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There’s no need to pay for expensive streaming platforms to catch some great Christmas films.
Sometimes it seems like you need to have about 100 subscriptions to catch the best films and television - a costly business in these straitened times.
While it’s true that many films are exclusive to channels like Netflix and Disney+, there’s also an option that you’ve probably already paid for without thinking about it.
For the price of a TV Licence you get access to a large library of ever-changing films on the BBC iPlayer, while the likes of 4 on Demand, the STV Player, and My5 also have a catalogue of movies to choose from.
In the runup to Christmas, we’re looking at the best festive films you can catch without paying a penny - from classics of the genre, to cult gems and slightly rubbish-but-fun tv movies.
Here are 14 to get you feeling festive.
9. A Lot Like Christmas
Available on the BBC iPlayer. A classic of the Christmas romance genre (they all have a man and a woman leaning on each other on the poster). The odd couple here are Christmas tree small business owner Jessica and the (handsome) big-city marketing executive Clay who is trying to put her out of business. Will love unexpectedly blossom? You betcha! | Contributed
10. Christmas in the Pines
Available on the STV Player. When a young man and woman (both single) accidentally manage to by the same idyllic Chistmassy cottage could the mixup lead to romance? Yes. | Contributed
11. Miracle on 34th Street
Available on All 4. Richard Attenborough stars as Kris Kringle in this 24 carat festive classic. He's a department store Santa who insists he's the real deal - and is forced to go to court to prove it. | Contributed
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12. Christmas in Scotland
Available on My5. It's a classic 'American visitor meets a Scottish laird-type and falls in love with him against the odds'. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This time the American is Jill Winternitz' installation designer who helps a small Scottish town put on a Christmas light show to win a 'Best Christmas Village' festival. Will she also light up the heart of the wealthy heir who sees Christmas as an inconvenience? Try to ignore the fact that a very similar plot has been used in at least two other festive flicks and you'll have a blast with 'Christmas in Scotland'.. | Contributed