My Top 10 Favourite Christmas Movies I Watch Every Year
Posted on: 2024-11-30
Christmas is hands-down my favorite time of year!
From giving thoughtful, personalized gifts to enjoying the twinkling lights, festive treats, cozy traditions, and warm family moments, almost everything about the season fills me with joy.
One tradition I never miss? Watching my favorite Christmas movies. While some might not be your typical holiday picks, they all capture the magic of the season for me.
Here's my list of must-watch Christmas films:
1. Love Actually (2003)
I think it's safe to say most people know or have seen Love Actually. The image that usually comes to mind, when one thinks of this movie, is seeing Walking Dead's Rick Grimes holding up a sign to Kiera Knightly saying, “To me, you are perfect”.
For those who don't know... Love Actually weaves together the interconnected stories of love, heartbreak, and hope among a group of characters (way too many to mention) in the weeks leading up to Christmas, capturing the many forms that love can take.
I remember when Love Actually first came out. I went to the movies to see a different film with some friends and my mom was coming out of the theater with the biggest smile on her face. It became a must watch every Christmas... Sometimes twice a year...It's safe to say I can recite most of that movie from memory.
2. Bridget Jones (2001)
Not a Christmas movie in the traditional sense but set mostly in the winter season. Bridget Jones is a classic. A modern day Pride and Prejudice! Starring Renee Zellweger (Chicago), Hugh Grant (Notting Hill), Colin Firth (The King's Speech) This story follows the humorous and relatable journey of a single thirty-something woman navigating her career, love life, and personal insecurities, while hilariously chronicling her quest for self-improvement and romance.
I'm so excited to see the last installment, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, coming out in March 2025!!
3. The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday has become a must-watch tradition for me every year. The story of two women stepping out of their comfort zones during a tough time in their lives is both heartwarming and inspiring, as they rediscover themselves—and maybe even find love along the way. The cast couldn't be more perfect: the ever-charming Jude Law, the vibrant Cameron Diaz, the always brilliant Kate Winslet (one of my favorite actresses), and the delightful Jack Black, who shines in an unexpectedly fitting role. It's a holiday classic that never gets old!
4. Harry Potter (1997-2007)
This is a movie series I feel needs no explanation except that it might not be a traditional Christmas movie, but it has all the elements of one. The story exudes a magical nostalgia that perfectly captures the wonder and enchantment associated with the holiday season. With snowy landscapes, grand holiday decorations, and twinkling lights, it often embraces a festive atmosphere. Themes of love, belonging, togetherness, and friendship shine through, resonating deeply with the holiday spirit.
5. The Happiest Season (2020)
This movie came at a time when the world was falling apart. In my opinion, It is pure joy!
It is a heartwarming holiday rom-com that explores love, identity, and family dynamics as a woman plans to propose to her girlfriend, only to discover she hasn't come out to her conservative family.
With an all-star cast including Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Mackenzie Davis (Halt and Catch Fire), Dan Levy (Schitts Creek), Mary Steenburgen (Elf), Victor Garber (Alias), Alison Brie (Glow) and more!
This is a must watch every year!
6. Love Hard (2021)
An unexpected favourite. Love Hard tells the story of a girl, Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), who travels across the country to surprise her online crush for Christmas, only to discover she's been catfished by a quirky but well-meaning guy, Jimmy O Yang (Crazy Rich Asians). It's a very cute, feel good comedy.
7. Love at First Sight (2023)
I knew I loved this movie within the first few minutes of watching it.
A meet-cute at it's finest, hitting me in all the feels.
This heartfelt story, starring Haley Lu Richardson (White Lotus, Five Feet Apart) and Ben Hardy (X-Men: Apocalypse), follows two strangers who share an instant connection before a flight to London. When they lose each other at the airport, it sparks a journey filled with fate, love, and second chances. The music in this film is incredible—I added it to my playlists right away!
8. The Family Stone (2005)
One of my all time favourites. A movie my husband is even excited to watch every year. Another all-star cast featuring Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), Claire Danes (Homeland), Diane Keaton (Something's Gotta Give), Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Durmot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding), Luke Wilson (Legally Blonde), Craig T. Nelson (The Incredibles)
A story of an uptight woman who spends Christmas with her boyfriend's eccentric and tight-knit family, leading to awkward misunderstandings, unexpected bonds, and heartfelt revelations about love and acceptance. You'll laugh, you'll cry... It's a holiday must!
9. Little Women (2019)
A classic story but my favourite version, starring Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn), Timothee Chalamet (Wonka), Florence Pugh (The Wonder), Laura Dern (Jurassic Park) and Emma Watson (Harry Potter). The tale of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—as they navigate love, ambition, and family bonds during and after the Civil War, exploring themes of independence, sacrifice, and the enduring power of sisterhood.
10. Dash + Lily (2020)
A boy wanders into a bookstore and discovers a red notebook tucked among the novels, bearing the handwritten words “Do you dare?” Inside, he finds a scavenger hunt that links him to a girl he's never met. Through the notebook, they exchange dares, dreams, and embark on life-changing adventures across New York City during the Christmas season, all without knowing each other's identities. It's a story of young love, a reminder of the magic that unfolds when we step away from our screens, and a charming, feel-good watch that has become a yearly tradition for me!
Other favourites to check out:
Serendipity: A classic boy meets girl meet cute, they have an instant connection but part ways and spend the whole movie following breadcrumbs to find each other again.
Something From Tiffany's: Two little blue boxes accidentally get swapped outside the famous Tiffany's store in New York City which leads to new friendships, awkward moments and potentially a new relationship.
Noelle: A female led Christmas story with a very feminist twist.
Spirited: For the musical lover featuring this generations comedy icons.
Elf: A Christmas classic.
Falling For Christmas: A somewhat cheesy yet feel good Scottish Christmas movie.
The Grinch: (live action and animated) This movie needs to description...
Last Christmas: Emilia Clark as the witty Christmas saleswoman who meets a charming and mysterious man, leading to a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, love, and healing.
Holiday in the Wild: A recently divorced woman goes on a trip to Africa for the holidays and rediscovers herself whilst staying at an elephant sanctuary. A holiday movie for the environmentalist and animal activist
