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Writer's pictureCornwall Film Festival

Not-So-Merry Christmas Movies


Love Actually (2004)

Christmas season is upon us! After feasting and unwrapping all the presents, there’s nothing like a heartwarming Christmas movie to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends. Beloved classics like Home Alone (1990) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) are among the most popular Christmas movies we rewatch every year. But what about less popular movies? Or overrated ones?


We asked our social media followers and our team at Mor Media to pick their least favourite Christmas movies. Their choices made for an impressive and diverse collection of critically acclaimed films as well as terribly rated movies.


Our festival director Louise Fox adamantly declared Die Hard (1988) the worst Christmas movie ever made. While the film launched a multi-million-dollar action franchise and gave us Alan Rickman as the iconic villain Hans Gruber, it may not truly encapsulate the Christmas spirit for some. Similarly, some of our social media followers picked Elf (2003) as their least favourite Christmas film. Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, the family movie appeals to children all around the world yet may not be particularly favoured by those who dislike its comedic style.

Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)

Our surveys also shed light on some unpopular opinions. While The Holiday (2006) is a personal favourite of mine, it was selected among the worst Christmas movies by one of our followers. It’s got unrequited love, cosy wintry sets, and Jack Black - what’s not to love? Perhaps its overly sappy happy ending is not everyone’s cup of tea.


The truly divisive Christmas film that sent our social media followers raving and raging was Love Actually (2003). Richard Curtis’ BAFTA-winning film features a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and many more. Mor Media launched a poll to find out whether the film is a national treasure or just another lame holiday film. And the results are in: more than 70 percent of the responses were in favour of the film. National treasure, it is!


What’s Christmas without heartwarming animated films for the whole family? Netflix’s 2019 Klaus revamped the Santa Claus scenario with its sleek art style which earned it an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. However, the film also divided our followers with some hating it while others proclaiming such negative opinions blasphemy. Other animated films that made our list of least favourite Christmas films include The Polar Express (2004). Mor Media business manager Sally Barnett dislikes the film’s CGI character design which she finds creepy.

The Polar Express (2004)

After going through our list of least favourite Christmas movies, which ones are you willing to give a second chance? Are there any you personally cherish no matter what? Regardless of taste and Rotten Tomatoes scores, the holidays are the best time to share what you love with your loved ones. We hope you gather with your family and friends this year and enjoy a feel-good film together. Merry Christmas!


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