Top Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Friends and Family
The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and cosy movie nights that bring everyone together. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming tales, exciting adventures, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s a Christmas movie for every family. This curated list includes some of the best family-friendly movies released from the year 2000 onward, with Home Alone as a nostalgic classic exception. Grab some hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and dive into these festive films!
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1. Home Alone (1990)
Classic Alert!
Even though it’s from the ‘1990s, Home Alone has cemented its place as a holiday staple. The hilarious and heartwarming story of young Kevin McCallister, who accidentally gets left behind during Christmas, continues to bring joy to all ages.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a perfect mix of adventure, humour, and holiday cheer, with iconic scenes and unforgettable moments that remind us of the true spirit of family.
2. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell as Santa? Yes, please!
The Christmas Chronicles stars Kurt Russell as the coolest, most rock-and-roll Santa Claus you’ll ever meet. This Netflix original delivers a fast-paced, heartwarming adventure that follows two siblings, Kate and Teddy, who team up with Santa after they accidentally cause his sleigh to crash on Christmas Eve. Along the way, they experience magical moments, daring rescues, and rediscover the true spirit of the season.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a perfect mix of adventure, humour, and holiday cheer, with iconic scenes and unforgettable moments that remind us of the true spirit of family.
3. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This vibrant musical brings a whole new level of magic to the holiday season. Featuring stunning visuals, original songs, and a star-studded cast, Jingle Jangle tells the story of a toy maker whose life changes when a young girl brings back the magic of his lost inventions.
Why You’ll Love It: With its inspiring message of hope, creativity, and belief in oneself, it’s a feel-good movie that’s uplifting for both kids and adults.
4. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas gives a fresh take on Santa’s high-tech operations at the North Pole. When one child’s present is accidentally left behind, it’s up to Santa’s clumsy but lovable son, Arthur, to save the day.
Why You’ll Love It: This movie is packed with humor and heart, offering a new perspective on Santa’s magical mission to deliver gifts.
5. Elf (2003)
This modern Christmas comedy features Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, who ventures to New York City to find his real family. Buddy’s childlike innocence and holiday spirit clash hilariously with the cynical big city.
Why You’ll Love It: Buddy’s adventures are filled with laughter and a heartwarming message about belonging and family.
6. The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the beloved children’s book, The Polar Express is a magical journey that follows a young boy on a Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole. The movie, starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, explores themes of belief and wonder.
Why You’ll Love It: Its stunning animation and captivating story make it a great choice for a cozy family movie night.
7. Noelle (2019)
In Noelle, Anna Kendrick plays Santa’s daughter, who steps up to save Christmas when her brother, the next-in-line Santa, disappears. This Disney+ original brings a fresh, fun twist to the holiday genre.
Why You’ll Love It: With plenty of laughs, charming characters, and a feel-good plot, it’s perfect for a lighthearted holiday watch.
8. Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated film on Netflix follows a selfish postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker, Klaus, to bring joy to a town in despair. Nominated for an Academy Award, Klaus is a heartwarming story of friendship and generosity.
Why You’ll Love It: The stunning animation, combined with a touching story, makes this film a standout Christmas favourite.
9. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
This fantasy adventure film, based on the best-selling book, takes us on the origin story of Father Christmas. Young Nikolas goes on a quest to find his father and ends up discovering the magical world of elves.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a visually stunning film with a touching message about hope and the magic of Christmas.
10. The Grinch (2018)
This animated remake of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas features the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the iconic green grump. This version is colourful, funny, and perfectly suited for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love It: The Grinch’s antics, combined with the heartwarming message of Christmas, make it a perfect family movie.
11. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Although not solely about Christmas, this animated adventure includes Santa Claus and other holiday icons like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy
as they protect the world’s children from an evil spirit.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s an action-packed, imaginative film with breathtaking animation and a message about courage and belief.
12. A Christmas Prince (2017)
This Netflix original follows an aspiring journalist who goes undercover to get the scoop on a charming prince. While it’s a romantic comedy at its core, it’s also family-friendly with plenty of festive spirit.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a feel-good royal holiday film with beautiful scenery and a touch of romance.
13. The Star (2017)
The Star offers a unique perspective on the first Christmas, as told through the eyes of a brave donkey and his animal friends. This animated film is a fun and heartwarming retelling of the Nativity story.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a humorous and uplifting movie with great messages for kids about faith and friendship.
14. The Princess Switch (2018)
This Netflix favourite, starring Vanessa Hudgens in dual roles, follows a duchess and a baker who switch places at Christmas time. It’s a light-hearted, fun take on the classic “switching lives” trope.
Why You’ll Love It: With its holiday charm and entertaining plot, it’s a perfect family-friendly romance.
15. A Christmas Carol (2009)
This motion-capture animated version of the Charles Dickens classic features Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge. With its stunning visuals and faithful adaptation, it brings the timeless tale to a new generation.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a visually immersive retelling of a classic Christmas story with themes of redemption and generosity.
16. The Claus Family (2020)
In this Netflix film, a young boy who hates Christmas learns a family secret that changes everything: his grandfather is Santa Claus. As he discovers the joy of the season, he helps to save Christmas.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a charming family adventure with themes of forgiveness and the magic of Christmas.
17. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
This comedy follows a couple who plan to skip Christmas but end up in a hilarious whirlwind of last-minute preparations when their daughter decides to come home for the holidays.
Why You’ll Love It: The humour and chaotic holiday preparations make it relatable and fun for the whole family.
18. Angela’s Christmas (2018)
This short but touching animated film on Netflix follows a young girl in Ireland who sets out to bring Christmas joy to those in need. Based on a story by Frank McCourt, it’s a heartwarming tale for all ages.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a sweet, simple story that reminds us of the importance of kindness and generosity.
19. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
The sequel to The Christmas Chronicles brings back Kurt Russell as Santa and Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus. This time, they must stop an evil elf from ruining Christmas.
Why You’ll Love It: With more magical action and festive fun, it’s an exciting continuation of the first film that the whole family will enjoy.
20. Let It Snow (2019)
This Netflix teen drama, based on the best-selling novel, follows a group of high school friends as a snowstorm brings their lives and relationships together on Christmas Eve.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a charming, heartwarming story with themes of friendship, love, and holiday magic.
Conclusion
This holiday season, you have plenty of family-friendly options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a magical adventure, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a heartwarming story. From nostalgic classics like Home Alone to recent hits like Klaus, these 20 Christmas movies will make your family movie nights extra special. So, pop some popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket, and let the holiday movie marathon begin!
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