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Time is flying by almost as fast as a certain North Pole-dweller’s sleigh. Somehow, we’re already almost halfway through November. Although we all surely love Thanksgiving (I mean, between all the food and gratitude and did I mention THE FOOD, what isn’t to like?), it’s hard not to look ahead towards the holly jolly holiday that’s just a bit further on the horizon… Christmas.
There’s a lot to feel merry about when it comes to Noel, but one of the biggest highlights for many of us are all of the incredible Christmas movies that bring together families and friends for a terrific and joyous time. With that in mind, we’ve done some digging to assemble the 12 best kid-friendly Christmas movies that everyone will fa-la-love, whether you’re one or 92. So grab your cocoa, your kiddos, and Christmas spirit, because these holiday movies are about to light your lives up like a Christmas tree.
RELATED: 5 Holiday Movies from 2020 That Deserve a Rewatch in 2021
'A Christmas Carol' (1938)
Description: Just about everyone who knows anything about Christmas has heard of A Christmas Carol. This age-old tale is a holiday must-watch, but with so many different versions through the years, it can be hard to settle on just one. The 1938 version is probably the ideal place to start, after all, not only can you introduce your kids to the early years of film as we’ve come to know it, but you’re also showing them one of the most faithful adaptations of the original classic Charles Dickens 1843 novella of the same name. It also helps that you and your kids can share a laugh or two over some of the sillier moments that one would expect to come from early film special effects and acting choices (my family and I have always gotten a kick out of this Tiny Tim in particular, whose baffling desire to stroke his family’s Christmas goose never fails to amuse us). Make no mistake, though, that there’s still a certain spookiness inherent to the movie between the ghosts, loneliness, and regret that all haunt Ebenezer Scrooge, but it’s the culmination of all these things that make this film such a classic Christmas hit.
Cast: Reginald Owen, Terry Kilburn, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Leo G. Carroll, Ann Rutherford
Rated: NR
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964)
Description: This stop-motion animated TV special is a holiday must-watch for kids of all ages, who surely know the name and lore of Rudolph due to many a-classic Christmas carol, and therefore will find plenty to love about this movie that elevates its titular reindeer’s story to whole new heights. Our guy Rudolph is the only reindeer born with a glowing red nose that causes him to be ostracized by his peers, leading him on a journey full of friendship, love, catchy tunes, misfit toys, and Christmas cheer. This movie has everything: a story about overcoming adversity, a talking and impeccably dressed snowman, an elf who wants to be a dentist. Need we say more?
Cast: Billie Richards, Paul Soles, Burl Ives, Larry Mann, Janis Orenstein, Stan Francis
Rated: G
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
Description: As the season of holiday cheer and merriment begins, Charlie Brown is feeling down (truly, a relatable king). Being the awesome local child psychiatrist that she is, Lucy suggests that Charlie put up a Christmas play in order to get in the holiday spirit, but it all comes crashing down for poor Chuck when his centerpiece, a nearly bare and unfortunate-looking little tree, is jeered at and mocked by those around him. But thanks to the unstoppable combination of a moving speech from Linus on the meaning of Christmas and the undeniable power of catchy jazz music, Charlie’s Christmas disaster has a happy ending that you and your family won’t be able to help but groove along to.
Cast: Peter Robbins, Chris Shea, Tracy Stratford, Cathy Steinberg, Chris Doran, Geoffrey Orstein, Sally Dryer
Rated: NR
'Frosty the Snowman' (1969)
Description: Frosty the Snowman is an especially great movie for those of you with young children who are looking for something age-appropriate to watch over the holidays. Not only is this an entertaining romp of an animated movie full of music and magic, but it also is a quick watch, clocking in at just about 25 minutes! Even so, it’s still plenty of time for Frosty the Snowman to be brought to life, embark on a journey with his child creators-cum-buddies to the North Pole, sacrifice himself for one said said-children, and be brought from the dead much like Christ, himself, by Santa Claus. Now that’s what I call an action-packed viewing experience!
Cast: Jackie Vernon, June Foray, Jimmy Durante, Billy De Wolfe, Paul Frees
Rated: G
'The Year Without a Santa Claus' (1974)
Description: Even Santa Claus needs a vacation every once in a while. That’s proven to be the case when the big man in red catches a cold and is so worn out that his doctor recommends switching things up, prompting him to skip out on delivering presents this year. Mrs. Claus (who clearly wears the pants in this relationship) is none too pleased, and joins forces with elves Jingle and Jangle to find proof that the kids of the world still need and believe in Santa. Kids may recognize classic Christmas songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Blue Christmas,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and they’ll surely enjoy the movie’s original catchy numbers like those sung by Snow Miser and Heat Miser. What they’ll definitely recognize by the end of this movie, though, is the fact that Mrs. C is an absolute G.
Cast: Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth, Dick Shawn, George S. Irving, Bob McFadden, Bradley Bolke
Rated: NR
'A Christmas Story' (1983)
Description: Based on the semi-anecdotal stories from Jean Shepherd’s 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, it’s impossible not to think of this movie without thinking “You’ll shoot your eye out!” See, this is clearly a movie you want to show children, as it teaches them great lessons about gun safety (sort of), the importance of avoiding sticking their tongues on frozen poles, the pitfalls of cussing, and the tackiness of leg lamps. Gather your family to take in the highs and lows of nine year-old Ralphie Parker’s holiday season that’s packed with moments your children will come to fully understand when they’re older (but that you get the benefit of fully enjoying now).
Cast: Peter Billingsley, Ian Petrella, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz, Jean Shepherd, Zack Ward
Rated: PG
'Home Alone' (1990)
Description: What more could a kid love than a movie about a child beating the crap out of grown adults and being rewarded for it? Even your family pooch will be entertained by the precocious pranks and hijinks of Kevin McCallister as he protects his home from dastardly burglars in the wake of being accidentally left home alone by his family for the holidays. This is the Taken of Christmas movies in that these kids reeeeaaallly should have maxed out at being “taken” and left “home alone” once (I mean seriously, how negligent can a parent be before CPS needs to get involved?!), but dang it if it’s not endlessly entertaining when it’s on this safe onscreen format where the kids win and bad guys get what’s coming to them. And boy, do they. Ouch.
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, John Candy
Rated: PG
'The Santa Clause' (1994)
Description: Like all the best kids movies (hello, Bambi), this one begins with a murder. Divorced toy salesman Scott Calvin has his son, Charlie, for the holidays, but their Christmas Eve isn’t going as planned. First, Scott burns his turkey, then he has to go eat at Denny’s?! How could the night get worse? By accidentally killing Santa Claus, apparently. The body vanishes but the suit remains, and Scott’s (kind of weird?) decision to put it on activates a legally binding agreement (“The Santa Clause,” heyo) making him the new Santa, much to his horror. What ensues is a magical Christmas adventure that’ll allow you to respond honestly when your kid asks if you’re Santa, without totally crushing their sense of whimsy. A win-win for all. Except the previous Santa, Rest In Peace, dude.
Cast: Tim Allen, Eric Lloyd, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold, David Krumholtz, Paige Tamada, Peter Boyle
Rated: PG
'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)
Description: Although there are multiple onscreen versions of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book of the same name, it is the 2000 live-action version of the film that perhaps leaves the biggest mark on our brains and souls. Visually, at the very least, everything’s pretty unforgettable, so much so that the film even won the Oscar for Best Makeup at the 73rd Academy Awards ceremony. Another thing that’s unforgettable is Jim Carrey’s performance as the Grinch, who we somehow sympathize with and root for even though he hates Christmas and tries to ruin it for all the Whos of Whoville (probably because the sad backstory the movie gifts him with). Luckily, the Grinch has adorable little Who girl Cindy Lou Who and absolute legend of a dog Max to set him straight and clue him in on the true meaning of Christmas. Come for the wacky, classic story, stay for “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor, Molly Shannon, Bill Irwin, Mindy Sterling, Anthony Hopkins
Rated: PG
'Elf' (2003)
Description: The cast? Unreal. The comedy? Timeless. The New York City backdrop? Immaculate. Elf is a national treasure that everyone from children to grandparents can fall in love with, because how can anyone not fall for a movie with this much heart (and cotton ball eating)?! Buddy the Elf crawled his way into Santa’s sack of toys as a baby, lifting him from an orphanage all the way to the North Pole, where he was adopted by Papa Elf and raised along with the rest of Santa’s elves, though he never has truly felt like he’s belonged. Buddy thinks he’ll find that sense of belonging, however, in his biological father, Walter Hobbs, so he treks to Manhattan on foot just to find him. Walter is a curmudgeonly jerk, but it’s not enough to deter Buddy, and it’s hard for both the other characters and us not to be wooed by his relentless optimist, childish wonder, and passion for Christmas. Let yourself (and your family!) be wooed this Christmas.
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Peter Dinklage
Rated: PG
'The Polar Express' (2004)
Description: It’s Christmas Eve in Michigan in the year 1956 and Tom Hanks is everywhere you turn. That’s the gist of this animated musical adventure film in with a young boy doubts the existence of Santa Claus, and is subsequently take on the journey of his life alongside other children aboard the titular Polar Express. This movie will make you crave hot chocolate, fear puppets, and check under your bed for Tom Hanks before you go to sleep that night (seriously, he plays a million roles in this movie). Even so, these are just some of the things that make The Polar Express so iconic, and kids won’t help but be able to love the story, characters, music, visuals, and impactful message (and we won’t tell anyone if you end up shedding a tear or two while watching it).
Cast: Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari, Eddie Deezen, Michael Jeter
Rated: G
'Klaus' (2019)
Description: It’s not too often that a Christmas movie is nominated for an Academy Award, but Klaus fits the bill, and for good reason. This animated film offers a highly original take on the beloved legend of Santa Claus, wherein spoiled postman Jesper Johansson is forced to grow up after being assigned to the isolated and slightly (okay, maybe more than slightly — there’s a shocking amount of noose imagery, so just be prepared for that) terrifying island town, Smeerensburg. In a desperate bid to drum up postal business, he teams up with the ax-wielding and massive reclusive woodsman Klaus who just so happens to be a boss at making toys (and has a soft spot for helping kiddos in need). This is definitely a movie that people of all ages will be entertained and captivated by, so be sure to give it a watch this holiday season.
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack, Norm Macdonald, Will Sasso
Rated: PG
