The Christmas period is the ideal opportunity to discover or rediscover films. Naturally, 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. So, whether you’re a fan of essential classics or looking for (slightly) lesser-known gems, our selection of the best films to see for Christmas will keep you entertained during the holidays. From fantasy adventure to comic action film, prepare your blanket and your hot chocolate. Yippee-ki-yay!
Crystal Trap (Die Hard for purists)
Die Hard, an (un)expected Christmas classic, tells the thrilling 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, launches into a fierce fight to save the hostages, including his wife. Combining intense action with a twisted Christmas spirit, Die Hard is a thrilling adventure that brings a touch of adrenaline to the festivities. Besides, can we really say that Christmas has begun while Hans Gruber, the famous antagonist of the film, still occupies Nakatomi Tower? The film is viewable on Disney+.
Gremlins: the great classic Christmas movie
Gremlins is a true classic and also a unique Christmas film, mixing dark humor and thrills. The story begins when Billy receives an adorable Mogwai creature named Gizmo as a gift. But the magic of Christmas takes an unexpected turn when the strict rules for caring for Gizmo are broken. It was especially important not to give them food after midnight… Suddenly, what was a friendly creature multiplies and turns into little monsters mischievous, sowing chaos in the small town. Between funny scenes and good-natured horror, Gremlins offers a Christmas adventure that is as hilarious as it is frightening. A film that is difficult to get tired of. A word of advice: do not expose it to bright light, do not get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. That’s all we can tell you. The film is notably visible on Apple TV.
Batman the Challenge: the heroic touch 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. This dark Batman sequel set during the holiday season offers a darker than ever vision of Christmas, where the snowy backdrop of Gotham serves as the backdrop for epic duels and twisted super shenanigans. bad guys. It’s a Christmas story for superhero fans. At a time when the DCU and MCU were still far away. And what a pleasure 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 euros.
Mom I missed the plane ! : a parent’s worst nightmare
Mom I missed the plane ! is THE ultimate Christmas film for the whole family. Unmissable, classic, cult… It’s the story of Kevin, a young 8-year-old boy, who accidentally finds himself alone at home when his family goes on vacation for the holidays. What begins as every child’s dream becomes an adventure full of twists and turns when Kevin must defend his house against two clumsy burglars. Between ingenious traps and moments of real laughter, this film mixes the spirit of Christmas with a good dose of humor and mischief. Good news, the visible is included in Disney+.
Elf, the somewhat stupid deposit in Christmas films
With Elf (or simply Elfe in French) we place the brain on the side. It’s a cheerful Christmas comedy, which tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. Discovering that he is not a real elf, Buddy travels to New York to find his biological father. With his childish naivety and unconditional love for Christmas, Buddy brings a touch of magic and laughter to the lives of city dwellers. It’s a film full of heart and humor, ideal for immersing yourself in the joyful atmosphere without worrying. A very good-natured film. Not necessarily the most intellectual on the list. The film is available on Hulu. Otherwise you’ll have to go 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 inventive way. Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, stumbles across Christmas Town and is instantly fascinated by it. Determined to add his own touch to the celebration, he orchestrates the celebration in his own way, leading to results that are both amusing and unexpected. This film, with its unique style and memorable songs, 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 main screenwriter. Here is information to shine during the holidays in front of your family. Between two slices of salmon or foie gras depending on your preferences. The film is included in the Disney+ offer.
The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney’s fantasy epic
The Chronicles of Narnia is a saga divided into no less than 3 films which take spectators on a fantastic journey into the heart of eternal winter. Four children, while exploring an old wardrobe, find themselves 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 did not yet have too much trouble making us dream.
The Star Wars Holiday Special: When Santa Claus is a Jedi
The Star Wars Holiday Special is a unique television production that blends the Star Wars universe with the spirit of Christmas. Broadcast in 1978, this special offers an atypical experience with its iconic Star Wars characters celebrating the holiday of “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 way again after this.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Happy Holidays
In the same vein as 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. Among the Guardians of the Galaxy, the atmosphere is not really festive. 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 bright idea to cheer him up. From this precise moment, the change in tone is complete and it becomes completely ludicrous. She comes up with 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 imagined by James Gunn. Everything is available on Disney+ with the rest of the Marvel films.
Santa Claus is trash… you won’t escape him
We really need to remind you of the script of this gem of French cinema? It’s difficult to escape this work which will inevitably be shown on your TV. Yes, every year the film is broadcast during the holiday period. And the big surprise is that it continues to be a huge hit. The public doesn’t seem to get tired of it. The best of the best Christmas films?