Family films to watch over Christmas time 2019
- Published Date: November 20, 2019
Christmas film season has definitively begun with – what else? – London-set festive rom-com Last Christmas, currently in cinemas, and highly-anticipated Disney sequel Frozen II out next! We thought it was about time to continue one of our Christmas traditions, and bring you our list of the best family films to watch this season!
Remember to check ratings and parental guidance at the BBFC website to make sure it’s suitable for your family.
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert – live in cinemas 2nd December, encore 7th & 8th
“I dreamed a dream in times gone by…” This might run too late on a Monday night for the younger ones (it is epic in length!). But this live broadcast of the staged concert version of Les Mis will be great fun for those who can’t make it to see it in person.
From one of the longest-running, most successful musicals of all time, this concert performance features an all-star cast, including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and John Owen Jones. Find out where it’s screening near you here.
Jumanji: The Next Level – 13th December
Who would have expected an updating of the Robin Williams board-game-come-to-life original, a staple on VHS, would have felt so fresh and fun? Well, the first (or rather, second) Jumanji was a runaway hit, so prepare yourself for ‘the next level’! All the cast return from the previous installment, with the addition of Danny DeVito!
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – 19th December
A.k.a. Episode Nine. Plot details have been kept under wraps, but this promises to be the conclusion not only to the current trilogy but the entire ‘Skywalker saga’ that began with A New Hope in 1977. Will Finn, Poe and Rey finally defeat the First Order? Is the evil Emperor Palpatine actually back?
Star Wars used to be a staple of the summer, but the new trilogy has become quite the Christmas film tradition, with all three releasing in December!
Cats – 20th December
Hot on the heels of Star Wars is Tom Hooper’s (the film of Les Misérables) star-studded adaptation of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s musical. The cats themselves, a blend of real performers and computer graphics, look a little… strange… but that’s perhaps in keeping with the offbeat visual style of the show, which was a very unlikely mega-hit on the West End and Broadway back in the ’80s.
The cast is a proper transatlantic affair. Here’s just a smattering of names:
- Judi Dench
- Ian McKellen
- Idris Elba
- James Corden
- Jennifer Hudson
- Jason Derulo
- Rebel Wilson
- Ray Winstone
Taylor Swift collaborated with Lloyd-Webber himself on a new song. But we’re also very excited to see Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography (of Hamilton fame!). Bringing the dance pedigree are Francesca Hayward & Steven McRae (principal dancers at the Royal Ballet) and French hip-hop dancers (and identical twins) ‘Les Twins’.
Playing with Fire – 26th December
Ah, Boxing Day. A day of rest – and leftovers! What better way to spend the afternoon or evening than watching John Cena play a tough fire-fighter faced with his biggest challenge to date… taking care of three unruly children!
Word on this film has been mixed, but Cena has proven his talent for comedy, and his wrestling background is perfect for this kind of silly slapstick.
Don’t fancy leaving the house?
Catch up with our Christmas film recommendations from last year, which will now be available to view at home!
Or our favourite films about Christmas:
And if the acting, singing and dancing in any of these films inspire your children, Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools offer dance, singing and drama classes for 3-18-year-olds that make for a perfect Christmas present! Booking is open for Spring term. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. To enquire or to book your child’s place please call our friendly Head Office team on 020 8447 4530 or email enquiries@jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information.