8 classic Christmas movies that deserve a re-watch this weekend

The office is closed, the fire is lit, there's a glass of wine with your name on it and a TV just waiting to be watched. 

That's right, the Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and with that, it's about time we start planning how what we're going to watch during all those cosy evenings spent by the fire. 

After all, it wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't watch an unholy amount of cheesy films, right? 

Here's our top picks: 

1. Elf 

One of our all time favourites! 

Nothing fills us with the joys of Christmas quite like a watching Buddy The Elf attempt to navigate the Big Apple and find his birth father, Walter Hobbs.

His child-like behaviour and joyous attitude may be a little over the top for the business types of NYC, but even the most cynical among us are no match for his Christmas spirit.  

2. The Santa Clause 

Growing up in 1990's Ireland, three things heralded the arrival of Christmas over all others – 1. The Late Late Toy Show (obviously), 2. Seeing the Coca-cola ad on TV for the first time, and 3. Staying up late to watch what is arguably Tim Allen's greatest performance on RTÉ. 

Sure, the story starts off on a bit of grim note, but seeing Scott (aka the new Santa Clause) rise to the occasion for the sake of his son reminds us what Christmas is all about. 

3. Love Actually 

Is it just us, or is it hard to believe that Richard Curtis' festive masterpiece is 14-years-old? 

Love Actually tells ten interweaving stories of love around Christmas time, and has cemented itself as a holiday tradition in many households across the country. 

Cry, laugh and ask what love actually is with an all-star cast featuring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Kiera Knightley, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, to name just a few. 

4. The Holiday

A modern classic that is often overshadowed by other festive favourites. 

Starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, this Yueltide romantic comedy tells the story of two women who embark on a house exchange after shortcomings in their love lives leave them yearning for change. 

 A tale full of love, loss and warm fuzzy feelings – everything we look for in a Christmas comedy.  

5. Home Alone 

No Christmas movie list would be complete without a visit to the McCallister's house. 

Sure, child negligence doesn't exactly scream Christmas spirit, but Macaulay Culkin's charming performance makes this a must-watch ever single year. 

Admit it, you pretty much know the script off by heart at this stage. 

6. The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Tim Burton's fantastical animation is unique in that it can be enjoyed at Halloween and Christmas time alike. 

And while most people generally wouldn't associate one with the other, The Nightmare Before Christmas manages to strike the perfect balance between light and dark. 

A Christmas film even the biggest scrooges can get on board with – it's win win! 

7. About A Boy 

Not the most traditional of Christmas films, but hey, when the main character lives off the royalties of song called Santa's Super Sleigh, we're willing to make an exception. 

The story follows the unlikely friendship between a wealthy bachelor and a bullied schoolboy as they gain a new appreciation for life and the importance of family. 

And if that doesn't scream Christmas time, we don't know what does.