Nothing beats a cosy night in watching a good movie- with a sweet treat! Especially if it’s cold outside; there’s nothing better than to snuggle up and stay warm. As I write this it’s 2 degrees outside and day 3 of Blogmas- so today I’m bringing you the best 10 Christmas movies for a cosy night in. AKA inspiration for my own evening in approx. 5 hours! So if you’re looking for some movie inspiration perfect for all the family, then this one is for you!
(Just a heads up- I have chosen movies with a maximum of PG rating. Obviously everyone’s opinion of ‘family friendly’ will be different. But I’ve set my ‘family friendly’ ratings as PG for this post). Enjoy!
1. The Santa Clause (1994, PG)
This movie holds such fond memories for me- it’s the first Christmas movie I remember watching. And as a 4 year old I can vouch how much I loved this movie. It’s a feel good, Christmassy classic about an unknowing man doing a good deed and becoming the next Santa Clause.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, PG)
Another modern day Christmas classic in my opinion. There has been many different versions of the Grinch over the years but the 2000 edition was my personal favourite. A movie that has different meanings depending on your age- but from a child’s POV its about a grumpy green man who doesn’t like Christmas!
3. A Muppets Christmas Carol (1992, G)
Anyone else found other versions of A Christmas Carol a tad creepy? But by far the least creepy version for me is the muppets rendition. It’s a timeless story based on Charles Dickens’ novel about Ebeneezer Scrooge and how 3 visits from different Christmas spirits makes him change his cold-hearted ways.
4. Home Alone (1990, PG)
In this movie, Kevin- a young boy- is left home alone (aka forgotten) over the Christmas holiday whilst his family is on vacation. Watch as he defends his house from two scheming burglars with a series of ingenious booby traps and decoys. Plus there’s a further two movies should you fancy a mini movie marathon!
5. The Polar Express (2004, G)
The Polar Express is another modern classic about a sceptical boy who goes on a train journey and becomes a believer. I’ve always found the graphics for this movie to be really life-like! Very impressive seeing it’s now 20 years old.
6. Elf (2003, PG)
If you’re looking for a good laugh then Elf is the perfect Christmas movie. It’s set in New York over Christmas (which always looks very festive) and follows a rather tall Elf finding his real father.
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001, PG)
Now hear me out- but anyone else love watching all eight HP movies around Christmas? The first movie- The Philosopher’s Stone- feels quite festive to me. There are some beautiful snowy scenes of Hogwarts and Harry spends his first Christmas there. Even Harry Potter world has gone to the trouble of convincing people it should be a Christmas classic– don’t need to convince me!
8. While You Were Sleeping (1995, PG)
This is possibly my favourite movie! It’s about a token collector who has fallen in love (from afar) with a daily train commuter. On Christmas day she rescues him when he falls onto the train tracks. While he is in a coma, she is mistaken by his family as his fiancé but things become really complicated when she falls in love with his brother! Honestly- so good!
9. Groundhog Day (1993, PG)
A slightly-less traditional Christmas classic, but a goodie none the less. Plus I’m sure the snow-covered setting and cosy surroundings means viewers are forgiven for mistaking the film as being set during the festive season. A truly heart-warming classic about a weatherman doomed to relive the same day over and over again. A sprinkle of on-screen romance and comedy gold, it’s a perfect movie for a cosy Christmas night in.
10. Shrek (2001, PG)
I always see Shrek on TV around Christmas and it’s for good reason! Although it’s not set during the Christmas holidays- unless you watch the Shrek the Halls alternative- it has to be a favourite in my house. Brilliantly funny and a great feel good movie, it appeals to all and an absolutely must in my opinion!
FINAL THOUGHTS..
There’s something so cosy about cuddling on the sofa with your loved ones and putting on a good movie. Don’t forget that many of these movies are only the first in a series and could easily be turned into a movie marathon. I feel a Harry Potter movie marathon calling this December! Whether you like re-visitng the classics or want to try something new, I’d love to hear the Christmas movies that you and your family enjoy.
For those looking for something a little more hands on, be sure to check back in tomorrow for Blogmas Day 4! It’s DIY Christmas Wreath Day! See you then..
