Edge of the Crowd's top ten Christmas films for 2022

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to look back at the year that was and what you have coming up. But of course, the holiday period is also a time of escape and there is no better way to do that than with some of the greatest films of the festive season.

The Edge of the Crowd writers have put their heads together to come up with the 10 best Christmas films.

10. Die Hard

Is it a Christmas film or is it an action film? As famously said in the Old El Paso advertisement, 'why don't we have both'. The recent film Violent Night has also clearly taken the Christmas action genre further taking plenty of inspiration from Die Hard.

The film has action, intrigue, drama, and incredible fight scenes. John McClane is a real-life superman taking down a world-class terrorist organisation with incredible action and excitement from beginning to end.

9. Elf

Some may have had Elf higher on the list but as we noted when putting this list together, Will Ferrell can be like Vegemite; you either love him or hate him.

The story follows one of Santa's elves, Buddy, who is not really an elf but a human from New York. When Buddy finds out about his real father, he sets about trying to form an emotional relationship with him and hilarity ensues.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas

One of the most visually interesting films of the last 30 years, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a must for every Christmas or Halloween lover during the holiday season.

The story follows Jack Skellington who is the beloved pumpkin king of Halloweentown who has grown bored with his regular life. But when he happens along Christmastown his life changes completely and he is reinvigorated with a new lease on life.

7. It's a Wonderful Life

The oldest film on our list is one that has lasted decades with its beautiful storyline and intense emotion. For anyone that is feeling a little down during the holiday period, this is one that will uplift your spirit.

The story is about George Bailey who wishes he was never born. However, when an angel comes down and shows him just how he has impacted the people around him he realises how everyone's lives would have changed without him around.

6. A Christmas Story

Christmas like much of life is about coming of age and A Christmas Story is the ultimate coming-of-age film. It's two hours of laughs and a few tears with everyone being able to remember back to this time in their own lives.

The story follows Ralphie Parker who is struggling in his own life having to dodge a bully while dreaming of an air rifle for Christmas. The dynamic between his parents especially the father-son relationship makes this film well worth two hours of your time.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

We have seen holiday specials from so many franchises at this point going back to Star Wars and the ewok holiday special that the genre is somewhat dry. However, this changes with the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. You can read the full review of the film here.

4. A Muppets Christmas Carol

The muppets are a Christmas institution at this point and to be honest, one of the most amazing stories in cinema. The fact that everyone on Earth just accepts that the muppets are sentient creatures rather than puppets is reason enough to pay attention to their mastery.

The story is a simple one that we all know following the story written by Charles Dickens more than a century ago. That being said there are masterful performances by all of the muppets but the humans do pretty well too with Michael Caine being incredible as Ebenezer Scrooge.

3. The Santa Clause

Disney has turned this film into a classic whether you're a fan of Tim Allen or not. And while the recent miniseries wasn't quite as good there is no doubt the 1994 original film, The Santa Clause, is a classic of the genre.

The story follows divorced dad Scott Calvin who finds Santa on the roof only to have to take over from the jolly fellow for the following Christmas. With jokes for both adults and children, this is a family film that all can enjoy. Scott really does struggle to juggle his family and being Santa but of course, he ends up as one of the great Santas.

2. The Polar Express

Part of this movie getting so high on our list might just be nostalgia but of course, that's what Christmas is all about. The visuals are stunning and while the story is somewhat padded there is no doubt the movie is fun from start to finish.

The movie follows a young boy who is starting to not believe in Santa Claus. However, when he's picked up by a Conductor - voiced by Tom Hanks - on a magical train, he begins to believe again and has plenty of adventure along the way. To be honest, though we are still waiting for a Polar Express rollercoaster.

1. Love Actually

Not just one of the great Christmas films but one of the great films all around. Love Actually shows what great filmmaking can do as well as telling a story in as short a time as possible.

The film follows many different couples or potential couples whose lives are all inter-mixed in different ways. Whether it's the British Prime Minister, the writer, or the best man, there will be a character who you can relate to and who will be your favourite. But of course, we will never forgive Alan Rickman's character.

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