The countdown to Christmas is officially underway and we’re feeling way too excited about it. We’ve been itching to watch our favourite festive films since the summertime but managed to hold off until after Halloween.
Now that December is here, we’ll happily tune into Love Actually, The Holiday, Home Alone and Elf every single evening.
Christmas movies never fail to make us smile so we’ll be watching as many as possible this winter.
Movies like The Grinch and Miracle on 34th Street always make us feel better and science has even found evidence to prove that watching Christmas movies is actually good for you.
Researchers have found that Christmas movies release feel-good hormones. They told DoYouRemember, “It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness. I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out ,signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not. Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormones.”
Christmas movies can also help lower stress and reduce anxiety levels, which is ideal as we approach one of the most hectic times of the year.
Watch Hugh Grant shimmy around 10 Downing Street or cry over It’s a Wonderful Life with your nearest and dearest this winter. After all, science says it’s good for your health.
If anyone needs us we’ll be watching The Muppet Christmas Carol for the foreseeable future.
The most wonderful time of the year is here and all we I want to do is eat our weight in Celebrations and watch The Holiday on repeat.
We can finally watch our favourite Christmas movies without being judged so we gathered up our top festive films that you need to watch.
Christmas just doesn’t feel right until you’ve watched all of these merry movies.
Home Alone
Did we watch this John Hughes classic when it was on Film4 in July? Maybe… Home Alone is one of the most beloved Christmas movies and we’re not surprised. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin, who is accidentally left home alone and must protect his house from thieves Harry and Marv- our favourite movie villains.
Elf
“Buddy the Elf, what's your favourite colour?”
We recently re-watched Elf and completely forgot just how hilarious it is. Will Ferrell plays the hopeless Buddy Elf who leaves the North Pole and heads to the Big Apple to find his birth father. This movie is bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Love Actually
Hugh Grant’s dancing scene. Emma Thompson sobbing in her bedroom to THAT Joni Mitchell CD. Mr Bean taking a decade to wrap the necklace. Colin Firth’s sweaters. The race through the airport. Bill Nighy singing.
This movie is everything. A timeless classic we’ll never get tired of.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
This movie always reminds us of childhood and fills us with nostalgic feelings. It is the ideal film to watch on Christmas Eve, no matter how old you are. Kermit and co. will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
The Holiday
Jude Law in his prime. The Holiday is relatable and heartbreaking and absolutely charming. It also makes us dream about moving to a cottage in the English countryside.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
It ain’t Christmas without the 2000 version of this Dr. Seuss’ tale. Who knew a movie with Gossip Girl’s Jenny Humphrey and Tanya from Mamma Mia could make us feel so festive?
The Santa Clause
Look we only ever watch this movie to find out if anyone else fancied Bernard the Elf because he was the light of our lives in 1994. In all seriousness, this Tim Allen movie is a childhood favourite and always makes us feel super merry.
Miracle on 34th Street
The 1994 version, obviously. We just can’t get enough of this heartfelt remake of the 1947 Christmas movie. Starring Matilda herself, Mara Wilson and the late Richard Attenborough, this is another Christmas hit by John Hughes so make sure it’s on your list this December.
Valentine's Day can either be the most swoon-worthy event in the calendar year for loved-up couples, or a Hallmark-card disaster for the broken hearted.
Whether you'll be heading on a candelit-dinner date with roses or cuddling up with your pet on the couch, we can all use a little romantic-comedy movie magic.
We've created a list of our film favourites for the loveliest day of the year…enjoy ladies.
1. Set It Up
Harper and Charlie, played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, are plagued by cruel and hugely demanding bosses, until they decide to join forces and essentially trick them into falling in love with each other.
The biggest project of their young careers ensues, as their bosses will only fall for each other around their tight schedules, but will Harper and Charlie make a connection too?
Lucy Liu steals scenes as Kristen, Harper's insanely scary sports reporter boss. This movie is one of our favourite rom-coms ever, it somehow banishes clichés while remaining lovable at the same time.
2. To All The Boys I've Loved Before
The massively popular film is based on Jenny Han's trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the Netflix movie caused quite the stir since its release.
Starring the adorable Lana Condor and Noah Centineo as teenagers who pretend to date in order to solve one young girl's letter-related disaster, you'll fall in love with this feature.
Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the five love letters written privately to every boy she’s ever loved are mysteriously mailed out, despite the fact that they were hidden in her bedroom…
3. La La Land
Who could forget this stunning movie from Academy Award-nominee Damien Chazelle.
La La Land tells the breathtakingly beautiful story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a dedicated jazz musician, struggle to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts.
The unique musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams; Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are unbelievable in their acting prowess and chemistry in this tale of love in LA.
4. Valentine's Day (of course)
Yet another American rom-com from veteran film-maker Gary Marshall; Valentine's Day shows a series of interconnected stories of L.A. residents (celebrities) who go through the highs and lows of love on Valentine's Day.
From first dates, long-time marriages, old flames and new crushes, the stories will melt your heart like Ben & Jerrys on the couch.
The all-star cast consists of Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Kathy Bates, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, Anne Hathaway, Shirley MacLaine, Emma Roberts, and even Taylor Swift in her acting debut.
5. The Notebook
The Nicholas Sparks classic that has everyone reaching for the tissues, and which launched Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams from obscurity to stardom.
The pair also fell in love in real life while filming, so it's even more special.
Based in 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah falls for rich girl Allie but her parents force them apart. Noah leaves to serve in the second World War, and Allie finds love elsewhere. When Noah returns to their small town, their romance is far from over.
6. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Ryan Gosling just can't escape this round-up list, can he?
The hilarious and heart-warming film follows Cal, played by Steve Carell, as he undergoes a divorce from his wife Emily, played by Julianne Moore. Cal is still desperately in love with Emily, and his life is unravelling until he discovers Emily's infidelity.
Single at the age of 40, he finds Jacob (The charming Ryan Gosling), a handsome and youthful seducer who teaches Cal how to flirt with women again. Jacob is a bachelor of sorts, until his consistent co-star Emma Stone comes into the forefront. The pair really do sizzle on-screen together, but maybe it's just Ryan Gosling and anyone?
7. The Fault In Our Stars
Based on the critically-acclaimed YA book by John Green, the film follows Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), a young teenager diagnosed with cancer.
The 16-year-old meets and falls in love with Gus Waters, played by Ansel Elgort, after meeting him in a cancer support group.
Gus uses his invitation to meet Hazel's favourite author, Peter Van Houten, and brings her to Amsterdam to meet the recluse. Their love story becomes entangles by health problems, with often tragic circumstances. This one's a certified tear-jerker.
8. About Time
With an Irish star, what's not to love?
Domhnall Gleeson stars as Tim, who discovers the family secret at 21-years-old; the men in their family can time-travel.
Tim resolves to change his life by getting himself a girlfriend, Mary. Rachel McAdams plays his love interest, who falls in love with him after time-travel ensues.
As life goes on, Tim figures out that his special ability can't save himself or those he loves from ordinary and mundane human problems.
9. P.S I Love You
The movie that led to Gerard Butler apologising for the butchering of an Irish accent; Hillary Swank plays his co-star and widow, who finds a series of messages that serve to guide her new life.
Starting on her thirtieth birthday, Holly Kennedy receives the first in a series of letters written by her late husband, designed to ease her grief and encourage her to move forward after his tragic death.
Parts of it are filmed in Ireland, with stunning scenery and endless romance from Cecelia Ahern's novel.
10. The Holiday
Normally watched at Christmas, The Holiday also serves as a perfect flick to watch on the most romantic day of the year.
It's got Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swapping houses, it's got Los Angeles and English countryside scenery, sunshine and snow, Jack Black and Jude Law; basically everything.
Depressed and suffering from unrequited love, Iris agrees to swap homes with similarly unlucky-in-love Californian Amanda for a break. Of course, both lovelorn ladies bump into local lads and sparks fly. Utterly romantic…
11. Love, Rosie
We can't curate a list of love-themed films without including Love, Rosie.
Best pals Rosie and Alex have known each other decades, but are suddenly separated when Alex moves to America to pursue a dream.
Can their friendship survive the distance, as well as each of their own personal turbulent love stories? Tune in to see Sam Claflin and Lily Collins light up the screen.
12. Maid in Manhattan
Jennifer Lopez at her best.
The classic New York City-based flick follows a mother-of-one, Marisa Ventura, who lives in the boroughs and works as a maid in a top Manhattan hotel.
A twist of fate leads to her identity being mistaken for that of a wealthy socialite, and she meets Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), the heir to a political dynasty.
He has no idea who she really is, but the pair fall deeply in love. When her identity is revealed, their worlds couldn't be further apart. Will their love withstand?
We're in LOVE with this list, maybe we'll skip that date and just binge-watch all 11 of these in a row?
All we need is chocolate, candles and a fluffy pet to keep us warm for the perfect movie night.
Happy Valentine's Day gals, don't forget to treat yourselves.
There is one scene in Love Actually that never fails to make us cry until there are no tears left. You know the one- where Emma Thompson’s character Karen breaks down when she discovers her husband has bought a necklace for another woman.
The gut-wrenching scene is a classic, everyone remembers just how touching Emma’s performance was as she sobbed, alone in her room to that Joni Mitchell CD.
Emma is one of the most talented actresses around, but her talent wasn’t the only thing that helped make the scene feel so real.
The Last Christmasstar admitted that her own personal heartache helped influence her performance.
During a fundraiser for the Tricycle Theatre in London, she shared, "That scene where my character is standing by the bed crying is so well known because it’s something everyone’s been through.”
She went on to explain that the breakdown of her relationship with fellow actor Kenneth Branagh helped her with the devastating scene.
Branagh cheated on Emma with Helena Bonham Carter whilst filming Marry Shelley’s Frankenstein in 1994, which resulted in her suffering from clinical depression.
The Stranger Than Fiction star told the Telegraph that she really felt for her character Karen, because she knew that situation all too well, “I’ve had so much bloody practice at crying in a bedroom, then having to go out and be cheerful, gathering up the pieces of my heart and putting them in a drawer.”
This affair ruined their marriage, with Emma admitting, “I had my heart very badly broken by Ken. So I knew what it was like to find the necklace that wasn’t meant for me.”
Luckily, Emma eventually found her true love with her Sense and Sensibility co-star Greg Wise in 1995. “Greg saved me. He picked up the pieces and put them together again,” she told BBC Radio Four.
I have spent a good chunk of December dreaming about being in The Holiday. All I want is to escape to a dinky cottage in Surrey and fall hopelessly in love with Jude Law.
Is that really too much to ask for?
One blogger has gone further than simply just daydreaming about being part of the festive film and has recreated scenes from the movie.
Lifestyle blogger Kelly Prince Wright has been wowing her followers with her Christmas film posts and we’re not one bit surprised. She has gone above and beyond with her festive content.
As well as The Holiday, Kelly has recreated scenes from other festive classics like How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Die Hard, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and our favourite, Love Actually.
Speaking about the idea to recreate these iconic scenes, Kelly shared: “My aim is for each recreation photo to be as authentic and as close to the original film as I possibly could. So I’ve been scouring for outfits, locations, you name it for these moments.”
Kelly even visited spots where they filmed The Holiday. The level of commitment is phenomenal!
She wrote: “This is actually *I think* right about where they filmed this scene! St. James Church in Shere is also notably in Bridget Jones’ Diary: The Edge of Reason. And there’s even a pub in town called The White Horse where Amanda actually meets Graham – that’s where they filmed it.”
If your Instagram feed is in dire need to some festive cheer and creative inspiration then you just have to follow Kelly. The effort she puts into her content is refreshing and she’s become one of our top people to follow on Instagram.
Christmas movies are good for the soul. There’s nothing we love more than curling up by the fire and watching Love Actually.
There are so many Christmas movies that hold a special place in our hearts. It’s a Wonderful Life reminds us of family. The Holiday helped us believe in true love again. And Elf always makes us feel instantly merry.
Trying to choose a favourite isn’t easy, but the public has spoken and the top Christmas movie of all time has been revealed.
Home Alone has claimed the top spot and we have to admit we’re not one bit surprised.
The classic Christmas movie is a firm favourite and never fails to make us laugh and yearn for our family at Christmas.
The family favourite was revealed as the best Christmas movie in a study by online marketplace Music Magpie.
Home Alone really does have the full package. It’s funny and heartwarming. Teaches you about the true meaning of Christmas and gave us some of the most hilarious one liners ever.
The holidays are approaching and we must admit we’re feeling pretty merry about the pending Christmas break.
However, our bank account is quivering at the cost of the festive period.
We may be saving for the onslaught of Christmas presents we need to buy but we’re so tempted to treat ourselves to a festive slogan T-shirt from Penneys.
'Tis the season, after all.
The beloved clothing store is selling three of the coolest festive T-shirts and we need to get our hands on them.
Iconic Brit actor Hugh Grant is desperately appealing to burglars who broke into his car to return the stolen movie script, in a bizarre set of events.
On Sunday evening, the Love Actually star claimed the thieves ran away with the as-yet-untitled movie script, which was hidden inside a bag.
The 58-year-old is devastated, having lost weeks of notes and intense work on his next project.
In the unlikely chance that anyone knows who broke into my car tonight and stole my bag, please try and persuade them to at least return my script. Many weeks worth of notes and ideas. And perhaps my children’s medical cards. Coach Films ,Ealing St Mary's Ealing Green W5 5EN*
"In the unlikely chance that anyone knows who broke into my car tonight and stole my bag, please try and persuade them to at least return my script. ‘Many weeks worth of notes and ideas."
"And perhaps my children’s medical cards. Coach Films, Ealing St Mary’s Ealing Green W5 5EN," he concluded.
Grant has three kids, and presumably doesn't want their medical card information rotating around London.
ODEON and Pigsback.com have partnered up yet again to bring another classic film to the big screen.
On Thursday, December 20 at 6.30pm, ODEON Cinemas Nationwide will screen the iconic Christmas classic, Love Actually.
With a star-studded ensemble cast of Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Martin Freeman and the late Alan Rickman – this is a Christmas favourite for all the family and one you do not want to miss!
For only €15, this package deal includes a cinema ticket, popcorn combo (medium combo with a dispensed soft drink or bottle of water) and one small tub of ice cream. A saving of €9.25! – Tickets are limited so get booking at Pigsback.com
Love Actually hit the silver screen in November 2003, and gained immediate critical acclaim and huge box office success. This unique romantic comedy has become a festive favourite with many turning to it every Christmas to mark the season.
Paul Wren, Commercial Manager for ODEON cinemas said, “After screening previous cult classics in partnership with Pigsback.com, Love Actually was the natural choice to mark the festive season. With so many memorable scenes and quotes – this film deserves another Christmas run. We are delighted to give guests the opportunity to share the magic of this festive favourite on the big screen at ODEON.”
What better way to get into the festive spirit than seeing Hugh Grant shimmy around No.10 Downing Street.
It's a modern-day Christmas classic that everyone loves.
It's Richard Curtis being the most Richard Curtis he can be and it has a stellar cast that includes everyone from Emma Thompson to Mr Bean to Bill Nighy as an old rock star trying to cling onto his music career.
What more could you want in a festive flick?
However, there has been murmurings that there is a few questionable plot lines going on in Love Actually.
It’s that time of year where we all have to remember that LOVE ACTUALLY has THREE separate storylines about old men sleeping with women who work for them. #romancepic.twitter.com/iiYgSXIuF1
And now actor Gabriel Bisset-Smith has taken to social media to point one of them out.
He wrote, ''It’s that time of year where we all have to remember that Love Actually has THREE separate storylines about old men sleeping with women who work for them. #romance.''
The 2003 movie is made up of an ensemble cast and their intertwining stories in the lead up to Christmas.
Gabriel addresses three sub-plots in the movie that all are centred on older men having relationships with younger women that they work with – and all the men are their bosses.
There is Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), a secretary to the Prime Minster (Hugh Grant), Portuguese Aurelia, a housekeeper to heartbroken Jamie (Colin Firth) and Harry (Alan Rickman) who is having an emotional affair with his employee Mia (Heike Makatch).
Thank you. Exactly. There are LOADS of questionable things about this film. I love romantic films, my favourite genre, actually, but this isn’t romantic OR love. Actually.
Gabriel's post started a conversation about these sub-plots.
One wrote, ''I fail to see your point. A significant percentage of romantic relationships begin ‘in the workplace’, so this is merely an accurate representation' to which someone replied, ''It's the power imbalance that is the issue.''
While another commented, ''Unless we are saying that no two people who work together or have ever worked together can have a relationship under any circumstances.''
Hmmmm, we're not entirely convinced – what do you think?
Okay, Christmas must really be around the corner as Netflix have just added two MAJOR Christmas gems to their streaming service.
The festive season is the ultimate time to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and a hot water bottle in front of Netflix, so news of these movies being added couldn't have come at a better time.
First up, we have the iconic Love Actually – a myriad of entangled tales of love, loss and life.
now streaming!
– Mowgli ( in the jungle, the mighty jungle, Sherlock plays Shere Khan )
– Dumplin' (a Jennifer Aniston musical comedy w/ Dolly Parton songs)
– The Holiday (the best xmas romcom that isn't Love Actually)
– Love Actually (DID WE MENTION LOVE ACTUALLY IS BACK)
This double sided flick follows the lives of two women who live on the opposite sides of the world, one in a high-faluting mansion in LA, the other ina rustic English countryside cottage, who swap homes for the festive season.
Amazing moments of friendship, romance and self-reflection ensue – and Jude Law plays a lead love interest so enjoy that delicious snack along with your popcorn.
Now that we’ve waved goodbye to Halloween we can finally start getting excited about the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is approaching and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
It is the jolliest time of year and I’m ready to embrace the festive cheer.
One of Dublin’s best cinemas is hosting a Christmas season and I will be spending most of December there with a giant bucket of popcorn and a never-ending list of Christmas movies to watch.
The Lighthouse Cinema Dublin revealed their Naughty or Nice season today and they’ll be showing a heap of classic flicks over the holiday period.
Get ready to watch your most beloved Christmas movies on the big screen because they’re showing everything from Elf to Die Hard.
You can watch Hugh Grant shimmy around in Love Actually or shudder at Donald Trump’s cameo in Home Alone 2.
This year’s Naughty or Nice season is extra special because the Lighthouse Cinema has teamed up with Sing Along Social for The Muppet Christmas Carol Singalong
They’ll be hosting a screening of the classic family film followed by a festive sing-song and perhaps some dancing if you’re feeling uber jolly.
There’s so much to choose from and something for every age from December 1, every day until December 23.
To see the full list of movies featuring in this year’s Naughty or Nice season at the Lighthouse Cinema click here.
