Cinema goers will be spoilt for choice if they’re looking for a new Christmas film to watch this year. Four festive-themed productions will be released in cinemas this December, all with very different storylines, and some more Christmassy than others.
We will bring you full previews on each of these in due course, but in a nutshell, here’s what you need to know.
See the 2016 Christmas movie releases here
The Night Before
Genre: Adult comedy
Starring: Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West
UK Release: 11th December
This eagerly anticipated comedy is set to be the headline release of December 2015. With definite hallmarks of the Hangover, it follows three male best friends who embark on their annual night of debauchery on Christmas Eve in New York City. One of the trio has made it big and become too famous to go out, while another is about to become a father. Therefore, this year will be the last and the guys decide to go all-out.
With cameos from Miley Cyrus and Kanye West, it’s likely to be fun. We love the thought of NYC at Christmas in a movie again, although some of the jokes may be a little predictable.
Read also: Seth Rogen to star in 2015 Christmas comedy movie, set in NYC
Christmas with the Coopers
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Anthony Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie
UK Release: 4th December
A traditional festive movie this one, as two grandparents look to host the perfect Christmas surrounded by their family. However, with one daughter well in to her 20s and still single, and the son being a single parent with an adorable, yet foul-mouthed, young girl, it’s a long way from perfect. Even the family dog doesn’t look to be overly keen on the festivities.
This movie has a strong cast. It also features Anthony Mackie, who also stars in The Night Before.
Krampus
Genre: Horror
Starring: Toni Collette, Adam Scott, Allison Tolman
UK Release: 4th December
If you’re after something a little more…well, scary for your Christmas movie fix this year, Krampus looks a good option. It all starts very festive, a big family Christmas and a sumptuous feast around the table on Christmas Eve.
However, old family tensions soon come to the fore, and the Christmas spririt evaporates. The young boy rips up his letter to Santa, and things take a turn for the worse. The “shadow of St Nicholas” is awakened in the family’s attic and terrorises the family. Not one for the kids!
Dismembering Christmas
Genre: Horror
Starring: Leah Wiseman, Baker Chase Powell, Nina Kova
UK Release: 19th December
Another horror film being released with a Christmas theme is Dismembering Christmas. Produced by the aptly named Slasher Studios, it’s a much smaller production than the three above. The plot centres on a group of teenagers who hire a wintery vacation lake house to stay at for the Christmas holidays.
Somewhat predictably, it soon transpires the house was previously the scene for a gruesome murder. The madman responsible is still around. Take a guess at what happens next.