The Christmas season is the ideal opportunity to discover or rediscover films. Of course, some are more recommended than others. That’s why we’ve put together a list of feature films that we consider essential for the holiday season.
When the lights twinkle and the snowflakes dance, there’s nothing like a good movie to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a fan of essential classics or looking for (slightly) lesser-known gems, our picks for the best Christmas movies will keep you entertained throughout the holidays. From fantasy adventure to comic book action film, get your blanket and your hot chocolate ready. Yippee KI Yay!
Crystal Trap (Die Hard for purists)
Die Hard, an (un)expected Christmas classic, tells the exciting story of John McClane (played by Bruce Willis), a New York police officer. While he hopes to reconcile with his wife at a Christmas party in a Los Angeles skyscraper, the evening takes an explosive turn when terrorists storm the building. McClane, isolated and outnumbered, begins a fierce battle to rescue the hostages, including his wife. Combining intense action and crazy Christmas spirit, Die Hard is a thrilling adventure that adds a touch of adrenaline to the festivities. Also, can we really say that Christmas has begun while Hans Gruber, the film’s famous antagonist, is still living in Nakatomi Tower? The film can be seen on Disney+.
Gremlins: the great classic Christmas film
Gremlins is a true classic and at the same time a unique Christmas film that mixes dark humor and thrills. The story begins when Billy receives an adorable Mogwai creature named Gizmo as a gift. But the Christmas magic takes an unexpected turn when the strict rules for caring for Gizmo are broken. It was especially important not to give them any food after midnight… Suddenly the previously friendly creatures multiply and turn into small, mischievous monsters, sowing chaos in the small town. Between funny scenes and good-natured horror, Gremlins offers a Christmas adventure that’s as hilarious as it is frightening. A film that you can hardly get enough of. A tip: Don’t expose it to bright light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. That’s all we can tell you. The film can be seen primarily on Apple TV.
Batman the Challenge: the heroic note of the end-of-year holidays
In Batman Returns, the spirit of Christmas mixes with the gothic action of Gotham City. Batman must face the Penguin, a twisted and vengeful villain, as well as the mysterious and seductive Catwoman. Set during the holiday season, this dark Batman sequel offers a darker vision of Christmas than ever before, with the snowy backdrop of Gotham serving as a backdrop for epic duels and twisted super-shenanigans. Villains. It’s a Christmas story for superhero fans. At a time when the DCU and MCU were still far apart. And what a joy to find Julien Lepers in the role of Batman… The film can be found on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for an additional 2.99 dollars.
Mom, I missed the plane! : a parent’s worst nightmare
Mom, I missed the plane! is THE ultimate Christmas film for the whole family. Essential, classic, iconic… It’s the story of Kevin, a little 8-year-old boy who accidentally finds himself home alone when his family goes on vacation for the holidays. What begins as every child’s dream turns into an adventure full of twists and turns as Kevin must defend his house against two clumsy burglars. Between ingenious traps and moments of genuine laughter, this film mixes the spirit of Christmas with a good dose of humor and mischief. Good news, the visual is included in Disney+.
Elf, the somewhat stupid element in Christmas films
With Elf (or simply Elf in French) we put the brain on its side. It is a cheerful Christmas comedy that tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole. When Buddy finds out he’s not a real elf, he travels to New York to find his biological father. With his childlike naivety and unconditional love for Christmas, Buddy brings a touch of magic and laughter into the lives of the townspeople. It is a film full of heart and humor, ideal for immersing yourself in the cheerful atmosphere without any worries. A very good-natured film. Not necessarily the most intellectual on the list. The film is available on Hulu. Otherwise, you’ll have to opt for the DVD.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, a touch of poetry at the end of the year
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a musical fantasy that mixes Halloween and Christmas in quite an imaginative way. Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and is immediately fascinated by it. Determined to put his own spin on the celebration, he orchestrates the celebration in his own way, leading to both amusing and unexpected results. With its unique style and unforgettable songs, this film is a captivating adventure that reinvents Christmas traditions in a fantasy universe. If the film is indeed by Henry Selick, the character is by Tim Burton, who is also the lead screenwriter. Here’s information to help you shine in front of your family during the holidays. Depending on your preference, choose between two slices of salmon or goose liver. The film is included in the Disney+ offering.
The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney’s fantasy epic
“The Chronicles of Narnia” is a saga divided into no less than three films that takes the viewer on a fantastic journey into the heart of eternal winter. As four children explore an old wardrobe, they are transported to the snowy world of Narnia, ruled by the evil White Witch. Between epic battles and magical encounters, they must help Aslan, the majestic lion, restore peace and put an end to the freezing winter. This film combines the spirit of Christmas with a fantastic adventure, perfect for a family evening. And then it’s a Made in Disney film. At the time when the giant didn’t have too much trouble making us dream.
The Star Wars Christmas Special: When Santa Claus is a Jedi
The Star Wars Holiday Special is a unique television production that combines the Star Wars universe with the Christmas spirit. Airing in 1978, this special offers an atypical experience as the iconic Star Wars characters celebrate Life Day. Known for its unusual tone and mix of music, animation and sketches, this show is a curious and nostalgic piece of Star Wars history for fans of the saga. The icing on the cake is that it can be found almost everywhere on the internet, even on YouTube (but not on Disney+). You will NEVER see Chewbacca the same again after this.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Happy Holidays
Similar to the Star Wars Special, “The Holiday Special: Guardians of the Galaxy” is a special Christmas episode that immerses viewers in the festive and crazy world of the Guardians. The atmosphere isn’t exactly festive among the Guardians of the Galaxy. Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt), aka Starlord, is very depressed. Nostalgic for Gamora, who disappeared after the adventures of Avengers Endgame. But Mantis has a good idea to cheer him up. From this very moment, the change in tone is complete and becomes completely ridiculous. She has a crazy Christmas plan to kidnap Kevin Bacon, Peter’s hero from his role in Footloose. For fans of the Marvel Universe, this is the perfect opportunity to delve a little deeper into the crazy universe dreamed up by James Gunn. Everything is available on Disney+, as are the rest of the Marvel films.
Santa Claus is trash… you won’t escape him
Do we really need to remind you of the script of this gem of French cinema? It’s difficult to escape this work that will inevitably be shown on your television. Yes, the film airs every year during the holiday season. And the big surprise is that it continues to be a huge success. The public doesn’t seem to get tired of it. The best of the best Christmas films?
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