Top 10 family Christmas movies

Christmas movies are an important part of the holiday season. To help prevent film selection frenzy, we’ve done the hard work and found some of the best family Christmas movies on Netflix and elsewhere.

Klaus

At a glance: A modern Christmas Classic
Where to watch: Netflix

A surprising twist on the traditional tale, with a unique art style and slapstick comedy for the kids and a surprising amount of heart for the adults, Klaus is criminally underrated. A must-watch Christmas classic.

Elf

At a glance: Family Christmas Comedy
Where to watch: Amazon or iTunes

It may be getting a little old, but it’s an all-time seasonal favourite for a reason! Elf features Will Ferrell’s hilarious overacting in this children’s movie that also delights grown-ups. It’s as sweet as a candy cane with some side-splitting moments. Perfect for all the family to enjoy together.

The Christmas Chronicles (1+2)

At a glance: A children pleaser
Where to watch: Netflix

This Netflix original is a Christmas movie weaving endearing festive themes – but its crowning glory is Santa Kurt Russell. Two siblings help Saint Nick save Christmas through a variety of holiday hijinks. It’s probably more enjoyable for children and early teen, but it’s still a fun yuletide stream and an entertaining family movie pick.

Arthur Christmas

At a glance: Crowd-pleasing family film
Where to watch: Netflix

Everyone loves an underdog – but does everyone love hi-tech present-delivering elf commandos? Arthur Christmas is a charming animated film with plenty of guffaw opportunity, and it deals with the poignant theme of inclusion and how no one should be left behind at the most wonderful time of the year. You never know, maybe it will help the kids share their presents better…

The Nightmare before Christmas

At a glance: Family Christmas Movie
Where to watch: Disney+

Okay, so there may be some disagreement about whether this counts as a Christmas movie, and it might even be a little scary for the very youngest audiences. But the unmissable Danny Elfman soundtrack combined with the lovingly rendered Stop Motion film technique and Tim Burton twist on the holiday genre means that this film has to hit your Christmas short-list.

Frozen (1+2)

At a glance: Family crowd pleaser
Where to watch: Disney+ or Amazon

Are these technically Christmas movies? Erm, no! Will your children ever stop singing the songs? No! Do we care? No! Let it Go! Frozen 1 and 2 captivated the world thanks to sheer brilliance and mesmerising soundtracks. The animation is the usual Disney quality, the characters are adorable, and the soundtrack harks back to the Golden Age of Disney musicals.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

At a glance: Family classic
Where to watch: Amazon or iTunes

There are three Muppet Christmas specials, but the Muppets Christmas Carol is the best. Not only is it an easy look into a classic British literary piece, but it’s feature-length, unlike other the other Muppet Christmas films. Plus, the message of sharing with those less fortunate than yourself is never more relevant than at Christmas.

The Snowman

At a glance: Family movie aimed at younger children
Where to watch: Amazon or iTunes

Based on the book of the same name by Raymond Briggs, the Snowman is not a full movie, but deserves a place on this list for its whimsical beauty and exceptional soundtrack. The few words and  short run time make it perfect for the youngest members of the family.

Santa’s Apprentice

At a glance: Family film with a quirky edge
Where to watch: Amazon or iTunes

If you’re after something new, this animated film may just fit the bill. Originally made in French, this endearing tale of Mr Claus finding someone to take up his mantle features dazzling animation in a style a little different to from Disney.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

At a glance: Side-splitting Christmas comedy
Where to watch: Amazon or iTunes

The ‘triple decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich’, is best savoured in the 2000 version of this film. There’s an animated version on Netflix which will be better for younger ones, but Jim Carrey is at his rubber-faced best in the 2000 version of this hilarious comedy. For the days where you want to laugh until your sides hurt.

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