20 of the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the TV with your loved ones during the holiday season, hot cocoa in hand and twinkling lights in the background. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or revisiting old favorites, Christmas movies have a magical way of bringing families together. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the right one for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents.
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That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 of the best Christmas movies the whole family can enjoy. From heartwarming classics to animated adventures, this list has a little something for every festive mood.
So grab a blanket, hit play, and let the holiday spirit roll!
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This beloved 1964 stop-motion classic follows Rudolph, the misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose, who overcomes exclusion and ultimately leads Santa’s sleigh—and hearts everywhere—with courage and kindness.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 animated special)
The Grinch, a grouchy creature with a heart “two sizes too small,” tries to ruin Christmas for Whoville—but learns the true meaning of the season when he hears the Whos singing joyfully despite their losses.
A magical hat brings Frosty to life in this cheerful animated special, as children race against time to help their snowy friend reach the North Pole before he melts.
Charlie Brown wrestles with the commercialization of the holiday, finding heartwarming redemption through a small, scraggly tree and Linus’s iconic recitation of the Christmas story.
5. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
A delightful stop-motion tale that explores how Santa came to be—complete with generous origins, helpful children, and the journey of a lifelong gift-giver.
This beloved collection features Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang navigating the true meanings of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with heartwarming simplicity. Classic animation and timeless messages make these stories cherished traditions.
7. The Year Without a Santa Claus
In this quirky animated classic, Santa takes a holiday—which inspires two unlikely characters, the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, to teach the season’s message in their grumpy way.
Set in the 1940s, young Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, despite everyone’s warnings. Full of nostalgic charm and quirky humor, it’s a holiday favorite for generations.
A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a doubting boy on a heartfelt journey to the North Pole, where he rediscovers the wonder of belief.
A young orphan boy with a talent for drumming finds himself on a journey that leads him to the nativity, where he discovers the power of love and giving. This stop-motion classic delivers a touching message of redemption and faith.
11. Elf
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised as an elf who journeys to New York City spreading Christmas cheer—with hilarious results and a generous heart.
12. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
The Grinch, a grumpy recluse, plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville but learns the true spirit of the holiday through unexpected kindness. Dr. Seuss’ timeless tale combines whimsy with heart in this animated favorite.
13. Home Alone
Mischievous and resourceful Kevin McCallister, accidentally left alone at Christmas, uses clever traps and sheer determination to protect his home from bumbling burglars.
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s stop-motion gem follows Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries—and hilariously fails—to take over Christmas with unforgettable flair.
A lovable and brisk Disney adaptation of Dickens’ classic, with iconic characters like Scrooge McDuck and Mickey Mouse breathing festive life into a lesson of kindness and redemption.
16. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas and Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
These two collections of animated holiday stories feature Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and friends learning heartfelt lessons about love, generosity, and family. Each tale brings classic Disney charm to festive celebrations.
17. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Michael Caine stars as Scrooge in this funny, musical Muppets retelling, where Gonzo and Rizzo narrate Dickens’ timeless tale with Muppet-style warmth and humor.
18. Barbie: 3 Movie Holiday Collection
Join Barbie in three magical holiday adventures filled with music, friendship, and meaningful life lessons. These animated stories inspire young viewers with themes of kindness and holiday cheer.
19. White Christmas
In this musical holiday classic, two entertainers team up with a sister act to save a Vermont inn and honor their former army general. Filled with iconic songs and heartwarming moments, it’s a celebration of love, friendship, and festive spirit.
20. Arthur Christmas
A delightful animated film that reveals Santa’s high-tech operation and centers on the clumsy but lovable Arthur, who embarks on a mission to deliver one forgotten gift.
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