Let’s check them out. These are the best family Christmas movies, in our opinion!
We just asked what Holiday movie you could watch over and over again on Facebook and so many of these movies popped into the comments. There is something about the holiday classics you keep coming back for and finding new holiday movies you can’t wait to watch year after year.
Here is my list of holiday movies to watch with the kids, by yourself, or to have on the TV in the background all day long (um…Elf, of course!!). Enjoy
Top 20 Best Family Christmas Movies
80s
Home Alone (1990) Getting left behind when the family leaves town for Christmas vacation can seem fun. This movie is a reminder that with all the chaos that comes with the holidays it’s nice being with family. (Streaming on Disney+)
Uncle Buck (1989) During the holidays, sometimes you are around extended family. For those who have been bestowed a funcle (fun uncle) it was a dream to make pancakes that can only be flipped with a shovel ($3.99 rental Amazon/Apple TV)
A Christmas Story (1983) It’s the Wizard of Oz of Christmas movies. There are so many things referenced to this movie in pop culture that its a must-see (HBOmax /on TBS most of December)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) This movie is peek Robins Williams, and worth revisiting. As a parent, it may remind you to enjoy the moments with your kids (Stars/$3.99 Amazon rental).
Harry and the Henderson’s (1987) Bigfoot becomes an unlikely member of the family. I considered Marley & Me, but Harry basically a pet and this movie is less sad (Peacock)
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989 PG-13) Worth watching for a few scenes that are pop culture references (HBOmax/$3.99 Amazon Rental).
Scrooged (1988 PG-13) A Christmas Carol featuring Bill Murray. Dark and cynical, and some satire. If you looking for something with some horror elements but 80s family family-friendly, this could work (Amazon Prime/Paramount+).
PG-13 Movies
Instant Family (2018 PG-13) An underrated family movie and gets you more involved than you thought you would (Paramount+, FX now)
Meet the Parents (PG-13 2000) One to consider to have on in the background when the younger ones are busy, and the adults are winding down (Peacock)
Grumpy Old Men (1993 PG-13) It seems to be an oddball choice for a family movie, but a movie every Minnesotan should see. Its kind of like the Grinch, where watching grumpy people may actually put yourself in a better mood (Showtime/$2.99 rental Youtube)
Modern Christmas Movies
Elf (2003) At this point, you can’t leave this off any list (HBOmax)
8-Bit Christmas (2021 PG) “A Christmas Story” for the 80s generation. It has similar themes. Instead of a Red Ryder BB gun, it’s a Nintendo (HBOmax/$3.99 Rental Amazon)
Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special (2022) For your marvel fans at home. This has a few songs and not a bad diversion for 45 minutes where some of your favorite superheroes don’t have to save the world.
When the kids go to bed
Love Actually (2003) You see the poster of this film and expect your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s among the best rom-coms ever made (Peacock Premium/Showtime / Paramount+)
The Holiday (2013 PG-13) Seems like a novel put to screen and seems to stick around (TNT/$2.99 Amazon rental)
Last Christmas (2020) Having the soundtrack of George Micheal may make this worth a rental (Amazon $3.99 rental)
Die Hard (1988 R) This has been debated on if it’s a Christmas movie or not.
Animated
Klaus (2019) A throwback to Disney’s glory days of hand-drawn cartoons (Netflix)
The Grinch (2018) Made by the same studio as the Minions. While parents probably will prefer the original or the Jim Carrey version, this will entertain the kids more.
Arthur Christmas (2011) The animation is a little dated by todays standards, but this has the humor of a minions movie and breaks down the logistics of the North Pole in a documentary style. Its smart, overlooked and the only kid’s movie that references the Cuban Missle Crisis (Prime / Hulu / HBOmax / Tnt / TBS)
We hoped you liked our list of Best Family Christmas Movies. Thanks for reading.
