UoN film experts reveal their top Christmas movies
Love Actually? The Muppets Christmas Carol? Die Hard? We answer the question that comes up every year: what is the best Christmas film?
To help you decide which festive films you should be watching this season, we’ve asked our top film brains for their favourite Christmas movies.
Top picks included family favourites and TV specials, plus some surprisingly obscure choices, and a sprinkling of old classics. Our panel of 14 experts were selected from the UoN film, media and acting departments.
And the good news is that the top two films are being screened by the film and media department on Tuesday 12 December, with festive treats and drinks. Details about screen venue will be shared on social channels nearer the time.
Here are the top six Christmas films as chosen by our academics:
6) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“The director who brought stylised stop-motion films The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline to life….amazing visuals, music and characters…” — Daniel Oxer: Senior Lecturer in Media Production.
5) Gremlins (1984)
“Contains the most depressing ‘Christmas’ scene ever, one that struck me as the saddest thing ever as a small child.” — David Simmons: Senior Lecturer in English & Screen Studies.
4) Home Alone (1990)
“Nothing like torturing a couple of inept burglars to fill you with the spirit of Christmas.” — Abigail Webber: Lecturer in Media Production.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
“Great songs, and Gonzo as Dickens, what more could one wish for?” — Mike Starr: Senior Lecturer in Film & Television Studies.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
“Loved this movie since I was a little girl, when I was hopelessly in love with Jimmy Stewart” — Marverine Cole: Senior Lecturer in Journalism & Media.
1. Elf (2003)
“Christmas doesn’t start until the kids have watched Buddy, the 6 foot Xmas Elf, bring the magic of Xmas to an exasperated James Caan” — Matt Walsh: Subject Leader: Journalism, Media & Performance.
There it is. The top 6 Christmas films as decided by our expert panel.
And here are a few that didn’t make the cut, but are worth checking out:
- A Christmassy Ted, Father Ted 2.11 (1996).“I can’t believe nobody nominated this one yet. As always with Father Ted, hilarity ensues. This is my most festive choice…” — Lorna Jowett: Reader in Television Studies.
- Bad Santa (2003) “Manages to be both incredibly cynical but also festive and heartwarming at the same time.” — David Simmons: Senior Lecturer in English & Screen Studies.
- The Box of Delights (1984) “Magic, evil baddies, a mission and a mystery. Neil Gaiman before Neil Gaiman existed.” — Abigail Webber: Lecturer in Media Production.
Don’t forget: the top two films are being screened by the film and media department on Tuesday 12 December. Be sure to grab your friend and get feeling that Christmas cheer. More details coming soon.
