LoveFilm is one of the UK’s most popular movie streaming services. But just looking down its list of top films, it’s not easy to find a good old slice of feel-good Christmas fun.
To help you find the golden nuggets in the mire of the LoveFilm movie library, we’ve searched through LoveFilm’s wares to find the best Christmas films on offer. It has made us realise that LoveFilm still has a way to go before it’ll be able to shut down its DVD rental business for good. But there are at least two stone cold Christmas classics on offer here.
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5. The Santa Clause (1994)
Time Allen – he’s a love him or hate him kind of actor. And aside from the crowd-pleasing Home Improvement TV show, many film fans seem to regard him with a hatred usually reserved for the Rob Schneiders of this world. However, we still have a soft spot for The Santa Clause. Call it a guilty pleasure, if you like.
It’s the tale of a man who accidentally kills Santa, and starts turning into the rotund, red-faced one himself – beard and all. This is real family film fodder, without much of the edge of our true favourites, even if there is murder involved, but if you’re going to enjoy some cinematic cheese, you might as well do it over Christmas.
4. Scrooge (1951)
The A Christmas Carol tale is the de-facto Xmas story, besides that old yarn about the birth of Jesus. Scrooge is a mean old man who needs to learn about the joy of Christmas. And all it’ll take is making him witness his own death.
LoveFilm offers a number of filmic takes on the story, and our top pick is the 1951 edition starring Alistair Sim. It’s black and white, and charming enough to bring out nostalgic feelings in those too young to have been around at the time it was made. Other versions available include the 1970 Albert Finney take and the ancient 1935 edition.
3. Nativity! (2009)
The newest film in our list, Nativity! was released back in 2009. It’s a low-budget improvised comedy based around the staging of a kids’ nativity play. That’s the birth of Jesus, to those who didn’t do time at church Sunday school.
The cast includes many top names, including Martin Freeman, star of The Hobbit, Ricky Tomlinson of The Royle Family fame, and Alan Carr. It’s the most “British” film here.
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
The first of our two stone-cold Christmas classics, A Christmas Story follows the exploits of Ralphie, played by one of the most recognisable child actors ever, Peter Billingsley.
Ralphie wants a BB gun, but his parents insist it’s too dangerous a Christmas present for him to have. There’s no epic storytelling here, but it is one of the most charming and well-regarded Christmas films ever made.
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1994)
Some may argue that A Christmas Story is better than The Muppet Christmas Carol. But, let’s face it, in the battle between Peter Billingsley and the Muppets, there’s no contest. This Muppet-based take on the A Christmas Carol story sees Michael Cane don Scrooge’s robes and Kermit become Bob Cratchitt.
Many other Muppet favourites are here too, including Miss Piggy and Gonzo. For kids, grown-ups – just about anyone – this is an unmissable flick that no Christmas is complete without.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
