The holidays are a special time of year where family, friends, and loved ones come together. What better way to celebrate the season than by cuddling up with your kids and watching some of the best holiday movies ever made?
From classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, to modern-day hits like Elf and The Polar Express, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pop some popcorn, grab the hot cocoa, and snuggle up with your little ones for a festive movie night they’ll always remember.
1. Animated Favorites
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video or YouTube
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a stop motion animated Christmas special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. It first aired on NBC on December 6, 1964, and has become a holiday tradition. The special tells the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer who is ostracized by the other reindeer for his unusual red nose. Rudolph runs away and meets up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector. They all end up at the Island of Misfit Toys, where Rudolph finds a home and learns to use his nose to guide Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Apple TV+
The special, based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, has become a holiday classic. In the special, Charlie Brown becomes depressed after the other children in his class make fun of his small Christmas tree. His friend Linus helps him see the true meaning of Christmas. The special features the voice of child actor Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown, and the music of Vince Guaraldi.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Peacock
The Grinch is a grouchy, green creature who lives in seclusion on the top of a mountain overlooking the village of Whoville. He loathes the Whos and their holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas. One Christmas Eve, he comes up with a diabolical plan to steal all the presents and Christmas decorations from Whoville. As the Grinch’s nefarious scheme unfolds, the young girl Cindy Lou Who realizes the true meaning of Christmas and sets out to teach the Grinch the error of his ways.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Rating: G
Where to stream: YouTube
The story follows Frosty, a snowman who comes to life after being brought to life by a magical hat. Frosty then goes on a journey to find a place to stay so he doesn’t melt. Along the way, he befriends a little girl named Karen. However, the evil Jack Frost is determined to stop Frosty and get his hands on the hat.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Disney+
Movie follows the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grouchy old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The ghosts show Scrooge his past, present, and future in an attempt to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. It is a heartwarming movie that is sure to put a smile on your face.
The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: G
Where to stream: HBO Max
The film tells the story of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train stop outside his window and is invited aboard, where he embarks on a journey to the North Pole to receive a present from Santa Claus.
The Grinch (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
The Grinch plot follows the original story closely. He hates Christmas and the Whos who celebrate it every year. In an effort to stop Christmas from coming, the Grinch decides to steal all the presents and decorations from Whoville.
2. Holiday Comedies
A Christmas Story (1983)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
The nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder Air Rifle. When he mentions it at the dinner table, his mother’s immediate reaction is that he’ll shoot his eye out. Determined, Ralphie goes on a campaign to convince his parents, his teacher Miss Shields, and Santa Claus himself to make his dream come true. As Christmas approaches, Ralphie’s desperation to get the BB gun reaches new heights. Will he get what he wants for Christmas?
Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) accidentally causes his family to miss their vacation flight to Paris, he’s overjoyed at the prospect of having the house to himself for a week. But his excitement quickly fades when Kevin discovers that two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), are plotting to rob his home on Christmas Eve. As the criminals countdown to their midnight break-in, Kevin takes action, wiring his house with booby traps to bring the burglars to justice.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
When Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally causes Santa Claus (Ed Asner) to fall off of his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. At first, Scott is thrilled to be the new Santa, but he soon discovers that the job is more than just wearing a suit and handing out presents. As Christmas Eve approaches, Scott learns that he must deliver a toy to a child in need, or risk losing the magic forever.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
When Christmas is just around the corner, the Kranks (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to skip the holiday this year and take a cruise instead. But when their daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo) suddenly decides to come home for Christmas, the Kranks have to scramble to put together a last-minute holiday celebration. With the help of their eccentric next-door neighbor Luther (Dan Aykroyd), the Kranks manage to pull off a Christmas to remember.
Elf (2003)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole and only learns of his true identity when he is forced to leave his home and venture into the human world to find his father. Along the way, Buddy learns the true meaning of Christmas and brings joy and laughter to everyone he meets.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Grinch hates Christmas and sets out to ruin it for everyone in the town of Whoville. He starts by stealing all of the Christmas decorations and gifts, but the Whos continue to celebrate Christmas without them. The Grinch then disguises himself as Santa Claus and comes down the chimney, but the Whos still don’t give up on Christmas.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: HBO Max
The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie is about the Griswold family and their comical attempt at having a perfect family Christmas. Their plans go awry when everything that can go wrong, goes wrong.
3. Festive Rom-Coms
The Holiday (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
The film stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, and follows two women who swap homes in each other’s countries, and each find love in spite of the odds.
Four Christmases (2008)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: HBO Max
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star as a couple who are forced to spend Christmas with each of their four divorced parents. The movie follows the couple as they travel around to all four houses on Christmas day, dealing with the various eccentricities of their family members. Along the way, they learn a lot about themselves and each other, and come to appreciate the holiday a little bit more. Four Christmases is a heartwarming and hilarious film that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Family Stone (2005)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
The film follows the Stones, a close-knit, middle-class family from New England, as they deal with the impending marriage of their eldest daughter, Meredith (Parker), and the arrival of her boyfriend, Everett (Mulroney). The Stones are a family who pride themselves on being open-minded and liberal, but when Everett, a conservative from New York City, comes to visit, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and biases.
Last Christmas (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Kate is a down-on-her-luck woman who is struggling to make ends meet. She takes a job as a department store elf during the holiday season, but she is constantly berated by her boss. When Kate meets Tom, a handsome man who seems to be perfect for her, she begins to believe that maybe this Christmas will be different. Last Christmas is a heartwarming romantic comedy that will leave you feeling festive.
Love Hard (2021)
Rating: TV-14
Where to stream: Netflix
A young woman is disappointed when she meets her online date in person and discovers that he has lied to her about his appearance. She is even more upset when she gets stranded with him over the holidays.
4. New Holiday Movies
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
A Boy Called Christmas is a 2021 movie based on the book of the same name by Matt Haig. It tells the story of Niklas, a young boy living in Lapland, who has always wanted to know what Christmas is like. When he finally gets his wish, he sets out on a journey to find the answer. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters and discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
Journeyman toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) has a special talent for creating amazing toys that bring joy to everyone who sees them. But when his apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, his daughter’s (Madalen Mills) beloved music box, Jeronicus’ world is turned upside down.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
A holiday movie about a brother and sister who team up with Santa Claus to save Christmas. After their parents die, brother and sister, Teddy and Kate, are left with little Christmas spirit. They team up with Santa to save the holiday and end up learning the true meaning of Christmas. The movie is heartwarming and full of holiday cheer.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
A young woman who has inherited her father’s successful hotel business is injured in a skiing accident shortly after getting engaged. She falls and forgets who she is. The owner of a nearby inn and his daughter take her in and take care of her.
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
A sequel to the classic Christmas story is just as good as the original. This time, Ralphie is in the parental role and aims to give his kids a magical Christmas experience like he had as a child.
The Noel Diary (2022)
Rating: PGWhere to stream: Netflix
After the death of his mother, Jake Turner returns home to settle her estate. In the process, he learns new information about his past and now he has to determine what it means for his future.
Spirited (2022)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Apple TV+
If you’re a fan of Will Ferrell and are looking for another Christmas movie to watch, add Spirited to your list. In this movie, Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present who is trying to help Clint Briggs, played by Ryan Reynolds. This movie is a musical retelling of the classic story by Charles Dickens.
5. Classics
Holiday Inn (1942)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
The film starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire as two song-and-dance men who open an inn at Christmas time. The inn becomes a success, thanks in part to the attraction of the holiday-themed shows that the two men put on. But when one of them falls in love and decides to settle down, the other must find a new partner to keep the inn running.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
The father, Alonzo, works for the city’s streetcar company and the family lives in a comfortable middle-class home. The four daughters are all very different from one another, but they are close-knit and love spending time together. The eldest daughter, Rose, is in love with a boy from a wealthy family, but her parents do not approve of the match. The family experiences both happy and tragic times during the course of the film, but they remain united and their love for one another grows stronger. Meet Me in St. Louis is a tender and nostalgic portrait of a family and a city during a time of great change.
Miracle on 34th St (1947)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Disney+
A young lawyer and a little girl work together to prove that a man who claims to be Santa Claus is the real thing.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: HBO Max
A successful food writer (played by Barbara Stanwyck) who has been lying about being a domestic goddess must entertain her boss and pretend to be the perfect homemaker when he unexpectedly comes to visit her farmhouse. With the help of her neighbor (played by Dennis Morgan), she pulls off the charade, but not without a few hiccups along the way. The film is a lighthearted romantic comedy with a touch of holiday magic.
White Christmas (1954)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Netflix
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as a singing duo who team up with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to put on a show in a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be in the throes of a massive blizzard.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime
Video George Bailey is a small-town man who has spent his entire life giving up his own dreams to help others. On the night before Christmas, George is contemplating suicide and is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born and George realizes how much he has impacted his community. George returns home to his family and friends, and all his problems suddenly seem small. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming story about the importance of family, friends, and community.
