Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and it always prompts a slew of festive-themed films to celebrate the special occasion. Despite the year that it has been, 2020 is thankfully no different, with a range of seasonal movies for the whole family to enjoy.
There’s something for everyone, no matter the genre or type of film. Many of these films are sure to become instant classics, for a whole host of reasons. Audiences love to re-watch the same movies every Christmas, so it’s always great to see some new releases that could be added to these traditions.
Godmothered
Disney+ is always looking to expand its content and this year it may have come across something that will both celebrate the holiday season and bring about a unique take on one of the company’s wisest mentors.
Godmothered takes the fairy godmother out of the world of fables and into reality, where she must deal with the complex existence of humanity outside of a fairytale land. With Enchanted vibes throughout, this is sure to be remembered as a great departure from Disney’s traditional storytelling.
Angela’s Christmas Wish
Angela’s Christmas Wish is actually a sequel to the beloved Angela’s Christmas. Therefore, it’s already guaranteed an audience, but this film is aimed at the smallest people in the household and is a charming children’s film.
Kids always have their favorites and this is sure to be one of them. With a magical style of animation, a great voice cast and another fun adventure for the young ones, this is sure to be playing in homes around the world.
Fatman
Fatman is going to become an instant classic for all of the wrong reasons. For starters, the controversial Mel Gibson is in the role of a retired Santa Claus. What’s more, this Christmas movie is unlike any other.
With the “Fatman” himself being hunted down by a hit-man, Santa has to fight back with the weapons at his disposal. Violent, over the top and completely bonkers, Fatman is certainly not going to be forgotten anytime soon, even if people really wish it was.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again
The original Princess Switch was definitely made for a certain audience, with this fun, festive take on the rom-com genre pulling in those who love a little bit of cheese. It was proven to be a great success for Netflix, prompting a sequel.
Much like the original, this is going to become a bit of a classic for some households. These campy films are a genre unto themselves and Switched Again is heads above the rest when it comes to festive cheer.
Christmas Chronicles 2
The Christmas Chronicles was another Netflix film that managed to become a festive tradition for some families, with this great take on Santa and his life capturing the imagination of audiences of all ages.
Kurt Russell is back in a film that’s sure to be a sturdy addition to the franchise and flesh out Santa’s own family life a little further. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the next installment, not least for the standout elves!
The War With Grandpa
Based on the award-winning book, The War With Grandpa takes the Oscar-winning Robert De Niro and puts him in a feud with his fictional grandson over a bedroom. Strangely enough, it’s actually hilarious.
This is a classic case of an over the top comedy film being badly received by critics but absolutely loved by audiences. These kinds of movies end up gaining traction over the years, and it may just be that this battle for supremacy makes it a regular Christmas film in some households.
Soul
Pixar’s latest offering, Soul, isn’t a traditional Christmas film. Its release on Disney+ on Christmas day, however, means that it will be forever linked with the festive season. Plus, its themes of new beginnings is strangely poetic for the holiday season.
With early reviews suggesting that Pixar has once again created an emotional classic, it’s fair to say that this gorgeously animated picture will be just another one of the studio’s long list of award-winning, beloved movies.
Happiest Season
Hulu’s Happiest Season takes a lesbian couple and throws them into a complex situation where one half of the duo hasn’t actually come out to her parents yet. With this comes an emotional and funny rom-com as the pair try to navigate Christmas together.
It’s a much needed different direction to take a festive film and is unlike any others released in 2020, making it all the more powerful for it. This is a warming and funny holiday movie which better represents the LGBTQ+ community on screen and it is absolutely packed with a charming and stellar cast.
Holidate
Holidate may have been badly received by critics, but it’s proving that audiences love a bit of cheese around the festive period. Taking place across the important holidays over a year, an unlikely couple begins to fall in love, even when they are strictly on “holidate” business.
This Netflix film sits at the better end of the Hallmark movie genre and offers up some genuine laughs. Thanks to the charm of the two leads, the film is genuinely captivating and will become a bit of a classic for fans of festive rom-coms.
Jingle Jangle
Jingle Jangle isn’t just a classic in terms of its genre. It is a beautiful film, with fantastic performances, amazing costume and set design, unique cinematography and brilliant original songs. Jingle Jangle really is the festive film of 2020.
There hasn’t really been a film released like this before, or at the very least not in live-action. It’s incredibly fun and absolutely exudes the festive spirit, whilst not even being entirely set at Christmas!
