December rituals include a moisturising skin-care routine, living in fluffy sweaters AND putting on a Christmas movie every other evening. From corny romantic comedies to crazy family holiday shenanigans, there is plenty out there to binge on. Everyone loves a classic, but there is no denying that the refreshing holiday releases of 2019 are just as promising. So bring out the popcorn and take dibs on your favourite couch for the entire month as you blaze through the festive line-up we’ve put together for the best time of the year:
The Classics
Home Alone
Name a more beloved family comedy, we’ll wait. In a bizarre series of events, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister finds the home all to himself as his loved ones set off to Paris for the holidays. Enter two comical burglars, Harry and Marv, who take advantage of the situation and decide to break in. What follows next is an entertaining premise where young Kevin brings out the best pranks in the book to foil the former’s plans.
Elf
An amusing plot that will definitely inspire you to spread tons of Christmas cheer just like the main protagonist Buddy, played by Will Ferrell. Raised as a human among elves in the North Pole, the quirky character travels to New York City in search of his real father. Buddy soon discovers that life in the Big Apple is nothing like back home, and people can be rude, cynical and worst of all—not everyone who dresses up like Santa is actually THE Santa.
The Polar Express
Adapted from the popular children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express brings to life the story of a young boy named Billy who embarks on a mystical adventure to the North Pole on a magical train ride that visits him mysteriously on Christmas eve. The train’s conductor, played by Tom Hanks, along with fellow passengers are instrumental in rekindling Billy’s dwindling faith in Santa Claus.
The Holiday
A charming rom-com with a star-studded cast, The Holiday follows the lives of two women, Amanda and Iris (played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet respectively), who swap homes for the holidays in a bid to escape from their messy relationships and lives. This change of scene gives the two a chance to start over and the best part? They both find an endearing romance that have us reaching for a pack of tissues Every. Single. Time.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Based on Dr. Suess’ classic holiday tale, Jim Carrey’s iconic performance as the Grinch is just one of many reasons to watch this loveable film that will keep you splits. Featuring the Grinch as a mean and grumpy character who lives on the outskirts of the town Whovillve, the plot revolves around his evil plans on spoiling Christmas for the citizens of the town. However, little Cindy Lou’s kind-heartedness may just enough to change his mind.
New releases this year
Noelle
Starring Anna Kendrick as Noelle (Santa’s daughter) and Billy Eichner as Santa’s son, Disney brings out a fantasy adventure Christmas film that is bound to get everyone in the festive spirit. The flick tells the story of lively Noelle taking over her father’s business post retirement, after her reluctant brother is unable to handle the stress of it all. But when the latter abandons his role altogether, it’s up to Noelle to bring him back, just in time to save Christmas.
Last Christmas
Game of Thrones and Crazy Rich Asians fans will love watching actors Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding unite for the very first time on screen. The film centres around Kate (played by Clarke), a young cynical Londoner who has big ambitions but is stuck working in a department store as Santa’s elf. As expected, a budding romance comes to the forefront (no complaints though) when she runs into Tom (played by Golding), a handsome stranger with a positive attitude.
The Knight Before Christmas
Cheesy romantic comedies are right up everyone’s alley, and if you don’t agree, then you’re probably lying. Netflix has answered your prayers for one with The Knight Before Christmas, where Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse take the lead in a sappy yet adorable narrative. A medieval knight (played by Whitehouse) time-travels to modern-day Ohio, thanks to a sorceress. Brooke (played by Hudgens) assumes the role of a science teacher who has truly given up on love. What happens when the two personalities cross paths? We’ll definitely be tuning in to find out.
Holiday In The Wild
Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis in the Netflix movie, Holiday In The Wild, will convince you to trade your Christmas trips to snowy destinations in exchange for an adventurous getaway to Africa. New Yorker Kate Conrad (played by Davis) finds herself on a solo vacation to Africa, after her marriage takes an unexpected turbulent turn. There, she crosses paths with pilot Derek Holliston (played by Loew), and together they nurse a baby elephant back to health, which convinces her to extend her stay until the holidays. A story of rediscovery, romance and a heartwarming call of action to care for endangered animals.
Klaus
An anticipated Netflix animated movie of the year undoubtedly has to be Klaus, which follows the story of Jesper, who is branded as the postal academy’s worst student. His father, the head of the Royal Post Office, is tired of his antics and decides to exile him to the faraway land of Smeerensburg until Jesper can convince the locals to send 6,000 letters in a year. This innovative story-line is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
