20 Best Christmas Family Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
It's that holiday season, bringing time to rejoice, celebrate, and spend some quality time with your loved ones. How do you beat the Christmas spirit if not by gathering around with your family for an uplifting movie night? Here is our list of the 20 best Christmas family movies guaranteed to bring joy and festivity to your household. Every movie lists cast members, the date of release, and a short synopsis for easier choice selection.
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Home Alone (1990)
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara
Release Date: November 16, 1990
Context: This classic comedy follows Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old who was accidentally left behind when his family went on vacation. Kevin must protect his home from bumbling burglars using ingenious traps. -
Elf (2003)
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart
Release Date: November 7, 2003
Context: Buddy, a human raised as an elf in the North Pole, goes to New York City to find his real father. This whimsical tale is full of humor and holiday magic. -
The Polar Express (2004)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari
Release Date: November 10, 2004
Context: This is a beautifully animated movie that narrates a young boy who goes on a fantasy journey to the North Pole. The boy discovers the true value of Christmas along the way. -
The Grinch (2018)
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson
Release Date: November 9, 2018
Context: Following the story of the Dr. Seuss classic, this animated adaptation revolves around the Grinch, who concocts a plan to steal Christmas from Whoville but instead discovers that love and community can help him change his life. -
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Release Date: January 7, 1947 (USA)
Context: This classic movie is about George Bailey, a man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve when his guardian angel takes him back to show him how much of an impact he's had on others' lives. -
The Santa Clause (1994)
Cast: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson
Release Date: November 11, 1994
Context: Scott Calvin by mistake turns into Santa Claus after a magic mishap. As he transforms himself, everything in his life begins to take a funny turn. -
A Christmas Story (1983)
Cast: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
Release Date: November 18, 1983
Context: This is a coming-of-age story about young Ralphie Parker's quest for the perfect Red Ryder BB gun through quirky family dynamics and holiday mishaps. -
Frozen (2013)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Release Date: November 27, 2013
Context: While not precisely a Christmas film, the wintry scenery and theme of the family make Frozen an ideal holiday film. Watch as Elsa and Anna's sisterly love unfolds. -
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Cast: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood
Release Date: May 2, 1947
Context: When a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus ends up in court, it takes a lawyer and a little girl to prove he's genuine. This heartwarming story is a must-watch. -
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Context: Based on this animated film, how Santa Claus' technologically advanced work process helps distribute the gifts to various places on the globe is presented. This time around, something has gone amiss due to Santa's careless son, Arthur. -
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor
Released: November 17, 2000
Context: Jim Carrey's iconic performance brings Dr. Seuss's Grinch to life. This live-action adaptation explores how even the coldest hearts can warm during Christmas. -
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara
Release Date: October 29, 1993
Context: Halloween Town's Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, falls upon Christmas Town and decides to take over Christmas in this fun, yet frightening animated masterpiece. -
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Cast: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
Released: November 24, 2004
Context: From John Grisham's book, this Christmas comedy finds a couple trying to get out of Christmas, but it only gets funny when they must make a last-minute change to their plans. -
Klaus (2019)
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Context: This Netflix original takes on the origin story of Santa Claus in this animated, heartwarming tale of friendship and generosity. -
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman
Release Date: November 22, 1996
Context: A father’s frantic search for the season’s hottest toy leads to hilarious adventures. This film is a humorous take on the lengths parents go to for their kids. -
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Cast: Voices of Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford
Release Date: December 9, 1965
Context: Charlie Brown's search to find the actual meaning of Christmas in the middle of the holiday's commercialization is a heartwarming tale adored by many generations. -
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Cast: Kurt Russell, Judah Lewis, Darby Camp
Release Date: November 22, 2018
Context: Two siblings accidentally crash Santa's sleigh and have to team up to save Christmas. Kurt Russell's charismatic Santa is the highlight. -
White Christmas (1954)
Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
Release Date: October 14, 1954
Context: Two former soldiers who became performers team up with a singing duo to save a failing Vermont inn. This musical is filled with some of the greatest Christmas songs ever made. -
Noelle (2019)
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Context: When Santa's son goes missing, his daughter Noelle must step up. This Disney+ movie is an absolute blend of comedy and holiday cheer. -
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Stars: Voices of Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles
Release Date: December 6, 1964
Context: This is a stop-motion classic tale about Rudolph, the shining red-nosed reindeer, who learns to love being an outcast and saves Christmas for the world.
Conclusion
These are the best family-friendly Christmas movies which are either a timeless classic or a modern animated gem, with something for everyone. Be it a nostalgic favorite that is re-lived or a new holiday tale discovered, these movies will definitely brighten your festive season. Gather all your loved ones, prepare hot cocoa, and enjoy these magical movies to make your holiday unforgettable.
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