10 holiday movies guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit

The holiday season calls for nothing less than a holiday movie marathon. But with hundreds of movies to choose from, where do you begin? With this handy list, of course.

It’s why Daily Hive has teamed up with TELUS to pick the top ten movies you need to make the season merry and bright. Of course, there’s no better way to enjoy all the festive feelings these films are guaranteed to stir up than with a mug of hot chocolate and TELUS Pik TV™.

It’s the perfect way to stream your favourite holiday movies on all your devices, whether on your tablet or your television. Let the holiday happiness begin!

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This timeless animated television special is based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schultz. Charlie Brown finds himself feeling down despite the cheerfulness of the holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a neighbourhood Christmas play, but to his dismay, his efforts are ignored and mocked.

It is only when Linus tells Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas that he cheers up and the Peanuts gang unite to celebrate Christmas together, hand in hand. Honestly, no matter how many times you’ve seen it, it will remain a true holiday classic. It also features possibly the most iconic Christmas tree of all time.

The Holiday (2006)

After being dumped by her boyfriend, Iris (who resides in England) agrees to swap homes with a stranger in California, similarly unlucky-in-love Amanda. Iris finds herself in a Hollywood mansion, while Amanda is thrown into a quaint English village. They soon both meet local men — and romance ensues. The perfect feel-good romantic comedy, this movie will you have you feeling festive in no time.

Die Hard (1988)

Some people have dared to ask, is Die Hard considered a Christmas movie? Absolutely. The movie follows New York City policeman John McClane who is visiting his estranged wife and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He attends a holiday party in the headquarters of the business she works for, and legendary action ensues when a group of terrorists take over the entire building and everyone in it. Fortunately, McClane is there to save the day — and the hostages. Enjoy.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A cult-favourite that doubles as both a Halloween movie and a Christmas movie (and is possibly the only movie ever to pull off this feat). Follow the pumpkin king Jack Skellington as he accidentally stumbles upon Christmastown in all its glory, bright lights and all.

Tired of the same old routine, Jack plots to bring Christmas to Halloweentown by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. The beautiful stop-motion animation, together with an original song track make this a holiday movie for the ages. It somehow manages to be both heartwarming and spine-tingling all at the same time.

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

Wait. What? Whitney Houston starred in something other than The Bodyguard? It’s true, and you won’t want to miss this. The late, great divine diva takes us to church in this Oscar-nominated classic Christmas musical comedy. A remake of the 1940s classic starring Cary Grant, the movie features Denzel Washington as an angel who comes to Earth to help an American preacher (played by Courtney B. Vance) and his wife (Houston) save their church and their family.

Never mind the plot, it’s Houston’s voice soaring over the gospel, soul, and R&B tracks in this film that will make you believe in miracles. It also doesn’t hurt that the cast is bedazzled with stars, including Gregory Hines, Loretta Devine, and Lionel Richie.

Funny Girl (1968)

For those celebrating Hanukkah, or just love a great musical, Funny Girl is all you’ll need to celebrate the season. This is Barbra Streisand at the top of her career — funny, quirky, sexy, stylish, and with pipes to die for. With classics like “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, Babs will have you laughing, crying, and shouting encore at the television. It’s a classic in every sense of the word, and deserves to make its way into your yearly rotation.

Love Actually (2003)

Perhaps one of the most iconic holiday movies, frequently topping festive movie lists, Love Actually is what happens when you follow nine intertwined stories all taking place in the month before Christmas in London. At times funny, at times sad, the movie explores the complexities of love in all its many forms. It has been called the ultimate romantic-comedy and features virtually every famous actor in Britain. Hugh Grant dances, Bill Nighy sings, and Andrew Lincoln steals the entire show without even saying a word.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

A holiday classic, Jim Carrey plays the titular character who hates the whole Christmas season. The movie is adapted from the much-loved children’s story by Dr. Seuss, in which the Grinch decides to destroy Christmas for the festive citizens of Whoville. Upon meeting Cindy Lou Who though, he begins to have second thoughts. And wouldn’t you know it? He finally learns the true meaning of Christmas. As the good doctor says in the book, “The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day.”

Watching this sweet, funny film will do at least as much good for the rest of us.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

This quirky film might not be the first one that pops into mind when thinking of holiday movies, but the heartwarming tale of Edward Scissorhands is a must-watch this season. Sure, Johnny Depp’s Edward is undoubtedly creepy and sad (in a Greek tragedy kind of way). But the scene where Edward creates an ice sculpture with his hands while Kim dances under the ice-shavings that mimic snow falling is a perfectly heartwarming moment fit for the festive season.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Witchcraft and Christmas may not immediately seem like a good fit, but remember — Harry Potter is filled with magic so anything can happen. This is the fourth movie in the seven-part franchise and we find Harry and his friends actively fighting against the Dark Lord. Even so, there is always time to celebrate the holidays, and it’s impossible not to feel joyful when the Yule Ball is conjured up. Along with the over-the-top decorations draping the Great Hall, you’ll feel the festive spirit as soon as you hear the orchestra play. (Also, this is the best movie in the series. Fight us.)

TELUS Pik TV™ is the perfect way to stream live TV on all your devices, from your tablet to your TV. You can pick the channels you want and access thousands of On Demand shows and movies. Getting great entertainment has never been easier with Pik TV.