December has started. Time to dive back into the magical world of Christmasmovies, but which one? We tip ten, from sugary classics to more obscure gemsthat you probably didn’t know yet.
Don’t be alarmed, but December has already arrived. Time to decorate theChristmas tree, hang the lights and wave Sinterklaas goodbye. In other words:we can enjoy Christmas movies again without shame.
Manners tips 10 Christmas movies
But which? We tip ten Christmas films, from a Japanese animation film to areal sappy classic. Hopefully there are movies that you didn’t know yet,because they are all worth checking out. And well, especially duringChristmas, watching beloved classics again is not a punishment either. Makesit easier to slip into the kitchen sometimes.
1. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
One of the most critically acclaimed animated films of all time happens to bea Christmas movie. Then we are talking about the excellent Tokyo Godfathers, by the Japanese grandmaster Satoshi Kon. The film follows three homelesspeople who roam the streets of Tokyo. When they find a newborn baby betweensome garbage cans, they decide to look for its parents. Heartwarming, full ofhumor and brought to life in a beautiful animation style.
To stream on: Netflix
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Fancy a somewhat classic Christmas movie? Then is Christmas Vacation highlyrecommended since its release in 1989. Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) wants todo everything he can to give his family an unforgettable Christmas vacation.Of course everything almost goes wrong, with a heartwarming ending, as befitsa cliché American Christmas comedy. But then a very well executed cliché!
To stream on: Pathé Thuis, Prime Video
3. Klaus (2019)
You can find on Netflix since 2019 Klaus. A film that blew away the pressand the general public and even won an Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2020.The film is about Jesper, a postman who is sent to the northernmost town ofSmeerenburg as punishment for his bad reputation as a student. But Jesper hasno idea that Smeerenburg is actually looking for something other than mail:love and friendship! The visual style of this film is nothing short ofbeautiful. Check that bite!
To stream on: Netflix
4. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
The Man Who Invented Christmas is another example of a recent Christmasmovie that turns out much better than you might expect. We go back in time inthis biographical drama film about Charles Dickens, who is inventing aChristmas story that we all know today. The writer is also played by DanStevens, according to the betting offices a great contender for the role ofJames Bond.
To stream on: Temporarily nowhere to stream
5. A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
A Muppet Family Christmas is a classic Christmas film for the whole family,but even without children it is pure enjoyment. With Kermit, Fozzie Bear andall their other friends we experience magical moments full of music and humor.This movie is such a nostalgic Christmas experience that everyone _instantly_gets you in the party mood. The score of 8.1 on IMDb says it all. _Cheesy,_but that’s for Christmas.
To stream on: Disney+
6. Batman Returns (1992)
Do you prefer to watch a movie with a Christmas atmosphere, instead of aChristmas movie? Batman Returns is the second Batman film from director TimBurton, starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Danny DeVito as ThePenguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. The Penguin has teamed up with acorrupt businessman to frame Batman for murder. Their ultimate goal? Takecomplete control of the city. And that during Christmas!
To stream on: Pathé Thuis, HBO Max, Viaplay, Videoland
7. Die Hard (1988)
With an impressive score of 8.2 Die Hard the perfect action thriller towatch at Christmas. Bruce Willis plays John McClane, an NYPD detective who isin Los Angeles to visit his wife at a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza. Whenterrorists storm the party, he must do everything he can to save the hostagesand take out the terrorists. The internet has Die Hard rightly labeledcollectively as a real Christmas movie years ago.
To stream on: Pathé Home, Disney+
8. Love Actually (2003)
Of Love Actually brought Richard Curtis one instantly classic out. Youfollow a remarkably large star cast, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson andMartine McCutcheon, in a total of eight different love storylines. Whetherit’s a loyal friendship or an impossible love, Curtis knows how toeffortlessly turn it into compelling stories that naturally come together inthe end. A must for fans of the better romcom. And who isn’t?
To stream on: Pathé Thuis, Prime Video, Viaplay, Videoland
9. Scrooged (1988)
Speaking of classics: in Scrooged we meet Frank Cross, a selfish and cynicaltelevision boss who receives a visit from three ghosts. They try to teach himhow he should change his life to become truly happy. It’s a story you’ve seen,heard, or read a dozen times, but thanks to Bill Murray, it’s boring_Scrooged_ not a moment.
To stream on: Pathé Thuis, Prime Video, SkyShowtime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YjrsSEEReY
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
There are so many strong animation films within the Christmas film genre. TheNightmare Before Christmas is made using stop-motion animation, whichimmediately produces a special visual style. We follow Jack Skellington, theking of Halloween Town, who one day discovers Christmas Town and becomescompletely captivated by the idea of Christmas. Top music, beautiful actingand a good dose of atmosphere: The Nightmare Before Christmas is a(Christmas) gem.