Looking for a good family friendly Christmas film? This year, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve invited Paul Donaldson, owner of Carlisle Cult Cinema Club, to share with us his top picks for classic Christmas films.
Paul has been running the club – which is dedicated to bringing cinematic trash and treasures to Carlisle – since 2017.
During that time he has screened over 100 films from all kinds of genres on a 200-inch screen for people to come and watch at The Source Collective in Denton Holme.
He is very well-versed in film and also runs the Carlisle Cult Cinema Cast podcast where he interviews cult cinema stars and unpacks film news and debates with fellow enthusiasts Darren Johnson, Andrew Waugh, Clive Tonge, and Steve McCormick in their unique Cumbrian style.
He has interviewed talented people like Neil Marshall, known for Dog Soldiers and The Descent, Dominic Brunt, Paddy the vet from Emmerdale, and Madeline Smith, actress from Carry On, Hammer Horror, and James Bond and many more.
He also runs a radio show, regularly contributes to We Belong Dead magazine and is really making a name for himself with his podcast in the British cult movie scene.
Merry Christmas from everyone at the Carlisle Cult Cinema Club!
Hi all, I’m PD from the Carlisle Cult Cinema Club. Firstly, I want to extend my gratitude to Cumbria Crack for inviting me to share my thoughts on Christmas films.
In the spirit of the season, I’m excited to present our top 10 Christmas films, along with reviews of some cult Christmas favourites that have become staples on my December watchlist since their release.
These 10 films have become my go-to favourites during the Christmas season, dating back to their releases or my childhood.
These films are truly cult Christmas Crackers that are definitely worth a look!
Don’t fancy a classic film? Here is Paul’s list on his top cult Christmas horror films.
10. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE [1946]
George Bailey never had the opportunity to achieve his dreams of traveling the world and constructing magnificent skyscrapers.
While he observes his friends and family achieving their own successes, he feels trapped managing his father’s building and loan business, constantly at odds with the cantankerous Mr. Potter.
When a financial crisis thrusts him into a tough situation, his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, arrives to reveal what life would have been like had he never existed.
It’s a Wonderful Life has been a staple for as long as I can remember.
Parental guidance rating: U
9. CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS [2004]
When Luther and Nora Krank’s daughter, Blair, leaves for Peru, they choose to forgo Christmas and invest the money in a cruise instead.
However, they soon find themselves dealing with their neighbors, the neighborhood decorating contest, carolers, and charity solicitors. Everything changes on Christmas Eve when Blair calls to announce that she’s returning home for the holiday with her new fiancé, Enrique.
With only 12 hours to prepare, they must scramble to create a festive Christmas atmosphere just in time for her arrival.
Christmas with the Kranks offers a hilarious slapstick experience with a fantastic cast.
Parental guidance rating: PG
8. THE NIGHT BEFORE [2015]
Isaac, Ethan, and Chris have spent every Christmas Eve together since Ethan’s parents passed away. Now that they’re adults—Isaac on the verge of fatherhood and Chris a renowned football player—they feel it’s time to put an end to their tradition.
They embark on one last adventure, playing the piano, enjoying Chinese food, belting out karaoke at a bar, and searching for the Nutcracka Ball, the ultimate Christmas party.
Along the way, they encounter several challenges: Isaac is struggling from the effects of drugs, Chris is trying to score some weed for his celebrity friends, and Ethan is still grappling with the heartbreak of his ex-girlfriend, Diana.
The Night Before” is more for adults and brings back memories of my friends and me from the ’90s.
Parental guidance rating: 15
7. SCROOGED [1988]
Determined to squeeze every ounce of profit and personal gain from Charles Dickens’ Scrooge (1951), the miserly and irritable Frank Cross, the obnoxious president of IBC TV, has orchestrated a live adaptation for Christmas Eve, and nothing can deter him.
After all, this tyrannical executive has severed ties with everyone, including his own family.
However, life often throws unexpected surprises; when Frank receives a startling wake-up call from an unlikely ally, he is confronted by otherworldly visitors who compel him to reevaluate his life.
The uninvited ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future insist that Cross confront the consequences of his actions. But the big question remains: can this loveless Scrooge truly change?
Scrooged is a clever twist on the Charles Dickens classic, featuring the ever-charismatic Bill Murray—what’s not to love?
Parental guidance rating: 12
6. THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES [2018]
In Lowell, Massachusetts, siblings Kate and a reluctant, skeptical Teddy set a trap for Santa on Christmas Eve, hoping to capture him on video. After all, how many kids get the chance to ride with Santa?
They sneak onto the sleigh and hide, but their plan leads to a wild and bumpy adventure when they crash-land in Chicago, leaving the reindeer, Santa’s magical hat, and the presents all missing.
Will countless kids across half the continent be left without gifts, or can Santa, with the help of the two siblings, get the sleigh back in action in just two hours?
“The Christmas Chronicles,” while newer, captures the holiday spirit perfectly with Kurt Russell as Santa.
Parental guidance rating: PG
5. TRADING PLACES [1983]
Armed with unlimited wealth, unscrupulous Wall Street brothers Mortimer and Randolph believe they have a deep understanding of human nature.
Eager to validate their radical theories, the arrogant tycoons make a bet on whether a person’s environment or their genetics shape their life.
To test their hypothesis, they unleash a torrent of misfortune on the oblivious stockbroker Louis Winthorpe III, forcing him to switch lives with Billy Ray Valentine, a street-smart individual with little future.
As the cold-hearted brothers pit heredity against environment for their twisted amusement, pressing questions emerge.
Can Valentine truly become Winthorpe overnight? Will the disgraced Louis embrace a life of crime as easily as a duck takes to water?
Trading Places has been on my watch list since I first saw it on VHS as a kid, and it’s another one I’ve revisited since release and I’ve screened it as well.
Parental guidance rating: 15
4. ELF [2003]
Buddy was a baby at an orphanage who hid in Santa’s sack and found himself at the North Pole. Now an adult raised by elves, Santa grants him permission to travel to New York City in search of his biological father, Walter Hobbs.
Unbeknownst to Walter, who is on Santa’s naughty list for his callous behaviour, he had no idea Buddy even existed.
Meanwhile, Buddy explores the wonders of New York City and human culture through the eyes of an elf. However, when Walter’s relationship with Buddy starts to interfere with his work, he is compelled to reassess his priorities.
Elf is simply hilarious, showcasing Will Ferrell at his best.
Parental guidance rating: PG
3. SCROOGE [1951]
Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian money-lender, is a despised misanthrope who stubbornly refuses to believe in Christmas or share his vast wealth. Indifferent to the plight of the destitute during the holiday season, this skeptical curmudgeon is determined to spend Christmas Eve alone.
However, an old friend with a sympathetic heart unexpectedly visits Scrooge, setting the stage for a transformative encounter.
The ghostly spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future soon make their presence known, raising crucial questions. What do these unwelcome visitors seek? With a heart as cold as ice, can the wicked miser recognize the mistakes of his ways and open himself to change?
Most importantly, is Scrooge prepared to love and be loved in return?
The Alastair Sim version of Scrooge remains the finest adaptation of the story, truly outstanding.
Parental guidance rating: U
2. SANTA CLAUS THE MOVIE [1985]
This is the tale of a master toymaker who stumbles upon a magical kingdom of elves at the North Pole and transforms into Santa Claus.
However, when his enthusiastic elf, Patch, ventures into the bustling streets of New York City, he unwittingly gets entangled in the sinister scheme of a ruthless toy tycoon intent on stealing Christmas.
Thus begins the adventure to rescue Patch and ensure that Christmas remains magical for children everywhere.
I remember seeing Santa Claus: The Movie in theatres as a child. It’s a classic Santa tale featuring the brilliant Dudley Moore as Patch and John Lithgow as the villain, who really steals the show chewing the scenery along the way.
Parental guidance rating: PG
1. NATIONAL LAMPOONS CHRISTMAS VACATION [1989]
Lastly, we have my number one pick: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Chevy Chase shines as Clark Griswold, the father determined to create the perfect Christmas for his family. We’ve screened this one twice now, and it’s simply delightful, packed with all the festive feels.
After the monumental mishaps of National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) and National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), well-meaning Clark Griswold is determined to have a classic, old-fashioned Christmas.
However, good intentions alone aren’t enough to pull off the perfect holiday. This year, Clark will need to double his efforts to create an ideal festive experience.
With unsophisticated relatives crashing the celebration, malfunctioning electronics threatening to blow the house apart, and a run-in with the law putting the festivities at risk, the odds are stacked against him.
The key to success might lie in one thing: the Griswolds must unite. But how challenging can it be to embrace the holiday spirit and host the most unforgettable Christmas vacation?
Parental guidance rating: 12A
You can keep up with screenings and the club’s latest news here.
To listen to the Carlisle Cult Cinema Cast, click here.
To watch the Carlisle Cult Cinema Cast on YouTube, click here.
You can also listen to Paul’s radio show on CRFM 102.7, where he plays tunes from movies, TV shows and adverts every Monday from 10pm until midnight.
