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Best films on TV over Christmas, 2018

By Ella Kemp on 21/12/2018

Where to begin? It's the season for giving, receiving, eating and laughing, but more than ever, Christmas is the season for watching. On every channel, TV specials are interspersed with classic films – and we've picked out the best of the bunch.
It's worth noting that terrestrial TV loves both the Madagascar and Indiana Jones franchises, so if ever in doubt, you'll know where to go. But for the CW edit, we've chosen films to suit every occasion: animated classics to watch with the kids; true stories to discover with your older relatives; and romantic staples to entertain at even the earliest hours and the quietest nights.
In chronological order, here are the best films to watch over the festive period, without even leaving the sofa. A merry Christmas indeed.

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.

WHEN

23 December 2018, 3:25PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

23 December 2018, 10PM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

24 December 2018, 1:05PM

WHERE

ITV

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.

WHEN

24 December 2018, 2:55PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

24 December 2018, 5PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

24 December 2018, 6PM

WHERE

Channel 4

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.

WHEN

25 December 2018, 12:50PM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

25 December 2018, 11:15PM

WHERE

ITV

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.

WHEN

25 December 2018, 1:30AM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

26 December 2018, 5:45PM

WHERE

Channel 4

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.

WHEN

26 December 2018, 2:30PM

WHERE

ITV

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.

WHEN

26 December 2018, 12:15AM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

29 December 2018, 9:35PM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

30 December 2018, 2:25PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

31 December 2018, 1:30PM

WHERE

Channel 4

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.

WHEN

30 December 2018, 5:05PM

WHERE

Channel 5

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.

WHEN

30 December 2018, 6:10pm

WHERE

Channel 4

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.

WHEN

30 December 2018, 10:30PM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

31 December 2018, 12:50PM

WHERE

BBC Two

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.

WHEN

31 December 2018, 9PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

1 January 2019, 3:45PM

WHERE

BBC One

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.

WHEN

1 January 2019, 5PM

WHERE

BBC One

Best films on TV over Christmas, 2018

Up, BBC One

The Revenant, BBC Two

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, ITV

Zootropolis, BBC One

Mary Poppins, BBC One

Miracle on 34th Street, Channel 4

Guys and Dolls, BBC Two

Love Actually, ITV

Brooklyn, BBC Two

Mrs Doubtfire, Channel 4

Bridget Jones's Diary, ITV

Starter for 10, BBC Two

Philomena, BBC Two

Cinderella, BBC One

Edward Scissorhands, Channel 4

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Channel 5

Paddington, Channel 4

Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, BBC Two

Death on the Nile, BBC Two

Absolutely Fabulous the Movie, BBC One

The Jungle Book, BBC One

Inside Out, BBC One

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