For many people, Christmas films are something they look forward to all year round but, for others, they are just a bit naff.
However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any non-festive films that can get you in that same wholesome, cosy mood.
Wallace And Gromit
You can’t do much better around the holiday season than with my personal favourites Wallace and Gromit.
With decades of films scanning all manner of high jinks, the adventures of the Wensleydale-loving man and his oft-suffering pooch have entertained families for generations.
Their absurdist yet low-stakes antics and the thousand-jokes-a-minute nature of the comedy make the films incredibly easy watches that lend themselves to rewatches marvellously.
There’s a reason that these films have become such icons of British culture, and they are more than deserving of your festive watch time.
Between the horror homage of Curse of the Ware-Rabbit, the utter lunacy of A Matter of Loaf and Death or the debut of cinemas’ most diabolical villain Feather McGraw in The Wrong Trousers there is no shortage of Wallace and Gromit to go around.
Even beyond the Wallace and Gromit films themselves, there are plenty of other Aardman films that fit the assignment like Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep.
Once you’ve got your fill of stop-motion whimsy you’ll be ready for Wallace and Gromit’s new adventure next month in Vengeance Most Fowl.
Paddington
Everyone knows that the Paddington films are essentially purified wholesome joy so they are the perfect fit for the festive season.
And with the themes of found family, good nature and togetherness they really are Christmas films in all but name.
Paddington is a remarkably sweet film and Paddington 2 frankly has no right to be as good as it is.
Besides, with Paddington in Peru having just released it’s the perfecting time to catch up on the furry Peruvian’s marmalade-based antics.
Edward Scissorhands
If a spark of magic is what your after then Edward Scissorhands will fit your bill.
With its mix of comedy, drama, romance and wonder, the film dances around the emotional spectrum but always has a core magic.
That sense of magic is what makes it so appropriate for the season plus a large section of the film takes place in the snow which is a nice refresher from the often rainy British Christmases.
So, if all the wholesome, sappiness of Christmas films is a bit much for you, then a bit of Burton’s gothic eccentricities may be a little more up your street.
Die hard
Finally, the favourite Christmas film of everybody who hates Christmas films.
The Bruce Willis staring action romp is iconic for a reason with impressive action, memorable characters and a frankly impressive number of one-liners.
And, despite having absolutely nothing in common with Christmas films it is in fact set at Christmas which technically makes it the most Christmasy film here despite every other factor being against it.
So, if your relations are insisting on watching a Christmas film but you can’t stomach the thought of it then Die Hard may just be your knight in dirty tank top.
So, with this collection of films you can fill up on all the wholesome vibes and warm comedy you like without the threat of any pensioners in red ruining your good time.
Featured Image Credit: Aardman
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