Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Our top Christmas movie countdown
There is much debate amongst the Christmas crew as to which is THE best Christmas movie out there.
To add some unrequired controversy into the mix, we’ve come up with our own definitive top 15 Christmas movie countdown and we challenge you not to love it!
15. Die Hard
Image via Milwaukee Independent
Let’s get the controversy kicked off up front. Yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie – his wife is called Holly! If there is someone in your life who isn’t into the schmaltzy stuff, then this is the Christmas movie you need. There’s snow; twinkling lights; the grinch (Alan Rickman) and the omnipresent ‘saving Christmas’ storyline, required for all such movies. Plus Bruce Willis is young and kinda sexy, what’s not to love?
Watch Die Hard on Disney Plus.
14. Christmas with the Kranks
This adaptation of the John Grisham (we know!) novel, Skipping Christmas is the definition of light-hearted holiday entertainment. Tim Allen, AKA The King of Christmas Films, gets a bit slapstick at times, but who needs serious at Christmas?
Watch Christmas with the Kranks on Stan.
13. While You Were Sleeping
Image via Disney Plus
You can’t beat a Christmas love story - it’s why Hallmark Christmas movies exist! But, While you were Sleeping has snow; Sandra Bullock and an actual storyline. Not to mention a dramatic rescue, unrequited love and two handsome leading men.
Watch While You Were Sleeping on Disney Plus
12. Arthur Christmas
Image via Doof! Media
It’s a well-known fact that Aardman Animations are geniuses when it comes to making an animated movie the whole family will love. From comedy moments that will have little ones giggling, to backhanded comments from Santa’s wife and Arthur’s never-ending Christmas spirit. This is one the whole family will love for Christmas vacation viewing.
Watch Arthur Christmas on Netflix.
11. The Holiday
Image via: Slash Film
Top of the Netflix holiday movies, The Holiday sometimes gets a bad rap. But, if you’re looking for a picture postcard white Christmas movie, then this is the one. As someone who hails from the south of England, I can’t say the amount of snow in Kate Winslet’s chocolate box village is usual, but hey, it’s Christmas. We also love this one for showing the warm vs cold Christmas holiday traditions.
10. Santa Claus: the movie
Image via Stan
As children of the 80s, we just couldn’t go past this classic. A proper Santa Claus tale of good conquering evil and thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves. Those Santa’s workshop scenes with Patch will live in our hearts forever!
Watch Santa Claus: The Movie on Stan
9. The Family Stone
Image via Entertainment Weekly
I was late to the party discovering this absolute gem of a Christmas movie. A star-studded cast play out the fraught family holiday scenes we all know and love, with a side of love story and a final emotional tug on the old heart strings. It’ll get you right in the warm and fuzzies this holiday season.
Watch The Family Stone on Disney Plus
8. Miracle on 34th Street
Image via Teleread
So good they made it twice! The 1947 original and the 1994 remake, not to mention the TV versions. Do you have a favourite between the old classic and the new. We do love a classic here at Joy, but we'd arguably watch either just to see Santa Claus throw out the non-believers, and in a court of law, no less!
Watch Miracle on 34th Street on Disney Plus
7. Elf
Image via Cinema Blend
Possibly the most quoted Christmas film ever, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a bit of Elf. Will Ferrell is obviously hilarious as an oversized Elf and New York and Christmas go together like sugar cookies and hot chocolate.
6. The Snowman
Image via Letterboxd
Another 80s childhood classic, but this one truly stands the test of time. With a beautiful storyline and illustrations from Raymond Briggs and orchestral score, this Christmas movie will capture the hearts of everyone. We watch this before bed every Christmas Eve, followed by Briggs’ second adaptation, Father Christmas.
Watch The Snowman on Amazon Prime
5. It's A wonderful Life
Image via NY Times
When a movie has been shown on TV every Christmas since 1946, it’s got to be good. You get all the cold and snowy Christmas vibes from back in the good old days but surprisingly, you also see the impact of depression and mental health burdens brought about by material pressures. And, that couldn't be more relevant in today's Instagram vs reality world! Christmassy, and philosophical, this film really does warm you to you core.
Watch It's A Wonderful Life on Stan
4. The Polar Express
Image via nationaleventpros.com
There comes a time in all our lives when we question the magic of Christmas. But fear not, Polar Express will make even the hardened Christmas heart BELIEVE. Magical, mystical, drama, adventure and Tom Hanks’ voice put this firmly in our top five.
Watch The Polar Express on Foxtel
3. Love Actually
Image via Medium
The Grinch’s love to hate Love Actually with all its tangled romantic storylines, but the Christmas countdown alone is enough to have our hearts a-flutter. All that anticipation and build up to the big day, culminating in the school nativity and airport dash, give us ALL the festive feels.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I bet when Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel wrote, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 65 years ago, he didn’t bank on there being two movie adaptations to argue over! But here we are, Jim Carey’s wickedly funny portrayal in furry make up or Chris Meledandri’s animated version, brought to life by Benedict Cumberbatch. We couldn’t choose, so we’ll leave them both here.
1. Home Alone
Image via Bustle.com
Our Joy number one Christmas movie is Home Alone. We’re here to argue that the 90s hit where young Macauley Culkin made his name has it all. There’s slapstick comedy, snow, fraught family drama, adventure, twinkly lights, Santa and, of course, a little love (actually). Something for everyone that only seems to get better with age!
Like this blog? Why not check out our Christmas brownie recipe and cosy up for a movie night?