PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

It’s that time of the year again, when even the chills of winter can not stop us from getting out of our warm blankets to prepare for the holiday season. By now, we have seen incredible Christmas movies, from magical adventures like Polar Express to laugh-out-loud comedies like Home Alone, but the last decade has brought its own share of festive gems. With a sprinkle of love and holiday cheer, we’ve put together a list of movies that will not only stir up your Christmas nostalgia but also warm your heart or leave you in fits of laughter.

1. Wonka 2023

Every 90’s kid must have had dreams about getting a golden ticket to a chocolate factory or unravelling the mystery of the enigmatic chocolate genius, Wonka. Well, Paul King, the mastermind behind movies like Paddington, heard you and has presented the story behind the struggle of young Wonka to create the dream chocolate factory. This movie not only features lots of chocolate and Timothée Chalamet as Young Wonka but also carries the magic of warmth, singing, and Christmas spirit all along.

2. Spirited 2022

“Spirited” is a fun, musical take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” But here’s the twist: it’s told from the point of view of The Ghost of a Christmas Present! Will Ferrell plays an upbeat, goofy ghost who’s been doing this whole redemption gig for ages. He’s ready to retire, but first, he’s got to tackle one last tough case: Ryan Reynolds, who is a super cynical, self-centred media consultant. It’s a wild ride as the ghost tries to show this guy the error of his ways. There are catchy songs, hilarious banter, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a fresh spin on a classic tale, perfect for the holiday season!

3. Krampus (2015)

If you like a dark, twisted holiday horror flick, this is for you. Imagine a dysfunctional family gathering for Christmas. Things are already tense, but then a young boy, frustrated with the bickering, accidentally summons Krampus—a demonic creature from ancient folklore. This horned beast is the opposite of Santa, punishing naughty kids instead of rewarding good ones. As Krampus and his creepy minions start wreaking havoc, the family is forced to confront their own issues and work together to survive the night. It’s a wild, scary, and surprisingly funny ride that’ll make you rethink the true spirit of Christmas!

4. Carol (2015)

This decade-old movie has turned into a Christmas classic for many of us. If you haven’t heard of Carol yet, then you’re missing out on a stunning period drama that captures the hearts of two women in 1950s New York. Cate Blanchett delivers a mesmerising performance as Carol, a sophisticated woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Her life intertwines with young Therese, a budding photographer, played by Rooney Mara. This beautifully crafted tale turns into a poignant exploration of love, navigating societal expectations, longing, and the complexities of human relationships.

5. Love Hard (2021)

Christmas movies are filled with love stories, but what if you travel miles only to discover a shocking surprise about your own? Here’s a case where Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev) falls in love online and gets to know a shocking truth about her online boyfriend. Instead of meeting her dream guy, she ends up entangled in a hilarious love triangle. The film is full of witty banter, charming characters, and heartwarming moments that will leave you smiling. It’s the perfect holiday movie to cosy up with and enjoy.

6. The Princess Switch (2018)

Ever wished you could swap lives with someone, especially a princess? Well, in “The Princess Switch,” that’s exactly what happens! Two look-alike princesses from different countries decide to switch places for a week. It’s a fun, festive, and totally unrealistic idea, but it makes for a really cute movie. There’s plenty of holiday cheer, romantic entanglements, and, of course, a bit of royal drama.

7. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

The magical setting of A Boy Called Christmas shows us a world where Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a real place! The story starts as Nikolas, a curious young boy, sets off on a thrilling adventure to the North Pole. This adventure is accompanied by his loyal reindeer Blitzen and mischievous elf companion Joel. Watch as Nicolas faces snowstorms, trolls, and even a grumpy old man who might just be the legendary Father Christmas.

8. A Christmas Carol (2019)

This must be one of those recommendations that you would’ve heard of numerous times. It’s actually a book-to-movie adaptation, which is an international bestseller on both parts. A Christmas Carol has been created several times, and in this version you have to prepare for a chilling journey through the darkest corners of Scrooge’s soul as he confronts his past and the consequences of his greed. It’s a haunting and thought-provoking retelling of a classic tale, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of holiday horror.

9. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

When we are kids, every toy has a world of its own, and this movie is a take on that unexplored world. With Jingle Jangle, we come across a brilliant toymaker whose life takes a turn when his most prized creation is stolen. With an aim to bring joy back to his life, his clever granddaughter not only saves the day but also gives us a delightful Christmas adventure filled with catchy songs, colourful characters, and a whole lot of heart.

10. Wicked (2024)

Let’s talk about the musical buzz that has been spread all over the internet. “Wicked” takes you back to a time of magic, mystery, and misunderstood witches.This epic musical fantasy delves into the complicated relationship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the bubbly blonde. Calling all the book lovers or movie enthusiasts on a journey of breathtaking visuals, powerful performances, and iconic songs.

Cover Credits: Love Actually, 2003 | Netflix