favourite christmas movies

Tim Allen stars in this festive comedy about an ordinary man who must step into Santas shoes after an accident. A trip to the North Pole follows, along with various comic scenarios as he physically morphs into Santa in front of his disbelieving ex wife (Wendy Crewson).

Featuring the first instance of criminal misuse of the Santa suit in our list, this snowy thriller was released in some countries under the slightly less festive title of Deception. Ben Affleck stars as the released convict who robs casinos dressed as Father Christmas (tut, straight on that naughty list). Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise also appear.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes and Rachel McAdams star in this American comedy drama about an uptight guest (Parker) in the liberal Stone household, where matriarch Diane Keaton rules supreme. Watchable Christmas fluff.

This is either unbearable schmaltz or a festive heart warmer, depending on who you ask. Love is certainly all around in this ensemble comedy drama set in the holiday season even a school nativity play is an opportunity for romance. Comic standouts include Bill Nighy as an ageing rock legend whos reduced to competing in the race to land a Christmas Number One.

A Japanese prisoner of war camp is the less than festive setting for this David Bowie starrer in which an eventful Christmas Eve has an impact on both prisoners and guards. One to make you feel grateful for your Christmas turkey.

The WWI Christmas truce of 1914 is the poignant setting for this snowy heart warmer in which Scottish, French and German soldiers down their weapons and agree on a ceasefire. Daniel Br

Loved for her columns about her wholesome husband and family in Connecticut, Elizabeth (Barbara Stanwyck) is actually a single New Yorker. When asked to host a Christmas dinner by her boss, she must head to Connecticut and keep up the pretence. Romantic complications follow.

Robert Zemeckis sprinkled his family friendly magic on this performance capture animation starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, including narrator, train conductor and Santa Claus. This one ticks a lot of boxes for Christmas fanatics, including reindeer, elves and a whole heap of snow.

A festive staple in the USA, this comedy didnt export quite so well, perhaps due to the fact that its all about a little boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas. Still, theres lot to like about its chirpy wit and snowy suburban setting.

Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap houses for Christmas and conveniently meet Jack Black and Jude Law respectively. Theres romance, theres an unfeasibly large country cottage and there are light laughs from an attractive cast. This is the kind of slushy movie you can get away with watching simply because its Christmas.