Christmas TV 2014: 13 family classics to enjoy this festive season

For many families, Christmas is full of hustle and bustle — from present opening to welcoming relatives and serving a turkey feast with all the trimmings.

So it can be nice to settle down and enjoy a classic family film.

This year, you'll be spoilt for choice, with beloved Disney films old and new, childhood classics like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and musicals galore on the TV schedule.

We've picked 13 fabulous films to go with your mince pie and sherry — just sit back and relax.

1. Wall-E (Christmas Eve, 11am, BBC One)

If you've got everything wrapped, prepped and ready to go come Christmas Eve, first of all, well done you, and second of all, you deserve a reward. Why not start your day with a Disney Pixar classic? Sweet trash robot Wall-E has been left on earth to deal with human rubbish — but his quiet life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a seedling growing amid the trash. Wall-E has some genuinely touching moments, as well as a subtle message about how we treat our planet.

2. Back to the Future (Christmas Day, 10.55am, ITV)

"Where we're going, we don't need roads!" All aboard the Delorean for an adventure back in time with 1980s icon Marty McFly. The highest grossing film of 1985, Back To The Future's special effects and unforgettable soundtrack made it a cultural phenomenon, inspiring two sequels starring teen actor Michael J Fox.

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (Christmas Eve, 4.50pm, Channel 4)

This reporter's favourite Christmas film ever and probably the first to feature Michael Caine (Ebenezer Scrooge) in a musical role, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a festive classic. The Muppets' take on Dickens's classic tale sees Gonzo take the role of solemn narrator (aided by Rizzo the Rat), while Kermit and Miss Piggy play Bob and Emily Cratchit. Full of catchy songs, heart-wrenching moments and all your favourite characters, the film injects some Muppet magic into the classic Christmas tale with wonderful results.

4. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Christmas Day, 3.25pm, Channel 5)

Oh you, pretty Chitty Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we love you! Follow the adventures of haphazard inventor Caratacus Potts, Truly Scrumptious and Jeremy and Jemimah in their magical flying car. It may have been made in 1968, but the film still captures young imaginations with fantastic scenery and a sing-along soundtrack. And admit it — you still cower when the evil Child Catcher rolls into town.

5. Monsters Inc (Boxing Day, 3.15pm, BBC One)

Another Disney Pixar smash hit, Monsters Inc went behind the scenes to show what really happens when things go bump in the night.  Starring sarcastic Mike, scare-champion Sully and the adorable Boo, the film delves into the heart of childhood fears — but don't worry, the film's touching ending means your youngsters won't fear what they think could be lurking under their beds.

6. Despicable Me (Boxing Day, 6.10pm, ITV2)

If you've never seen it, Despicable Me looks absolutely bonkers. And it is — but in the best way. Evil (sort of) genius Gru and his army of minions (possibly the best sidekicks we've seen in years) are determined to succeed in their dastardly plot to steal the moon — but the arrival of three smart, special girls from the local orphanage throw a spanner in the works as they uncover Gru's softer side. Despicable Me is sharp, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny — and you'll never tire of the minions.

7. Singing In The Rain (Boxing Day, 1.50pm, BBC Two)

 

Singing In The Rain topped the American Film Institute's 100 Years of Musicals List — and it's easy to see why. Everyone knows at least one of its catchy musical numbers, and the tap dancing routine in Good Morning never fails to raise a smile. They don't make 'em like this anymore — so grab some popcorn and transport yourself back to the song, dance and glamour of 1920s Hollywood.

8. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Christmas Eve, 1.45pm, BBC One)

The comedy duo have pulled in the biggest Christmas Day audiences in recent years, and it doesn't quite feel like Christmas without a bit of Wallace and Gromit. The film sees the adventurous duo come to the rescue of the residents of a village being plagued by a terrifying mutant rabbit — which threatens to derail the annual vegetable competition. Slapstick comedy for all the family.

9. Pinocchio (Boxing Day, 9am, BBC One)

Can you believe this Disney classic is now 74 years old? Walt Disney's touching tale about the little wooden puppet who longed to become a real boy returns to the small screen on Boxing Day. Featuring much-loved songs including When You Wish Upon A Star and I've Got No Strings, Pinocchio offers a healthy dose of Disney nostalgia — perfect to relax in front of when the rush of Christmas Day is done.

10. The Sound of Music - Live! (Christmas Day, 12.25pm, Channel 5)

You love the film — now enjoy The Sound of Music live! The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical springs to life in this sing-along version of the show, originally broadcast live on US TV from the Grumman Studios in Bethpage, New York last year. Country singer Carrie Underwood plays Maria, alongside Stephen Moyer (True Blood) as Mr Von Trapp, Christian Borle (Smash) as Max Detweiler and Audra McDonald (Private Practice) as Mother Abbess. All together now: "The hills are aliiiiiive, with the sound of muuuuuusic..."

11. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Christmas Eve, 4.45pm, BBC One)

Another Disney classic, featuring more cute, fluffy, spotty puppies than you can possibly handle. The 1961 film features dalmatians Pongo, Perdy, their humans Roger and Anita, and one of Disney's most fabulous villains — Cruella De Vil (yes, her surname does spell devil!). But be careful — settling down to watch this festive cracker could see your kids asking for a dalmatian puppy of their own for Christmas...

12. Cool Runnings (Boxing Day, 11.30am, BBC One)

Loosely based on the true story of the Jamaican bobseld team's debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Canada, Cool Runnings sees Derice, Sanka, Junior and Yul swap sandy beaches for icy slopes as they train for the bobsled event at the upcoming winter olympics. Trained by Irv (John Candy), the men have a lot to prove — can Jamaica really produce a medal-winning bobsled team? All together now: "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!"

13. Toy Story 3 (Christmas Eve, 6.25pm, BBC One)

The third installment of the much-loved Disney Pixar series of films will be aired on Christmas Eve, as Buzz, Woody, Rex, Hamm, Mr Potato Head and the gang prepare to say goodbye to their best friend, Andy, who's packing to leave for college. When the toys end up at a children's daycare centre, they're thrilled at the prospect of being played with by new children — but all is not as it seems. Get the tissues ready, too — this one has some truly tear-jerking moments!

See the full line up of festive films on TV this Christmas with our Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day movie guides.