6 Christmas movies you cannot miss this season

The Christmas season is upon us, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by cosying up with loved ones and enjoying some classic Christmas movies?

As the weather outside grows calm and the fireplace crackles, The Ghana Report has compiled a list of the best Christmas movies ever made.

From sentimental classics that tug at the heartstrings to adult-oriented comedies that bring the laughs and animated favourites that delight kids and adults, our list has something for everyone.

With hundreds of Christmas movies to choose from, we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect film to match your holiday mood.

So grab some hot cocoa, gather around the TV, and get ready to enjoy some of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.

Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic classic or a modern comedy, our list has got you covered.

• One Night Guests

One Night Guests, a Ghanaian comic movie, will premiere in Ghana and Nigeria on December 25, 2024.

It is set to captivate the audiences and set new benchmarks for African cinema.

One Night Guests has a star-studded cast, cross-cultural storytelling, and a well-established reputation for delivering memorable cinematic experiences.

The movie was directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Peter Sedufia and co-produced with Nigerian filmmaker Chris Odeh.

One Night Guests aims to showcase the best of Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmaking, cementing its place as a must-watch release of the festive season.

The film’s plot is about Olumide, a wealthy father who upholds a heartwarming tradition of hiring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an elf to brighten his daughter’s Christmas.

However, this year’s festivities take a chaotic turn when two separate trios arrive at his doorstep, each claiming to be the official holiday characters. The ensuing comedy unfolds into a touching exploration of identity, privilege, and the true meaning of family.

Through laughter and suspense, Olumide embarks on a transformative journey, discovering the joy of unexpected connections and the power of empathy.

• Christmas on a budget

Christmas on a Budget follows the wealthy Efemena family as they navigate the Christmas season amidst a financial crisis.

The story highlights their struggle to maintain their lavish lifestyle while discovering the true essence of Christmas.

This family romantic movie takes you on an emotional journey through the captivating world of Christmas in a chaotic environment.

The cast includes Eso Dike, Shaun Okojie, Ruby Ukedieze, Cynthia Clark, Patrick Doyle, Ayo Adesanya, and Debby Jimmy.

• Home Alone 

Writer John Hughes added a heart to Thanksgiving with planes, trains, and automobiles. In Home Alone, he takes a less sentimental approach to the holidays with the tale of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (the adorable Macaulay Culkin), who’s left alone by his family only to face down—and outwit—a pair of bungling burglars.

Let’s be honest: you can enjoy this one any time of the year.

• The Preacher’s Wife

The Preacher’s Wife tells the story of a pastor who is faced with an ailing church and a failing marriage. Despite all the challenges, the pastor encounters an angel who helps revive his church and save his marriage.

This film is available to stream on Disney Plus and Apple TV, and it stars the likes of U.S. actor Denzel Washington, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, and others.

• The Santa Clause

After accidentally causing the death of Santa Claus (can you believe that’s how this movie starts?), a divorced dad (Tim Allen) is tasked with taking on the Santa mantle.

This movie spawned two sequel films and a series, all of which are also available to watch on Disney+.

• The Polar Express

Since computer animation has advanced so much in the years since this was released, the visual style of this movie is pretty outdated now, but at the time of its release, it was a huge deal that Tom Hanks, who plays the train conductor, did the motion capture for his character.

The movie itself is still sweet, following a young boy’s journey on a train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.