There are endless lists of ‘Christmas films to watch’. Inside these lists are favourites including Home Alone, Elf, Scrooged and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Yes, they are Christmas films, but a Christmas film is so much more than that.
A real festive film is one you choose to watch, year after year and never tire of. A festive film is one that you can quote word for word and you still want to watch it.
Some of my festive favourites are:
The Lord of the Rings
One magical ring that must be destroyed. One little hobbit. What could possibly go wrong? A film with some of the most epic battles, the sweetest love stories and moments that would melt the hardest of hearts (“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.” – Samwise Gamgee).
Why it’s a favourite: This trilogy is my favourite set of films. Ever. I lost count the number of times I watched them in the cinema. I ‘married’ Legolas in my classroom when I was 14 and if any of the movies are on television, I need to watch them. Peter Jackson truly brought Tolkien’s classics to life.
The Great Escape
This classic film is based around a mass escape from a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Based on real events, it is a film that keeps you enticed time after time.
Why it’s a favourite: This film makes you root for the lead characters; you want to see Steve McQueen get sent to solitary with his baseball. Most of all, every time you watch it, you want to see them all escape back to their homelands safely.
James Bond
He is everyone’s favourite spy. He is the man with the licence to kill and has flashy Aston Martin. Aside from this, he is best known for womanising and preferring his martini shaken, not stirred. The Bond series started in 1962 with Dr No and the latest addition is recently released Spectre.
Why it’s a favourite: Each plot is a twist on the others but they are no less gripping. My recent favourite is Skyfall as it is full of action with a gripping storyline. It was great to get to know where Bond came from.
One of my other favourite Bond moments is Pierce Brosnan showing off his tank driving skills in Goldeneye.
The Sound of Music
This classic is based on the Broadway musical with the same name. It is about a nun Maria who took some time away from the convent to be a governess for the von Trapp family. Much singing follows along with an exciting escape from Nazi guards.
Why it’s a favourite: Is it even possible to think about preparing for your Christmas meal without singing ‘Do-Re-Me’ or swaying to ‘Edelweiss’?
Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang
The former grand prix race car finds itself in the garage of an inventor struggling to make ends meet. After meeting an upper-class lady who wants to invest in it, many adventures follow.
Why it’s a favourite: It is a flying car. No further explanation is needed.
Other special mentions: Die Hard, Star Wars, Sherlock (Ok, it is a television series but each episode is feature length), Pirates of the Caribbean (but only the first one).
What is your favourite festive film?
