5. Rocky IV

Directed by Sylvester Stallone Starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire

Stallone’s plucky pugilist is set to do battle with Dolph “I will break you” Lundgren’s cartoonishly intimidating Russian on Christmas Day. Cue turmoil, inspirational speeches and more power ballad-fuelled training montages than you can shake a punching mitt at.

4. The Shining

Directed by Stanley Kubrick Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall

Christmas is a time for family, but things take a turn for the worst for the Torrances while care-taking the isolated Overlook Hotel during the off-season. For those who like their winter wonderlands streaked with crimson.

3. The Apartment

Directed by Billy Wilder Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine

It’s strange that nobody considers Billy Wilder’s comedy classic a Christmas movie, despite the fact that most of it takes place between Christmas and New Year’s. Despite this negligence, it’s still a film equally funny and compelling which is sure to warm the cockles.

2. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

Directed by Shane Black Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer

Like all of Shane Black’s films, this crime noir throwback uses a Christmas setting without really being about the holidays. But it’s still a sparkling, witty movie sure to inject some of that cheer and goodwill.

1. In Bruges

Directed by Martin McDonagh Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson

You probably didn’t even notice that Martin McDonagh’s violent, hilarious and swear-heavy dark hitman comedy was set at Christmas. Watch it again, though, and you’ll be struck by how seasonal it feels, with a winter setting playing host to a cast of eccentric characters and a story of redemption. Just don’t expect a happy ending.

Sean Hayes