As the festive season arrives, so does the annual tradition of gathering around the television for a Christmas movie marathon. But with countless films claiming the holiday mantle, how do you choose what to watch? Illawarra Mercury reporter Joel Ehsman has compiled the definitive guide, breaking down the vast world of yuletide cinema into 12 essential categories to help you navigate your December viewing.
From Timeless Classics to Modern Mayhem
The foundation of any Christmas watchlist is built on the black-and-white classics. Films like It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street have endured for generations, their stories so intrinsically linked to the season they "smell like pine trees." Similarly evergreen is Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, a tale first published in 1843 that continues to inspire new adaptations, with two more Hollywood versions announced just this year. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge has been portrayed by a staggering array of actors, from Michael Caine and Patrick Stewart to Kermit the Frog's boss, Scrooge McDuck.
For many, the season is synonymous with love and laughter. The romantic Christmas movie is a powerhouse genre, featuring staples like Love Actually and The Holiday. Comedy also reigns supreme, though not all are universal crowd-pleasers. "I'm going to say something controversial. I do not like Elf that much," admits Ehsman. The legacy of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has spawned its own sub-genre, inspiring films like Christmas with the Kranks and Deck the Halls that focus on the chaotic, often awkward, realities of family gatherings.
Unexpected Genres and Family Favourites
Not all festive films are full of cheer. A growing trend sees Santa trading his sleigh for fists in action-packed entries like Violent Night, starring David Harbour as a Santa battling mercenaries. For a different kind of thrill, there's the adult-oriented comedy where the holidays go off the rails, featuring "bad Santas" and office parties gone wrong, as seen in films like The Night Before.
Animation holds a special place, transporting viewers back to childhood with beloved specials and features like A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Polar Express. For true family viewing, movies such as The Santa Clause and the Home Alone series (the first two, at least) remain perennial favourites. And then there's the eternal debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? This category is for films only tangentially related to the holiday, like Batman Returns or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, that have become festive staples for many.
The Ultimate Christmas Movie Verdict
In the end, the most important category is personal. "The one you watch every year" is arguably the truest Christmas movie of all. Whether it's a Bond marathon or a rewatch of every Friends holiday episode, tradition defines the season's viewing. However, Ehsman offers a definitive, if playful, conclusion: "Gremlins is perfect and is the best Christmas movie." He challenges any dissenters to rewatch the film and see his point.
With this guide, from the heartwarming classics to the surprisingly violent newcomers, you're equipped to curate the perfect festive playlist. Whether you're after nostalgia, laughs, or Santa throwing punches, there's a Christmas movie category waiting for you.
