What better way to boost the Christmas spirit while at home than by watching a feel-good Christmas movie? Here’s a list of 10 classic and relatively new films that are available on streaming platforms.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Certified: 9+
Available on Apple TV
Based on the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol is an animated version of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption as he is visited by three ghosts in one night: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. With Scrooge voiced by Jim Carrey, this film reminds one of the true spirit of Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Certified: 8+
Available on Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV
Another Carrey classic is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Originally written by children’s author and cartoonist Dr Seuss, this film recalls the tale of the Grinch: a conniving creature who plans to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville. However, young girl Cindy Lou Who attempts to befriend the cold-hearted Grinch.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Certified: 7+
Available on Disney+, Apple TV
For those who prefer a darker twist on Christmas, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas tells the story of Jack Skellington: the pumpkin king of Halloween Town who has lost his spark. Upon discovering the joy of Christmas, he takes the holiday into his own hands in order to find his new purpose.
Home Alone (1990)
Certified: 10+
Available on Disney+, Apple TV, Rakuten TV
Full of mischief and fun, in Home Alone, Kevin McCallister is forgotten at home by his family as they leave for Christmas vacation during a power outage. With a race against time, Kevin’s mum rushes to get home to her son while he has to defend himself against a pair of burglars.
The Polar Express (2004)
Certified: 6+
Apple TV (rent only)
Have you ever doubted the existence of Father Christmas? In The Polar Express, a doubting boy has a once-in-a-lifetime experience as he boards a train to the North Pole. While meeting new people along the way, he gradually learns about the true meaning of Christmas and the rosy-cheeked jolly man behind the December holiday.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Certified: 6+
Available on Apple TV (buy only), Rakuten TV
Susan Walker, another sceptic child, is convinced by her mum that the old man in the white suit does not exist. Yet, once meeting a special department store Santa, she starts to question her beliefs, which leads her to a court case to prove his authenticity. Originally a 1947 comedy classic, Miracle on 34th Street challenges what we believe in.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Certified: 10+
Available on Netflix
In The Christmas Chronicles, a pair of siblings attempt to prove the reality of Santa Claus, just like Susan Walker, but in a more catastrophic manner: they accidentally crash his sleigh. As Christmas morning nears, it is up to them and St Nicholas to save the day and deliver the presents on time.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Certified: 3+
Available on YouTube
Inspired by the 1950 song of the same name, Frosty the Snowman is an animated film where a group a of children build a snowman together and bring him to life with a magic silk top-hat. However, they soon realise their new snow friend will melt once the weather gets warmer. In hopes to save him, a young girl named Karen must travel to the North Pole.
The Snowman (1982)
Certified: 3+
Available on YouTube
The Snowman is told in the form of a symphonic poem, where orchestral music replaces words to illustrate the narrative. Based on Raymond Brigg’s picture book, a young boy makes a snowman on Christmas Eve until he suddenly comes to life at the stroke of midnight. Their adventures take them to the North Pole.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Certified: 8+
Available on Apple TV
A Boy Called Christmas recounts how Father Christmas came to be. Nikolas, an ordinary boy, sets out on a journey into the freezing north to search for his father, who is set on discovering the village of elves, Elfhelm. With his reindeer Blitzen and pet mouse by his side, Nikolas comes face-to-face with a handful of challenges along the way.
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