Written by Issy Smith, Edited by Emily Page, Assistance from Harry Russell

With Christmas just around the corner and the holidays in full swing, what better to fill a day than a movie marathon of some Christmas favourites! With the results from our department-wide survey, we’ve collected a great list of Christmas classics and oddball holiday treats. With over sixty unique results, almost every participant gave us a totally original pick. Out of all of those varied results, our top ten most popular films were mostly ubiquitous and definitely qualify as certified holiday-must-watches. 

10. The Polar Express (2004), Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007), and Nativity! (2009)

Our tenth place spot was a three way tie between three films brimming with nostalgia for students specifically, with one participant describing The Polar Express and Nativity! as giving them “the warm and fuzzies”. I can’t imagine better films to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and your fluffiest pyjamas to.

9. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

While very much a change in tone to our 10th place films, Eyes Wide Shut is undoubtedly a Christmas movie that needs to be on your watchlist. Kubrick’s distinctive style paired with the artifice of the holidays creates a uniquely cynical approach to the holidays: revelling in deceit, sex and all things surreal. With a mind-bending story and aesthetics like no other, whether you’re a Christmas naysayer or have your tree up by November, this film is a must watch.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Though some may argue which holiday the film should be watched for (don’t worry I’m team Christmas on this one), The Nightmare Before Christmas is a film that revels in tradition, festivities and the spirit of the holidays. For all those weird kids who rooted for the villains and those looking for something different to watch during the slew of Christmas movies, this film is a Christmas classic which flips the Christmas movie formula on its head.

7. Jingle All the Way (1996)

Immensely comical and fun. Although the comedy of errors that sets Jingle All the Way into motion may be deeply rooted in the American Christmas culture, that doesn’t stop Arnie’s Howard, a rundown disenchanted salesman, from being endlessly relatable and fun to watch. Critics may have hated it, but audiences have spoken and reruns of Jingle All the Way are undeniably a Christmas tradition at this point.

6. Elf (2003)

Elf is a film that is hard not to love. From Buddy’s childlike glee to the emotional coming together of an oddball family, the film is drenched in contagious holiday cheer. Bouncing between an innocent and somewhat naïve romance, screwball comedy and heartfelt moments, Elf will definitely be playing on repeat throughout the holidays and spreading cheer as it does. 

5. Love Actually (2003)

A very British Christmas gem! Love Actually is definitely a film to watch wrapped up in blankets with a cup of tea. The anthology style film is exactly what the title tells you: it’s a film about falling in love, falling out of love, conditional love, innocent love and unrequited love. The film balances its harsh realities with a sentimentality we all need a bit of this Christmas. And really, if that scene at the airport doesn’t warm your heart then I don’t know what will!

4. Die Hard (1988)

Both an iconic action movie and an iconic Christmas movie, Die Hard is a film with more Christmas spirit than its naysayers credit. With the endless “Is Die Hard a Christmas film?” debate bound to make its rounds again this year, all we can say is that, according to our department, yes it most certainly is and a fantastic one too. 

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

By far the most popular version of the classic Christmas morality tale in our department, The Muppet Christmas Carol is not only wonderfully touching but also a hilarious film for all ages. The film perfectly balances the fan favourite characters with the story itself, seamlessly combining the two with great dialogue and great performances, introducing people of all ages to the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the iconic Muppets gang. 

2. Home Alone (1990)

Another formula breaking annual re-watch, Home Alone has something for everyone. The slapstick filled action comedy putting the power back in the kids’ hands was always a fun childhood fantasy and watching it back Kevin is just as relatable and lovable as ever. With that fantasy giving the film a unique kind of Christmas cheer, there really isn’t anything else quite like it.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

And the department’s Christmas favourite (by quite a landslide) is of course the timeless classic: It’s a Wonderful Life. For a film over seventy years old, it holds up wonderfully to this day. Focusing on our individual importance to the people and the world around us, the film established many of the iconic themes and ideals that would come to represent the holiday in the years to come. Universally touching and visually entrancing, It’s a Wonderful Life is our favourite for a reason!