The holiday season is the perfect time to snuggle up with loved ones, enjoy some hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas movies. Whether you’re looking for laughs, heartwarming moments, or the nostalgic charm of classic holiday tales, this list of family Christmas movies has you covered.
1. Home Alone (1990)
Plot: When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind during Christmas vacation, he defends his home against two hapless burglars with ingenious traps.
Why Watch: A holiday staple packed with humor, clever antics, and a touch of Christmas spirit.
Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch the movie: Disney+, AppleTV and Prime Video
2. Elf (2003)
Plot: Buddy, a human raised by elves, ventures to New York City to find his real father and spread Christmas cheer in the most hilarious ways.
Why Watch: Will Ferrell’s lovable performance and the movie’s heartfelt message make it a modern classic.
Stars: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
3. The Polar Express (2004)
Plot: A boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole, discovering the true spirit of Christmas along the way.
Why Watch: Stunning animation and a captivating story about belief make it a holiday favorite.
Stars: Tom Hanks (multiple roles)
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
4. The Santa Clause (1994)
Plot: When a man accidentally causes Santa to fall from his roof, he finds himself taking on the role of the new Santa Claus.
Why Watch: A hilarious and heartwarming tale about embracing the magic of Christmas.
Stars: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and Disney+
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Plot: The Grinch, a grumpy creature, plans to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville but learns the true meaning of the holiday.
Why Watch: Jim Carrey’s over-the-top performance brings Dr. Seuss’s beloved character to life.
Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Where to watch the movie: Netflix, AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
6. A Christmas Story (1983)
Plot: A young boy dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, navigating family mishaps and holiday chaos along the way.
Why Watch: This nostalgic comedy is relatable, funny, and brimming with holiday charm.
Stars: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
7. Klaus (2019)
Plot: A reclusive toymaker and a reluctant postman bring joy to a gloomy town, reinventing the story of Santa Claus.
Why Watch: Stunning animation and a heartwarming tale about kindness and redemption make this a standout holiday film.
Stars: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to watch the movie: Netflix
8. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Plot: George Bailey, facing financial ruin, contemplates ending his life, only to be shown by an angel how meaningful his existence is.
Why Watch: A timeless classic that reminds us of the impact we have on others, making it a must-watch during Christmas.
Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and PLEX (Free)
9. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Plot: Santa’s clumsy son, Arthur, embarks on a mission to deliver a forgotten gift before Christmas morning.
Why Watch: A funny and heartfelt adventure that captures the spirit of the season.
Stars: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV and Prime Video
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Plot: A young girl learns the importance of belief when a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle.
Why Watch: A beautiful remake that warms the heart with its message about faith and love.
Stars: Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Where to watch the movie: Disney+, AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
11. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Plot: Two dads battle it out to find the year’s most popular Christmas toy for their sons, leading to chaotic and hilarious situations.
Why Watch: A fun and relatable comedy about holiday shopping madness.
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Where to watch the movie: Disney+, AppleTV, Prime Video and CraveTV
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Plot: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, discovers Christmas and attempts to bring its joy to Halloween Town—with mixed results.
Why Watch: Tim Burton’s gothic animation and quirky story are perfect for both Halloween and Christmas.
Stars: Danny Elfman (voice), Catherine O’Hara
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and Disney+
13. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Plot: Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas amid the season’s commercialism.
Why Watch: A simple, poignant story with lovable Peanuts characters and an iconic soundtrack.
Stars: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea (voices)
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV
14. Frozen (2013)
Plot: Princess Anna teams up with Kristoff and Olaf the snowman to save her kingdom from eternal winter and reconnect with her sister Elsa.
Why Watch: A winter wonderland of catchy songs and sibling love makes it perfect for the season.
Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Where to watch the movie: AppleTV, Prime Video and Disney+
15. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
Plot: Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption gets a stunning animated retelling.
Why Watch: The visual style and moving story breathe new life into this timeless holiday classic.
Stars: Luke Evans, Olivia Colman
Trailer:
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch the movie: Netflix
This holiday season, gather your loved ones, cozy up, and let these Christmas movies bring magic and joy to your family time. Happy holidays and happy watching these family Christmas movies! 🎄
