10 of the best festive films: Grab a duvet, your darling and one of these DVDs1. Bad Santa (2003) On the face of it, this Billy Bob Thornton vehicle is an anti-Christmas film about nihilism, selfishness and self-destruction. But by the end, couples will realise that that interpretation is simply a load of eggnog.

Bad Santa is, in fact, a true cockle-warmer about redemption, love and finding happiness against the odds. It’s also a very good film: structurally sound, packed with gags and topped off with a satisfying climax. 2. The Snowman (1982)     Because it’s a bit sad, The Snowman will evoke lovely bittersweet Christmas feelings among the coupled-up. You can also laugh at the strange stuff David Bowie has done during his career. With peroxide blonde quiff, he introduces the story as the little boy all grown-up. At only 26 minutes, it’s perfect to fill a gap while waiting for your Christmas dinner.3. Gremlins (1984) This is a top piece of 80s nostalgia for couples in their 30s to bond over. It’s also a film which never loses its sense of humour. In one notable sequence the Gremlins take a break from their hell-raising to pack into a screening of Snow White And The Seven Dwarves. And of course, it’s all sorted out in time for Christmas.4. Home Alone (1990)Home Alone is another piece of nostalgia – but this time some younger couples can get in on the action. Who can fail to be amused and delighted by the slapstick antics of Macauley Culkin? Perfect for couples whose funny bones are tickled by people being burnt, shot, and maimed, crippled and scalded. 5. Die Hard (1988)This is Christmas, Bruce Willis style – one in which a veritable army of terrorists have to be defeated single-handedly before anyone can even think of opening any presents. With its gun-toting action and pithy one-liners, it’s the perfect antidote to Christmas schmaltz.6. Elf (2003)This film is a fish-out-of-water comedy. Nothing special about that, but this one boasts the finest performance ever to come out of Will Ferrell. Also, the excellent script has enough feel good charm and gags to leave you and your loved one feeling very pleased with your lot in life.7. Love Actually (2003)Sickly, syrupy and not remotely believable (Martine McCutcheon gets it on with the Prime Minister) Love Actually isn’t Richard Curtis’s best. Yet watched at Christmas this film becomes the cinematic equivalent of a glass of mulled wine and a minced pie. In other words, something you would spurn any other time of the year, but in a Yuletide setting makes you somehow feel all warm and cosy.8. A Muppets’ Christmas Carol (1992)Of all the adaptations of this Charles Dickens tale, this is the only one to feature pigs made of felt decked out like Victorian gentlemen. It has all the Muppet lightness of touch grafted onto a classic Christmas story and, with songs thrown in for good measure, what’s not to like?9. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)As one of the most heart-warming films ever made, this 1946 James Stewart flick will reduce even the most pragmatic couple into twin pools of slushy soppy Christmassy gloop. You can try not to be moved by the ending – a tearful George Bailey saved by the generosity of the townspeople while flanked by his beautiful wife and children – but it’s more likely you’ll cry. 10. White Christmas (1954)An ideal film for couples to watch with a sense of ironic detachment while secretly enjoying every minute. It maybe kitsch, camp and slightly odd but you can’t help falling for the world it conjures up – a quaint 1950s paradise where nothing bad will ever, ever happen. Plus it’s got that classic song.