christmas Carol, this modern (well, 80’s) retelling puts TV CEO Frank (Murray) in the Scrooge-type role. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future visit him in a big to stop him from being such an ass to all those around him.
Verdict: A fun, more modern(ish) take on the classic tale that has plenty of humorous moments, but also takes much of the feeling and Christmas spirit out of it. Worth a watch for fans of Bill Murray. 3/5

The Sound of Music
Released: 1965
Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, Heather Menzies-Urich, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath
Synopsis: In 1930s Austria, novice nun Maria (Andrews) is sent to the home of naval officer Captain von Trapp (Plummer) to be a governess to his children. In doing so, she makes a large impact on their lives, and the life of Captain von Trapp himself.
Verdict: Not a Christmas movie per se, but it always seemed/seems to be on TV at Christmas, so it has often been a staple of Christmas family time. Filled with legendary songs and performances from Julie Andrews and the late Christopher Plummer, this has always been and always will be a family favourite, always bringing memories of Christmas for many people. 5/5

That Christmas
Released: 2024
Cast: Bill Nighy, Brian Cox, Guz Khan, Jack Wisniewski, Zazie Hayhurst, India Brown, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot, Kuhu Agarwal, Sienna Sayer, Rhys DarbyLolly Adefope, Bronte Smith, Sindhu Vee, Katharine Parkinson, Rosie Cavaliero
Synopsis: When a huge snowstorm hits the small town of Wellington-on-Sea, many children find themselves having various unconventional Christmas Eves. All the while, Santa is trying to make it through the storm to get the presents to the children of Wellington.
Verdict: Much like Richard Curtis’s Love Actually, multiple stories entwine to show a range of situations for people to relate to. It’s got laugh-out-loud moments while being super emotional at times and is a heart-warming seasonal gift overall. 4/5

The Wizard of Oz
Released: 1939
Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charlie Grapewin, Clara Blandick
Synopsis: When a tornado lands her, her dog and her whole farmhouse in the land of Oz, Dorothy (Garland) is welcomed by the inhabitants, bar one. As she sets out to ask the Wizard of Oz (Morgan) to send her home, she makes friends along the way, all the while being stalked by a new enemy.
Verdict: Much like The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz is always on TV at Christmas. Another one stuffed with dazzling songs and the timeless performance of Judy Garland, it calls for sitting the family around the TV, eating leftovers and drinking mulled wine and singing along. It’s not an easy thing to achieve in the era of smartphones, but if there’s any activity to fight for, and maybe instil in future generations, it’s this. 5/5

You’ve Got Mail
Released: 1998
Cast: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, Jean Stapleton, Steve Zahn, Heather Burns, Dave Chappelle, Dabney Coleman, Jeffrey Scaperrotta
Synopsis: Shop owner Kathleen (Ryan) struggles for business when a major bookshop chain moves in nearby. She seeks solace from an online friend rather than her live-in boyfriend. Kathleen soon meets Joe (Hanks), whose family owns and operates the large bookshop chain that is threatening to put her out of business, their rivalry causing even more upset in Kathleen’s life.
Verdict: Another lovely rom-com for the holiday season that sees people connect over IM when it was in its infancy. Throw in a cosy New York bookstore setting with Christmas light and trees and it doesn’t get much better. While the story itself could be set at any time of year, there’s something about its Christmas setting that makes it an irristible film at this time of year. 4/5

Last updated: December 2025