21 Very Best Christmas Movies for Families (+ Printable List}

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There’s just nothing like watching Christmas movies together as a family! If you have this on your Christmas Bucket List but aren’t sure which movies are best for kids or which are ‘must-sees’, I got you! Take a look below for brief summaries to note the ones you want to add to your movie list – better yet,  just download the free PDF printable list and you’re good to go! 

Family Bonding Around Christmas Movies

Winter is just the best time for hibernation. To be honest, there are nights I love to hibernate during the holiday season, too. It’s just so busy that a few nights in with the family is just what I need, even if the celebrating is in full swing.

And watching great Christmas movies together is the best way to bond and stay cozy together!

Today, I want to share a list of the best Christmas movies to get you in the Christmas spirit!

This list isn’t pressure or a ‘have-to’ watch list. Nothing around the Christmas season should feel like that. But this is a quick, convenient go-to to watch old favorites or try some new ones, knowing that they’ve been vetted for {relative} family-friendliness!

The movies I’m going to share with you are family-friendly and should be suitable for kids of most ages and families.

Let me explain what I mean by that… ⬇⬇⬇

A Word about Family-Friendly Choices and Christmas Movie Ratings

I say **most** because while there might not be anything morally wrong in some movies, every family is different and has different standards for what’s appropriate and has different convictions. 

The little ones might find some things a little scary (The Grinch, etc.); what is acceptable for some families might be off-color for others.

Some scenes might be OK for adults but not for kids. 

For instance, even though some might classify Die Hard (rated R) as a Christmas story, some might opt to pass on that one for the kids. {And Bad Santa – rated R also – should be passed on for families, too.}

Or maybe there is a bending of morals in a film, but some families might be OK with letting it go.

I included the ratings for all of the movies to provide a helpful launching point. All of the movies are rated G, PG or not rated (such as some older films). There is one PG -13 on the list (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation).

But, as always, as parents, always use your own judgment and research particular content as needed.

 

My Favorite Kid-Friendly Holiday Movie List

This is my absolute favorite, family-friendly holiday movie bucket list. At the end of this post, you can get a Family Christmas Movie Checklist – a simple and free PDF file you can download for an easy reference!

This list includes ones I would absolutely consider classic Christmas movies. If you are going to put any of them at the top of your list, these are my recs:

1| The Nativity  (2005, PG)

I like to start with this one right out of the gate. It’s a realistic and touching version of the biblical nativity story. It truly opens your heart to the wonder and miracle of the very first Christmas as Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth.

2| How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, Not Rated)

In my opinion, the original cartoon version is still the best version! A grinch whose heart is too small and greedy undergoes a transformation when he sees the true Christmas spirit in Whoville.

3| A Christmas Story (1983, PG)

Who can forget Ralphie who wants Ryder Range 200 Shot BB Gun for Christmas? Set in the 1940s, it’s funny in a sad kind of way but one that never disappoints. A few scenes might go over the little ones’ heads (the lamp), but that’s probably a good thing!

4| A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, TV-G)

This is probably one of my most favorite Christmas classics where Charlie Brown discovers the true meaning of Christmas over the shallow commercialism. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how mean they are to Charlie Brown, but when Linus starts reading from the Christmas story in the Bible in the book of Luke? Pure magic and a wonderful display of what Christmas is all about.

5| A Christmas Carol (1984, PG)

There are a few versions of this movie you can choose but this one is my favorite. It’s a timeless story based on Charles’ Dickens novel about Ebeneezer Scrooge and his visit from 3 Christmas spirits who show him just how cold his heart has grown. The younger ones might enjoy cartoon versions such as Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983 G), with Mickey Mouse, and A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, G).

6| Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, TV-G)

This 1964 claymation classic is a must-see for any child! There are so many endearing parts to this story, especially with Rudolph and the other misfits, but I love the message of everyone having value and a purpose, even if they are different.

7| Frosty the Snowman (1969, TV-G)

Who can resist the adorable pudgy lovable Snowman who is danger of melting? Frosty and a little girl try to evade the greedy magician who wants Frosty’s hat – which is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas miracle.

8| White Christmas (1954, Not Rated)

Full disclosure – I’m not a fan of musicals, but this one has my heart. Taking place post World War 2 in cozy Christmas inn in Vermont, there’s nothing like Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye doing their singing-and-dancing thing (with a pair of talented sisters), all while trying to save their former Army commander’s failing inn. Decorating our Christmas tree to this movie was a favorite family tradition growing up.

9| March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934, Not Rated)

This is another old school Laurel and Hardy classic. This duo tries to pay Mother Goose’s mortgage while saving Little Bo from a looming engagement to the evil Barnaby. Modern kids today might not fully appreciate it, but it’s still a must-see!

10| Miracle on 34th Street (1947, Not Rated)

This is another Christmas classic featuring Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood. There have been more modern remakes of this movie, but the story remains the same. In this one, a skeptical girl (and mother) become a believer in Santa (who goes on trial for claiming to be Santa!). There’s also a modern remake in 1994, rated PG.

11| Curious George A Very Monkey Christmas (2009, TV-G)

This was one of my sons’ favorite Christmas movies! The songs are catchy, and it’s an adorable tale of two friends counting down to Christmas and trying to get the very best Christmas gift for each other.

12| The Star (2017, PG)

This is a more recent and different Christmas movie that centers around the animals in the Nativity story, particularly a small donkey who must help save Christmas. Heartwarming and a modern must-see!

13| It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, PG)

This classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed is probably one of the most heart-warming Christmas movies ever made. This is the story of George Bailey, who falls on hard times and questions the purpose of this life. An angel shows him what the world would be like if he never existed, and, the whole town of Bedford Falls comes behind him for a Christmas Eve miracle. Doesn’t get better than that!

14| Elf (2003, PG)

This is another favorite in our house that I can watch just about any time of year. It’s the story of Buddy the Elf, a human raised by elves, on a quest to find his real dad (with no Christmas spirit) in New York City all while spreading holiday cheer.

15| The Polar Express (2004, G)

This is a modern-day Christmas classic where a skeptical boy takes a train ride to the North Pole and becomes a believer, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the Christmas spirit.

16| Home Alone (1990, PG)

In this story, eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind while his family vacations in Paris. He’s left to defend his home against burglars in the side-splitting tale. Caution – Kevin is lovable but a little fresh at times. You can also catch Home Alone 2 (1992, PG), where Kevin is lost in New York City with the same two thugs! There’s a Home Alone 3 (1997, PG), but not as good, in my opinion.

17| The Santa Clause (1994, PG)

Tim Allen doesn’t disappoint in this fun story of Santa Claus. In this movie, Allen as Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa Clause to fall off his roof and now must take his place.

18| Arthur Christmas (2011, PG)

This animated movie is a behind the scenes look at Santa’s job to get all the gifts to the children all in one night. Here, a little girl is accidently skipped and Santa’s clumsy son along with Grandsanta have to get the gift delivered to her in less than 2 hours.

19| National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, PG-13)

The laughs in this movie just keep coming. There’s no one who can decorate or has more Christmas spirit than Clark Griswold. And as expected, things go horribly wrong. Note: there are a few mature scenes in this movie; parental discretion advised for kids, noted in the PG-13 rating.

20| The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005, PG)

While this isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, it largely takes place in Narnia where it is ‘always winter and never Christmas.’ A beautiful story of Christ, which is a moving watch at this time of year.

21| Christmas With the Kranks (2004, PG)

This is a fun story who a couple who thinks they don’t need to celebrate Christmas anymore since their daughter isn’t at home. All the hilarity comes when they try their hardest to skip it. Add more chaos when their daughter decides to come home and now it’s a last-minute run to pull off Christmas!

It can be hard to know where to find these movies, but almost all of the ones above can be found on Amazon Prime. You can also search for them on Roku, Netflix, and Hulu!

Bonus Christmas Movie List

However, there are other options for Christmas movies. Here are some other popular places and TV channels for Christmas movies!

Hallmark Channel

Is any Christmas movie list complete without Hallmark? Hallmark Christmas movie fan are something of a cult following.

If you like a predictable, heart-warming romance in a small town (likely featuring Candace Cameron Bure), add these to your movie list! Hallmark movies are more for the ladies of the house who never tire of true love (invite your best friend) rather than a family movie night.

However, they are a non-negotiable Christmas tradition for many ladies. Lots of original holiday movies just for the Hallmark Channel.

Disney+ Channel Movies

Disney+ Christmas movies are available for Disney+ members, and there are old and new movies for the whole family for the whole Christmas season. You can find Mickey’s Christmas Carol here as well as A Muppet Christmas Carol, Babes in Toyland, and Ernest Saves Christmas.

Netflix

Netflix has lots of Christmas movies available as well. You can find an original Christmas movie (or several) as well as White Christmas, A Boy Called Christmas, and Jingle Jangle.

My Personal Bonus Recommendations

Ok, this might be way out there, but I’m going to throw these two movies in because they remind me of Christmas.

Way back in the dinosaur era, you know, the 1980s – before VCRs and DVRs and on-demand and streaming – when there was a movie we wanted to watch, we had to wait until it came on – one time a year.

Every year around Christmas, The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz would come on TV, and we would have just one night to watch it. Miss it, and we’d have to wait another full year.

It was a favorite event every year: getting out our sleeping bags and camping out on the living room floor to watch these two movies. I understand this is a totally gratuitous and nostalgic and sentimental recommendation, but I’m going to throw these two out there, even though they aren’t ‘Christmas’ movies.

Do with it what you will. And you’re welcome. 😉 

Christmas Movie Bucket List: Movie Night Ideas

There are so many ways you can enjoy a Christmas movie night! It’s a perfect time to make this one of your favorite holiday traditions – here are a few ways to level it up!

Have the 12 Days of Christmas Movies Marathon!

Everyone wears PJs and snuggle in cozy blankets. It’s the only way to go!

Hot Chocolate Bar complete with marshmallows and candy canes.

Put the Christmas lights on the tree as you watch.

Serve Christmas Themed Snacks for Kids.

Play Christmas Bingo to see how many of these are seen or mentioned in the movie!

Ultimate Christmas Movie List for the Win!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year – and I love how a classic movie, or a new favorite can get us in the holiday spirit!

Be sure to grab your free printable checklist! Just fill in the box below to get your printable Christmas movie list!

 

More Family Friendly Holiday Activities

Looking for more ways to spend quality time with your family during the holidays? Check out these other posts!

Christmas Bucket List for Families: 30 Free | Cheap Activities!

Free Advent Calendar Activities Printable (+ 72 Cards!)

25+ Meaningful &Fun New Year’s Family Traditions You’ll Love

What are your favorite movies at Christmas time? Did I miss any holiday classic? I’d love to hear!

Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them, too! Leave a comment below!