'Love Actually' (2003). Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, TV schedules are packed with a delightful mix of Christmas classics, heartwarming tales, and festive favorites. For many families, gathering together to watch these movies has become a cherished tradition, with each film evoking a wave of childhood memories and emotions. Whether it’s the joy of rewatching a beloved classic or the excitement of discovering something new, Christmas movies have a magical way of bringing people together.
At SLEEK, we wanted to know which movies our team simply has to watch every year and why. So, we asked around the office to collect personal favorites from each of us – those films that, without fail, make their way onto the screen every holiday season. Some are the iconic titles you’d expect, but we’ve also included a few hidden gems that might surprise you. Each movie in our list holds a special place in our hearts, and the stories behind why they’ve become favorites are as varied and unique as we are.
So, sit back, relax, and dive into our fun and heartfelt selection of must-see Christmas films – whether you’re looking for something nostalgic, whimsical, or a little bit offbeat, we’ve got you covered!
Image Courtesy of Universum Film.
LINA’S PICK:
‘IMMER DIESER MICHEL 1. – MICHEL IN DER SUPPENSCHÜSSEL’ (1971)
Michel in der Suppenschüssel is pure comfort for me. It’s not too dramatic or sad – just fun, and Michel (played by Jan Ohlsson) is such an iconic character. I love how his mischievous adventures, like getting his head stuck in the pot of meat soup, make me laugh every time. This film, the first of a trilogy based on Astrid Lindgren’s books, perfectly captures the spirit of childhood – Michel teaches us all how to embrace our inner child. It’s a timeless, lighthearted classic that never fails to bring a smile in my opinion.
Image Courtesy of DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme and Barrandov Studios.
AMELIE’S PICK:
‘THREE WISHES FOR CINDERELLA’ (1973)
I absolutely love watching Three Wishes for Cinderella every year. The story, based on Božena Němcová’s Bohemian twist on the classic Cinderella fairy tale, is so charming. Libuše Šafránková is the perfect Aschenbrödel (engl. Cinderella) – beautiful, humble, yet rebellious – let’s be honest, she’s kind of a brat. And Pavel as the Prince, with his colorful tights, is just charmingly hilarious. I’m obsessed with the looks, the snowy landscapes, and the music. My favorite outfit has to be when Aschenbrödel dresses as a hunter, with short hair and green hat – it’s really androgynous and striking. And that ending scene? Hands down the best. I won’t spoil it, but I always feel like a little princess when I watch it.
Image Courtesy of Village Roadshow Pictures, The Zanuck Company, Plan B Entertainment, Theobald Film Productions, and Warner Bros. Pictures.
ANGELINA’S PICK:
‘CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ (2005)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory might not be a typical Christmas movie, but I have to watch it every year around the holidays. There’s something about it that just feels right for this time of year—I could never imagine watching it in summer. The movie pulls me into such a fun, fantastic, colorful, and weird world that never fails to inspire me. And honestly, I would love to visit the chocolate factory myself, just like the five children in the movie, riding a candy boat along the chocolate river with the Oompa Loompas. It’s a magical experience that never gets old.
Image Courtesy of Norman Rosemont Productions.
MARIE’S PICK:
‘LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY’ (1980)
Every year, before decorating the Christmas tree, my family and I watch Little Lord Fauntleroy. This simple ritual has become a cherished tradition, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The 1980 British classic, with Ricky Schroder as the kind-hearted little lord and Alec Guinness as his stern grandfather, has such timeless charm. Old movies like this are just so much better than the new ones! I can’t wait to watch it again this year – it’s the perfect start to Christmas.
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures.
JOHANNA’S PICK:
‘LOVE ACTUALLY’ (2003)
Love Actually is just the perfect mix of cheesy and heartwarming, and I can’t help but love it. The way all the different stories come together in the end feels so satisfying, and it never gets old. One of my favorite things about this movie is that everyone seems to have their own favorite storyline. For me, it’s Jamie, the author who falls in love with his Portuguese housekeeper while staying in the south of France – it’s such a sweet and genuine love story. From the opening airport scenes to the feel-good Christmas finale, this movie is pure holiday magic – It’s not Christmas without it!
Image Courtesy of 20th Century Fox and Hughes Entertainment.
CLAUDE’S PICK:
‘HOME ALONE’ (1990)
I’ve been watching Home Alone every year since I was a little kid, and it never gets old. Sure, it’s technically a kids’ movie, but Kevin is such a cool and fun character that I still love it just as much now. And let’s be honest, Macaulay Culkin is iconic. There’s something about his slightly rough edge that makes him so fascinating. Plus, I love following his life now – his relationship with Brenda Song is just the sweetest. For me, Home Alone is more than a holiday tradition; it’s a nostalgic piece of my childhood that still brings so much joy.
Image Courtesy of Family Home Entertainment, Mainframe Entertainment and Mattel Entertainment.
CLARA’S PICK:
‘BARBIE in THE NUTCRACKER’ (2001)
There are so many Barbie movies I love watching during the holidays – Barbie in A Christmas Carol and Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses are always fun. But if I had to pick a favorite, it’s definitely Barbie in The Nutcracker. The animation might be old compared to newer movies, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. It has this dreamy, nostalgic feel that pulls me right back into my childhood and all those magical holiday memories. I love thinking about the fact that this was the very first Barbie movie ever made – it’s kind of the beginning of a big part of my childhood. The movie itself is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – an all-time classic that everyone should know of, in my opinion.
Image Courtesy of Hughes Entertainment and 20th Century Fox.
FRANZI’S PICK:
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’ (1994)
When it comes to Miracle on 34th Street, I feel like no explanation is really needed. Six-year-old Susan, played by the adorable Mara Wilson, is skeptical about Santa—probably because of her no-nonsense mom, Dorey. But then Richard Attenborough steps in as Kris Kringle, claiming he’s the real Santa, and suddenly things get magical. I love how this movie blends holiday charm with a little bit of courtroom drama, all while keeping the Christmas spirit alive. It’s such a feel-good classic that never fails to make me smile. Who doesn’t want to believe in Santa just a little bit?
Image Courtesy of Warfield and Dramatic Films
CHRISTIAN’S PICK:
‘CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG’ (1968)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those movies that just feels like pure magic. With Dick Van Dyke leading the way as the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, it’s impossible not to be charmed by his quirky energy and incredible talent. The story, based on Ian Fleming’s book (yes, the same Ian Fleming who wrote James Bond), is a mix of adventure, whimsy, and a touch of fairy tale. Plus, the stunning locations, including scenes filmed at Neuschwanstein Castle, give it a larger-than-life feel. And let’s not forget the iconic title song, which even snagged an Oscar nomination in 1969 – it’s been stuck in my head more times than I can count! Whether it’s the wacky inventions or the fanciful story about Baron Bomburst, this 1968 classic is a reminder of how imaginative and fun movies used to be.
Image Courtesy of Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures.