December brings with it lights, markets and a timeless tradition: Christmas films. Whether it's a cult comedy, a family tale or a romantic classic, the titles that accompany the holidays are an integral part of the magic of this period. But what are the films that Italians love most? Also in view of the release of a new Christmas movie, Cortina Express, Preply, a leading language learning platform, has decided to find out with a special investigation.
The study focused on the most popular Christmas films in Italy, divided between international titles and Italian films, using online search data to draw up two rankings. The results reveal not only the most viewed films, but also interesting cultural curiosities related to our relationship with Christmas cinema.
Not just laughter: international Christmas films that warm hearts
Among foreign films, first place goes to Home Alone, a comedy that has enchanted adults and children alike since the 1990s. Who doesn't remember Kevin McCallister's ingenious traps? A film that teaches us that, with a little creativity (and a few cans of paint), thieves don't stand a chance! This is followed by An Armchair for Two, which, despite not being born as a Christmas film, is now a Christmas Eve classic in Italy. Anyone who turns on the TV on December 24 knows they will find Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a homeless man and a rich broker, victims of a crazy bet. Lowest step of the podium for Love Actually, a romantic comedy with a stellar cast that celebrates love in all its nuances, confirming itself as one of the most loved titles during the holidays. We couldn't miss The Grinch, with an irresistible Jim Carrey who gives us a green and furry version of Christmas, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, where Jack Skellington, in an identity crisis, takes us into a gothic and magical world that combines two holidays with antipodes. Who hasn't sung This Is Halloween even at Christmas? Moving down the list we find another classic involving Jim Carrey, this time in the role of the cynical Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, inspired by the famous story by Charles Dickens. Between ghostly journeys and life lessons, the film offers a modern version of a timeless story. Closing out the top 10 is Elf, where a brilliant and irresistible Will Ferrell plays Buddy, an out-of-the-ordinary elf. With his infectious innocence and overwhelming energy, Buddy gives us memorable moments, from mountains of caramel spaghetti to his uncontainable enthusiasm for every aspect of Christmas.
Curtain, gags and snake relatives: the most loved Italian Christmas films of all time
And what about Italian films? Cinepanettoni have marked an era, becoming the symbol of Italian Christmas at the cinema. In first place we find Vacanze di Natale by the Vanzina brothers, the film that gave rise to the genre. Set in the glamorous Cortina of the 80s, the film tells the clash between two opposing families with irony and sarcasm, providing iconic moments such as Jerry Calà's witty jokes and the spirit of the holidays of that era. This was followed by successes such as Christmas in Miami and Christmas on the Nile, where the Boldi-De Sica couple brought irresistible gags and surreal situations to the screen, becoming synonymous with the Italian holidays. From sunny Florida to the pyramids of Egypt, each film is a mix of campy comedy and exotic settings that continues to deliver laughs today. Alongside the cinepanettoni, Mario Monicelli's masterpiece, Parenti Serpenti, stands out, which with its black humor explores the hidden tensions and hypocrisies of a family reunited at Christmas. A ruthless and ironic portrait that distances itself from the classic Christmas spirit, leaving its mark with an ending that is as surprising as it is irreverent. Despite the inevitable decline in popularity in recent years, cinepanettoni remain a unique cultural phenomenon. Even today, they awaken nostalgia and affection, and for many Italians the holidays are not complete without a marathon of laughter in front of these timeless films.
