During the New Year holidays, we love to snuggle under a blanket and rewatch familiar films while finishing off the salads left over from the celebration. For example, "The Irony of Fate" and "Home Alone" are classics for us. But what do people usually watch at this time in other countries? We’ve gathered popular films—from family comedies to touching dramas.
United Kingdom
"Love Actually"
The film intertwines nine stories of love and friendship, where the characters search for their happiness on the eve of Christmas in London. Here, there are tender confessions, touching surprises, and comical situations. "Love Actually" is a warm, sincere story about how love comes in many forms, but it is what fills our holidays and lives with meaning.
Italy
"Christmas Vacation"
This classic Italian comedy from 1983 immerses viewers in the festive atmosphere of a resort town in the Alps. The plot centers around meetings and absurd situations involving two Italian families who find themselves neighbors on vacation.
USA
"It’s a Wonderful Life"
On Christmas Eve, George Bailey decides that his life is a series of failures and unfulfilled hopes. In despair, he prepares to jump off a bridge, believing the world would be better off without him. His guardian angel, Clarence, comes to help. He shows George how the lives of his loved ones and the entire town would have changed if he had never been born. The film reminds us that even the smallest acts can leave a deep impact on the lives of others.
Australia
"Elf"
Buddy has lived among elves at the North Pole since childhood, unaware that he is human. Upon growing up and learning the truth about his origins, he travels to New York to find his biological father, but the human world is not what he imagined. This charming American comedy about how childhood innocence triumphs over the harsh adult world has become one of the most popular Christmas films in Australia.
Norway
"Three Nuts for Cinderella"
This Czechoslovak fairy tale from 1973 has won the hearts of viewers across Europe and has become a traditional Christmas film. However, it gained particular fame in Norway, where a remake was even made. The film tells the story of Cinderella, but in this version, she is much more independent and brave: she skillfully handles a bow, does not wait for a fairy godmother, and finds her own path to happiness. Instead of a magic wand, she is helped by three mysterious nuts.
France
"Santa Claus Is a Stinker"
The plot revolves around volunteers from a Parisian support service who try to help the lonely and needy at Christmas. Their good intentions go awry when strange and eccentric characters, including an aggressive street Santa Claus and his girlfriend, begin to flock to the office. The film tells the story of one chaotic night filled with a series of absurd events and charismatic characters.
Japan
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
The plot of the animated film begins in the dark and mysterious Halloween Town, where Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, is tired of the monotonous holidays filled with fears and horrors. One day, he stumbles into Christmas Town and is enchanted by the atmosphere of joy and warmth. Jack tries to bring the Christmas spirit to his own town, but his attempts only result in chaos and comical misunderstandings.
Canada
"Christmas Vacation"
The story centers around the Griswold family, who desperately tries to create the perfect Christmas. The main character, Clark, wants to make the holiday truly magical for his family, but his efforts lead to a series of mishaps: from issues with Christmas lights to unexpected guests and household troubles.
Germany
"The 90th Birthday, or Dinner for One"
This short comedic sketch from 1963 has become a New Year’s classic in Germany and other European countries. 90-year-old Miss Sophie hosts a dinner for her long-gone friends, and her devoted butler, James, plays the role of each guest, toasting and raising a glass for them. With each toast, James becomes increasingly drunk, leading to comical situations.
Spain
"Big Family"
A large family gathers together for Christmas. The preparation for dinner becomes a trial for everyone, as each family member has their own vision of how the holidays should unfold. The film showcases the funny and absurd situations that arise when mismatched relatives come together under one roof.
