Britain is renowned for producing some of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. From family favourites such as 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol to contemporary cult classics such as Richard Curtis’ 2003 romantic comedy, Love Actually, there’s something for all generations to enjoy.
Every year festive film-lovers return to the sweet Suffolk cottage in The Holiday (and swoon over Jude Law in the pub), or take a nostalgic trip back to their childhood staple such as the Martin Freeman-led musical comedy, Nativity! With live action, animation, muppets and book adaptations to choose from, audiences are spoilt for choice with the seasonal film landscape. But what is the best British Christmas movie of all time?
For some, the most nostalgic option would take the top spot, Channel 4’s 1982 animation The Snowman named one of UKTV Gold’s Greatest TV Christmas Moments of all time. Since its debut, the adaptation of Raymond Briggs 1978 picture book has enchanted audiences with its sketchbook-style animation and stunning orchestral score performed by the London Sinfonia. With no dialogue, the story is told through action, pictures and its famous angelic song, We’re Walking in the Air.
Over the years, the film has also been rereleased with new introductions, including one by the late rock legend David Bowie who finds a copy of the book in his attic. On the 30th anniversary of the enchanting film, Channel 4 released a sequel The Snowman and The Snowdog, where six million people tuned in to watch the short film on Christmas Eve in 2012.
Though there’s a host of modern festive films that have garnered a major audience at the box office and on streaming, Last Christmas, Arthur Christmas, Your Christmas or Mine?, Boxing Day and A Boy Called Christmas.
Personally, another classic takes the top spot for the Best British Christmas movie - the popular retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, The Muppets Christmas Carol. Along with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Michael Cain appears as Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future… but with a twist – they’re in muppet form. Arguably, this was intended to be a children’s film, but it remains a title that adults of all ages, including myself, come back to every December. It’s an annual tradition as vital as getting a tree and tuning into a new Christmas TV.
With so many festive films to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the 12 best British Christmas movies and where to watch them online.
