Make no mistake about it – now is not the time of the year to be leaving the house. Last-minute Christmas shoppers and overspill from Christmas parties are enough to make us want to cuddle up in the comfort of our own home cinemas.
Whether you’re kicking back with Netflix or lining up a DVD release for next year, we’ve picked the best five festive flicks to catch in 2019.
You might remember Vanessa Hudgens from her teeny bop High School Musical days of yore. For 2019, she’s not aged a day as she returns for The Knight Before Christmas. Down on her luck and cynical about love, she stumbles upon a knight who believes he has travelled from the 14th Century. This modern-day look at fairy tale romances has just the right balance of family-friendly laughs. You’ll find it on Netflix – ideal for winding down on Christmas Day.
Frozen II might be taking centre-stage, but Klaus is one animated family film that’s sure to be a classic in years to come. Lead protagonist Jesper is a beleaguered postman who can’t seem to do anything right. He is sent to a town far away in the North where he inadvertently discovers Santa’s hideout – and toymaker Klaus – helping to settle an age-old feud. This heart-warming Netflix release sees an unlikely pair bringing joy to the unhappiest place on Earth.
It’s had mixed reviews from the critics but it’s got down a storm with the fans. Based on the music of George Michael, Last Christmas stars Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke, who plays a frustrated Londoner working in a year-round Christmas shop. After a chance meeting with a love interest, she decides to turn her life around and do things for the good of others – only to discover things are not quite what they seem. Watch out for the twist – it’s in cinemas now.
The Breakfast Club has been reinvented for 2020 – a group of students brought together by a force they cannot control! This new Netflix release sees a group of youngsters from all walks of life united by a snowstorm. They learn more about each other and relationships as they navigate their way through the stressful Christmas period. One for the adults, it’s guaranteed to keep you laughing.
Another modern take on a fairy tale, this Cinderella story sees an aspiring singer-songwriter belittled by her stepmother and stepsisters at every opportunity. Out of desperation, she takes a job at Santa Land, where she meets and falls in love with the newest Santa on the block. Featuring cute dogs, a festive soundtrack and a dash of romance, you can find it now on YouTube.
Feel like something different this year? Keep your eyes peeled for these Christmas productions.
If you’re more into your Halloween than Home Alone, this slasher movie offers a shocking twist around the festive season.
It’s the Christmas special we’ve been anticipating for a decade. Ruth Jones and James Corden have teamed up again to bring us the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special. Expect more high jinks from loveable characters like Uncle Bryn.
Gavin and Stacey airs on Christmas Day at 8:30pm on BBC One.