Ultimate Christmas Movies

Stylist's favourite festive films

It’s not often you have the time, desire and en suite snacks to indulge in full-on filmic schmaltz. But that season is now, so we asked the Stylist team to tell us their favourite Christmassy movie. And in case we’vwe whet your appetitite, we’ve added how to find them on TV or DVD over the holidays…

1. Elf (2003)

“Hilarious, heartwarming comedy that makes me want to be an elf living it up in New York. After Will Ferrell’s Buddy, of course, my second favourite Christmas character of all time has to be Mr Norwhal, the whale who lives in the North Pole." Megan Conner, Senior Writer

See it on Film4, 7.15pm on Christmas Eve

2. Home Alone (1990)

“A feel-good family film with enough naughtiness and capers to keep it from veering into schmaltz.” Joanna McGarry, Beauty Director

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

“Santa Claus getting committed to a mental hospital makes me cry every time. As does the part where he communicates with a little deaf girl through sign language. As does the part where a court of law tries to prove Santa doesn’t exist. Pure Christmas magic.” Amy Grier, Junior Writer

4. Love Actually (2003)

“A soppy but truly great British film. Emma Thompson’s performance as the put-upon (and cheated on) mum makes it for me. Oh, and it has Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Andrew Lincoln and Colin Firth. What more could you want for Christmas?” Stephanie Wood, Assistant Editor (Online)

See it on ITV1, 10.15pm on Boxing Day

5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

“Uplifting, emotional, romantic, there's snow, Jimmy Stewart… what more do you need?” Ali Harris, freelance writer

6. Scrooged (1988)

“Bill Murray and Dickens collaborate to console the Grinch in all of us. It’s a nice 80s antidote to the nostalgic twee-fest that is Christmas.” JP Nicholas, Deputy Production Editor

See it on Film4, 5.20pm on 28th December

7. The Bishop's Wife (1947)

“Cary Grant as an angel, a shopping scene involving an amazing hat and an ending that is impossible not to cry at. Watch it while wrapping presents. But avoid the remake with Whitney Houston - it’s as good as it sounds.” Francesca Brown, Production Editor

8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

“This fairylight-laden addition to the National Lampoon franchise sees Chevy Chase trying to plan the perfect Griswold family Christmas, but failing at every turn. The poster tagline was ‘Yule crack up’ and you will.” Michael Hogan, Contributing Editor

See it on ITV2, 9pm on 27th December

9. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

“What’s more festive than Dudley Moore in an elf costume learning the true meaning of Christmas and helping a homeless boy along the way? I know it’s slightly tacky but it never fails to make me shed a tear (OK, sob).” Helen Bownass, Contributing Editor

See it on ITV3, 11.35am on 27th December

10. Bad Santa (2004)

"Hilarious anti-Christmas film that comes good in the end. Billy Bob Thornton is brilliant as the grumpy conman posing as Santa who befriends a lonely, fat kid. Shocking but laugh out loud.” Nikki Haynes, Web Writer

See it on Bravo, 10pm on Christmas Day

Tags: film, Christmas