Christmas Eve
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (BBC 1 4.45pm) The animation is stunning and the storytelling strong in this 1961 classic from the heyday of Walt Disney Studions, and which still endures today.
War Horse (RTE 2, 7.25) Steven Spielberg adapts the much-loved novel set in WW1 which is every bit as sentimental as you want a movie at Christmas to be.
Skyfall (UTV 8pm) James Bond's most recent outing gently sends up the 007 culture in a movie that is overlong, cheesy and great fun. Daniel Craig dons the tux.
Avengers Assemble (RTE One 8.40 pm) Marvel brings all its greatest superheroes together to epic affect is this impressive doomsday scenario from director Joss Whedon. They had me at Hulk Smash.
Christmas Day
Argo (RTE One 10.40 pm) A deserved winner at last year's Oscars, this shows Ben Affleck's talent as director as well as actor. The film is based around true events during a hostage taking in Tehran in 1979. The presence of Alan Arkin is a bonus as always.
Frozen (Sky Movies Premiere throughout the day) One of Disney's biggest hits of the last few years is on this pay view channel on Christmas Day. Little girls love this story about two sisters and if you're tired of that song you've just got to Let it Go.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (RTE One 5pm) After a wobbly second outing the characters are back and up to mischief in Europe. The animation's pretty and the wisecracks are plentiful.
Anna Karenina (RTE 2 10.40pm) Joe Wright's adaptation of Tolstoy's classic novel makes for ideal festive-season viewing. Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Domhnall Gleeson head the cast.
Anchorman, The Legend of Ron Burgundy (RTE 2 9.10pm) One of the great cult hits of the past decade sees Will Ferrell have a ball as the broadcast news reporter threatened by the arrival of a female co-worker. You know it makes sense to watch this again.
