The Christmas films that illuminate the holidays, between international cults and Italian successes, tell a universe of traditions and memories. The magic of Christmas cinema in Italy reveals a profound link between the screen and the holidays.
The month of December brings with it a unique atmosphere, enriched by twinkling lightsmarkets and, above all, come on Christmas moviean essential part of Italian traditions. Recently, a special study conducted by Preplya platform dedicated to language learning, analyzed Italians' preferences regarding Christmas cinema. The survey, based on online search data, drew up detailed rankings for international and Italian titles, revealing not only the most viewed, but also some cultural curiosities linked to the public's relationship with this type of film.
At the top of the list of foreign successes is “Home Alone”, a 1990 comedy that still enchants adults and children. The adventures of the young man Kevin McCallisterbusy defending the house from two clumsy and unlucky thieves, provide emotions and laughter. This is followed by “An armchair for two”, now considered a Christmas Eve classic in Italy, and “Love Actually”, which celebrates love with a stellar cast. Films like “The Grinch” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” continue to captivate audiences with their extraordinary stories, enriched by unforgettable characters like Jack Skeletron. For those looking for a nostalgic note, the comedy “Elf” with Will Ferrell stands out for its genuine comedy and overwhelming spirit.
The great Italian classics: from “Christmas Holidays” to Monicelli's masterpieces
In the Italian panorama, cinepanettoni represent a unique symbol of Christmas. In first place goes “Christmas Vacation” by the brothers Vanzinawhich ushered in an iconic genre in the '80s. Set in the glamorous Cortina d'Ampezzo, the film tells the story of two completely different families, providing cult moments and memorable lines. Successes such as “Christmas in Miami” and “Christmas on the Nile”, with the famous comedy couple Boldi-De Sicahave brought hilarious adventures set in exotic locations, amidst misunderstandings and irresistible gags, to the big screen.
A special place goes to the masterpiece of Mario Monicelli“Snake Relatives”. With sharp humor and a surprising ending, the film offers a wry and unsparing portrait of family dynamics during the holidays. The film, far from the typical Christmas spirit, invites us to reflect on the complexity of human relationships, demonstrating the versatility of Italian cinema in telling the story of Christmas.
