Christmas has come around the corner again, and what better way to celebrate this season than to watch festive films? But do you have a favourite out of the thousands made? If so what does this say about you?
Chances are, one of your favourite Christmas movies is either: Home Alone, The Holiday, Nativity, Polar Express or Elf as these are some of the most popular films for the season. Despite all being Christmas movies, they follow different plots. From Kevin being left at home to defend his house against burglars, to Buddy the elf finding his true identity, to a train bringing children to Santa. So which one you prefer reflects your own personality and tastes.
If one of these movies are your favourites, then you are in the right place. Here is what your favourite Christmas movie says about you!
Home Alone (1990)
- Key Actors: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Run time: 1h 43m
- Where to watch: Disney+
- IMDB rating: 7.7/10
Home Alone is a classic Christmas movie, and you probably grew up watching the first two movies but can’t face watching the other sequels. They’re just not the same. This nostalgic quality of the franchise along with the fact that you want to be Kevin means that it is a right of passage and a staple in your life.
The movie follows young Kevin McCallister as he is accidentally left behind over Christmas whilst his family is on holiday in Paris for this festive holiday. Whilst others might view this as horrendous and nightmare-material, you are still fixed in your younger self’s view that this situation would be fun. You are dying to replicate Kevin’s Christmas by jumping on beds, eating junk food, and of course, scaring the burglars away. You rightly or wrongly think you would be better than Kevin at this.
If this is your favourite Christmas movie, you might have grown up in a big household or have the overwhelming desire to prove yourself to those who underestimate you. Nevertheless, you are a proud Home Alone fan and love when the winter season comes around, when you can rewatch the movie for the hundredth time in the cosy comfort of your own home.
The Holiday (2006)
- Key Actors: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law
- Director: Nancy Meyers
- Run time: 2h 16m
- Where to watch: Now TV, Netflix
- IMDB rating: 7/10
The Holiday is a cosy and famous Christmas movie following journalist Iris who home-swaps for the holiday with film trailer company owner Amanda. Iris travels to LA, where she meets Miles, and Amanda goes to London where she meets Graham. This movie has two intertwining plots, and though you love them both, you definitely have a clear favourite. Which one is it?
If The Holiday is your favourite Christmas movie, you are a romantic who loves getting cosy to watch this movie. You are dying to move to the English countryside in the picturesque cottage that Amanda stays in and live according to the cottage-core aesthetic. Or you could be wishing to live in LA and stay in the modern house that Iris owns in the heart of the entertainment industry district.
Nativity! (2009)
- Key Actors: Martin Freeman, Marc Wootton, Jason Watkins
- Director: Debbie Isitt
- Run time: 1h 45m
- Where to watch: Netflix, BBC iplayer
- IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Nativity is a popular movie following Mr Maddens as he leads the annual nativity alongside the incompetent Mr Poppy. However, things get out of hand when a lie about Hollywood coming to see the show gets spread across the school and area. There are many unique and funny characters, such as Gordon Shakespeare and Bob, who make this film the Christmas classic that it is.
If this is your favourite Christmas movie, you probably watched it a lot as a child and still do but more as a concerned and realistic adult. You will constantly defend Mr Poppy but feel more like the stressed Mr Maddens. Knowing all the lyrics to the songs and knowing all the names of the students in the class is something you are very proud of.
Polar Express (2004)
- Key Actors: Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Run time: 1h 40m
- Where to watch: Now TV
- IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Polar Express follows the tale of a train which transports some children to go and meet Santa, including the protagonist once he becomes sceptical of Santa.
If this is your favourite Christmas movie then you are either nostalgic or have a love for the old fashioned. This film, despite only having been filmed in 2004, has a classic and vintage feel to it, from the steam train and the animation. The winter vibes in this film are immaculate, with the snowy landscape and settings. You probably hope for snow each Christmas and find this film both relaxing and exciting.
You appreciate the cosy nature of the train and the landscape but also love the odd moments – the characters all having resemblances to Tom Hanks and the elves and the ghost on the roof. If you think that Polar Express is the best Christmas film, you are also probably a deep thinker and love the mystery surrounding the train, the bell and the tickets.
Elf (2003)
- Key Actors: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhard
- Director: Jon Favreau
- Run time: 1h 37m
- Where to watch: Now TV
- IMDB rating: 7.1/10
Elf is one of the main Christmas movies people list and is loved by many. The film follows an elf, Buddy, who travels to America to find his parents.
If this is the movie you would put at the top of the list, you are probably a very funny and energetic person and watch this every year without fail. You know the behind the scenes facts and tell it to everyone watching when the specific moments turn up. For example: the Santa in the New York street scene was in fact not scripted!
You are also probably a Will Ferrell fan if you enjoy this movie, and have watched some of his other films, such as Zoolander and Anchorman, and enjoy comedies.
