Lads, Predator, Anchorman and Escape to Victory are on. Cancel your plans.
It’s time to put the feet up and do nothing for the next few days. With this in mind, here are the best films on TV today.
Note: We’ve excluded Sky because not everyone has the satellite channels. Here’s what’s free-to-air.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
ITV 12:55pm Christmas Eve
Watch it because: It’s not Christmas without Harry Potter and even if you’ve seen it 100 times before, we all need a bit of magic over the festive season.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
18:30-20:00, Channel 4
Watch it because: It’s undeniably the best adaptation of Dickens’ classic. The “our assets are frozen!” line still makes us laugh!
Escape to Victory
18:40-21:00, ITV4
Watch it because: Stallone’s campy ‘keeper, Ardiles’s sublime flick, John Wark’s epic mustache. It’s all great but Michael Caine somehow manages to hold it all together.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
18:50-21:00 ITV2
Watch it because: Not as good as the original but it still has moments that are fun for the whole family. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something to watch with your kids, Monsters University is also on at 14:20.
Miracle on 34th StreetÂ
20:00-22:20, E4
Watch it because: Still in need of some Christmas spirit? Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Kriss Kringle should sort that right out. A holiday classic.
Casino Royale
21:00-23:55, ITV2
Watch it because: It’s the film that made Bond relevant again.
As Good as It Gets
21:00-23:55, Sony Movies
Watch it because: Need a perfect remedy for the sweetness and saccharine sentimentality of Christmas. Try Jack Nicholson’s wonderfully dour portrayal of Melvin Udall. “You’re a disgrace to depression” – one of the most cutting and perfectly-delivered insults in cinema history.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyÂ
21:00-22:55, Film4
Watch it because: He’s kind of a big deal. People know his. He’s very important. He has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany.
The Great Gatsby
21:30-23:40, BBC2
Watch it becasue: Leo and Luhrmann reunited for a tale of decadence and deceit.
Predator
22:55-01:05, Film4
Watch it because:Â It’s the greatest film of all time. 172 Oscars don’t lie.
