Red One (2024)
A new Hollywood Christmas blockbuster with a stellar cast. The main holiday in jeopardy when Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons), also known by his code name "Red," is kidnapped by dastardly villains. To find him, the mighty head of North Pole Security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), teams up with cunning bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Along with a talking polar bear, the new partners embark on incredible adventures. The character Lucy Liu oversees this super mission. This high-budget movie blends elements of fantasy, spy action, and comedy. It is directed by Jake Kasdan, who previously shot "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" (2017) and "Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019).
Teddy's Christmas (2022)
The most touching holiday film of that year was shot by Norwegian director Andrea Eckerbom. "Teddy's Christmas" is a magical story about a girl named Marianne who meets a living toy—a small teddy bear named Teddy—at a Christmas fair, who immediately wants to be her friend. But another person wins and takes Teddy away. However, Teddy is not ready to give up and with a hedgehog named Bolla goes to find Marianne. "Teddy's Christmas" is a charming film with a magical atmosphere for the whole family, which will be appreciated by adults, as it not only takes them back to childhood but also reminds them that dreams tend to come true, the main thing is to believe in it. Besides, the adventures of a little teddy bear on the big screen — what is it if not a miracle?
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
In recent years, Netflix has consistently delivered Christmas content. While many films and series turn out to be mediocre, there are bright exceptions—especially when Kurt Russell is on the screen: perfect cast for Claus. The plot follows young Kate and Teddy Pierce, who actually don’t get along very well. On Christmas Eve, they accidentally capture Santa on video but inadvertently break his sleigh. The children now need to help Santa deliver gifts to everyone. However, the surrounding adults refuse to believe that the kind wizard is real. "The Christmas Chronicles" is a typical heartwarming family movie with plenty of jokes and a simple moral. In 2020, a sequel was expectedly released, directed by Chris Columbus, who produced the first part. There, Russell was joined by his wife, Goldie Hawn, in the role of Mrs. Claus.
Klaus (2019)
One of the former Disney animators, Sergio Pablos, who created the "Despicable Me" franchise for Illumination Entertainment, crafted possibly the most memorable and touching Christmas animated film in recent years. He shows us the story of Jasper, the arrogant son of a wealthy man. After yet another prank, his father punishes him by sending him to the distant northern town of Smeerenburg, which has perpetually gray skies, and warring local families. Jasper must establish postal deliveries. Soon he meets the reclusive old man Klaus, who excels at making toys. For "Klaus," Pablos created a new studio, gathering advocates of traditional hand drawn animation. Amid the same type of 3D-animated cartoons, it stands out as with its striking visuals and looks like a bright greeting from the past. The plot is likely to make even adults shed a tear.
Last Christmas (2019)
The posters of this film promise a typical Christmas love story. Especially since director Paul Feig cast everyone's favorite, Emilia Clarke, and the charming Henry Golding in the lead roles. And the more unexpected the viewing experience will be. The plot centers on a withdrawn and lonely Kate from London who struggles with her family and has a tendency to drink. Her life changes when she meets an extremely positive man named Tom. Except that one seems too perfect. The romantic comedy gradually turns into a drama, leading to a genuinely discouraging ending. After all, in fact, this is truly a story about the journey that the main character takes.
The Princess Switch (2018)
Mark Twain told the story of "The Prince and the Beggar" back in the late 19th century. Since then, the plot has been adapted many times. It’s Netflix’s turn. In this version, on Christmas Eve, the Duchess of Montenaro, Margaret, meets an incredibly similar Chicago girl named Stacy. They decide to switch places to experience each other's lives. Naturally, each finds their true love. The film's main attraction is Vanessa Hudgens. Fans of this actress will enjoy seeing her portray two roles. And in the 2020 sequel "Switched Again," she even plays three.
Holidate (2020)
There is a specific kind of Christmas plot—films about cynical people who don't like the holidays. That’s exactly how Sloane and Jackson look like. Each has personal relationship issues, and they both just want to have fun. So the new acquaintances decide to become a couple for the holidays only. A simple and light film with Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey seemingly continues the ideas of romantic comedies, but at the same time, partly deconstructs the genre. The characters themselves understand the conventional plot lines and obligatory actions. And strangely, the film leaves room for thought: indeed, the duty imposed by relatives to be happy and find a partner may align with an individual’s personal desires at all.
The Grinch (2018)
Surely everyone knows the story of the green grump who wanted to ruin the holiday for his neighboring town’s residents. Dr. Seuss's classic book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" has been adapted into animated films and a live-action version with Jim Carrey and a young Taylor Momsen in the lead roles. But in 2018, Illumination Studio behind the famous "Minions," released perhaps the most positive version of the story, where even the villain seems simply sad and funny. Everything is almost like in the classic: the gloomy Grinch lives with his dog on a mountain and is annoyed that the Who-ville residents are having too much fun. He decides to steal all the Christmas decorations and presents to spoil the holiday. But a girl named Cindy Lou who dreams of catching Santa Claus, manages to melt even the Grinch’s grumpy heart.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" has been adapted numerous times for movies, series, and cartoons. But this picture allows you to learn a little more about the creation of the original work. The young author Charles Dickens, after several failures, wants to write a Christmas story and present it just before the holiday. He… the funeral of a lonely rich man, where the idea for the main character of the story is born. After watching this film, it's probably worth revisiting some version of "A Christmas Carol." For example, 2009 with Jim Carrey.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
For many, the holiday season associates closely with musicals and songs. Fortunately, you can go beyond the classics — bright productions are still being released to this day. "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" tells the story of a brilliant inventor, Jeronicus, whose best toy was stolen by a jealous apprentice. Thanks to his teacher's notes, he builds a trading empire. Meanwhile, Jeronicus himself struggles to make ends meet. However, his energetic granddaughter helps the genius restore justice.
The music for the film was composed by Oscar nominee Johnney, who has written scores for dozens of famous movies and often collaborated with the legendary Danny Elfman. So you definitely don't have to worry about the main component.
