12 Most Memorable Christmas Songs From The Movies

Director Jon Favreau's 2003 comedy helped cement Will Ferrell as one of the major comedy superstars of modern times, casting him as a human raised by the elves in Santa's workshop who comes to New York in search of his biological father, James Caan.

The contrast between Ferrell's endearingly childlike manner and his towering stature (which the film cannily exaggerates by mostly casting far shorter actors) builds a wonderfully absurd atmosphere that's equally enjoyable for young and old viewers.

Elf also makes the most of being set at Christmas in New York, with festive sights wherever the eye can see, and a soundtrack loaded with vintage, jazzy takes on all the classic Christmas songs.

However, Elf's most memorable musical moments are performed a cappella by Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Buddy's department store co-worker and love interest, who wows the Elf with her solo rendition of Baby, It's Cold Outside - which she just happens to be singing in the shower at the time.

It's very much to the film's credit that this scene, which could easily have come off very sleazy and voyeuristic, is played as an entirely wholesome gag at the expense of the simple-minded Buddy, meeting its crescendo when, after Jovie hysterically demands he close his eyes and leave, he runs headfirst into a locker.

Deschanel also sings a full band version of the track with Leon Redbone on the Elf soundtrack.