Jingle Bell flicks: 5 Christmas movies to watch in holiday spirit

• As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by curling up with a good Christmas movie
• Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, action-packed adventures, or laugh-out-loud comedies, these films capture the magic of the season 
• Here is a list of five must-watch Christmas movies to make your celebrations even merrier

The hustle, bustle, and challenges of daily life can often feel overwhelming, overshadowing the true beauty of life and making reality seem harsh. 

However, as the year draws to a close and Christmas is just around the corner, the sound of jingling bells and joyful laughter is a welcome respite. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by cosying up with some classic Christmas movies?

To rekindle hope and embrace the season's true beauty, TheRadar curated five holiday-themed movies to help you rediscover the Christmas magic and create joyful memories with these festive films.

5 Christmas movies to enjoy this December 

1. Red One

Credit: The Gem Theater

If you are looking for a thrilling, adventurous, and action movie this season, then ‘Red One’ is the best movie for you. 

Red One is a 2024 action-adventure film about the North Pole's Head of Security and a bounty hunter who team up to save Christmas after Santa Claus is kidnapped. 

The North Pole's Head of Security, played by Dwayne Johnson, must work with the world's most notorious bounty hunter, played by Chris Evans, to save Christmas after Santa Claus is kidnapped. 

Soaking in this movie with your loved ones is rekindling the Christmas tingles, with an assurance that once things go bad when it is Christmas, it becomes perfect. ‘Red One’ is indeed a good must-watch. 

2. Love Hard

Credit: Wikipedia 

Love Hard gives the feeling of a Christmas gift of a chance of redemption mixed with relatable reality. Sometimes when you see a movie, the plot becomes so fictional and unrealistic. However, Love Hard is not that kind of movie. It is a relatable plot that shows how we live in a world of dating online and catfishing. It is such a realistic scenario that can happen to anyone yet it shows different ways that when things go south, in Christmas, there is a gift of perfection. 

Hopeless romantic but eternally single LA journalist Natalie (Nina Dobrev) thinks things are beginning to look up when she swipes right on a dreamy guy from the East Coast, Tag (Darren Barnet). Taking a leap of faith, she jumps on a flight to surprise her crush for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished by Tag's childhood friend, who is equally unlucky in love, Josh (Jimmy O. Yang). This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.

Love Hard is popcorn and chill watch-worthy. 

3. Meet me next Christmas 

Credit: Netflix 

There is always an undeniable connection between Christmas and romance, and Meet Me Next Christmas is a perfect example of this. This 2024 Netflix holiday movie combines romance, adventure, and festive cheer, making it a must-watch for the season.

Layla (Christina Milian) appears to have it all— a successful career, a loving boyfriend, and a cherished Christmas tradition of attending the Pentatonix New York Christmas show. However, as the holiday season unfolds, Layla's life begins to unravel.

Determined to make this Christmas count, Layla embarks on a mission to find tickets to the sold-out concert, hoping to meet her dream guy in the process. With its lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and heartwarming storyline, Meet Me Next Christmas is a delightful holiday treat that's sure to leave you feeling merry and bright.

4. Love Actually 

Credit: Wikipedia

Although not a recent movie, Love Actually remains a timeless Christmas classic. It weaves together nine interconnected stories that delve into the twist of love. This iconic film explores the complexities of romantic love, platonic love, and selfless love through its diverse characters.

Among the notable storylines are the charming British Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant), who falls for his junior staffer Natalie (Martine McCutcheon); Sarah (Laura Linney), a devoted graphic designer struggling to balance her love life with her responsibilities towards her mentally ill brother; and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man facing temptation with his attractive new secretary.

At its core, Love Actually conveys a heartwarming message that the holiday season is more meaningful when spent with loved ones, which is the whole point of Christmas. The film's portrayal of platonic love is particularly poignant, and although released 2 decades ago, it still carries the powerful spirit of Christmas. 

5. Last Christmas 

Credit: IMDb

One of the beautiful aesthetics of the Christmas season is giving, and this not-so-recent movie, Last Christmas, banks on giving. With a roller coaster of emotion and a shocking twist about love and giving, ‘Last Christmas’ is a heartwarming holiday film that tells the story of Katarina (Emilia Clarke), a struggling singer who works as an elf in Central London. A series of poor decisions mark her life, but everything changes when she meets Tom (Henry Golding). After they met, Katarina gained a new perspective on life, learning to appreciate its beauty and fragility.

This poignant movie will take you on an emotional journey, exploring themes of love, loss, and the importance of living in the present. As Katarina navigates her complicated past and uncertain future, she discovers that life is a precious gift that requires sacrifice and appreciation.

With its uplifting message and tear-jerking moments, Last Christmas reminds us that the holiday season is a time to cherish loved ones and make the most of every moment. 

As the holiday season unfolds, maximise the time, be with your loved ones, grab some popcorn and tissues because you might tear up, and cosy up with these five unforgettable Christmas movies to fill your heart with joy, love, and the magic of the season. 

Movies and Chill: 5 films you should watch over the weekend

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier curated 5 captivating films to spice up the weekend. Whether you are in the mood for a heartwarming escapades, gripping thriller, or powerful historical drama, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The top picks includes Moana 2, captivating biopic Wole Soyinka, The Madness, GTMax, and the gripping Ogbedun.