They are inseparable from the winter period: cuddly films are making a comeback, as they do every year. Whether you subscribe to Disney+, Netflix or Prime Video, you should find what you’re looking for with these 9 recommendations to rekindle your Christmas spirit.
The luminous decorations are installed in the streets, a tree has taken place in your living room and the purchases of gifts are over: you already know it: we are in the middle of the Christmas period. And who says December 25, says themed feature films designed especially for this festive end-of-year period.
To save you yet another review of Mom I missed the planefrom Santa Claus is a Garbage or classic Life is beautiful, despite all their qualities, here are 9 films whose Christmas spirit or snowy universe should enchant you. And if you have children, or if you love animation yourself, we invite you to consult our selection of cartoons perfect for Christmas.
Spiritedthe musical parody with Deadpool (Apple TV+)
You start to know the song well: the evil Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, until he becomes a better being. This is Charles Dickens’ version of the tale, adapted over and over again on the small and big screen. But this year, Apple TV+ decided to give a good shot in the anthill of this classic with Spirited. The beginning will be familiar to you, until Clint Briggs, the irretrievable soul to be saved, turns the situation around to teach the present Christmas ghost a good lesson…
Joyful and colorful musical comedy, Spirited has the advantage of featuring Will Ferrell (Saturday Night Live) and Ryan Reynolds (Dead Pool) in the lead roles. The two comedians seem to be having a blast in this hilarious parody of Christmas movies. They take us with them in an avalanche of musical scenes with choreographies worthy of Broadway, while taking care to make fun of the characters who sing for no reason in the middle of nowhere. All the same, you shouldn’t be allergic to stories dripping with candy, but Spirited could well be THE Christmas movie of 2022.
Crystal trapthe essential action film (Disney+)
An iconic story parodied a thousand times, a duel at the top between Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman and a famous white tank top: Crystal trapthe first part of the saga diehard, is inseparable from the spirit of Christmas. In this flurry of action, badass New York cop John McClane finds himself dealing with a hostage situation within the Nakatomi Corporation.
Crystal trap, it’s a bit of the cuddly film par excellence: filled with nostalgia, cult moments, punchlines and catchy from start to finish. Especially since the feature film is served by an exceptional cast and impeccable production by John McTiernan (predator). Good, Crystal trap is not the obvious family Christmas movie, but it remains a little darling in the hearts of many fans (including the author of these lines). I promise, you won’t come out of this glass tower unscathed, available on Disney+. Come on, one last word to make you want to (re) immerse yourself in this monument: Yipee Ki-Yay!
The Grinchthe Christmas film made for haters (Netflix and Amazon Prime Video)
Every year, as Christmas approaches, do you grumble at the idea of having to endure light garlands and joyful choirs for more than a month? You should therefore recognize yourself a little in the attitude of the grumpy Grinch, a big green booby with wacky grimaces. Driven by the talent of the energetic Jim Carrey, this cult film by Ron Howard (Willow) always carves out a place of choice in the tops of Christmas films.
This tale about tolerance and the magic of the holidays perfectly captures the spirit of the character created in 1957 by illustrator Dr Seuss. This assumed misanthrope, with the iconic elastic smile, wants to scuttle the Christmas holidays before meeting the young Cindy Lou, who could well touch his soft heart… A bit frightening for toddlers, The Grinch still remains effective in parodying the capitalist spirit of these winter celebrations, on netflix Or on Amazon Prime Video.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobethe fantasy winter adventure (Disney+)
Who has never dreamed of discovering an entire universe, simply by pushing open the door of an old wooden wardrobe? Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lycy Pevensie made this dream a reality when they landed, quietly, in Narnia. The problem is that the kingdom is ruled by an icy queen (the formidable Tilda Swinton), to the detriment of the savior of humanity, namely the lion Aslan. The four siblings will have to work together to save Narnia and restore it to its former glory.
Snowy plains, epic battles, betrayals, do you want some, here it is, haunting music, a charismatic villain… The first part of the Chronicles of Narnia has absolutely all the ingredients of a good fantasy film. And he is also the only one in the saga who really deserves a look, just for his absolutely enjoyable final fight. The Lion, the White Witch and the Wardrobe, available on Disney+, is frankly the perfect journey for family celebrations by the fire. And Santa Claus hands out gifts in the film, so that matters.
Let Romance Blowthe ugly but cute gay love story (Netflix)
To change straight classics like Love Actually Where The Holidayyou really should take a look at Let Romance Blow, which will cheer you up for sure. Peter and Nick have been best friends for almost ten years. But as Peter prepares to spend Christmas with his family and to suffer the remarks about his celibacy, he decides to take Nick on board with him. Love could then knock on their door…
Yes, the script is seen and reviewed. Moreover, by reading these lines, you have probably already guessed the end of the film, available on Netflix. But Let Romance Blow turns out to be a little nugget filled with cuteness of which only Christmas has the secret. Philemon Chambers and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) are an adorable couple, while Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus) cements his status as a gay icon in this chewy-as-marshmallow romantic comedy. To be savored while sipping your best cup of Christmas tea and delicious chocolates, snug under a plaid: guaranteed effect.
Nutcracker and the Four Realmsthe fairy tale (Disney+)
In London, young Clara tries to overcome her sadness following the death of her mother. On Christmas Eve, she receives a present from him: a small box in the shape of an egg, of which the key is missing. At a party thrown by her godfather, a genius inventor, she embarks on an unexpected journey to a magical kingdom she never knew existed. And surprise: she is the princess…
Without revolutionizing the genre (far from it), Nutcracker and the Four Realms can still boast of being quality entertainment. The film, on Disney+notably benefits from a four-star cast, made up of Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean), Morgan Freeman (The escapees) or Matthew Macfayden (Succession). If the scenario will not really surprise you, we still advise you not to miss this wonderful epic in settings of great beauty, accompanied by the famous music of Tchaikovsky. And then, seeing Keira Knightley incarnate the Sugar Plum Fairy and eating her cotton candy hair, it’s worth the detour.
At Knives Outthe enigmatic Cluedo-style investigation (Netflix)
Do you like solving puzzles or mysteries like Agatha Christie’s novels? That’s good, we too and we appreciate all the more when the plot is well put together. This is the case ofAt Knives Out, centered around thriller writer Harlan Thrombey. When he is found dead, detective Benoit Blanc is responsible for elucidating the case and therefore reunites the family of the renowned writer.
From false leads to lies, you will love following the narration of this investigative film with clever twists and a delicious atmosphere. Directed by Rian Johnson (Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi), At Knives Out above all unpacks a rather impressive bed of stars: Daniel Craig (james bond), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Chris Evans (avengers), Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta), Ana de Armas (blade runner 2049)… In short, you should have a good time watching this puzzle, ideal for putting your umpteenth Christmas family debates into perspective. And know that its highly anticipated sequel, Glass Onionis now also available on Netflix.
Great Christmasinstructions for replacing Santa Claus (Disney+)
Imagine: one fine morning, you wake up, quietly, as usual. But when you look at yourself in the mirror, you discover with amazement that your hair has turned white and that a long white beard now adorns your face. Well, that’s the fate of Scott Calvin. It must be said that a few months earlier, his life changed slightly when he put on the costume of Santa Claus to ensure his tour…
We grant you, the special effects of Great Christmas have aged greatly. But this 1990s film, now followed by a series released on Disney+, always deserves your attention. Centered around the relationship between Scott and his son, Charlie, the film develops a rather skillful (albeit a bit cocky) argument on the importance of family ties. And this American comedy ticks all the boxes of a good Christmas movie: reindeer, elves, the North Pole, full of dripping good feelings and unfailing humor. If your children doubt the existence of the big red man, Great Christmas, on Disney+is the movie for you.
Anna and the Apocalypsethe musical with option zombies (Amazon Prime Video)
Halfway between Glee and Shaun of the Deadthis teen movie improbable should suit all lovers of atypical Christmas films. Anna is a teenager like the others, always in search of freedom. But one morning, zombies attack the small town of Little Haven. She will have to team up with her high school classmates to survive this horde of undead on Christmas Eve.
Clearly, it is better not to be allergic to choreographies started on canteen tables and English humor if you want to appreciate Anna and the Apocalypse, on Amazon Prime Video. But if zombie movies don’t scare you and you want to push the song, then you’ll love this completely offbeat comedy that only the English have the secret to. We obviously advise you to watch it in VO: the lyrics of the songs, ironic as you wish, are well worth the detour. Attention: hemoglobin effusions are largely on the program. But the only lesbian character in the group does not die after 10 minutes, as usual. And that, we applaud loudly.
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