Best films on TV over Christmas, 2018
From Cinderella to Death on the Nile, Christmas movies are coming up thick and fast. Here's how, when, and what to watch this season
Up, BBC One
When it seems like the end of the road is near, you can always look up. That's what 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen learns after the love of his life leaves. An uplifting and airy tale, Up celebrates the very best of Pixar.
The Revenant, BBC Two
It finally happened – in 2016, Leonardo Di Caprio won an Oscar for his performance in The Revenant. In Alejandro G. Iñárritu's semi-biographical tale of survival, man is pitted against nature with dramatic repercussions.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, ITV
There's an animated remake in cinemas, but you just can't beat the original. Jim Carrey's Christmas-hating green monster fills the screen with glee in a film for the whole family to enjoy.
Zootropolis, BBC One
It's a dog-eat-dog world, but this metaphor extends to every kind of animal in Zootropolis. Disney strike again with a mature understanding of a diverse environment; making room for the usual fun as well as some unexpectedly wise anthropology.
Mary Poppins, BBC One
In the knick of time after the sequel hits cinemas on 21 December, settle in for a trip down memory lane with the 1964 classic, Mary Poppins on Christmas Eve. Some things never get old.
Miracle on 34th Street, Channel 4
While the 1994 John Hughes film immediately comes to mind, Miracle on 34th Street was first and foremost an Oscar-winning triumph in 1947 starring Maureen O'Hara and John Payne. Take a chance on the original, there's no such thing as too many Christmas classics.
Guys and Dolls, BBC Two
Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra steal the show in the 1955 singing and dancing film musical based on the Broadway hit by Frank Loesser. It's no Singin' in the Rain, but there's plenty to fawn over still.
Love Actually, ITV
Whether your day has been filled with joy or if you just want to forget it ever happened, Love Actually will be there to catch you as you fall (asleep) at the very end of Christmas Day this year.
Brooklyn, BBC Two
Before Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan played a young woman with a transatlantic heart in Brooklyn, an achingly romantic and wanderlust-filled film. It's a visual treat, with sumptuous costumes and the sky-high delights of New York City. Domhnall Gleeson and Emory Cohen help things, too – it's definitely worth staying up for.
Mrs Doubtfire, Channel 4
At Christmas-time, we can celebrate those we love and remember those we loved before. We can give thanks and let out a laugh for Robin Williams, on sensational form in Mrs Doubtfire – and cherish the star who will remain on our screens and in our minds forever.
Bridget Jones's Diary, ITV
The big day has passed, are there any leftovers left? Is everyone celebrating without you? If things are feeling a bit tricky, seek comfort with Bridget on Boxing Day. It's always fun to be alone together.
Starter for 10, BBC Two
The 2006 adaptation of David Nicholls' novel of the same name stars James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch as a young Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates the trials and tribulations of romance, friendship, and University Challenge.
Philomena, BBC Two
Philomena Lee spent 50 years searching for her forcibly adopted son, and journalist Martin Sixsmith never stopped helping her find him. Judi Dench and Steve Coogan team up for an invigorating true story destined to melt the hearts of the whole family this Christmas.
Cinderella, BBC One
Layers of tulle and twinkling lights adorn the dresses in Cinderella, with exquisite costume design from Sandy Powell in the 2015 live-action remake. The glass slippers fit Lily James perfectly in a wondrous film with a huge heart.
Edward Scissorhands, Channel 4
Ahead of Tim Burton's version of Dumbo next Spring, revisit one of his most acclaimed works in Edward Scissorhands. Focusing on the peculiar condition of its titular character, the film could technically count as a Christmas film – but reveals a solemn and rather spiritual understanding of what it means to feel alone, and the importance of reaching out to one another.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Channel 5
There's something about the first few notes of 'Pure Imagination' that maintain a sense of magic, no matter how many years pass. Gene Wilder orchestrates the sweet-toothed odyssey as Willy Wonka, filled with sweet treats and dangerous warnings in equal measure.
Paddington, Channel 4
'If you're kind and polite, the world will be right'. It's not a Christmas proverb but it may as well be. The catchphrase belongs to the marmalade-loving bear Paddington, who could teach everyone a lesson or two about generosity and seeing the brighter side of love this festive season.
Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, BBC Two
One of our highlights from London Film Festival, Ben Wheatley's excellent new comedy Happy New Year, Colin Burstead is a dizzy exploration of family and its many burdens.
Death on the Nile, BBC Two
There are countless Agatha Christie adaptations, but the 1978 film seems like a fitting Christmas watch as a remake (yes, another one) has been confirmed for 2020. The film will act as a direct sequel to Murder on the Orient Express, and Kenneth Branagh will return as Poirot. Enjoy the authenticity of the '70s while you can.
Absolutely Fabulous the Movie, BBC One
No plans this New Years Eve? Nonsense! Let the glamour lift your spirits and celebrate a cracking year with Eddy and Patsy the way it should be: with a glass of champagne in hand, looking fabulous.
The Jungle Book, BBC One
You can remake it as many times as you want, but no one sings The Bare Necessities quite like Baloo did in the 1967 animated Disney film. Follow the stream all the way down and welcome in the new year with no worries or strife in sight.
Inside Out, BBC One
Joy, anger, sadness, disgust and fear – emotions came to life in Inside Out, which maps an existential understanding of our most important feelings, told in wonderful simplicity by the masterminds at Pixar. Amy Poehler, Mindy Kalling and Bill Hader feature in the voice cast of one of the most intelligent kids' films in years.