As the winter chill sets in and the smell of gingerbread and cinnamon fill the air, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than to snuggle up in a warm blanket and watch a cosy Christmas movie. 

These films have the unique ability of being able to transport us to festive realms, proving the undeniable charm of watching the joy of the holiday season unfold on our screens. 

Some may deny watching these films or show a lack of enthusiasm, while others are fanatical about them. Either way, there is no doubt they still remain extremely popular — every year streaming platforms feature more during the holiday season.

There are timeless classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) and “Home Alone” (1990),  as well as more contemporary stories like “Elf” (2003), “Love Actually” (2003), and “The Holiday” (2006). Despite the different stories, characters, and settings, these films create a sense of community and connection throughout generations.

So, what makes them so popular?

Visually-pleasing

These films transport us to a magical world where the holiday season is synonymous with beauty and tranquillity. From quaint small villages decorated with sparkling lights to picturesque landscapes coated in snow, these settings have a clear visual appeal that contributes to the overall warmth of the festive season. 

Universal Theme

Many Christmas films have a common underlying message of love and friendship. Rekindling old connections, fostering new ones, acts of kindness and compassion, and appreciating the bond of family are all common threads in these movies. Despite the stories being predictable most of the time, research suggests their positivity can alter our hormone levels and “activate the brain’s empathy centre to release dopamine and oxytocin.” These films emphasise the value of human connection and the spirit of giving at this time of year, and have essential takeaways which can uplift and inspire viewers in many ways. 

Feel-good element

They have a reputation for making you feel good, with touching stories of redemption, self-discovery, and humorous adventures, not to mention their obvious cheesiness. By playing on our feelings of nostalgia and relatability, these movies subconsciously pull us in. 

Optimism and positivity 

The sentiments of optimism and positivity clearly permeate through our screens through wonderful Christmas narratives, warming us up on a cold day. Whether this is through their familiar soundtracks, humour aspects, and festive decorations, they easily create a metaphorical comfort blanket for each viewer.

There is a wide selection of cinematic gems for everyone, to fit any and every festive mood. So, grab your favourite blanket, a warm cup of tea, and sit back and enjoy the enchanting and classic cinematic experience this Christmas.