It’s been a pretty special year for cinema: we had Henry Cavill donning the big S and playing Superman in Man of Steel; Steve Carrell and his Minions sending everyone into raptures, and low budget horror, Insidious: Chapter 2 thrilling its way to the top of the box office. And with all these titles either just released, or coming out at some point in December, here’s your definitive Christmas DVD list, so you can be sure not to miss out on a single stocking filler. All release dates are American.

Kick Ass 2 - Released on December 17th

Kick Ass 2These super heroes might not have super powers, but they certainly kick ass

There was a lot of hype surrounding the follow up to the immensely popular Kick Ass. Jim Carrey relinquished all promo duties by distancing himself from the film’s considerable violence, and while the critics agreed that the second coming didn’t quite live up to the first, Chloe Grace Moretz’s performance as Hit Girl makes this a vital title for any comic book fan out there. Wrap it up in in an old Kick Ass comic; just make sure it’s a duplicate first.

Watch the trailer here and read our review here

Drinking Buddies – Released on December 3rd

Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson Drinking BuddiesOlivia Wilde and Jake Johnson Drinking Buddies

Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson star in Drinking Buddies – a lovable comedy surrounding the would-be relationship between its two leading characters, Kate and Luke. The pair work together at a brewery while sharing a love for the product they produce. It’s basically them hanging out in Chicago, making each other laugh and wearing flannel shirts. Throw $14.95 at it. Go on.

Watch the trailer here and read our review here

The Wolverine – Released on December 3rd

Hugh Jackman as WolverineJackman wields his deadly claws as Wolverine

A sure-fire hit for any Marvel fans out there, The Wolverine saw Hugh Jackman return as the furious Logan, in Japan – where he was held in a POW camp in 1945 – to fight ninjas and pretty much save the day. Jackman will be back as Wolverine in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2015, so his antics in this year’s super-hero adventure will tide you over until then. Collectors and casual fans alike will be delighted to open this, bleary eyed, come Christmas morning.

Watch the trailer here and read our review here

Elysium – Released on December 17th

ElysiumMatt Damon tries to balance out the inequality in Elysium

Director Neill Blomkamp stunned sci-fi fanatics with District 9 – the documentary-style feature that took an alien spin on apartheid in South Africa. His follow up, Elysium, features his debut’s star, Sharlto Copley, but this time he’s turned antagonist to Matt Damon’s hero status. It didn’t enamour the critics quite like the first, but for an all-action, provocative, dystopian thriller it certainly suffices.

Watch the trailer here and read our review here

Fast and Furious 6 – Released on December 10th

Fast and Furious 6Fast and Furious 6 - the boys are back in town (on the DVD shelf)

The Fast and Furious franchise is normally dismissed as being a tacky, Hollywood blockbuster. And certain entries to the series could certainly categorized as that, but with the 6th incarnation, director Justin Lin managed to carve something special. Critics and fans agreed, this is the best of the bunch, as Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson go all guns, tanks and, most importantly, cars blazing into an all-out war. If you don’t believe us, the film’s solid Rotten Tomatoes rating should be enough to sway you.

Watch the trailer here and read our review here