What Festive Films Are Warming Up Our Screens This Christmas 2021?

Christmas is a time for family, food, and, of course, fantastic films! As the nights draw in and the fairy lights twinkle, settling down in front of the TV with a classic Christmas movie is a tradition cherished by millions. This year, 2021, the broadcasters are pulling out all the stops to deliver a sleigh-full of cinematic cheer. Forget battling the crowds at the cinema; your living room is about to become the hottest ticket in town.

The Classics: Timeless Tales for the Whole Family

No Christmas TV schedule would be complete without the classics. These are the movies that generations have grown up with, evoking feelings of nostalgia and festive warmth with every viewing. They’re the perfect comfort viewing after a long day of present-wrapping or post-Christmas dinner relaxation.

Home Alone: Still Setting Traps After All These Years

Home Alone, the undisputed king of Christmas comedies, is virtually guaranteed a prime spot on several channels. Witnessing Kevin McCallister outsmart burglars Harry and Marv is a perennial joy. The slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and iconic one-liners make this a must-watch for families. Expect to see this appearing multiple times across different channels during the festive period.

Miracle on 34th Street: Believing is Seeing

For a dose of festive faith, look no further than Miracle on 34th Street. Whether you prefer the classic original or the charming remake, the story of Kris Kringle proving he is indeed Santa Claus is guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts. Prepare for a surge of belief in the magic of Christmas.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Reminder of What Truly Matters

It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra’s masterpiece, is an emotional rollercoaster. While it might bring a tear to your eye, the powerful message about the importance of family, friendship, and making a difference in the world resonates deeply during the holiday season. It’s a reminder to appreciate what we have.

The Santa Clause: Becoming the Big Man Himself

Another family favorite is The Santa Clause, the story of Scott Calvin, who accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve and subsequently finds himself magically recruited to take Santa’s place. This is a lighthearted and fun film that appeals to all ages.

Animated Adventures: Christmas Magic Brought to Life

Animation plays a huge role in the Christmas TV schedule, bringing beloved characters and fantastical worlds to our screens. These films are perfect for entertaining younger viewers (and the young at heart!).

The Snowman: A Flight of Festive Fancy

The Snowman, the wordless wonder based on Raymond Briggs’s book, is a timeless classic. The enchanting animation and Howard Blake’s iconic song “Walking in the Air” create a truly magical experience. This short film is perfect for a quick dose of Christmas cheer.

Arthur Christmas: Santa’s Modern Mission

A more modern animated offering, Arthur Christmas, provides a behind-the-scenes look at Santa’s incredibly efficient operation. When one child’s present is missed, Santa’s son Arthur embarks on a mission to deliver it before Christmas morning. It’s a fun and inventive take on the Santa story.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: A Change of Heart

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, whether the animated original or the live-action version starring Jim Carrey, is a festive staple. The Grinch’s transformation from a grumpy recluse to a Christmas-loving member of Whoville is a heartwarming tale of redemption.

Rom-Coms and Festive Feels: Love is in the Air

Christmas is a time for romance, and the TV schedules reflect this with a selection of feel-good romantic comedies. Perfect for snuggling up on the sofa with a loved one.

Love Actually: Intertwined Tales of Love and Loss

Love Actually is a festive favorite, weaving together multiple storylines of love, loss, and everything in between. With its star-studded cast and heartwarming moments, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Holiday: A Christmas Cottage Swap

The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, offers a charming escape to idyllic winter landscapes. Two women, each struggling with heartbreak, swap homes for the holidays and find love in unexpected places.

Last Christmas: A London Fairytale

Last Christmas, inspired by the music of George Michael, tells the story of Kate, whose life takes a turn when she meets Tom. Set against the backdrop of a festively decorated London, it’s a heartwarming story with a poignant twist.

More Recent Christmas Releases: New Traditions in the Making

While the classics remain ever-popular, broadcasters also make space for newer Christmas movies, hoping to create new traditions for families to enjoy.

Klaus: A Different Kind of Santa Origin Story

Klaus, an animated film from Netflix, offers a fresh and innovative take on the Santa Claus origin story. This visually stunning and heartwarming film has quickly become a Christmas favorite for many.

Jingle Jangle: A Musical Christmas Journey

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, another Netflix offering, is a vibrant and musical adventure. It follows a toymaker who rediscovers his joy and passion with the help of his granddaughter.

The Christmas Chronicles: Santa’s Adventures with a Twist

The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel offer a more action-packed and adventurous take on the Santa Claus story. Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Santa is a memorable and charismatic one.

Channel Breakdown: Where to Find Your Festive Favourites

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from the main channels during the Christmas 2021 period. While specific schedules can vary, this provides a general guide.

BBC One and Two: A Mix of Classics and New Premieres

BBC One and Two typically offer a balanced mix of classic Christmas films, family-friendly animation, and premieres of more recent releases. Expect to see films like Paddington, Wallace & Gromit, and potentially a new family drama with a Christmas theme.

ITV: Familiar Favourites and Festive Specials

ITV tends to focus on crowd-pleasing classics and festive specials of popular TV shows. Expect to see films like Home Alone, Elf, and potentially a showing of Love Actually.

Channel 4: Alternative Christmas Cheer

Channel 4 often offers a slightly more alternative selection of Christmas films, alongside classic animations and family favorites. They might showcase films like The Muppet Christmas Carol or Edward Scissorhands.

Sky Cinema: A Premium Selection of Festive Films

Sky Cinema offers a wide range of Christmas films, including many recent releases and exclusive premieres. A Sky Cinema subscription is your ticket to a huge library of festive content.

Beyond the Big Channels: Streaming Services Step Up

Don’t forget the streaming services! Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others are all offering a huge selection of Christmas movies, both original productions and acquired titles.

Netflix: Original Christmas Content Galore

Netflix has invested heavily in original Christmas movies, so expect a wide selection of rom-coms, family adventures, and animated features. Titles like The Christmas Chronicles, Klaus, and numerous original rom-coms will likely feature prominently.

Amazon Prime Video: A Growing Library of Festive Films

Amazon Prime Video also boasts a growing library of Christmas films, including both classic titles and original productions. Expect to see films like It’s a Wonderful Life alongside Amazon Originals.

Disney+: Christmas Magic from the Mouse House

Disney+ is the go-to destination for classic Disney Christmas movies and animated favorites. Expect to see titles like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and numerous Disney animated shorts and features with a festive theme.

Planning Your Perfect Christmas Movie Marathon

With so many fantastic films to choose from, planning your perfect Christmas movie marathon can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you create a schedule that suits your taste:

Check TV listings in advance. TV guides and online listings will provide the most accurate information about which films are showing on which channels and at what times.

Record your favorites. Don’t miss out! Record your must-see movies so you can watch them at your convenience.

Embrace streaming. Streaming services offer a vast library of Christmas films available on demand.

Theme your nights. Dedicate evenings to specific genres, like classic Christmas movies, animated adventures, or romantic comedies.

Most importantly, relax, enjoy, and soak up the festive atmosphere! The Christmas movie season is a time to unwind, spend time with loved ones, and create lasting memories.

Festive Film Schedule Snippets

While a comprehensive list is difficult to compile so far in advance, here are some anticipated titles likely to feature across channels and streaming platforms during Christmas 2021:

• Home Alone
• Love Actually
• Elf
• The Santa Clause
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Grinch (various versions)
• Arthur Christmas
• Klaus
• The Holiday

This list is not exhaustive, and specific schedules will vary. Keep an eye on TV listings and streaming service announcements for the most up-to-date information.
Enjoy the show!

What are some of the biggest blockbuster Christmas movies being released in 2021?

Several high-profile films aimed to capture the holiday spirit in 2021. One notable release was “Silent Night,” a darkly comedic take on a Christmas dinner with a star-studded cast facing a global crisis. Another was “A Boy Called Christmas,” a family-friendly fantasy origin story of Father Christmas, providing heartwarming entertainment for all ages. These movies offered a diverse range of tones and genres, attracting a wide audience looking for festive entertainment.

Beyond these, many streaming platforms invested heavily in original Christmas content. For example, Netflix offered titles like “Single All the Way,” a romantic comedy, and “A Castle For Christmas,” featuring Brooke Shields. Amazon Prime Video also provided a slate of seasonal films, contributing to a robust selection of new releases for viewers to enjoy during the Christmas season.

Are there any animated Christmas movies worth watching from 2021?

Yes, animation played a significant role in the 2021 Christmas movie landscape. One standout was “Robin Robin,” a stop-motion animated short film from Aardman Animations, the creators of Wallace and Gromit. This charming and heartwarming story about a robin raised by mice was a critical success, praised for its beautiful animation and touching narrative.

While perhaps not strictly a “Christmas movie” in the traditional sense, “Encanto” also gained significant popularity during the holiday season. Though not specifically Christmas-themed, its vibrant animation, family-centered story, and catchy musical numbers resonated with audiences looking for feel-good entertainment throughout the festive period, contributing to its widespread success.

Which Christmas movies from 2021 are best suited for families with young children?

“A Boy Called Christmas” was specifically tailored for families with young children. Its fantastical origin story of Father Christmas, combined with enchanting visuals and a heartwarming message, made it an ideal choice for younger viewers. The film offered a sense of wonder and adventure, perfect for creating a magical Christmas experience.

Additionally, many animated options, such as “Robin Robin,” were well-suited for young children. The visually appealing animation and simple, touching stories provided entertainment without being overly complex or scary. These films offered a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for families with younger kids seeking festive cheer.

Are there any Christmas movies from 2021 that offer a unique or unconventional take on the holiday?

“Silent Night” presented a decidedly unconventional take on the Christmas holiday. Unlike traditional heartwarming fare, this dark comedy explored a family gathering facing an impending apocalyptic event. Its satirical and often unsettling tone challenged the usual sentimental narratives, offering a starkly different perspective on the season.

Another film pushing boundaries was “8-Bit Christmas,” which, while nostalgic and humorous, explored the lengths a young boy would go to for a Nintendo console. The movie focused on a specific consumer desire during Christmas, injecting a contemporary and slightly cynical perspective into the holiday narrative. It presented a humorous, yet relatable take on the materialistic side of Christmas and the challenges of childhood in the 1980s.

Which streaming services had the strongest selection of Christmas movies in 2021?

Netflix invested heavily in original Christmas movies for 2021, offering a diverse range of options to appeal to different tastes. Titles like “Single All the Way,” “A Castle For Christmas,” and “The Princess Switch 3” provided viewers with a wide selection of romantic comedies and lighthearted holiday fare. Their consistent output established them as a key provider of Christmas content.

Amazon Prime Video also boasted a solid selection of festive films. Alongside new original productions, they featured a variety of classic Christmas movies, creating a comprehensive library for viewers to enjoy. This blend of new and old content made them a strong contender in the Christmas movie streaming market.

Did any classic Christmas movies get a reboot or sequel in 2021?

While there weren’t any major reboots of universally beloved classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” some franchises expanded their existing universes. A prime example is “The Princess Switch 3,” continuing the story of Vanessa Hudgens’ characters. Although not a complete reboot, this film offered a familiar story with new twists for existing fans.

Rather than direct reboots, many networks focused on creating spiritually similar content that paid homage to classic Christmas themes. They focused on creating films that captured the heartwarming atmosphere of traditional Christmas stories while offering fresh narratives and perspectives. This approach allowed them to tap into audience nostalgia without directly replicating established classics.

Where can I find a comprehensive list of all Christmas movies released in 2021?

Many reputable online film databases and entertainment news websites compile comprehensive lists of Christmas movies released each year. Websites like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic often have dedicated sections or lists for holiday-themed releases. These platforms provide information on release dates, cast details, and user ratings, assisting viewers in finding the perfect festive film.

Furthermore, entertainment publications like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Entertainment Weekly frequently publish articles and guides highlighting the latest Christmas movie releases. These sources offer curated selections and reviews, making it easier to navigate the vast array of festive films available across theaters and streaming platforms. Consulting multiple sources provides the most complete picture of the year’s Christmas movie offerings.