Looking for a Christmas movie to stream this year? Check out these family-friendly holiday films.
You’ve decorated your tree and started sampling all the holiday cookie recipes, but the season won’t be complete without a family movie night! We’ve rounded up a list of the best family Christmas movies to watch with your little ones, from classic to modern, varying from animated to live-action. Time to get the hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies ready and snuggle together while enjoying these films that will get you into the spirit of the holiday season.
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A Christmas Story Christmas
This sequel to the 1983 classic film finds Ralphie celebrating Christmas with his own family when he returns home to Cleveland Street after his father’s death. Parents should know that there may be some inappropriate language and crude situations.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on HBOMax
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
If you prefer an animated version of Dickens's classic Christmas story, Netflix offers up its latest, “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.” With a supernatural bent, this musical adaptation promises something for the whole family.
Rated: No Rating
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Netflix
The Santa Clauses
While technically not a movie, this mini-series and the latest installment in this modern Christmas franchise, finds Santa hanging up his red hat, shaving off his pearly white beard, and retiring. His retirement is short-lived though when he realizes he may have hired the wrong replacement and endangered not only his elves but the whole holiday.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Disney +
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Kevin Bacon makes an appearance in this hilarious and festive holiday special from Marvel Studios: the Guardians take a trip to Earth with the hopes of finding a Christmas gift for Quill. Parents should keep in mind that the original film was rated PG-13, and while the holiday special has not yet been rated, it may be best suited for older kids.
Rated: Not yet rated
Recommended Ages: 12+
Available on Disney +
Alien Xmas
A young elf receives an alien she believes is simply a toy, but it turns out to be so much more. While this movie has a brief 42-minute runtime, it will entertain the young and old alike.
Rated: TV-Y
Recommended Ages: 2+
Available on Netflix
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Released in 2020, this charming live-action musical about a toymaker is part Steampunk and part Dickens. Featuring a predominantly Black cast, including Academy-Award-winning Forest Whitaker, the once-betrayed and disgruntled toymaker finds new hope with his granddaughter.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Netflix
Yogi’s First Christmas
This Christmas classic finds Yogi and his affable sidekick Boo Boo joining in on the holiday fun, even though they should be hibernating. Kids will love meeting other Hanna-Barbera favorites like Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, and Augie Doggie.
Rated: No Rating
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Amazon
The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2
After two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they head out on an all-night journey to get things back on track. Starring Kurt Russell, this crowd-pleasing film got a sequel in 2020 with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus.
Rated PG
Recommended Ages: 10+
Available at Netflix
The Legend of the Christmas Witch
This 2018 Italian film tells the story of an ordinary school teacher who, at night, transforms into Befana, the magical witch who bestows gifts upon all the good children. Available in Italian with English subtitles or a dubbed English version.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Amazon Freevee
The Nutcracker
This version of the timeless tale stars Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin and is narrated by Kevin Kline. With dancing, music, and a young Culkin dressed as a soldier battling against mice, this musical will get the entire family in the spirit of the season.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available on Hulu
Alone for Christmas
What’s cuter than puppies? Christmas puppies! This is basically the plot to Home Alone but instead of a kid, you’ve got an adorable pup! Rated: PG Recommended Ages: 8+ Available on Amazon
Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger is willing to go to any length to get his son the latest and greatest toy for Christmas in this 1990s film. While there are some funny moments, some are also violent, and the movie may be better for older kids.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Amazon
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas
The Cat in the Hat is back again, making a messy party for all of the guests. But when the party is over The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick, and the Fish discover a poor lost baby reindeer they are determined to help find his way home.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 2+
Available on Amazon
Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You
Inspired by Mariah Carey’s instant holiday classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” this sweet little cartoon features a young girl named Mariah who wants one thing for Christmas—a puppy! (Again, puppies + Christmas = love). Plus, it features voices by Mariah Carey as well as Breanna Yde and Henry Winkler.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 4+
Available on Amazon
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Fans of the affable monkey won’t want to miss this adventurous holiday story featuring George and the Man in the Yellow Hat. They both work hard to find the perfect gifts for each other.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Hulu
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
The three sweet holiday tales in this anthology star Mickey and his pals in reimaginings of classic stories. Make this viewing a double feature with the sequel Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas also available on Disney +.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Disney +
Dr. Seuss's The Grinch
This 2018 retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story about the green grump who wants to stop Christmas is packed full of fun and laughs. Pharrell Williams narrates, while Benedict Cumberbatch voices the cantankerous Grinch.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Amazon
Frosty the Snowman
The whole family will be a bunch of jolly, happy souls when they watch this holiday classic about the snowman who was brought to life with a magic hat and some love.
Rated: Not rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Amazon
Klaus
The first original Netflix animated film, Klaus, follows the story of a plucky mailman and a toy maker in a bleak, remote village. They form an unlikely friendship when they decide to spread joy by delivering presents to kids.
Rating: PG
Recommended Ages: 7+
Available on Netflix
The Snowman
Based on the classic picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is totally worth a watch with your tiny tots. This wordless movie follows the adventures of a young boy whose snowman comes to life. It’s a simple but whimsical story that still offers a healthy dose of holiday magic.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Amazon
The Polar Express
Based on the beautiful best-selling book, this modern classic follows a young boy on his journey to the North Pole where he discovers just how real Santa’s holiday magic is.
Rating: G
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Amazon
A StoryBots Christmas
StoryBots fans will love following along as Bo heads to the North Pole to get gift advice from Santa only to discover that the Jolly Old Elf has gone missing.
Rating: TV-Y
Recommended Ages: 4+
Available on Netflix
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
Narrated by Fred Astaire, this classic holiday flick tells the story of Santa’s humble beginnings. The kids will get a kick out of seeing the movie’s take on how certain Christmas traditions began (like the flying reindeer and why Santa comes through the chimney).
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available on Amazon
Santa Buddies
What’s more playfully fun than a bunch of talking puppies trying to save Christmas? The adorable Santa Buddies are lending their paws to save the big day at the North Pole.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available on Hulu
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
The classic story of It’s a Wonderful Life gets a kid-friendly twist thanks to the Muppet gang. In this version, the Muppet Theater is in trouble and a stressed-out Kermit wonders if the world would have been better off without him and his friends. Luckily, his guardian angel (David Arquette) shows him what matters most—with the help of fun musical numbers and a star-studded cast, of course.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Amazon
Super Monsters Save Christmas
Celebrate the holiday season in Pitchfork Pines with this brand-new special starring the Super Monsters. Christmas Eve finds the Super Monsters lending Santa a magical helping hand to find his missing reindeer.
Rating: TV-Y
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on Netflix
Arthur Christmas
What’s the lovable youngest son of Santa to do when he discovers that one child hasn’t received her Christmas present? Go on a madcap mission, of course! You’ll love the family spirit of this movie as we meet Arthur and the whole Claus clan.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available on Amazon
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Are your little elves torn about whether their favorite holiday is Christmas or Halloween? Then give ‘em a dose of both. This holiday classic is a little offbeat, a little spooky, and full of a whole lot of crazy stop-motion visuals. It’s perfect for kids who crave a different kind of Christmas movie—and those who are old enough to enjoy the eerie effects.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 7+
Available at: Disney+
A Charlie Brown Christmas
For wise kids (and those who have a soft spot for Snoopy), you can’t go wrong with the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown has some deep thoughts about Christmas commercialization and the holiday blues, but the end is all kinds of merry: the true meaning of Christmas and snappy music to boot.
Special note: A Charlie Brown Christmas will be offered to non-subscribers on AppleTV+ from December 22 through December 25.
Otherwise, subscribers can stream it anytime.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on AppleTV+
The Santa Clause
Older kids will get a kick out of watching Tim Allen (a divorced, uninvolved, turkey-burning dad) take a turn as Santa. The scenes at Santa’s workshop and the North Pole are definitely amazing, but practice some Christmas caution: Allen gets the Santa gig because the original takes a fatal topple off a roof, there’s a lot of talk about divorce, and even a slightly scary scene with police.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 9+
Available on Disney+
Home Alone
A member of the John Hughes movie family, Home Alone is a full-fledged faceoff between eight-year-old Kevin and a couple of witless burglars. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, you may not remember just how violent the slapstick gets. Still, it’s worth a view for older kids who understand the Christmas consequences.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 10+
Available on Amazon
Elf
Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins (pardon our language) and miss out on watching the story of our favorite innocent “elf,” Buddy. This is another holiday movie you’ll be quoting all season long. Though there are a few spots that may run a little boring for little ones, they’ll still love seeing the holidays through Buddy’s enthusiastic eyes.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 7+
Miracle on 34th Street
This 1994 remake of a 1940s classic has all the tried-and-true favorites of a Christmas movie: a precocious kid, a lovable Santa, and a smiley ending. But keep in mind, Mom and Dad, that the little girl in the movie does question the existence of Santa Claus—so if this isn’t a hot topic in your house yet, you might want to skip this one!
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Amazon
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
We can’t settle the age-old debate of old Grinch vs. new Grinch—but we’ll admit that the classic ‘toon version holds a special place in our “two sizes too small” hearts. Add it to your holiday movie lineup to get your yuletide dose of Seuss and Whoville.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 4+
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This stop-motion classic about Rudolph and his unusual nose is a must-watch for every generation in your house. Parents can join their children on a nostalgic journey to the unforgettable Island of Misfit Toys.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
The Muppets Christmas Carol
There are a lot of versions of this story out there, but how many of them feature Michael Caine as Scrooge and the big-hearted Kermit as Bob Cratchit? Throw in all the fun musical numbers and Gonzo as the Charles Dickens narrator and you’ve got yourself a movie sesh to remember. Fair warning: his job is to scare Scrooge, so the Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty scary.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available on Amazon and Disney+
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
There’s a “Gift of the Magi” element at play in this 1977 Jim Henson wholesome classic Christmas tale that is as adorable as it is lively, with original songs by Paul Williams. Kermit the Frog’s turn as the narrator is both funny and adorable.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 4+
Available at: Amazon
A Christmas Story
Warning: Watching A Christmas Story is likely to result in nonstop quoting of all those hilarious one-liners (Go ahead and say it with us: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”). Double warning for the younger tots: “Fudge” is substituted for the F word, one poor kid gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole, and let’s not forget that fishnet stocking leg lamp.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
White Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas? You can’t get much more classic than a Christmas movie featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and tunes from Irving Berlin. It may not have cartoon adventure, but it does have musical numbers and an emphasis on love and family.
Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Netflix
Noelle
Ever wonder what it’s like being Santa’s kids? Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader star in this super fun story about how filling the big man’s shoes might be a little too much pressure to handle. Is the Christmas spirit truly hereditary? Find out!
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Disney +
A Christmas Carol
Jim Carrey takes on this classic tale as Ebenezer Scrooge as only he can. Watch as he’s visited by three spirits, and learns about the true meaning of Christmas in this live-action film.
Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available on Disney +
Beauty and The Beast: An Enchanted Christmas
Inspired by the classic fairytale, this movie is a great way to celebrate the holidays as Mrs. Potts tells the story of the Christmas that almost didn’t happen. Kids will enjoy seeing their favorite characters and the new songs in this tale of friendship and love.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Disney +
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Tiny viewers will love watching Pooh and his friends help Rabbit discover the true meaning of the season. It's an animated story about friendship and staying true to who you are.
Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 4+
Available on Disney +
Full Court Miracle
This Disney original Hanukkah movie, which happens to be based on a true story, follows a beloved basketball coach as he becomes the coach of a yeshiva in Philly.
Rated: TV-G
Recommended: Ages 8+
Available on Amazon
with additional reporting by Abigail Matsumoto and Jesseca Stenson
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