Christmas is not just about food, family, and festivities; it's also about movies. Traditionally, after finishing dinner on Christmas Eve and enjoying Christmas lunch, families settle down to watch beloved films together. This year, film critic Javier Ocaña has shared his recommendations for those cozying up on the couch with popcorn or churros and hot chocolate on December 25th.
According to Ocaña, there are three great films to watch. First on the list is Gremlins directed by Joe Dante—a Christmas movie bursting with both nostalgia and mayhem. A classic, it captures the hilarity and horror of small-town alien invasions through the antics of cute yet troublesome creatures known as Mogwai, who transform terrifyingly if certain rules aren’t followed. The film combines elements of science fiction from the 1950s, making it both nostalgic and wholly entertaining for families.
Next, Ocaña recommends It's A Wonderful Life, another masterpiece directed by Frank Capra. Although it recounts family and community values, it also has layers of freedom and personal choice—an important theme during the holiday season. The film features Lionel Barrymore, famously known as the villain from its contemporary, and provides reflections on kindness and the true meaning of Christmas.
The final selection is Carol, directed by Todd Haynes, which tells the story of forbidden love between two women, beautifully portrayed by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel, the film captures the essence of emotional connections and the richness of feeling, employing color symbolism effectively throughout. Haynes' adaptation delivers not just beautiful visuals but layers of depth, making it suitable for thoughtful viewers this holiday.
And if you're planning to use your newly acquired TV this Christmas, don't forget about the technical aspects of viewing! Many televisions come out of the box with settings like 'Standard' or 'Dynamic,' which are great for sports but can diminish cinematic experiences. Tom Cruise once suggested checking these settings, and for movie fanatics, switching to 'Filmmaker Mode' is the way to go. This mode darkens images, eliminates distracting artifices like Motion Smoothing, and preserves the filmmaker's original vision.
On Christmas, many stream classic films cherished year after year. JustWatch, leading streaming guide, has compiled its own list of top ten holiday films available for viewers this year. Leading the list is Love Actually, considered the quintessential romantic comedy of the holiday season, filled with iconic scenes and moments of joy, available on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
A close second is Home Alone, the quintessential holiday film, celebrating its legacy as it redefines Christmas cinema. Over three decades, it has become indispensable, graced by its iconic soundtrack composed by John Williams. Viewers can find this classic on Disney+
Other notable mentions on JustWatch's list include the delightful Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, perfect for humor and nostalgia, all housed under the expansive MCU umbrella. It captures the heartwarming essence of holiday specials from the '80s and ‘90s, reminding viewers of the spirit of fun and family.
Also included are timeless picks like It's A Wonderful Life, The Grinch starring Jim Carrey, and the animated gems The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol. Each of these films carries memories and morals just as relevant to today as the day they first aired.
Whether you're gearing up for family time, seeking nostalgic moments, or wanting to create new holiday memories, movies hold the power to transport us, evoke laughter, and warm our hearts. So grab those extra blankets, make some popcorn, and enjoy the magic of Christmas with your favorite films. The spirit of the holidays is alive within these beloved classics.
