12 Movies to Watch in December that Aren’t Christmas Films but Feel Like It

Let’s be real here, there’s only so many Christmas movies one can stand to watch in December. Of course, classic films like Will Ferrell’s ‘Elf’ and Jim Carrey’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ are exceptions to the usual list of overrated holiday movies (or bad Hallmark ones) people revisit every year, but what else is there left? 

Cue our own list of nostalgic movies that aren’t necessarily Christmas classics, but will give you the same feeling of comfort they do. From big titles like 'Harry Potter' to indie romcoms like 'Imagine Me & You', here are 12 films you should add to your watch list this holiday. 

First released in 2005, this iconic trilogy is sure to invoke that feeling of nostalgia upon first rewatch. Adapted from a series of novels by C. S. Lewis, the story follows the Pevensie children, the great lion Aslan, the evil White Witch, and more in a hidden reality behind an old cupboard door. Ideal for adults and children who crave a little adventure at their holiday watch parties this year.

You can’t go wrong with a true classic. ‘The Parent Trap’ has everything you need – from found family tropes to typical ‘90s humour, and more. The film showcases Lindsay Lohan in her prime, playing twins Hallie and Annie who have been separated at birth by their divorced parents before finding each other years later at a summer camp. If you’ve yet to watch this absolute masterpiece of a movie, now is the time.

If you love to watch true chaos unfold on screen (and we mean, true chaos), add Steven Martin’s ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ to your watch list. The film follows college football coach Tom Baker and his wife Kate as they struggle to find some normalcy in their lives whilst juggling their careers with the needs of their 12 children. A funny, heartwarming movie that’s perfect for the season.

Starring ‘90s greats – Christina Ricci (‘The Addams Family’) and Bill Pullman (‘While You Were Sleeping’), the film follows a father-daughter duo as they learn to co-adapt in a house full of cartoon ghosts, including Casper, the friendly ghost. Expect shenanigans after shenanigans; a fun family-friendly comedy that’s sure to take you back.

What better series to begin a Christmas film marathon than the ‘Harry Potter’ films? This fictional universe has everything – magic, friendship, adventure, lessons to be learned, and many more. Even though it’s been years since the first movie was released (20 years, in fact), it is a timeless classic that can be appreciated no matter the year. Rewatching the series will also prepare you for the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ reunion on HBO Max. 

We love a good leading lady, and lucky for us, ‘Mary Poppins’ has two. This season, sit back and relax as British royalties, Dame Julie Andrews and Emily Blunt, entertain you for a good two hours each with song and dance. We don’t have to tell you how good ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964) is (as you’ve probably grown up watching it), but if you’ve yet to give the sequel a shot, what better time than now?

Dame Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, need we say anything more? If you’ve yet to watch this absolute coming-of-age classic, this is your sign to do so. This film has got everything – ordinary girl turned princess, familial love, character growth, happy endings, and so much more. You’re bound to love it!

A film unlike any other, and impressive for its time. If the king and queen of early ‘00s cinema Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock aren’t enough to get you interested in this film, its storyline is bound to (though it’s quite hard to explain in words). The film follows an architect and a doctor who meet and correspond through letters via the mailbox of a lake house they’ve both lived in at separate points in time. Stuck in different years, they try to find ways to make their past, present, and future selves meet. 

There’s nothing better than a ‘90s romcom, especially one that stars America’s Sweetheart – Julia Roberts. ‘Pretty Woman’ follows prostitute Vivian and wealthy businessman Edward as they navigate an arrangement that starts off as business, but blossoms into more. Though the details of the film may come across as raunchy, the lessons it teaches viewers in classism and unconventional love overpowers all.

Another one of Roberts’ greatest works. Also starring British heart-throb Hugh Grant, ‘Notting Hill’ explores the trials and tribulations of a relationship between Hollywood megastar Anna Scott and small bookstore owner William Thacker. A classic romcom that’s full of character and British humour you’re sure to love.

A romcom you’ve probably yet to watch. Starring Piper Perabo (‘Coyote Ugly’) and Lena Headey (‘Game of Thrones’), the film centres on the sapphic relationship between the newly-married, Rachel, and her wedding florist, Luce, as they navigate love at first sight and forbidden love. One of Britain’s finest films and a personal favourite of this writer’s.

If period pieces are more of your style, consider Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this film takes on marriage, morality, classism, and misconceptions in a distinguished yet interesting way. A 10/10 recommendation from us to you this holiday season.