Don’t you just love Christmas films because they feel like fairy tales you already know by heart? You know the story, you know the ending, yet you still have to go through all the drama, the mistakes, and the emotional chaos to earn that final glow. Last Christmas understands this instinct perfectly and leans into it with warmth and confidence.
the mysterious Tom, and the voices of London.
Emilia Clarke’s Kate is the beating heart of the film. She is adorable, talented, and irresistibly sweet, even at her most frustrating. Watching her stumble through London in elf boots and bad decisions feels less like a plot device and more like spending time with a friend who has not quite figured life out yet. Clarke brings a softness and vulnerability that anchors the film, making every small moment count.
The Christmas shop itself is pure festive fantasy, almost theatrical in its excess, while George Michael’s music wraps the story in nostalgia and quiet melancholy. His songs do not just decorate the film, they guide it, hinting at themes of kindness, regret, and second chances.
Even though the film is filled with George Michael’s iconic music and you might expect him to appear, watch carefully, you just might spot Andrew Ridgeley in a tiny cameo, a subtle nod to Wham! fans everywhere.
What lifts Last Christmas beyond a standard seasonal romance is its emotional patience. Once you know where the story is heading, repeat viewings become richer rather than predictable. The film reveals itself as less about romance and more about learning how to live generously, even after loss.
This is why Last Christmas earns its place on my list. Number three is a good place to be. It is comforting without being lazy, sentimental without being empty, and another proof that Christmas films are both familiar and moving.