The 87 Best Family Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Holiday Season
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It’s never too early to bust out the Christmas music in our opinion (we’ll never tire of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”), nor is it too soon to think about which one of the best family Christmas movies you should watch first this holiday season. And since there are so many—from classics to animated films—we put together a list of our favorites, including Elf, I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Arthur Christmas. Keep scrolling for 87 family-friendly Christmas movies, which are all streaming on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+.
And if you need a movie guide for the month of December, check out the calendar below, made by PureWow Editors, which offers their favorite picks for what to watch every day until Christmas arrives.
PureWow
The 96 Best Holiday Movies You Can Stream Right Now
1. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (1970)
Anderson Digital
Who’s in it? Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn (voices)
Rating: NR
Through the narration of a mailman, this film tells the story of how Santa Claus and several Claus-related Christmas traditions came to be. He tells the tale of a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family (yes, those Kringles). When Kris grows up, he wants to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown, but is faced with obstacles that make the task (almost) impossible.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Twentieth Century Fox
Who’s in it? Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O'Hara
Rating: PG
After 8-year-old Kevin acts out the night before a family vacation to Paris, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. When he’s accidentally left (you guessed it) home alone by his family the next day, he’s happy to have the house to himself. However, it’s not long before he must protect his family’s house from a pair of evil (and clumsy) burglars.
3. Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
Courtesy of Disney+
Who’s in it? Archie Yates, Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney
Rating: PG
The Home Alone remake follows a boy named Max, who’s forced to defend his home against an artifact-seeking couple.
4. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
MUNDY LANE ENTERTAINMENT
Who’s in it? Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington
Rating: PG-13
A neglected preacher’s wife gets spiritual guidance from the most charming guardian angel of all time.
5. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Courtesy of Netflix
Who’s in it? Henry Lawfull, Kristen Wiig, Michiel Huisman
Rating: PG
Based on the namesake book by Matt Haig, the movie reimagines the story of Father Christmas. The plot centers on Nikolas as he embarks on a thrilling adventure to find a magical town called Elfhelm.
6. Jack Frost (1998)
Warner Bros.
Who’s in it? Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Joseph Cross, Mark Addy
Rating: PG
A father who can't keep his promises to his son dies in a car accident. But one year later, he's back as, um, a snowman. Now that they can do all the things they've missed when Jack was human, can he make things right with his son before he's gone forever?
7. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Columbia Pictures
Who’s in it? Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
Rating: PG
With their daughter away, the Krank family decides to opt out of Christmas altogether (to their neighbor’s dismay). But when she decides to come home, chaos ensues as they try to figure out how to celebrate the holiday at the last minute.
8. Elf (2003)
WARNER BROS.
Who’s in it? Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zooey Deschanel
Rating: PG
As a toddler, Buddy was mysteriously transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. Now, he’s on a mission to find his real dad—Walter Hobbs—in New York City. (Did we mention Walter is on the naughty list?) As you can imagine, things don’t go well.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
BUENA VISTA INTERNATIONAL
Who’s in it? Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey (voices)
Rating: PG
Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, has become bored with the spooky holiday (we can’t relate). One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and becomes so infatuated with the idea of Christmas that he decides to try and create his own version.
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
WALT DISNEY PICTURES
Who’s in it? Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd
Rating: PG
It’s Tim Allen (again) at his finest. When he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he’s transported to the North Pole to assume the role before the following Christmas arrives, much to the delight of his son.
11. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
20TH CENTURY FOX
Who’s in it? Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart
Rating: PG
Kris Kringle steps in to replace a drunken Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and people love him—that is, until he starts going around town claiming to be the real deal. Once institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is, in fact, real.
12. Snowglobe (2007)
ABC Family
Who’s in it? Jason Schombing, Hilda Doherty, Christina Milian
Rating: PG
Milian stars as Angela Moreno, a Christmas fanatic who gets transported into the world of a literal snow globe after receiving it as a gift at the mall.
13. A Christmas Story (1983)
WARNER BROS.
Who’s in it? Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley
Rating: PG
A young boy named Ralphie attempts (and fails numerous times) to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. Heartwarmingly nostalgic and seriously funny, there’s a reason TBS plays this film commercial-free for 24 hours straight every Christmas.
14. Santa Hunters (2014)
Pacific Bay Entertainment
Who's in it? Benjamin Flores Jr., Breanna Yde, Mace Coronel
Rating: G
In an effort to prove to the world that Santa Claus is real, Alex teams up with his sister and cousins to try and capture new footage of Santa. However, he quickly discovers that finding Santa comes at a price.
15. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Twentieth Century Fox
Who’s in it? Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson
Rating: PG
A father vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. However, every store is sold out of them (of course), and he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else in order to find one. A friendly reminder to get your shopping done early.
16. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Disney
Who’s in it? Mackenzie Foy, Morgan Freeman, Kiera Knightly, Helen Mirren
Rating: PG
In the newest version of The Nutcracker, Clara is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. This thrilling adventure follows Clara as she tries to defend the Land of Sweets from the evil Mother Ginger.
17. Arthur Christmas (2011)
SONY PICTURES
Who’s in it? James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent (voices)
Rating: PG
Ever wonder how Santa delivers presents to every single child in just one night? According to this film, he does so with a high-tech operation in the North Pole. Unfortunately, this year, Santa missed one child (yikes) and he enlists the help of his clumsy son Arthur to make things right.
18. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Disney
Who’s in it? Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire (voices)
Rating: G
Another adaptation of A Christmas Carol, this time reimagined by a set of beloved characters—aka the Muppets. This feature-length film also includes original songs, so be prepared for them to be stuck in your (and your family’s) head all day.
19. The Snowman (1982)
Snowman Enterprises
Who’s in it? Raymond Briggs (voice)
Rating: G
No, Frosty isn’t the only snowman in town. This gentle adventure tale is based on the book by Raymond Briggs, and follows a boy who builds a snowman—that comes to life—after the family pet passes away. This one has very little dialogue and a short running time (just 26 minutes), which makes it ideal to watch with the younger kiddies.
20. Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Touchstone Pictures
Who’s in it: Jim Varney, Douglas Seale, Oliver Clark
Rating: PG
It’s a Christmas emergency: Santa Claus needs a successor and the accident-prone Ernest (Jim Varney) is just the man to help him out. Or not.
21. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
RKO Radio Pictures
Who’s in it: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Rating: PG-13
When George Bailey wishes aloud that he had never been born, an angel appears to show him exactly how life would be without him.
22. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Warner Bros
Who’s in it: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis
Rating: PG-13
In the third edition of the National Lampoon series, the Griswold family’s plan for a Christmas vacation quickly turn into a chaotic disaster. This one's worth a watch for the barrel of laughs, plus in order to inspire us to go all out with the Christmas decorations.
23. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
LEE MENDELSON FILM PRODUCTIONS
Who’s in it: Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer (voices)
Rating: NR
Teach your kids about the true meaning of Christmas with this animated classic that follows Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang who are upset by the commercialization of Christmas. Can they figure out a way to get to the holiday’s deeper meaning?
24. Let It Snow (2019)
NETFLIX
Who’s in it: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Kerinan Shipka
Rating: PG-13
Based on the young adult novel of the same name, a huge snowstorm hits a small Midwestern town on Christmas Eve, bringing a group of high school students closer than ever.
25. A Christmas Prince (2017)
Netflix
Who’s in it: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige
Rating: PG
An aspiring journalist goes abroad and sneaks her way into a castle to get the inside scoop for a story on a prince who's poised to be king. And if you like it (as we know you will), the sequel A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding, is also available.
26. I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Walt Disney Pictures
Who’s in it: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jessica Biel, Adam Lavorgna
Rating: PG
In this delightfully cheesy holiday film, one teenager gets himself into a pickle when he’s kidnapped by some high school bullies while on his way home for Christmas.
27. Gremlins (1984)
Warner Bros
Who’s in it: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
Rating: PG-13
OK, this one technically isn’t a Christmas movie, however it does take place around the holidays. On Christmas Eve, what’s supposed to be a cute present ends up having evil babies that ruin a young boy and his family’s celebration after he inadvertently breaks three important rules.
28. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
ABC FAMILY
Who’s in it? Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, George S. Irving (voices)
Rating: NR
In this holiday classic, a very grumpy (not to mention, tired) Kris Kringle thinks that kids have become too ungrateful and decides to take a year-long vacation from his official duties. Mrs. Claus and the elves do their best to try and change his mind, but there’s a possibility there may be no presents under the tree this year.
29. Angela’s Christmas (2017)
Netflix
Who’s in it? Lucy O’Connell, Ruth Negga, Brendan Mullins (voices)
Rating: TV-Y
This Netflix animated feature is a sweet and tender Christmas tale about a young Irish girl who, in her innocence, decides to rob the cradle of her church’s nativity scene so she can take better care of Baby Jesus. Artistically done, heartwarming and clever—this short film will engage viewers of all ages. And after you’ve enjoyed this fan favorite, you can stream Angela's Christmas 2 (also on Netflix).
30. Frozen (2013)
Disney
Who’s in it? Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad (voices)
Rating: PG
Yes, we absolutely consider this a Christmas movie (even though we watch it all year round). The popular Disney flick follows Anna and her pals to save their home from the infinite winter caused by the queen, who just so happens to be her sister. Plus, there’s also a sequel you can watch right after.
31. Klaus (2019)
Netflix
Who’s in it: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones (voices)
Rating: PG
When postman Jesper is given an ultimatum to either start a post office in the Arctic Circle or be cut off from the family’s fortune, he’s ready to quit. However, after he meets teacher Alva, the duo soon forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious carpenter who lives in a cabin full of handmade toys. Together, they bring the holiday spirit to a dreary town that needs it most.
32. Noelle (2019)
Walt Disney Pictures
Who’s in it: Anna Kendrick, Shirley MacLaine, Bill Hader
Rating: G
Santa's daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, decides he doesn’t want the job. Who knew Santa had kids?
33. Santa Claws (2014)
THE ASYLUM
Who’s in it: Ezra James Colbert, Nicola Lambo, John P. Fowler (voices)
Rating: PG
In this silly, yet adorable, film Santa has an allergic reaction to a gift sack of stowaway cats. To save Christmas, the kitties have to figure out a way to deliver all of his presents on their own.
34. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
MGM
Who’s in it: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor
Rating: PG-13
This musical is about four sisters learning about life and love before the 1904 World’s Fair. We guarantee you’ll be listening to Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” all season long.
35. Prancer (1989)
Cineplex Odeon Films
Who’s in it: Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman, Rutanya Alda
Rating: PG
Finally, a film that’s not centered around Rudolph (we still love you Ru). Prancer follows an 8-year-old girl nursing a wounded reindeer (yup, Prancer) back to health and her adventure to get him back to Santa before it’s too late.
36. Last Christmas (2019)
Calamity Films
Who’s in it: Emma Thompson, Emelia Clarke, Henry Golding
Rating: PG-13
The log line for the Universal Pictures film reads, “As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart…and you gotta have faith.” Enough said.
37. Eloise at Christmastime (2004)
Disney
Who’s in it: Julie Andrews, Sofia Vassilieva, Kenneth Welsh
Rating: PG
Andrews stars as the nanny of a spunky 6-year-old named Eloise, who has a mission to reunite young adults in love . The catch? She’s chasing them around the busy streets of NYC.
38. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1982)
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Who’s in it: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Rating: PG
Set one year after Kevin McCallister was left home alone, he accidentally finds himself stranded in New York City—and the same burglars are still out to get him.
39. Holiday Inn (1942)
Paramount Pictures
Who’s in it: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Virginia Dale
Rating: G
Adults and kids alike will love this musical comedy about a performing trio who plan to quit and run a country hotel. And did we mention it features the first movie version of the hit song "White Christmas?"
40. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Walt Disney Pictures
Who’s in it: Tim Allen, Spencer Breslin, Elizabeth Mitchell
Rating: G
Yup, there’s a sequel. And this time, Santa is on a quest to find his Mrs. Clause.
41. Scrooged (1988)
Paramount Pictures
Who’s it it: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe
Rating: PG-13
Think of it as a modern-day version of A Christmas Carol. Scrooged stars Murray as a grumpy TV executive who takes a trip into his past to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Rated PG-13, this one might be best for older children.
42. The Princess Switch (2018)
Netflix
Who’s in it: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar
Rating: TV-G
A Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they are practically identical. Naturally, they conduct a plan to trade places. Think of it like the Parent Trap, only with Vanessa Hudsons during Christmas.
43. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
CBS
Who’s in it? Boris Karloff (voice)
Rating: G
We all know the story, but there’s nothing quite like this original animated movie which everyone, no matter what age or generation, needs to see.
44. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
NETFLIX
Who’s in it: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis
Rating: PG
This Netflix original ticks all the boxes of a Christmas classic: kids up to no good, the threat of a canceled Christmas and a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa. Not to mention, the highly anticipated sequel starts streaming in November.
45. The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
Walt Disney Pictures
Who’s in it: Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis, Richard Riehle
Rating: G
We couldn’t include a movie for the cat lovers and not the dog ones. In this sweet flick, magic dogs, an elf and two children work together to rescue Santa who has lost his memory.
46. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
HOLLYWOOD PICTURES
Who’s in it: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher
Rating: PG
Pretty much all you need to know is that hopeless romantic, Lucy, invents a relationship with a guy she’s been crushing on, Peter, who just so happens to be in a coma. Classic.
47. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas (2012)
PBS
Who’s in it: Martin Short, Alexa Torrington, Jacob Ewaniuk
Rating: G
Sure, the Grinch may be the most popular Dr. Seuss character when it comes to Christmas, but, as it turns out, the Cat in the Hat also knows a thing or two (get it?) about the holiday.
48. Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You (2017)
Magic Carpet productions
Who’s in it: Breanna Yde, Henry Winkler, Mariah Carey
Rating: G
Set to a Mariah Carey soundtrack, of course, the animated flick tells the story of a little girl who wishes for a Christmas puppy. We’ve all been there.
49. Babes in Toyland (1986)
NBC
Who’s in it: Drew Barrymore, Richard Mulligan, Keanu Reeves
Rating: G
A young girl wakes up in the realm of Toyland (pretty much every child’s dream). While there, she must team up with her family and friends to save Christmas from being ruined by the evil Barnaby.
50. A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019)
Netflix
Who’s in it: Laura Marano, Gregg Sulkin, Isabella Gomez
Rating: PG
There’s a mean stepmother and a couple of evil stepsisters in this Netflix film about an aspiring singer who works as an elf at a Christmas tree lot. One day, she suddenly has a change of luck.
51. Christmas Cupid (2010)
ABC
Who’s in it? Christina Milian, Ashley Benson, Chad Michael Murray
Rating: PG-13
A Los Angeles publicist is forced to reconsider her life choices as she gets visited by ghosts of her ex-boyfriends on the eve of Christmas.
52. One Christmas Wish (2015)
Hallmark
Who’s it in? Amber Riley, Matreya Fedor, Priscilla Faia
Rating: G
Feeling a bit lonely around the holidays, a young college student places an ad out in the paper to find a family to celebrate Christmas with. Oh, and did we mention it’s also a musical?
53. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Who’s in it? Jim Carrey, Molly Shannon, Anthony Hopkins
Rating: PG
Dr. Seuss’s Christmas tale comes to life with an all-star cast, special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy. A bitter and hateful Grinch becomes increasingly irritated at the thought of the nearby village planning their big Christmas celebrations. To ruin their holiday, he disguises himself as Santa Claus (and his dog to look like a reindeer) and travels to the village to raid it of all of the presents, trees and decorations.
54. Northpole (2014)
Hallmark
Who’s in it? Tiffani Thiessen, Josh Hopkins, Bailee Madison
Rating: G
Northpole, a magical city that's powered by everyone's holiday spirit, is suddenly in trouble when people start to skip their festive traditions and get caught up in their busy schedules. However, thanks to Kevin, his mom Chelsea, his teacher Ryan and the mysterious Clementine, there just might be hope for the home of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
55. Northpole 2: Open for Christmas (2015)
Hallmark
Who’s in it? Lori Loughlin, Dermot Mulroney, Bailee Madison
Rating: G
When Mackenzie becomes the new owner of Vermont's Northern Lights Mountain Inn, she decides to do a few renovations—but she's got her work cut out for her. Thankfully, Mackenzie gets some help from Santa himself, who sends his elf, Clementine, to help her out.
56. The Christmas Candle (2013)
EchoLight Studios
Who’s in it? Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville
Rating: PG
Based on Max Lucado's novel of the same name, the movie tells the story of a magical candle that gives a special, Christmas Eve miracle to anyone who lights it. But when a new minister refuses to buy into the famous legend of the Christmas candle, people worry that it will affect the story's legacy.
57. Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018)
Screen Media Films/Netflix
Who’s in it? Morena Baccarin, Josh Hutcherson, Martin Short, Samantha Bee
Rating: PG
A small horse named Elliot and his good friend, Hazel, embark on a fun adventure to the North Pole. Elliot is determined to land a spot in Santa's famous team of reindeer—even despite his miniature size.
58. White Christmas (1954)
Paramount Pictures
Who’s in it? Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen
Rating: G
For a real-deal Christmas classic, look no further than the one filmed specifically around Bing Crosby’s hall-of-fame holiday tune. It’s about a song-and-dance duo that takes their show on the road to Vermont. Plus, it stars George Clooney’s aunt.
59. The Magic Snowflake (2013)
Dapaco Productions
Who's in it? Vincent Grass, Natan Simony (voices)
Rating: G
Nicholas is more than happy to fill Santa Claus's shoes for an entire year. However, his excitement wears down after he realizes how stressful the job is.
60. The Family Stone (2005)
Fox 2000 Pictures
Who's in it? Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Claire Dane, Dermot Mulroney
Rating: PG-13
The Stone family loves a holiday gathering, but when Everett brings home his uptight and reserved girlfriend (he plans to propose) to meet the family, everything goes awry.
61. A Christmas Carol (2009)
DISNEY
Who’s in it? Jim Carrey, Steve Valentine, Daryl Sabara (voices)
Rating: PG
A grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge is not happy when he is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who take him through his past to reveal that his miserable way of living is, in fact, no way to live at all.
62. The Polar Express (2004)
WARNER BROS
Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye (voices)
Rating: G
Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book, a young boy with little belief in Santa Claus takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. After meeting some friends along the way (and the big man himself), he quickly learns that the magic of Christmas comes to those who believe.
63. Just Another Christmas (2020)
Disney
Who’s in it? Leandro Hassum, Elisa Pinheiro, Danielle Winits
Rating: TV-MA
If it were up to us, we’d love to celebrate Christmas every day of the year. However, for Jorge, a family man who was born on December 25, living (and reliving) the holiday is possibly the worst thing he can imagine.
64. Christmas in the Heartland (2017)
ASCENSION MEDIA
Who's in it? Sierra McCormick, Brighton Sharbino, Bo Derek
Rating: PG-13
Two girls from totally different backgrounds find out they have more in common than they thought (and look practically identical). In true Parent Trap-fashion, they decide to switch places to see each other's lives.
65. Veggietales: Saint Nicholas—a Story of Joyful Giving (2009)
Big Idea Entertainment
Who’s in it? Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Lisa Vischer
Rating: G
When Laura Carrot learns that her father might lose his job, she worries she won’t get any presents for Christmas. Cue Bob the Tomato, who’s convinced the story of Saint Nicholas will help Laura and her family.
66. Veggietales: The Toy That Saved Christmas (1997)
Big Idea Entertainment
Who’s in it? Phil Vischer, Lisa Vischer , Jerry Keller
Rating: G
When Mr. Nezzer fools everyone into believing that Christmas is all about getting presents, a brave little toy named Buzz Saw Louie embarks on an adventure to discover the true meaning of the holiday.
67. Home Alone: Holiday Heist (2012)
Fox Television Studios
Who’s in it? Christian Martyn, Eddie Steeples, Jodelle Ferland, Debi Mazar, Doug Murray
Rating: G
Finn Baxter isn’t too thrilled about moving to Maine with his family–especially since he believes their new home is haunted. Terrified, he sets up a series of traps for the “spirits,” who—as it turns out—are actually a trio of foolish art thieves.
68. A Dennis the Menace Christmas (2007)
Valkyrie Filma
Who’s in it? Robert Wagner, Louise Fletcher, Maxwell Perry Cotton
Rating: G
All Dennis wants is to help his bitter neighbor experience the magic of Christmas. When he sets out to make this happen, his efforts only lead to more chaos.
69. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Courtesy of Netflix
Who’s in it? Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose
Rating: PG
Sing and dance along to this fun musical, which tells the tale of a talented toymaker and his delightful granddaughter, who helps him find joy again after a heartbreaking betrayal.
70. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
CBS
Who’s in it? Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Stan Francis, Janis Orenstein (voices)
Rating: G
Sam the Snowman narrates a tale of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being cast out for being different, teams up with Hermey (an elf who wants to be a dentist), to look for a place that will accept them. After a scary encounter with the Abominable Snowman, they stumble upon a whole island of misfit toys and need to ask Santa for help.
71. The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)
Sony Pictures Animation
Who’s in it? Jack Angel, Fred Armisen, Hank Azaria
Rating: G
In this short film, Grouchy Smurf is the modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge. When he gets a surprise visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, he starts to understand the holiday.
72. The Star (2017)
Columbia Pictures
Who’s in it? Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant, Gina Rodriguez
Rating: PG
After successfully escaping from the village mill, a brave donkey teams up with an unlikely group of animals.
73. A Fairly Odd Christmas (2012)
Nickelodeon Productions
Who’s in it? Drake Bell, Daniella Monet, Daran Norris
Rating: TV-G
Based on the popular TV show, the holiday movie follows Timmy Turner and his fairy godparents as they work together to save Christmas.
74. Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)
Walt Disney Studios
Who’s in it? Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Kristen Bell
Rating: G
In this 22-minute short, Olaf is determined to create holiday traditions for Anna and Elsa, who realize they haven’t established any of their own.
Nickelodeon
75. Albert (2016)
Who’s in it? Rob Riggle, John DiMaggio
Rating: TV-G
Meet Albert, a holiday-loving Douglas fir who dreams of becoming Empire City’s most famous Christmas tree.
Future Film
76. Santa's Magic Crystal (2011)
Who’s in it? Jukka Nylund, Paula Vesala, Kiti Kokkonen
Rating: PG
When Santa’s evil brother steals his magic crystal, a young boy tries to get it back. (With assistance from Santa’s helpers, of course.)
77. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Scott Everett White/Netflix
Who’s in it? Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young, Jack Wagner
Rating: PG
Lohan stars as Sierra, a spoiled heiress who's living her best life. But when a ski accident leaves her with amnesia, she's taken in by a charming lodge owner. And over time—you guessed it—they start to fall in love.
78. Father Christmas Is Back (2021)
Netflix
Who’s in it? Elizabeth Hurley, Nathalie Cox, John Cleese
Rating: PG-13
Sisters Caroline, Joanna, Paulina and Vicky all reunite during the holidays. But when their estranged father, who has been gone for decades, turns up to join the festivities, they're forced to confront all the family secrets that tore them apart.
79. Happiest Season (2020)
Hulu
Who’s In It? Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy
Rating: PG-13
A woman plans on proposing to her girlfriend at the family’s annual holiday party only to find out that her partner hasn’t come out of the closet yet and her family is a bit, well, conservative. Hulu’s clever rom-com is a riotous display of family dysfunction with enough heart to keep the Christmas spirit alive, nevertheless.
80. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Elevation Pictures
Who’s In It? Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, Jonathan Pryce, Simon Callow
Rating: PG
This film about Charles Dickens and the real-life inspiration he used to craft A Christmas Carol might not be entirely historically accurate, but it does add some extra magic to the beloved holiday classic.
81. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
FilmFlex
Who’s In It? Jorma Tommila, Onni Tommila, Ilmari Järvenpää
Rating: R
This uproariously funny and rather offbeat Finnish horror-comedy centers around a grown-up gang of believers who, on a mission to protect Christmas, discover the tomb of Santa Claus and release a less-than-jolly (read: pure evil) St. Nick. Given the rating and the rather sinister angle, it goes without saying that this one is best for older (i.e., teen and up) viewers, but any age-appropriate audience will appreciate the humorous relief from cloying Christmas cheer it provides.
82. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Disney
Who’s In It? Kelsey Grammer, Wayne Allwine, Russi Taylor, Tony Anselmo
Rating: G
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Minnie, Pluto and more are featured in this ’90s holiday special, which includes three different Christmas-themed short films: Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas, A Very Goofy Christmas and Mickey and Minnie's Gift of the Magi.
83. The Holiday (2006)
Sony Pictures
Who’s In It? Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black
Rating: PG-13
When two women meet on the internet and decide to switch homes for the holiday season, they believe that all their romantic problems will be left behind. Little do they know that they'll meet people who will completely change their lives.
84. Spirited (2022)
Apple TV+
Who’s In It? Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani
Rating: PG-13
In this musical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present is close to retirement, but he wants to go out with a bang. So, he sets his sights on an “unredeemable” media consultant, who may end up helping the ghost deal with his own past. (FYI: This one may be better suited if you have older kids.)
85. Four Christmases (2008)
New Line Productions
Who’s In It? Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen
Rating: PG-13
This comedy may be better suited for teens than younger kids, but the whole family will be able to appreciate this story of a couple who go to visit all four of their divorced parents over the holiday season.
86. Frog and Toad: Christmas Eve (2023)
Apple TV+
Who’s In It? Nat Faxon, Kevin Michael Richardson (voices)
Rating: TV-Y
The Apple TV+ adaptation of the popular children’s book series, follows best friends Frog and Toad. In this holiday special, Frog gets distracted while running a last-minute Christmas Eve errand, causing Toad to wonder about his friend’s whereabouts.
87. Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Amazon Studios
Who’s In It? Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell
Rating: PG
In this holiday adventure-comedy, Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) is determined to finally win his neighborhood Christmas decorating contest…but in the process, he inadvertently makes a Faustian bargain with an evil elf who brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life.
