The holiday season is already here, and I can’t think of a better plan for Christmas than to cozy up with a blanket and have a marathon of the best classic movies of this festive season. To warm our hearts, new Christmas movies are released every year aiming to become classics, but the truth is that very few succeed.
Streaming platforms, however, are filled with top-notch offerings that will remind us why it’s important to have Christmas spirit. So below we present a selection of five of the best, choosing one for each VOD service. Ho ho ho!
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Subscribe (it's FREE) ►Love Actually – Amazon Prime Video
It is impossible to talk about Christmas movies without mentioning Love Actually, the quintessential ensemble romantic comedy that has become a classic of this season. Directed by the brilliant Richard Curtis, the film intertwines several stories of love and heartbreak set in London during the most magical time of the year. Love Actually features a stellar cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, no less.
Love Actually captures both the joy and the complications of human relationships, always from an optimistic point of view and with good humor as its banner. The film features unforgettable moments, such as Hugh Grant’s impromptu dance or the emotional card scene between Andrew Lincoln and Keira Knightley. More than a movie, Love Actually is a reminder that love is everywhere, especially at Christmas.
Gremlins – Max
This Christmas, be careful with what you give… or receive! If you prefer a darker and more fun twist in your Christmas programming, Gremlins is your best option. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this 1984 horror comedy is a classic that mixes the adorable with the terrifying. The story follows Billy Peltzer, who receives a creature of the mogwai species named Gizmo as a Christmas gift. However, he must heed the warning to follow three essential rules: do not feed it after midnight, do not expose it to sunlight, and do not get it wet. As expected, everything goes wrong, and chaos ensues in the form of mischievous gremlins invading the town.
Available on Max, Gremlins is a film that combines dark humor, action, and a subtle commentary on Christmas consumerism. Ideal for those looking for something different from the typical sappy tales, this 80s gem remains as entertaining as it was at its release.
Klaus – Netflix
One of the most recent Christmas gems is undoubtedly the wonderful Spanish film Klaus, exclusive to Netflix. For those who want a touching and visually stunning story, it is a must-see choice. Directed by Sergio Pablos, Klaus reimagines the origin of Santa Claus with a fresh and emotional narrative. The plot follows Jesper, a selfish postman who is sent to a remote Arctic island as a last chance to redeem himself. There he meets Klaus, a solitary carpenter with a special talent for making toys. Together they transform the hostile community of Smeerensburg into a place full of hope and generosity.
Klaus stands out for its innovative animation style, which combines traditional techniques with modern technology. Winner of the BAFTA award for Best Animated Film and nominated for the Oscar, this masterpiece is perfect for the whole family and a reminder that small acts of kindness can lead to big changes.
Home Alone – Disney Plus
What would Christmas be without Home Alone? This 1990 comedy, directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, is a classic that continues to win hearts generation after generation. The film tells the story of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left home alone while his family travels to Paris.
Abandoned at home and completely alone, what starts as a dream for him soon turns into a nightmare when two clumsy burglars appear at the house, masterfully portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, using his wit and a series of hilarious traps.
The Spirit of Christmas – Apple TV+
Although it has much less Christmas content, Apple TV+ also has some interesting movies on the subject. The most notable of these is Spirited, a musical comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell that reimagines the classic tale of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
This modern version of the tale reverses the traditional roles, presenting the story from the perspective of the ghosts trying to redeem a cynical executive. With a clever script and undeniable chemistry between Reynolds and Ferrell, the film is ideal for those seeking a light yet entertaining Christmas experience.
