I’m a massive fan of Christmas – my tree is up already and I’m not ashamed to admit it. So, if you’re anything like me, you’ll already be planning your festive viewing to get in the mood for the big day. On a cold, rainy Sunday, what could be better than snuggling up with a blanket, hot chocolate and a Christmas movie marathon that Santa would be proud of?!

But where to start? There are so many Christmas movies to choose from, but some of them are… ahem… questionable. So I’ve done the hard work for you and separated the wheat from the chaff – here are my top picks for a quality festive Netflix binge.

Nativity

Nativity tells the story of Paul, played by Martin Freeman (The Office, Sherlock), a grumpy teacher and failed actor who is begrudgingly tasked with running his school’s annual nativity play. He hates Christmas because of a previous nasty break up, and to make matters worse – his ex-girlfriend now works in Hollywood, seemingly living his dream. When Paul gets carried away by rivalry with a competing school and lies that his play is being made into a blockbuster movie by his ex, much drama and hilarity ensues.  

This great little British comedy was a surprise hit and went on to spawn 3 sequels (Nativity 2, starring David Tennant, is also on Netflix if you fancy checking out the next instalment).

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A new animated Grinch film is currently playing in cinemas, but let’s not forget the original live action film How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Based on the totally weird and wonderful story by Dr Seuss, the film sees us enter the magical town of Whoville, who’s sort of half human, half pug faced monster residents are absolutely OBSESSED with Christmas (maybe even more so than me).

The only problem is that they must deal with the Christmas-hating Grinch, played in typically bizarre comedic style by Jim Carrey, who plots to steal Christmas and wreak havoc on the Whos. Can an adorable little pigtailed girl teach him how to fall in love with Christmas?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an absolute classic and a must watch for all the family. 

Bad Moms – A Bad Moms Christmas

A Bad Moms Christmas sees us reunited with the original Bad Moms cast – Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn – for a brand-new festive story. And this time, we get to meet their own parents, who take being Bad Moms to a whole new level!

Amy (Kunis), Kiki (Bell) and Carla (Hahn) are preparing for chilled family Christmases when they’re each hit by the bombshell of visits from their Mothers. Amy’s Mum Ruth, played brilliantly by Christine Baranski, is a rich bitch perfectionist who rocks up carrying armfuls of iPads and Xboxes for the Grandkids and criticises everything about her daughter, from her hair to her festive decorations. Kiki’s Mum Sandy, played with wide-eyed kookiness by Cheryl Hines, is basically her daughters’ stalker, cutting her hair in the same style, attempting to buy the house next door and wearing PJ’s with her face on. And as for Carla’s Mum Isis, played with relish by Susan Sarandon – she’s a hard-drinking, lorry-driving drifter who just rocks up when she needs gambling funds. So it’s safe to say the ladies have a LOT of issues to work on over the course of the film….!

It might not be an Oscar-winner, but A Bad Moms Christmas is rude, brash and hilarious. The mostly female ensemble cast are an absolute charismatic treat, and they clearly all had a ball whilst filming. I really laughed and genuinely cried – grab a bottle and your besties and enjoy!

Arthur Christmas

Is Santa real? How does he fit all the presents into his sack? And exactly how does he deliver all those presents to children across the world in just one night?! With special MAGIC, that’s how! Aaaaand with the help of a super-modern secret toy making facility that MI5 would be proud of. Turns out Father Christmas has moved with the times and runs a strict army-like operation with secret agent elves and Bond-style gadgets to ensure Christmas Eve runs smoothly.

Father Christmas’s son Arthur is like a fish out of water in his Dad’s hi-tech operation and prefers sitting in his cosy little office, in his Christmas jumper, reading letters from all the children, handwriting replies and making sure Christmas is perfect for every child. But when there’s a glitch in the system and a child doesn’t receive her present, Arthur decides to make the delivery himself.

Arthur Christmas is a really heart-warming modern take on the Santa story and the true meaning of Christmas.

The Man Who Invented Christmas  

Based on the book of the same name, The Man Who Invented Christmas is a semi-biographical drama that follows Charles Dickens, played by Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, Beauty and the Beast) as he writes his classic and beloved novel A Christmas Carol.  

We all know the story, so it’s fascinating to get an insight into Dickens life at the time and how the story developed, particularly how the infamous character of Ebenezer Scrooge was influenced by Dickens’ real-life father. If you fancy something festive with a bit les Santa and a bit more culture, then this is the film for you.

I hope you enjoy my top Netflix Christmas films, let me know your favourites below!