Films So Good

If you stay at home because snow is falling all around you, and you’re not going to have a party tonight, you can always watch a Christmas movie. From “A Christmas Story” to “Home Alone” or “Die Hard,” there are many movies that can get you in the Christmas mood. Since you have likely already seen “Love Actually,” let’s explore some other Christmas “options”.

1. Last Train to Christmas (2021)

Perhaps the least Christmas-themed movie on the list. The story revolves around Tony Towers (Michael Sheen) finding himself in a very strange situation. While on a train journey to his Christmas family reunion, every time he changes wagon, he is transported a decade backward or forward in his own life. Can he navigate the challenges of his present, future, and past? Michael Sheen delivers a wonderful performance, supported by a talented cast that includes Cary Elwes, Nathalie Emmanuel, Phyllis Logan, and Anna Lundberg.

2. Love Hard (2021)

Love Hard is one of the smartest Netflix productions. An LA girl (Nina Dobrev), facing a series of romantic misfortunes, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that he wasn’t him. This film follows her journey as she navigates the unexpected twists in her pursuit of love accompanied with great sense of humour and cinema references. The karaoke scene, in particular, is one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever seen.

3. Too Close For Christmas (2020)

I believe that everyone who enjoys Christmas movies has connected them with Chad Michael Murray. Okay, it might be a TV movie and you might imagine the end, but the most important thing is to have fun during Christmas. Accompanied by his regular co-star Jessica Lowndes, they find themselves spending Christmas together, with him being the cause of her previous relationship’s end.

4. A Very British Christmas (2019)

Let’s move on to a British TV movie! Rachel Shenton takes on a different role as an American opera singer whose flight to her concert in Vienna gets delayed, leaving her stranded in the beautiful Yorkshire. The only available place to stay is a bed-and-breakfast in an enchanting village run by widower Andrew and his daughter. Will she choose to fulfill her commitment to the concert, or will she decide to stay?

5. The Holdovers (2023)

I love Alexander Payne’s movies, and his latest one is no exception. Apart from a reunion with Paul Giamatti, it also captures the Christmas spirit. The story revolves around a teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go. It’s the feel-good movie of the year, filmed in the style of a ’70s movie, and Giamatti delivers a great performance. So, why not give it a try?

(+1). Love Actually (2003)

You’ve practically memorized it by now, and you know you’ll watch it again because it never loses its charm. If there were a tagline for the movie, it would simply be: “An all-star British cast gathered in a hilariously charming Christmas movie.” No further description or trailer needed—just the incredible Bill Nighy.

The photo of the article is of course a screenshot from Love Actually (2003)

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