If you're planning a festive movie night with friends and family, it can be tricky to find a flick that works for everyone. Read on for 18 of our faves, with something for everyone.
Christmas spirit and cheer hit the small screen in our living rooms at this time of year. Sit back and enjoy the holiday happiness each of these flicks—both old and new(ish)—bring to your entire family. (Oh, and if you can't get the big kids on board with a cartoon, the answer is clearly a double feature.) Happy watching, and don't forget the popcorn!
Family-Friendly Holiday Movies You Don't Want to Miss
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), rated G
Why we love it: Charlie Brown is seeking something less commercial and more meaningful during the holidays. The soundtrack continues to be popular, and it gave us the pop-culture descriptor for a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
The Santa Clause (1994), rated PG
Why we love it: Even if you skip the two sequels and the recent Disney+ series, the original The Santa Clause remains one of the most beloved family-friendly holiday movies in many households. Single dad Scott Calvin takes up the Santa Claus mantle thanks to a, well, Santa clause after his predecessor falls off the roof. The antics, along with the heart-warming messaging, makes this easy as an annual rewatch.
Elf (2003), rated PG
Why we love it: Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins! As Buddy the Elf tries to find his place in New York after being raised as an elf in the North Pole, he finds his family in both places along the way. Elf is hilarious and heartwarming, with plenty of syrupy sweet moments (literally!).
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), rated G
Why we love it: Michael Caine’s Oscar-worthy performance, the note-perfect soundtrack for the season, the sweet storyline and the endless laughs make this a fun family watch, year after year. Some of us are here for the story, others for the food.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1963), rated G
Why we love it: A classic movie from many of our childhoods, Rudolph remains in heavy rotation during the holiday season. Sure, you can chat about how everyone treated Rudolph (what’s with the attitude, Santa?!), but the songs and nostalgia also add to it being a tradition-in-the-making.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), not rated
Why we love it: In under 30 minutes, this cartoon reminds us all that Christmas doesn’t come from the store (or from an online retailer)—it really is in our hearts. The Grinch despises Christmas so much he sets out to steal it, with the help of his reluctant but loyal dog, Max. When Cindy Lou Who and the others in Whoville wake up on Christmas morning and still find a way to celebrate the season, the confused Grinch returns the presents and he himself carves the roast beast.
Frosty the Snowman (1969), rated G
Why we love it: This song-turned-cartoon is a quick way to start feeling festive. When a magical hat brings their snowman, Frosty, to life, a classroom of excited children are ready for an adventure—especially Karen who decides to follow Frosty on his journey to the North Pole. Here's the catch: A naughty magician called Professor Hinkle is out to get his hat back, making things a little mucky for the beloved snowman.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020), rated PG
Why we love it: The spirit of Christmas can often be found through song, so a family friendly musical showing up on the list shouldn’t be a surprise. This imaginative tale about a toymaker, his granddaughter and his incredible invention is a new and delightful addition to many family viewing sessions.
Spirited (2022), rated PG-13
Why we love it: This is the second live-action musical to make the cut, and this one may appeal more to families with older children. This hilarious, catchy take on Dickens' A Christmas Carol is filled with, well, the spirit of Christmas—past, present and future.
The Polar Express (2004), rated G
Why we love it: It’s easy to hop aboard this movie train as a beloved holiday book comes to (animated) life. In the book and movie, a young boy journeys on the Polar Express to the North Pole to learn about the true meaning of Christmas, and how believing is so much more than seeing. Tom Hanks narrates, so you know it's gotta be good.
Home Alone (1990), rated PG
Why we love it: As adults now, a lot of us have questions about the plot of Home Alone (the house, the family sleeping in, the airport, etc.) but you can’t deny that this is has become a Christmas classic that spans generations. As young Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a trip during the holidays, he hilariously protects his home from would-be thieves and finds neighbourly kindness along the way.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), rated PG-13
Why we love it: A raunchier, playful take on the Christmas holidays, this movie brings both the laughs and the heart. As Clark Griswold tries his best to give his family a pool and a Christmas to remember, things don’t always go his way. And poor Margot and Todd will never know why the carpet was all wet.
A Christmas Story (1983), rated PG
Why we love it: With classic lines and memorable characters, this movie set in the 1940s continues to make people laugh. You'll watch it once and understand the refrain, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” in no time.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), rated PG
Why we love it: After finding love and building a young family, stressed-out businessman George Bailey wonders what would have happened if he had never been born. With his guardian angel Clarence by his side, he soon realizes his life is so much richer than he thought. Plus, it gave us the line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!”
The Grinch (2018), rated PG
Why we love it: Fine. Maybe we're cheating by having another version of the Grinch on here, but this animated 2018 take on the story is very cute and very sweet. Each version of this story has its merits, and this one certainly brings the family friendly fun.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), rated G
Disney’s take on the classic Dickens story seems fitting, with Scrooge McDuck in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. This sweet, short film is a great introduction to the iconic Christmas tale, because little ones usually already know Mickey, Minnie, Donald and others (plus, Goofy as Jacob Marley isn't even remotely scary).
Arthur Christmas (2011), rated PG
Why we love it: This is a twist on the legend of Santa, instead casting a family of gift-givers as the true deliverers of Christmas cheer and presents around the world. When a gift is mistakenly not delivered, Arthur sets out to ensure the magic continues, discovering more than he expected along the way.
Miracle on 34th street (1947), rated G
Why we love it: Wonder and anticipation captivate us in this movie from the late 1940s. Is the real Santa working at a department store? Kris Kringle certainly things so. As evidence mounts and beliefs are questioned, the story unfolds into a holiday miracle. (The 1994 remake is also pretty great!)
