10 Movies to Watch on Christmas and New Year in Different Countries 0 10

UNITED KINGDOM

Love Actually

The film intertwines nine stories of love and friendship, where the characters seek their happiness on the eve of Christmas in London. 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 Holidays

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 plans 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 existed. The film reminds us that even the smallest acts can leave a deep mark 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 world of humans 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. For some reason, 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 bold: she skillfully handles a bow, doesn’t 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 Bastard

The plot revolves around volunteers from a Paris 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, start flooding 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 upon Christmas Town and is enchanted by the atmosphere of joy and warmth. Jack tries to bring the Christmas spirit to his town, but his attempts only lead to chaos and comical misunderstandings.

CANADA

Christmas Holidays

The plot 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 domestic troubles.

GERMANY

The 90th Birthday, or Dinner for One

This short comedy sketch from 1963 has become a New Year classic in Germany and other European countries. 90-year-old Miss Sophie hosts a dinner for her long-departed friends, while 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 big family gathers together for Christmas. Preparing for dinner becomes a challenge for everyone, as each family member has their own idea of how the holidays should be celebrated. The film showcases the funny and absurd situations that occur when mismatched relatives come together under one roof.