Flickreel’s Top 5 Christmas Films

Every year we cling on to the hope that a new enchanting Christmas movie will grace our screens, and appeal to the child in all of us. However most years there’s very little to write home about. Meaning that we resort, almost instinctively, to the classics: the films that celebrate the magic of Christmas, that can be funny, poignant and profound. So if you’re at a loose end this winter, desperate to see a film to get you into the festive spirit, then here are Flickreel’s top five recommendations, as we run through the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

5. Miracle on 34th Street

Although the late, great Richard Attenborough plays Santa with a humble serenity – a warmth and generosity unmatched by pretty much anybody else – in the remake, it’s actually the original Miracle on 34th Street which makes our list. The 1947 endeavour stars Edmund Gwenn in the role, otherwise known as Kris Kringle. It’s a touching tale that will make even the most ardent of Santa-deniers doubt themselves, being a classic production that gives life to our favourite rotund and rosy-cheeked friend.

4. The Muppet Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens encapsulates everything that is poignant and enchanting about Christmas. The notion of giving, forgiving and sacrifice, it’s just so, well, Christmassey. The only way to make it even more magical then, is to bring the Muppets into proceedings – which is exactly what Brian Henson did with his classic 1992 endeavour. Not only do we see appearances from Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and Fozzie bear, but the human cast aren’t half bad either, with the venerable Michael Caine taking on the lead role of Scrooge.

3. Elf

Jon Favreau’s Elf is the most recent entry into our top five, and the only one released this side of the Millennium. The reason Elf is so remarkable, is because it is absolutely hilarious. Will Ferrell turns in arguably the funniest role of his career as Buddy, a human who was raised as one of Santa’s elves, only to then come to America for the first time to discover his true identity. It’s that escalator scene…

2. Home Alone

Despite the fact that Home Alone is about a young boy living alone in a house that’s being targeted by two savage criminals, there is something ineffably charming and magical about this festive film. With Maculay Culkin at his very best – and most mischievous – this heartwarming picture also features John Candy in a supporting role. And seeing as Planes, Trains and Automobiles technically counts as a Thanksgiving movie, we had to find some way of featuring him in this list.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

The only Christmas film that not only should be watched ever single Christmas, but needs to be watched every single Christmas. In fact, a law should be written which states that every year, at approximately 6pm on the 25^th of December, the entire nation has to put on their pyjamas, make themselves a cup of tea, and watch this movie. It’s incredibly emotional and moving, and tells such a poignant, heartbreaking tale. James Stewart shines in the lead role, in a film that is not only the best Christmas movie of all time, but one of the finest ever, full stop. Just remember to watch it with a full box of tissues, because you’re going to need them – a lot of them.