by Sally Brent
While there might be depressing news about supply chains and health scares, one thing can be guaranteed to help us escape from it all: the classic Chrimbo Movie. Such is the popularity of the yuletide film that there is a channel set up in July, so we don’t get symptoms of withdrawal!
So, let’s get ourselves a cup of cocoa and put on the slippers, and take a tour through the movies we might be watching on December 25th.
The first-ever Christmas films
The first film was released in 1898. Mind-blowing, right? Santa Clause might not be on our list to watch – but it will give you an idea of how far we have come in movie making. All the old films from the early 1900s hint at what we still love now. There are a couple of Christmas Carols and a sinister sounding A Trap for Santa Claus.
The best-ever Christmas films
We were on safe ground when it came to the facts of the first-ever, but the best-ever, well, this will be contentious. The ratings of the critics seem to suggest It’s a Wonderful Life is the best Xmas flick of all time, and it is a classic. However, people who believe that the first showing of Elf is a signal that Christmas has started or those that buy into Die Hard as a Christmas film will likely disagree with passion. The fact that Home Alone comes in at 5 on the critics’ list is a shocker.
A better gauge of the best films might be how much they made at the cinema, though more modern films have a distinct advantage here. Still, Home Alone does come in at Number 2, after the Jim Carrey classic The Grinch at Number 1. It seems we do love a light, family-based comedy with our presents, as Dr Seuss comes in at Number 3.
The worst-ever Christmas films
Here is the list that no filmmaker ever wants to make it onto. Being the worst film in the minds of the critics does not stop it from becoming a cult classic. However, The Nutcracker in 3D was a bizarre and weird concoction and unsurprisingly bombed at the box office too. As for films with titles such as Christmas with the Kranks, Mixed Nuts, and A Merry Friggin’ Christmas, we don’t have to imagine too hard why they didn’t quite make it onto our favourites list.
A global phenomenon
What is most intriguing are the global patterns when loving Christmas films. The UK is only one of a handful of countries to enjoy Love Actually, which is quite depressing. Home Alone is strong worldwide, and Elf gets a good showing, which is a good job, as Will Ferrell is a genius. South America is a bit of an outlier with a love of Gremlins – but who doesn’t love a cute come evil killing machine with our turkey?
