Christmas is a great time to cosy up with family and friends and watch some nostalgic films. The following is a list of top Christmas films to see in 2023, each with a distinct charm and joyous atmosphere:
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
Synopsis: An enduring masterpiece, this movie centres on George Bailey, a man on the verge of suicide on Christmas Eve, but he is saved from suicide by an angel who shows him what life would have been like without him. It does a fantastic job of capturing Christmas’s actual meaning.
2. Elf (2003):
Genre: Family/Comedy
Synopsis: This humorous picture centres on Will Ferrell’s character, Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole. It chronicles Buddy’s quest to locate his biological father in New York City. It’s ideal filled with smiles and touching moments, it’s perfect for the whole family.
3. Home Alone (1990):
Genre: Comedy/Family
Synopsis: When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind during Christmas vacation, he must defend his home from burglars using an array of booby traps. A true holiday classic that never gets old.
4. The Polar Express (2004):
Genre: Adventure/Animation
Synopsis: This animated movie, which is based on the well-loved children’s book, tells the story of a young boy’s incredible journey to the North Pole on board the Polar Express. It’s a must-watch for the season because of the amazing animation and touching tale.
5. A Christmas Carol (1984):
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
Synopsis: George C. Scott plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve in this rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic story. An engrossing and moving examination of forgiveness and giving.
6. Love Actually (2003):
Genre: Romance, Comedy, and Drama
Synopsis: An ensemble romantic comedy set in London around the holidays that weaves together several love stories. It’s a feel-good movie that perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas, complete with a fantastic cast and touching moments.
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7. The Holiday (2006):
Genre: Romance/comedy
Synopsis: Starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, the movie centres on two women who, during the holidays, switch residences and unintentionally fall in love. It’s a charming romantic comedy with a festive setting, full of charm and wit.
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947):
Genre: Drama/Family/Fantasy
Synopsis: A young attorney represents a man claiming to be Santa Claus in court, saying that he is the real Kris Kringle, after the man is institutionalised. This endearing classic delves into the actual spirit of Christmas and the wonder of belief.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965):
Genre: Comedy, Drama, and Animation
Synopsis: Embark with Charlie Brown and his pals as they unearth the genuine significance of Christmas. This beloved animated film with the Peanuts group is a timeless story with a strong message about the spirit of the season.
10. The Grinch (2018):
Genre: Animation/Comedy/Family
Synopsis: Benedict Cumberbatch voices the iconic Grinch in this animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story. With stunning animation and a heartwarming twist, it’s a delightful film that brings the beloved character to life freshly and festively.
These movies offer a perfect mix of nostalgia, laughter, and heartwarming moments to make your Christmas celebrations truly magical. Enjoy the holiday season with these festive films.
Gladiator II has become the highest-grossing film of Ridley Scott’s career. The movie features the legendary actor Denzel Washington.
Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, Washington has built an extraordinary career filled with iconic performances and critical acclaim.
His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, earning him global admiration. However, despite his illustrious career, Washington has not always been the first name associated with record-breaking box office success compared to some of his contemporaries.
His recent collaboration with Ridley Scott has now changed that narrative. Gladiator II has shattered expectations, becoming Washington’s highest-grossing film worldwide.
The movie has earned an impressive $320.2 million globally. This surpasses his previous record-holder, American Gangster, which grossed $267.9 million.
This milestone solidifies Gladiator II as Washington’s most financially successful film directed by Scott.
Domestically, American Gangster has maintained its position as Washington’s top-earning film for 17 years, with a domestic gross of $130.1 million.
However, this record may soon be eclipsed by Gladiator II, which has already reached $111.4 million domestically and continues to draw large audiences.
The success of Gladiator II marks a significant achievement in Washington’s career. It shows his enduring appeal and the powerful collaboration with Ridley Scott.
This box office triumph not only highlights Washington’s versatility and star power but also sets a new benchmark for future projects.
Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, anticipating how far this latest release will go in redefining the actor’s box office legacy.
Throughout his decades-long film career, Washington has taken on a variety of action roles, many of which have been box-office successes.
The Equaliser franchise, for instance, has grossed approximately $190 million worldwide per installment.
Even some of his less critically acclaimed films, such as 2012’s Safe House, achieved significant commercial success, grossing $208.1 million against a budget of $85 million.
Lee Min-ho is set to make a triumphant return to the big screens with Netflix’s upcoming South Korean series When The Stars Gossip.
After a well-planned hiatus, the iconic actor will star in this highly anticipated sci-fi romance alongside Gong Hyo-jin.
The series will premiere globally on January 4, 2025. Netflix K-Content announced it with exclusive first-look images that tease a captivating narrative exploring love and life among the stars.
In the series, Min-ho takes on the role of an OB-GYN who becomes a space tourist. Meanwhile, Gong portrays a space mission commander. Their characters promise an exciting dynamic that blends romance and adventure in an interstellar setting.
Renowned as one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, Lee Min-ho rose to international fame with his breakout role as the charismatic Gu Jun-Pyo in the 2009 drama Boys Before Flowers.
His performance earned widespread acclaim and established him as a key figure in the global Hallyu wave. Over the years, he has enthralled audiences with his performances in hit dramas. These dramas are The Heirs (2013), Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020).
Known for his selective approach to roles, Min-ho consistently curates projects that highlight his versatility, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
His most recent major project, Apple TV+’s Pachinko, showcased his exceptional acting skills. In seasons one (2022) and two (2024), Min-ho delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Koh Hansu, a morally complex and nuanced character. This role further cemented his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.
Lee Min-ho’s deliberate approach to choosing projects has elevated the anticipation for When The Stars Gossip. Fans are thrilled to see him return to the small screen in a fresh and compelling narrative.
The series boasts an impressive supporting cast. They include Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms), Oh Jung-se (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay), Han Ji-Eun (Be Melodramatic), Kim Joo-hun (Castaway Diva), Lee El (My Liberation Notes), Lee Cho-hee (Once Again), and Heo Nam-jun (Sweet Home).
Our squeals of excitement just broke the sound barrier:
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, earning an impressive ₦99.1 million during its opening weekend. This remarkable feat positions the epic as the second-highest opening film of the year in Nigeria.
Before its weekend release, Gladiator II generated significant momentum. On Wednesday, it earned ₦8.13 million, followed by ₦8.96 million on Thursday.
An advanced screening earlier in the week pulled in ₦17 million across two days, showcasing strong local anticipation. These milestones cement the film as one of 2024’s top-performing titles in Nigeria.
The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, the heroic protagonist of the original Gladiator. After ruthless Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius embraces the life of a gladiator to seek revenge and restore Rome’s glory.
The film delves into timeless themes of vengeance and redemption, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, Gladiator II has captivated Nigerian audiences. The movie’s strong local performance underscores the growing appeal of global cinema in Nigeria.
On the international stage, Gladiator II debuted with an estimated $87 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any Ridley Scott film.
This success highlights the sequel’s long-awaited arrival, nearly two decades after Gladiator premiered in 2000. The development of the sequel spanned years, with numerous script drafts considered before the final version emerged in 2018. Paul Mescal joined the cast in early 2023, solidifying the project’s momentum.
Written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig, Gladiator II was distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, delivering a cinematic masterpiece that bridges nostalgia and modern storytelling.