Christmas isn’t Christmas without copious amounts of chocolate, sweating around the fire in fluffy pjs, and watching classic movies to tap into that nostalgic spirit. We’re always stuck on what to watch in my family to make everyone happy – these movies will appeal to those old and young and are guaranteed to get you into that comforting, Christmassy mood. Here are the best and most comforting movies to watch around Christmas time, from a big old Hollywood fan.
Singin’ in the Rain
This film is essential Christmas viewing in my house every year. In 1920’s Hollywood, superstar Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) struggles to adjust to the transition from silent to sound movies. Along comes Cathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress who shows him the true meaning of success. With some of the best singing and dancing sequences in any movie ever (and you can quote me on that) this is a must- watch for the whole family and will leave you with that glorious feeling…
Charade
Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant bounce off each other in this perfect whodunnit. Reggie Lampbert (Hepburn)’s husband is murdered, and she becomes embroiled in devious plots, stolen gold and a fair few cases of stolen identity. Discounting the slightly-questionable-to-modern-day-standards romance, this film is a genuinely gripping murder mystery, and is another one for all the family to enjoy.
Top Hat
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers taking it way back to the 1930’s with some fabulous dance sequences and musical numbers. Your granny will tear up as the pair dance Cheek to Cheek, and the endearingly old-fashioned humour and sparkly costumes are guaranteed to make it a firm Christmas favourite.
Some Like it Hot
Has been called “the greatest comedy ever made”, Joe and Jerry (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon) need to escape Chicago quickly, and disguise themselves as members of a female jazz band. Marilyn Monroe commands the screen as Sugar, the band’s singer, and the trio bounce off each other comically.
Rear Window
It wouldn’t be a classic movie list without a Hitchcock film. L.B. Jefferies (James Stewart) is wheelchair bound while recovering from a broken leg. He decides to observe his neighbours from his window, and becomes unintentionally embroiled in scandal. Tense and at times genuinely scary, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic.