Who wouldn’t want to stay up watching 24 hours of non-stop movies? Whether you’re cosying up with loved ones or tackling a solo festive binge, the ultimate New Year movie marathon has been revealed.
Featuring 13 carefully-selected films, this marathon balances nostalgia, comedy, and late-night thrills to keep your festive spirits high all day (and night) long – and also considers 10-minute intervals between each movie for comfort breaks.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
While spirits are high, we kick off the marathon with one of the classics. It’s a Wonderful Life sets the tone for a feel-good New Year conveying timeless themes of hope and redemption. At two hours and 10 minutes this movie takes up a good chunk of the 24-hour period – and with 38,000 monthly Google searches, it’s a popular choice.
2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Sticking with the classics, we continue with Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version) at just over an hour and a half (94 minutes). Providing a good dose of seasonal cheer – and attracting an average of 26,000 Google searches each month – this tale of New Year magic and belief is a must-watch for all ages.
3. The Snowman (1982)
Next, we break things up with an animated installment: The Snowman. At just 26 minutes long, it contrasts nicely with the longer classics. With no dialogue, this beautiful story draws your attention through visuals and the timeless melody of Walking in the Air, creating a magical viewing experience.
4. Elf (2003)
Now it’s time for some festive fun with everyone’s favourite elf, Buddy. Elf attracts 112,000 monthly searches on Google each month, making it the most searched-for Christmas movie of those in the study. At 97 minutes long, it’s a staple for any festive binge watch.
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
It’s time for some chaotic holiday humor with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold’s Christmas misadventures are a comedic goldmine, and with 13,000 monthly searches on Google, others think so too.
6. Deck the Halls (2006)
Following the Griswold family, we head into more holiday hijinks with Deck the Halls. In a war of Christmas light displays, this movie keeps up the fun as we approach halfway through the list. The movie spans 93 minutes and attracts an average of 12,000 Google searches each month.
7. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Next, we return to another animation with Arthur Christmas. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this wholesome movie has something for everyone, and with 31,000 monthly Google searches, it’s clearly a firm fan favourite.
8. The Grinch (2018)
Now we dive into a more modern take on a Christmas classic with The Grinch from 2018. This colourful animated version of Dr. Seuss’s tale of Christmas redemption brings the Grinch to life in a whole new way – and is great for those with shorter attention spans at just 85 minutes long.
9. Home Alone (1990)
You can’t do a Christmas movie marathon without Home Alone. With 98,000 monthly Google searches, this is the second most searched-for Christmas movie, making it a holiday essential and the perfect way to re-energise in the middle of your movie marathon.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Still not enough Grinch? Don’t worry, he’s back for more with the 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This live-action version with Jim Carrey has become a holiday icon in its own right. You can even discuss the comparisons between this and the animated version – not least the higher running time, at 104 minutes for the live-action version.
11. Love Actually (2003)
Now, for when younger audiences may have gone to bed, a bit of holiday romance. Love Actually is the ultimate Christmas rom com, weaving together multiple heartwarming stories set around Christmas time. With a star-studded cast and unforgettable moments, this film has earned its spot in the holiday movie canon – evidenced by its average 87,000 monthly Google searches.
12. Die Hard (1988)
Next up: action! While the debate rages about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not, we’re counting it. Plus, any Alan Rickman performance will keep you hooked after 20 hours of Christmas movie bingeing. The action-packed flick runs for 132 minutes, making it one of the longest installments in the list.
13. The Holiday (2006) or Gremlins (1984)
As the marathon winds down, depending on your vibe, you have a choice. Do you end on a cosy, feel-good note with The Holiday, or dive into the chaotic fun of Gremlins? One is a romantic Christmas comedy, the other a holiday horror-comedy cult classic, but either way, both have earned their place in the holiday film lineup – although Gremlins is 30 minutes shorter than The Holiday, so you could get an early finish.
