The best Christmas movies list for family movie night to get you into the holiday spirit! Whether you’re looking for Christmas movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime, love Hallmark movies or Disney, need best Christmas movies streaming, looking for animated claymation, need fun family Christmas movies for kids, or a new list of Christmas films, we’ve got you covered with a best movies checklist—enough best of Christmas movies for 25 days!
The Best Christmas Movies List for Family Holiday Movies
We have a holiday movie for everyone — from a list of best classic Christmas movies to animated holiday movies, funny holiday movies and more! If you’re wondering how to plan a Christmas movie night or what to do for 25 days of Christmas activities for family, these will help!
What is a good Christmas family movie?
If you want to get right to it, I’ll share our Top 10 best Christmas movies for kids and family movie night — some of the best Christmas movies all time and also some new Christmas movies you haven’t seen (and not just a random Christmas movies list!).
What is the best Christmas movie for a family?
Top 10 Christmas Movie Must-See List:
- A Christmas Story
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (probably one of the most famous Christmas movies!)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Elf
- Miracle on 34th Street
- Deck the Halls
- Christmas with the Kranks (great for comedy family Christmas movies!)
- Arthur Christmas
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors (one of the most underrated Christmas movies ever!)
Get the full 25 days of Christmas movies schedule below — from some of the best Christmas movies you’ve never seen to classic holiday movies for kids to good Christmas movies for the family that you may not have heard of! A great Christmas countdown list for fun kids activities and family holiday ideas! KEEP SCROLLING for the best holiday movies for the whole family!
What is the #1 Christmas movie of all time?
It’s A Wonderful Life is traditionally considered one of the best Christmas movies of all time. However, in holiday polls, these holiday movies also rank in the top: Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story.
Definitely add those to your best family Christmas movies list!
What should I watch on Christmas Eve?
Family movies are great together down time because everyone has to be in one room and there are no phones or gadgets because everyone is trying to take pay attention to the movie. Whether it be Arthur Christmas or Elf or Die Hard (Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?), let everyone vote on what they want to watch on Christmas Eve!
Need more 25 days of Christmas activities for adults and kids? Check out:
BEST Thanksgiving Movies For Kids and Family Movies
38 Holiday Movies You Forgot About
About 25 Days Of Holiday Family Movie Night Activities
To help your family get some together time for the holiday season, I’ve put together the family best Christmas movies, including a best kids’ Christmas movies list!
The great thing about today is that you don’t have to buy movies, you can just stream Christmas movies. You can watch them free online (like Hulu or holiday Netflix movies) or rent them online through places like Amazon Prime.
And, many holiday movies you can stream for free!
(Search Netflix Christmas movies or Freeform 25 Days of Christmas Movies!)
(Of course, we still buy and keep our favorites, but we’re nerdy that way!)
►Did you know that you can try Amazon Prime for FREE and watch holiday movies before even paying for Prime — sometimes even new Christmas movies and Disney Christmas movies!
About our holiday family Christmas movies list…
You could do 25 holiday movies in 25 days, but there is no need to make it a stressful holiday season just to get some movies in!
You may not make it through 25 whole days of movies during the holidays, but I encourage to try to make time for as many family movie nights as you can during this time.
It will become a family tradition for the holidays to help celebrate the magic of the season!
You can even make it a 12 nights of Christmas movie activities or just a Christmas movie bucket list / Christmas movie challenge!
(You can have fun creating a family movie night printable bucket list for holiday activities and including movies!)
Mix it up and introduce your kids to some of your favorite classics from when you were a kid and then watch an animated movie the next night.
Or, take turns letting each person in the family pick a holiday movie for the night! That way everyone has fun with best Christmas movies to watch!
(You can also print the names of all the movies in a jar and draw a new one out every night or make a Christmas movie list printable that you check off!)
These movies are even great for Christmas year round Christmas movie nights or Christmas in July events!
Oh, by the way…
What are the best Christmas movies?
It’s too hard to say! The movies on this list are in no particular order because that would just be way too hard for us to rank our favorites from best to worst! Instead, we have included some favorite Christmas family movies and some unconventional Christmas movies you may not have heard of before!
So, grab your favorite popcorn maker (this kind is our absolute favorite!), make some popcorn, add some movie night snacks, ditch the movie night sign printable and grab this sign, and have fun with these family movie night ideas and 25 days of Christmas movies list!
(You can even make your own family movie night with a popcorn bar with colored popcorn like this, movie snack board, or make your own sundae bar!)
OK! Let’s get to our list of the best Christmas movies — enough fun and festive holiday movies for everyone’s taste!
Affiliate links are used on this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
25 Days of the Best Christmas Movies for Families
The Best Christmas Movies List 1: Classic Christmas Movies
There are classic Christmas movies that everyone should see … just because it’s tradition (and also because some of them are really awesome)!
There’s a wide range of films under this category, so just choose the Christmas themed movies based on your kids’ ages and stages.
(Don’t miss my vote for one of the best Christmas movies for family EVER near the bottom!)
Any of these are good movies with a Christmas theme!
#1: White Christmas
White Christmas is the class Christmas movie with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney.
“A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.” [IMDB]
It’s one of the most popular classic Christmas movies for family for older family Christmas movies and seems to be at the top Christmas movies for families.
RATED: NR
#2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Can I be honest? This holiday movie always made me a little sad.
Don’t get me wrong, I think It’s a Wonderful Life is a great movie (and one everyone needs to see at least once to understand “Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings!” if nothing else).
But, if you’ve never seen it (WHAT?!), be aware that the subject matter may be a little deep for the younger kids.
“An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.” [IMDB]
This is a must for a classic movie checklist for the holidays… at least once add this to your Christmas movie to watch with family.
Also add: Meet Me in St. Louis
RATED: PG
YOU’LL ALSO HAVE FUN WITH THESE HOLIDAY IDEAS AND KIDS ACTIVITIES:
Ideas For Christmas Party Themes That All Ages Will Love!
#3. A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a great movie to watch during the holidays, especially because it covers understanding how your actions affect other people and also helping others.
There are many versions of A Christmas Carol out there, but I happen to like this one.
There are also animated versions of this film, if you’d rather go that way. (Check out this one for animated classic Christmas movies for families.)
Definitely add this class Christmas movie in some form to your holiday movie checklist.
RATED: PG
#4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Ah yes, the ultimate on the list of Christmas movies for kids Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a rite of passage (and probably the most popular Christmas movies claymation ever!).
If you only pick one or two Christmas movies for family night, then Rudolph must be one of them for best family Christmas movies!
One of the best holiday movies for family!
RATED: NR
#5. Frosty the Snowman
What’s better than a snowman that comes to life and dances and stuff?
(Nothing, that’s what.)
Frosty the Snowman is right up there with Rudolph as an animal holiday movie must-watch.
Add it to your animated Christmas movies for the family.
RATED: NR
#6. The Little Drummer Boy
The Little Drummer Boy is another claymation movie (along the same line of Rudolph).
This is the sweetest movie that seems to have fallen off the radar over the past few years because they don’t show it as a TV special any longer.
It is based on the song by the same name from 1941 (and one of the best Christmas movies family films that I remember from childhood).
“An orphan drummer boy who hated humanity finds his life changed forever when he meets three wise men on route to Bethlehem.” [IMDB]
If you’re looking for a Christmas movie about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas or Christian Christmas movie ideas, add Little Drummer Boy to the list for best Christmas movie for family.
Great Christmas movies for Childrens church or youth group, too!
RATED: NR
ALSO CHECK OUT: Host a Bethlehem Dinner
#7. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is still one of my all-time favorite holiday movies.
“In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.” [IMDB]
And, it’s one that kids of all ages will enjoy—full of hysterical moments that will keep the family rolling! If you’re looking for funny Christmas movies, A Christmas Story and Elf are both good choices!
This is one of those annual Christmas movies to watch with family at our house (and a vote for best Christmas movie to watch with family).
Whether it’s best Christmas movies for tweens and teens, wholesome Christmas movies, or couples Christmas time movie, this will be a hit!
RATED: PG
FUN CHRISTMAS MOVIE KIDS ACTIVITIES: Make Ralphie’s soap that you can eat!
#8. A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas movie is another of my favorite childhood movies that came on during the holidays and a top Christmas movies for family.
It’s such a great message because it follows how Charlie Brown feels defeated by how commercialism has taken over the holidays and he seeks to restore the true meaning of Christmas.
Definitely one of the good Christmas movies for families!
RATED: NR
FUN WITH THIS KIDS CHRISTMAS MOVIE: Charlie Brown Christmas Activities
#9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is another Christmas classic movie.
There are many versions out now, but I still like the original animated movie cartoon version (although the movie version with Jim Carrey is pretty good, too, if you’re looking for a non-animated version).
Classic good family Christmas movie for all ages and one of those must watch Christmas movies traditions and even one of the best Christmas films for childrens groups.
RATED: NR
#10. Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street is another on my one of the best Christmas movies list! This updated version is great family Christmas movies version!
It’s another movie that has a lot of versions (but my favorite is the one listed above).
(Here’s the 1947 version if you’re looking for the original.)
Also, if you’re looking for romantic Christmas movies, this holiday film has a really sweet romance with it. Add it to
RATED: PG
#11. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
Remember Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town from your childhood?
It was another stop motion Christmas television special about a mailman deciding to answer some common questions about Santa and Christmas.
The story takes us through Kris Kringle’s life. When he grows up, he wants to deliver toys to Sombertown, but the Burgermeister won’t allow it!
How will Kris Kringle become Santa and get the toys delivered?
Best old school Christmas movies family friendly for all ages.
RATED: NR
FUN PROJECT TO DO WITH FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:
Make Popcorn Garland With Cranberries
The Best Christmas Movies List 2: Comedy Christmas Movies
#12. Home Alone
If you haven’t introduced your kids to Home Alone yet, then it’s time!
This is still a laugh out loud fun family movie for the holidays!
(There’s also a Home Alone 2 with the same cast.)
RATED: PG
#13. Elf
I love Elf—like, watch it every time I see it on TV during the holidays love it.
It’s just such a funny holiday movie!
In case you didn’t know, Buddy (who is a full size human) was raised at the North Pole with elves.
One day, when Buddy learns that he was adopted, he decides to go to New York to find is real father…and it’s seriously hysterical.
RATED: PG
FUN WITH THIS FAMILY MOVIE WATCHING NIGHT: Have an Elf themed Party!
#14. The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a Christmas comedy movie with Tim Allen.
A contract “clause” comes into play that makes a dad assume the Santa Clause role.
There is also a Santa Clause 2 and Santa Clause 3 for a complete The Santa Clause Trilogy.
RATED: PG
#15. Christmas with the Kranks
I happen to think Christmas with the Kranks is one of the funniest family Christmas movie but it never makes any best of lists for holiday movies for the family!
The Kranks decide they are going to participate in Christmas this year, much to the neighborhood’s dismay.
They go through ups and downs of community peer pressure to participate in all the activities, until the very last minute their daughter decides to come home. The Kranks then must enlist all the neighbors they’ve angered over the season to help them decorate for Christmas at the last minute.
LOTS of laughs in this!
Add it to your list along with classic family Christmas movies.
RATED: PG
#16. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
I’m sure you know this Christmas movie family comedy!
The Griswolds (one of the most famous Christmas families ever) are just trying to finally have a perfect Christmas, until family members start to show up unannounced and holidays become hysterical.
NOTE: There is a little language and potty humor in here, but your older kids will love it.
RATED: PG-13
Fun Family Christmas Movie Activity: Have a Christmas Vacation Movie Party!
#17. Fred Claus
Fred Claus is a movie about Nicholas and his misfit brother, Fred.
When Fred gets into trouble, his brother Nicholas moves him to the North Pole to pay off his debts by helping the elves make toys.
RATED: PG
#18. Jingle All The Way
Jingle All The Way is a funny movie about a dad who, on Christmas Eve, is on the hunt for Turbo Man, the hottest action figure toy for the year.
It’s not new family Christmas movies, but still funny!
RATED: PG
#19: Deck the Halls
Deck the Halls is another hysterical Christmas movie that never seems to make any of the best of lists.
Steve (played by Matthew Broderick) is a rigid optometrist who must have everything perfect at Christmas.
A new neighbor Danny (played by Danny DeVito) moves in across the street and decides to put enough lights on his house to be seen from space.
A hysterical journey of tit-for-tat takes place. I seriously LOVE this movie!
If you’re looking for funny Christmas movies about family dynamics, add this one!
RATED: PG
The Best Christmas Movies List 3: Animated Christmas Movies
#20. Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas is a sweet animated movie about Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, and his journey to deliver a lost Christmas package to a child in order to save Christmas.
Super fun kiddies movies!
If you’re looking for funny Christmas movies with elves or movies similar to Elf, this is it!
RATED: PG
#21. The Polar Express
A beautifully animated movie that takes a little boy on a train ride to show him that he can still believe in Christmas.
Fair warning: The story and the animation is beautiful, but I find the animated characters a little creepy. (Anyone else?)
RATED: PG
You can also read the book, which is really beautiful.
#22. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas
Everyone’s favorite Disney mouse is back for this animated Christmas show with three stories.
Fun Christmas movies for preschoolers / Christmas movie for kindergarten and Rated G Christmas movies!
RATED: NR
The Best Christmas Movies List 4: Drama Christmas Movies
#23: Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas
Little House is another really wholesome family holiday movie option.
I love these because they’re good holiday movies for kids of all ages and holiday movies adults will love, too!
Its two Christmas episodes of Little House on the Prairie won’t disappoint!
Great for childhood Christmas movies, so add it to your family Christmas movies list.
RATED: NR
#24: Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors / Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love
OK, this is really a two-for-one for family Christmas movies dramas and one of the best Christmas movies you haven’t seen!
Grab the tissues for these wholesome family movies because they’ll definitely tug at your heart strings.
These two movies are based on Dolly Parton’s childhood.
In the Coat of Many Colors, the family overcomes a tragedy and finds comfort in an important handmade patchwork coat.
In Christmas of Many Colors, a blizzard strikes and the family is forced to rely on faith and each other when they run out of food.
Both are fantastic family movies!
These are some of my favorite holiday dramas.
If you only add a couple of Christmas movies for kids to your Christmas movie checklist, make it these — especially if you want wholesome, old-fashioned family Christmas movie night films!
This is my vote for best family Christmas movie duo EVER and wholesome Christmas movies about families.
RATED: NR
#25: Nutcracker
What would the best Christmas movies list be if we didn’t include one of the Nutcracker adaptations in our 25 nights of Christmas?
We really enjoyed this version of the Nutcracker movie with Macaulay Culkin and, of course, the beautiful music!
Add The Nutcracker movie to your movie night checklist for good family Christmas movies that are festive!
RATED: NR (so it’s good if you’re looking for rated G Christmas movies, too)
One last holiday family night note:
Don’t discount Hallmark Christmas movies and Lifetime Christmas movies. You may think they are sappy movies, but there are some good family movie finds within them!
You may even be able to find a printable list of all Hallmark Christmas movies for this year on their site! (Or, make your own printable movie checklist!)
FAMILY HOLIDAY MOVIE TIP: Want free family Christmas movies? Check your local library for Christmas DVDs or ask them if they have family Christmas movies free to check out!
PARENT TIP: Want an adult holiday movie for date night? Watch For The Love Of Christmas!
We wish you the best holiday Christmas season ever with your family!
What would you put on an all time best Christmas movies list?
What a delightful article celebrating the magic of Christmas movies! As an avid reader and film enthusiast, I absolutely loved your curated list of the best Christmas movies. Your descriptions beautifully capture the heartwarming essence of each film, making it easy for anyone to choose the perfect flick to enjoy during the holiday season. Your passion for these movies shines through your words, and it’s evident that you’ve put a lot of thought and care into creating this list. Thank you for spreading joy and helping us create lasting memories with loved ones through these wonderful films. Warmest wishes.