How to watch Elf, Die Hard, Love Actually this Christmas | Films | Entertainment

Christmas is upon us once again, a season filled with family gatherings, festive feasts and time-honoured traditions.

Inevitably, there will be a point when both adults and children are so full from the turkey, all the trimmings and Christmas pudding that they’ll be anchored to the sofa.

This is why it’s crucial to have ample entertainment at hand, particularly if the thought of board games or a brisk walk seems too daunting.

While television channels offer a plethora of festive delights, those who aren’t keen on another Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special or have already seen the Gavin and Stacey finale countless times this year might opt for their favourite holiday films instead.

Let’s explore some standout offerings from the extensive selection of Christmas classics available on top streaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, Sky and Disney+, reports the Mirror.

Netflix

Netflix, the streaming behemoth, has quickly become a leading producer of irresistible Christmas rom-coms that are perfect for lounging post-feast, perhaps after your second or third helping of pigs in blankets.

Highlights include The Princess Switch trilogy, Hot Frosty, A Castle For Christmas and A Merry Little Ex-Mas. Also, don’t overlook Lindsay Lohan’s festive returns, Our Little Secret and Falling For Christmas, as well as Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge’s recent Mrs Doubtfire-inspired success, My Secret Santa.

For those yearning for a touch of nostalgia, Netflix boasts an array of beloved classics. Timeless Christmas rom-coms The Holiday and Love Actually are readily available, as well as both the live-action and 2018 animated versions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, featuring Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch respectively.

Animation enthusiasts will also be charmed by Netflix’s original film, Klaus.

For viewers seeking a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, the Christmas thriller Carry-On, starring Taron Edgerton and Jason Bateman, is worth a watch. Lastly, Netflix is also home to The Holdovers, a heartwarming drama that, despite its recent 2023 release, has already cemented itself as a classic.

Disney+

While Netflix may lead in terms of original Christmas content, Disney+ arguably offers the best selection of familiar favourites. The Holiday and the live-action Grinch are also accessible here, along with both renditions of the charming Miracle on 34th Street and the complete Santa Clause trilogy featuring Tim Allen as a hesitant Saint Nick.

Also available is The Nightmare Before Christmas, perfect for those missing Halloween, the iconic action-packed Die Hard with Bruce Willis, and, naturally, The Muppet Christmas Carol. This features Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, sharing the screen with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens.

Disney+ is home to both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, ensuring festive fun for the entire family.

Sky/NOW

A number of the previously mentioned films are also accessible on Sky Cinema for those with a Sky or NOW subscription. These include The Holiday, Love Actually and the animated Grinch.

Viewers can also enjoy holiday comedies like Will Ferrell’s unforgettable Elf, the animated favourite The Polar Express and one of Britain’s top animated Christmas films, Arthur Christmas.

Classic titles such as the cherished musical White Christmas featuring Bing Crosby, the mayhem-filled creature feature Gremlins, and the enchanting fantasy film It’s A Wonderful Life starring James Stewart are also available on Sky and NOW.

Prime Video

Amazon’s Prime Video service boasts a Christmas catalogue that includes Love Actually and The Holiday, so there’s no reason not to indulge in these romantic holiday gems this season!

Their selection also includes It’s A Wonderful Life and the 1980s classic A Christmas Story, a heartwarming tale about young Ralphie Parker’s (portrayed by Peter Billingsley) quest to find a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle under his Christmas tree.

Film enthusiasts should also take a look at Love the Coopers, featuring an early performance from Hollywood‘s golden boy Timothée Chalamet and the late cinematic icon Diane Keaton. Additionally, Amazon Prime’s recent Christmas original Oh. What. Fun, starring Michelle Pfeiffer as a frazzled mother who reaches her limit during the festive season, is certainly worth a viewing.

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