On the Box: Your Top 15 Christmas Movies
Abominable (RTE 2, Saturday 25th, 11am)
When teenage Yi encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, she and her friends, Jin and Peng, name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.
A Dog Named Christmas (Virgin Media 1, December 25th, 12pm)
A developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family - and their whole rural community - to participate in a local shelter's inaugural ‘Adopt a Dog for Christmas’ program.
The Secret Life Of Pets (RTE 1, Saturday 25th, 12.35pm)
It’s just another ordinary week in New York as we get a fly on the wall vision of the lives of pets and the families that love them. Sit back and adore Max, Gidget, Snowball and the rest of the gang as they take on new adventures and push themselves to become their own heroes.
Dr Seuss The Grinch (RTE 1, Saturday 25th, 6.01pm)
Based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.
Bohemian Rhapsody (RTE 1, Saturday 25th, 10.10pm)
With his impeccable vocal abilities, Freddie Mercury and his rock band, Queen, achieve superstardom. However, amidst his skyrocketing success, he grapples with his ego, sexuality and a fatal illness. The film won four Oscars, including Best Actor for Rami Malek’s emotional portrayal of Freddie.
Peter Rabbit 2 (Sky Cinema, from Saturday 25th)
That loveable rabbit is back! James Cordon, Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and Margot Robbie reprise their roles from the 2018 family smash hit, and this time Peter’s going rogue. With their past animosity behind them, Bea and Thomas are now married and living in harmony with the rabbits as a makeshift family. But despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation.
Dunkirk (BBC 1, December 26th, 9.05pm)
Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Commonwealth and Empire, and France are surrounded by the German Army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. Mark Rylance, Kenneth Brannagh and Dublin’s own Barry Keoghan star.
Rocketman (RTE 1, Sunday 26th, 9.35pm)
A 2019 biographical musical fantasy drama film based on the life and music of Elton John. Taron Egerton plays Elton in a film that takes its name from one of the British singer-songwriter’s most-loved tracks.
The Suicide Squad (Sky Cinema, from Sunday 26th)
If a job needs doing, don’t send in the best - send in the baddest. An adventure in anarchy as some of the DC Universe’s most violent and unpredictable anti-heroes assemble to take on a near-impossible mission. The rag tag team of expendable cons, including Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), and everyone's favourite psycho, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie).
A Star Is Born (BBC 2, December 27th, 10.05pm)
The original 1954 version with James Mason and Judy Garland still holds its measure against all comers in this story of a film star who helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career on a downward spiral.
Blade Runner 2049 (BBC 2, December 27th, 9pm)
A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford ferment explosive on screen chemistry.
Stan & Ollie (RTE 2, Friday 31st, 10pm)
The true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the legendary movie icons, this is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour of Britain and Ireland.
Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves (BBC 1, Saturday 1st, 4.30pm)
When Robin and his Moorish companion come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham, he decides to fight back as an outlaw. Kevin Costner plays Robin and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is Maid Marian.
The Croods 2: A New Age (Sky Cinema, from Saturday 1st)
Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds lend their vocal talents for this animated adventure sequel. Searching for a safer habitat, the prehistoric Crood family discovers an idyllic, walled-in paradise that meets all of its needs. Unfortunately, they must also learn to live with the Bettermans - a family that's a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder.
Naked Singularity (Sky Cinema, from Sunday 2nd)
Casi (John Boyega) is a promising young NYC public defender whose idealism is beginning to crack under the daily injustices of the very justice system he's trying to make right. Doubting all he has worked for, he is pulled into a dangerous high-stakes drug heist by an unpredictable former client.