It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

“Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings”

It should come as no surprise that the top spot on the list goes to this Christmas classic. It’s a Wonderful Life is a story of hope, love and family, following George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) as he’s driven to the edge out of desperation only to be reminded just how important he is to those he loves. Stewart delivers a quality performance, but its Henry Travers as George’s guardian angel (in training), Clarence, who steals the film with his combination of childlike wonder and adult wisdom, making the ‘atta boy Clarence’, bell ringing, moment emotionally satisfying. It’s a Wonderful Life is a heart-warming tale that epitomises the true meaning of Christmas, togetherness, and should, I think, be watched at least once by everyone.

White Christmas (1954)

“Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, all that snow”

Bing Crosby was known to millions as Mr Christmas, in no small part due to his beautiful rendition of the song that gives this film its title. Combine his voice with Rosemary Clooney’s, add in Danny Kaye’s comedic ability and Vera Ellen’s dancing skills, plus a sprinkling of snow and you have all the ingredients for a Christmas hit. Crosby and Kaye star as show business entertainer’s Wallace and Davis who, together with the Haynes sisters (Clooney and Ellen), end up at the Vermont Inn owned by their old general, where, to help an ‘pal in the army’, the pair decide to stage their show on Christmas Eve. If nothing else watch it for Crosby and Kaye’s hilarious, improvised version of ‘Sisters’, blue feathers and all, during which not even Mr Christmas can keep a straight face.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

“I believe”

There has never been a better on screen Santa Claus then Sir Richard Attenborough in the 1994 version of Miracle on 34^th Street. He brings the perfect balance of warmth, class and grace to a role that is too often played as sugary sweet. His Saint Nick befriends a precocious young girl after being employed by her mother as store Santa for the festive period. Caught up in the battle between two New York toy stores for Christmas sales dominance, he’s arrested and while he has a moment of self-doubt the rest of the world rallies around, to declare their faith in the man who embodies the spirit of Christmas. Miracle on 34^th Street is joy to watch, reminding its audience of the importance and strength of hope, faith and belief.

Love Actually (2003)

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

Hugh Grant dancing around Number 10, Andrew Lincoln’s declaration of love and Bill Nighy’s naked performance are just three of Love Actually’s classic cinematic moments proving, undisputedly, that Richard Curtis is a Rom-Com genius. The long lasting strength of the film is not just due its impressive cast (Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, etc.), but it’s characters, with whom we can all identify.  We’ve all experienced the drama of a first love, like Sam, struggled with unrequited love, like Mark, or found love when we least expected it, like Jamie. Curtis delicately weaves together over a dozen storylines, all connected by love, making you laugh, cry and even shout at the screen (don’t answer the phone!)

The Holiday (2006)

“Iris, if you were a melody…I used only the good notes”

We’d all love to have a melody written about us, using only the good notes or, be swept off our feet by an attractive stranger and it’s this exploration of love (and the picturesque country cottage) that keeps bringing me back to The Holiday every year. And what’s not to like about Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law all appearing in the same film. The Holiday sees two strangers switch houses for the festive period to get away from their disastrous romantic lives but they end up finding love when they least expect it. For me the film’s highlight is Eli Wallach’s heart-warming portrayal of a fictional Hollywood writer who refuses to see the continuing value and purpose of his work until he befriends Winslet’s, Iris, who helps see just how much it means to people. A reminder that life is never as bad as we think it is and that something better is always just around the corner, The Holiday is a perfect winter warmer.

Die Hard (1988)

“Yippee-ki-yay Motherf**ker”

Let’s start by getting the arguments out of the way. Die Hard is a Christmas film, it’s set at Christmas, features a Christmas tree and is all about family…it’s also one of the greatest action films of all time. Bruce Willis stars as renegade cop, John McClane, who gets caught up in an international heist while attending his wife’s company Christmas party. Forced to act, McClane works to stop the villainous Han’s Gruber (played brilliantly by Alan Rickman) with nothing but a white vest, bare feet and a now iconic catchphrase. As much as I love a traditional Christmas film, sometimes you just need a break from all the holiday spirit and Die Hard is the perfect film for that.

The Snowman (1982)

“…and it was on that day I made the snowman”

A charming animated film about the adventure of a young boy and his snowman best friend as they fly around the world one winter’s night. Raymond Brigg’s iconic tale is beautifully brought to life, with images and music combining to tell the story, making it perfect for children aged 1 to 100.

Mrs Miracle (2009)

“You called her Mrs Miracle”

A few years ago I stumbled across the first Mrs Miracle film while flicking through the TV channels and fell in love with both it and its sequel, Miracle in Manhattan. The quality of the fake snow might not match up to the big screen entries on this list but the same can’t be said of the story. Based on Debbie Macomber’s novel, the film follows Mrs Miracle (played superbly by Doris Roberts) as she helps grieving widower, Seth Webster and the previously spurned, Reba Maxwell find love again with each other. It’s a tale of love and family that goes perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie on a cold winter’s evening.

The Santa Clause (1994)

“What if I fall off the roof?”

Tim Allen turned his comedic talents to Christmas in the 1990s when he fronted this festive franchise. Three films later and it’s the first that remains the best. A tale of a father and son’s bond and the power of belief, The Santa Clause is as heart-warming as it is funny.

Nativity! (2009)

“Hollywood are coming to St. Bernadette’s, to film your show”…”yeah”…”to make a film”…”and a book”

Director, Debbie Isitt, decided to ignore advice not to work with children or animals, delivering this brilliantly funny festive offering. Martin Freeman stars as a disenfranchised primary school teacher whose throwaway remark about a Hollywood producer coming to his class’s nativity performance lands him in a whole heap of trouble. While the adult actors (Marc Wootton, Jason Watkins and Pam Ferris) are all on top form, it’s the children who really steal the show with their combination of cuteness, cheekiness and genuine talent. Three films later and this franchise has become a wonderfully chaotic addition to my Christmas viewing schedule.