HARRY Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released 20 years ago this year. Crazy right? And while some households may be looking to recap all eight films over the festive period in preparation for the HBO reunion special on New Year’s Day 2022, a few recent releases and the odd cult classic are also excellent options for your 2021 Christmas Day.
Read on for a list of alternatives to the wizarding world this year:
New releases
Don’t Look Up
Adam McKay’s new satirical comedy about the impending doom of humanity stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Laurence, and Timotheé Chalamet, and scored four Golden Globe nominations. Anything with Leo in is usually a safe bet, and his performance is a standout feature of this tongue-in-cheek (and at times frustratingly accurate) portrayal of contemporary society.
Platform: Netflix (24th December)
The Power of the Dog
Another film touted to do well at the Golden Globes, Jane Campion’s Western drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch picked up seven nominations and depicts the storey of a rancher’s troubled relationship with love. Perhaps the most critically acclaimed entry of the new releases on this list.
Platform: Netflix
Wrath of Man
Hardman Jason Statham stars in this ostentatious Guy Ritchie flick that revolves around thieves targeting money trucks. High-octane action movies tend to keep people awake for as long as possible – if people are looking sleepy after dinner, this could be the film for you.
Platform: Amazon Prime
The Rescue
National Geographic photographer and Academy Award-winning director Jimmy Chin’s latest project is a captivating documentary about the rescue operation of the twelve soccer players who became trapped in a cave in Thailand in 2018. After two years pleading with Thai Navy SEALS to release the footage of the rescue, Chin finally won them over, and the result is a scarcely believable tale of heroism and endurance.
Platform: Disney +
Classics
Die Hard
New York City police detective John McClane’s brush with a terrorist takeover of Los Angeles has gone down in history as the quintessential Hollywood action blockbuster, and for good reason. If you haven’t seen it before, maybe this year is your opportunity. If you’ve seen it 1,000 times, why not make it 1,001?
Platform: Disney +
It’s a Wonderful Life
A holiday favourite that spans generations – It’s a Wonderful Life is considered by many as the most influential film in the history of Hollywood and is especially poignant after a year full of hardships for so many. Just make sure there are tissues at the ready.
Platform: Amazon Prime
Elf
Perhaps the funniest Christmas movie to date, Buddy the hapless human who was raised as an elf embarks on a comical caper in New York City as he searches for his biological father. Always a great fallback option if there are young people present, especially if you just can’t deal with another Harry Potter movie.
Platform: Disney +
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Join Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, as he tries to kidnap Santa Claus in Tim Burton’s animated fantasy musical this Christmas. While also appealing to the younger generation, The Nightmare Before Christmas is entertaining for any age group and remains a popular festive film for the whole family.
Platform: Disney +
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