Top ten Christmas films of all time

‘Tis the season to relax, put your feet up and watch some TV, so we’re bringing you our list of the top 10 Christmas films of all time to get you in the festive spirit. So in no particular order...

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

When not even the festive season can pull Charlie out of his depression, Lucy suggests that he directs the Christmas play. Without a Christmas tree, Charlie sets out to find one but everyone makes fun of the small one he brings back - until the real meaning of Christmas works its magic once again.

Starring: Peter Robbins, Tracy Stratford, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer

Bad Santa (2003)

A miserable conman teams up with his angry sidekick to disguise as Santa and his Elf to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. A great alternative to the usual festive cheer.

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly

It’s a wonderful life (1946)

The ultimate Christmas favourite. George Bailey is a small town man so down with the way things are going he’s contemplating committing suicide on Christmas Eve until his guardian angel comes to the rescue.

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell

Trading Places (1983)

Two cold-hearted millionaire brothers make a $1 bet and concoct a plan to swap the lives of a high flying investor and a struggling street hustler with hilarious consequences and a dose of karma.

 Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche

Gremlins (1984)

"Don't expose him to bright light. Don't ever get him wet. And don't ever, ever feed him after midnight." These are the only three rules Billy’s dad has when he gets him a new pet from China. However, they inevitably get broken…

Starring: Zach Galligan, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain, Phoebe Cates

Home Alone (1990)

An all-time favourite, 9 year old Kevin McCallister - played by the adorable Macaulay Culkin - gets left behind while his family jet off on holiday for Christmas and is forced to deal with two hilariously incompetent burglars.

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara

Love Actually (2003)

Nine love stories intertwine to create this classic Christmas romance that will make you feel all warm and mushy on the inside.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth and Alan Rickman.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Performed by the Muppet characters, they re-enact the festive tale Scrooge, a miserable old man who doesn't care about the joys Christmas. After being visited by spirits from his past, present and future, will Scrooge turn over a new leaf and change his ways?

Starring: Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz

Elf (2003)

A baby who accidentally winds up being raised as an elf in the North Pole by Santa returns to New York and has to learn to live as a human. Trust us, it’s hilarious, and it never gets old.

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner

However, if you're one of those people who want to break the tradition of watch 'It's a wonderful life' for the 100th Christmas in a row, then check out our top pick of alternative festive films here.