Leicester's Favourite Christmas Films

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), dir. Brian Henson

From director Brian Henson (son of Muppet creator Jim), this classic Dickens story gets a Muppet makeover, with the end result being a hilarious and heart-warming affair.

Superb casting sets this adaptation apart from the others. Michael Caine is the perfect fit for the formidable Scrooge, Kermit the natural choice for Bob Cratchit and who could forget Rizzo the Rat’s great performance as himself?

Full of catchy songs and our favourite faces, The Muppet Christmas Carol breathes new life into the well-known story.

Die Hard (1988), dir. John McTiernan

We’re going to get this rather controversial choice out of the way, so here goes.

Yes, Die Hard may split opinions. Is it a Christmas film or not? It’s even caused debate amongst our team (more than once), but it’s still a staple for many households during the festive period.

Brimful of stellar performances, tons of action and suspense, plus the odd yuletide reference, really it’s the perfect Christmas film for people who don’t actually enjoy Christmas films!

It's a Wonderful Life (1947), dir. Frank Capra

A life-affirming, uplifting story, It’s a Wonderful Life captures the true meaning of Christmas beautifully. A story of hope, community and uniting against a common enemy, its message resonates even more in 2020.

We often choose this film for our annual Action Homeless charity screening in December, and we’re incredibly sad that we’re unable to it this year as it’s always generously supported by our customers. If you would still like to support Action Homeless during this difficult time, you can donate here.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), dir. Ron Howard

Easily the best adaptation of Dr Seuss’ outrageously fun rhyming story – no other version could ever match Jim Carrey as the Grinch.

Not only does Carrey bring a sarcastic flair to the role (which us Brits all enjoy), right from the beginning there’s a charm and subtle vulnerability to his character  which perfectly sets up the heart-expanding ending.

Without a doubt, a modern Christmas classic.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), dir. Vincente Minnelli

Now, for another controversial pick. Meet Me in St. Louis may not be set entirely at Christmas, but it definitely shines brightest in the winter months.

A heartwarming turn-of-the-century musical, the film introduced us to the Christmas classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” which was originally sung by Judy Garland in the film, and of course, has gone on to be covered by many other artists including Frank Sinatra.

Gremlins (1984), dir. Joe Dante

Considered by many as the ‘anti-Christmas’ film, Gremlins is an outlandish horror-comedy that deserves its cult classic status.

This is obviously hypothetical, but if a gang of murderous Gremlins were running amok across Leicester, we’d want Lynn Peltzer (Frances Lee McCain) – with her imaginative use of kitchen appliances – on our team to help get rid of them.

The Polar Express (2004), dir. Robert Zemeckis

If you can get past the animation style, and the fact that Tom Hanks plays pretty much every character, this magical adventure is sure to instil Christmas spirit.

Young or old, The Polar Express is an enchanting story about the magic of Christmas and the power of belief – really, what’s not to love?

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), dir. Henry Selick

Once Halloween is over, we all patiently wait for December so that we can begin watching Christmas films without being judged.

But, if you’re like us and you can’t wait, there is one Christmas film that it’s completely okay to watch in early November, and that’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The ideal blend of festive scares, you won’t feel guilty about cracking open the Christmas spirit early with this one.

Elf (2003), dir. Jon Favreau

For many, Christmas isn’t the same without an annual screening of Will Ferrell as the lovable, but gullible Buddy the Elf.

Throughout the film, he teaches us to sing loud to spread Christmas cheer, to eat spaghetti with chocolate syrup – there is actually a real recipe for this! – and to truly embrace the Christmas spirit. An absolute delight.

Home Alone (1990), dir. Chris Columbus

A film that needs little introduction, Home Alone has become a classic yuletide movie for all the family, tackling the rather terrifying subject of home invasion with slapstick humour and lovely heartwarming moments.

30 years since its release, a fresh-faced Macaulay Culkin still makes us belly-laugh when going head-to-head against the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern).

Love Actually (2003), dir. Richard Curtis

The ultimate ‘Marmite’ Christmas film, Richard Curtis’ Love Actually has continued to divide opinion since its release way back in 2003.

Featuring a fleet of British acting talent, from Bill Nighy and Hugh Grant to Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, this romantic comedy is lighthearted and devastating in equal measure. And who doesn’t love a festive happy ending?