Screen’s Advent Calendar!

Exeposé Screen Editors give you the perfect film advent calendar to get you through December.

It’s December and you know what that means… it means it’s time to get on the sofa, grab the chocolates (and perhaps a mulled wine) and soak up all the serotonin you can from a gushy Christmas movie. Every year we dive into the same set of syrupy romance plots and jingly songs and we have the same debates over what is and isn’t a Christmas movie (looking at you Die Hard). Except this year we have a challenge and a treat for you: the four Exeposé screen editors have gotten together (not physically) and picked out 24 movies to see you through to Christmas. Some are classics and some may surprise you but we hope that all of them get you bubbling with Christmas spirit- so enjoy!

Francesca’s Picks

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

2. Gremlins (1984)

3. Little Women

4. Tangerine (2015)

‘“Merry Christmas Eve, bitch!” Filmed entirely on an iPhone and about transgender sex workers, Sean Baker’s 2015 film is probably not the first recommendation that comes to mind when discussing your favourite festive movies. Set on Christmas Eve, Tangerine follows Sin-De Rella after she discovers that her boyfriend hasn’t been faithful to her in the 28 days she was locked up. Alongside her best friend, Alexandra, the two girls embark on a mission to discover the truth.’

5. Carol (2015)

6. Happiest Season (2020)

‘Directed by Clea DuVall (who you might know from starring alongside Natasha Lyonne in the lesbian cult film ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’), Happiest Season is a 2020 romantic comedy that follows Abby (Kristen Stewart) after her plans to propose to her girlfriend (Mackenzie Davis) are complicated when she discovers that her partner hasn’t yet come out to her conservative parents. With hilarious supporting roles from Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy, Happiest Season is a much-needed festive treat.’

Olivia’s picks

7. Klaus (2019)

‘This movie drove me to tears in a way that I did not expect. With an unconventional yet loving Santa and a tale of reconciliation between towns, Klaus is a balm for the heart.’

8. The Night Before (2015)

9. Last Christmas (2019)

10. Home Alone (1990)

11. The Santa Clause (1994)

12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the perfect Christmas Carol adaptation. It’s the story of an old man who hates christmas and ends up loving it by the end of the movie. Along the way we get the whimsical world of dr. Seuss, tons of weirdly looking delicious food and the lovely Cindy-Lou Who. ‘

Jim’s picks

13. Arthur Christmas (2011)

14. Nativity! (2009)

‘Nativity! is, objectively, the best Christmas film you can watch. I mean, they don’t throw an exclamation mark on the end of any old title do they? The songs are wonderful, the dialogue hilarious, and nothing makes me sparkle and shine quite like Martin Freeman’s signature exasperated nose breathing. Never mind the sequels, this is where the magic lies’

15. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! (2012)

16. The Polar Express (2004)

17. Love Actually (2003)

‘Every year that I watch Love Actually, and it is every year, I find it increasingly problematic. It is stuck in its time and its politics stand out like the left-over toffee pennies in a box of Quality Street. But I also find myself in floods of tears each year. No matter how hard I try, I’m still in love, actually. There’s also some serious Martin Freeman acting here – seeing a pattern yet?’

18. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Olivia G’s picks

19. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

‘It may not be the original and it lacks the cute kid, but this sequel is where the comedy and childish glee of Tim Allen really gets to shine. In this follow-up Santa (or Scott) finds out that the Santa Clause has another Clause: he must find a wife. Faced with limited time, an overweight reindeer and his magic running out, Santa must find love in time for Christmas. Oh and there’s this whole bit with a fake plastic evil Santa clone.’

20. The Holiday (2006)

21. Scrooged (1988)

22. Elf (2003)

23. Scrooge (1970)

‘Not the most well-known of Christmas Carol’s but completely unforgettable once you’ve seen it. A musical starring Albert Finney and Alec Guinness (the singing is not strong with Obi Wan) that manages to be fantastically morbid and camp at the same time. Trust me, you will not want to miss Scrooge dancing about in red pantaloons on a beautiful London street totally unaware that everyone around him is singing ‘He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ because of his death.

24. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)