Christmas Films – the Best, Worst and Where to Watch in London
June 22, 2023
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas film to get you in the festive spirit. After searching for the perfect gifts amongst the hustle and bustle of the shops (or the endless scrolling of online shopping), you deserve to sit back and relax. What better way to escape the mad rush than indulging in some treats and watching a Christmas film!
To help you out, we’ve put together the films you should totally watch and the ones to avoid. If you’re a Londoner, or visiting the capital this festive season, we’ve also listed the best places to watch a Christmas film in London.
TOP 10 CHRISTMAS FILMS
Get cozy this festive season with our curated list of the Top 10 Christmas Films! Let the holiday binge-watching begin!
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
Proving that Christmas is a time for giving and loving, It’s a Wonderful Life is a traditional and nostalgic film with good will and warmth. A Christmas classic.
ELF (2003)
A heart-warming comedy featuring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf. Travelling from the North Pole to NYC to find his dad, this modern film will be loved for years to come.
HOME ALONE (1990)
Kevin has been left behind for the festive season as his Paris-bound family accidentally forgot about him. Fun and festive, this one will take you back to the 90s!
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)
Will Kris Kringle prove he is in fact Santa Claus and will people remember the true meaning of Christmas? This is a great comforting film for all the family.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1983)
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge will forever be a classic at Christmas time and the early version from 1938 is so good you’ll forget you’re watching a black and white film.
LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)
A modern classic, Love Actually is a comedy drama set over the Christmas period with a famous cast list the length of your kids letter to Santa!
THE HOLIDAY (2006)
Heart-warming, fun and romantic. The Holiday, featuring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, sees two women swap homes over the festive season and find love at their front doors.
THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)
An animated holiday adventure, this film captures the magic of Christmas Eve as a young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. A visually stunning and heart warming film that emphasizes belief in the holiday spirit.
KLAUS (2019)
This beautifully animated Netflix film offers a fresh origin story for Santa Claus with stunning visuals and a heartfelt message about kindness and community. A modern Christmas classic.
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989)
This hilarious holiday classic follows the Griswold family’s chaotic Christmas celebration. Packed with over-the-top humour and unforgettable moments, it’s a festive favourite for those who love a comedic take on holiday traditions.
WORST CHRISTMAS MOVIES
Not all holiday movies are created equal! While some warm your heart, others leave you questioning why they were ever made. In this list of the Worst Christmas Films, we explore the festive flops, cringe-worthy plots, and low-budget disasters that fail to capture the holiday spirit.
DECK THE HALLS (2006)
Centring around a car salesman who wants to have enough Christmas lights on his home to be seen from space, this film lacks the festive spirit you want to feel when watching a Christmas film and instead comes across as desperate with no depth.
JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1996)
Not the best way to reflect family values at Christmas, Jingle all the Way shows a neglectful father who gifts his son a Turbo Man action figure.
HOME ALONE 2 (1992)
If you want to watch Home Alone, watch the first movie only. The second only ruins what was one of the best Christmas films.
THE NUTCRACKER (VARIOUS)
With multiple versions, The Nutcracker has never been a great Christmas film. Lacking the incredible qualities that the tale possesses when performed on stage, this is one to avoid.
CHRISTMAS MOVIES SET IN LONDON
London’s festive charm has made it a perfect backdrop for some of the most beloved Christmas films. Here are three iconic movies set in the capital, along with must-visit locations featured in them.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
While not strictly a Christmas film, this romantic comedy kicks off during a Christmas party and revisits the season throughout the story.
- Borough Market: Bridget’s apartment is located above The Globe Tavern, a must-see for fans.
- Tower Bridge: A classic London landmark makes a brief but memorable appearance.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Though not a traditional Christmas film, the holiday scenes at Hogwarts are unforgettable, and parts of the movie were filmed in London.
- Leadenhall Market: Used as the location for Diagon Alley.
- King’s Cross Station: Home of the magical Platform 9¾.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
This biographical drama about Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol is steeped in London’s Victorian charm.
- Somerset House: A stunning backdrop to the story’s wintry scenes.
- Lincoln’s Inn Fields: Another location that perfectly captures Dickensian London.
MOVIE THEMED CHRISTMAS IDEAS
If you’re planning a Christmas party, why don’t you consider a movie themed event? You could choose to hire a cinema privately for your guests and choose your favourite Christmas film! You would then be able to set dress codes – asking guests to dress for the movie theme!
Our private cinema screening room – The Grubstreet Cellars – is perfect for gathering friends, family and colleagues to immerse yourself into the best Christmas films. The ornate vintage cinema has enough space for 48 guests and with classic red velvet seats and incredible digital surround sound, it is the perfect private hire venue. Make an enquiry today to find out more!
Back to blog
