The best time to get ready for the most memorable movie night with the family is now, as the Christmas season is quickly approaching. We have put up a list of the top 10 Christmas films to assist you with this, which includes both visually appealing animated films and endearing oldies! Continue reading to learn about the best Christmas films that can transport your children to a magical setting.
10. The 1983 film A Christmas Story
- IMDB: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/89%
- Director: Bob Clark
- Cast: Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, Bob Clark, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
A little youngster in A Christmas Story attempts to convince Santa, his teacher, and even his parents that a Red Ryder air rifle (BB gun) would be the perfect Christmas gift for him. Kids have loved this sentimental comedy film for a very long time, and they still do. With hilarious anecdotes and touching drama, it is an incredibly enjoyable journey from beginning to conclusion.
9. The Grinch's Christmas Diary (1966–2000– 2018)
- IMDB: 8.3/6.3/6.4
- Directors: Chuck Jones, Ron Howard, Yarrow Cheney
- Cast: Boris Karloff, Jim Carrey, Benedict Cumberbatch
- Runtime: 26 minutes, 1 hour 44 minutes, 1 hour 25 minutes
One of the characters that appears most often around Christmas is The Grinch. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the first special short and remains one of the greatest Christmas films, debuted in 1966.
After that, a live-action starring Jim Carrey was made, and it was a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions. Next followed a second animated film starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, which received the same reception as the live-action film.
The problem is that, despite the criticism, people have always loved this collection of films since they grew up seeing them during the holiday. Thus, I can conclude that the kids will love every minute of anything you choose to do from the Grinch series, if it fits your taste.
8. (1965) A Charlie Brown Christmas
- IMDB: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/93%
- Director: Bill Melendez
- Cast: Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer, etc
- Runtime: 25 minutes
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a short holiday spectacular that has won over fans' hearts since the 1960s. This amazing little film is both uplifting and quite powerful. The protagonist of the tale is a dejected Charlie Brown who looks for a deeper significance in Christmas.
Additionally, this film offers a wealth of life lessons for the youngsters who are delving into the meaning of the holiday, just as it did for Charlie. It is worth seeing with your family even if it just lasts for 25 minutes.
7. Guardians of the Rising (2012)
- IMDB: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%/80%
- Director: Peter Ramsey
- Cast: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes
Similar to Pixar, Dreamworks Studios is well-known for its animated films. And this time, they debuted a revolutionary superhero film with a festive vibe. In this film, the Immortal Guardians band together to protect children worldwide from the demon lord that threatens Earth.
Children usually like superhero movies, so it goes without saying that this one, which falls under the festive category, is a must-see this Christmas. The youngsters are going to enjoy it since it has plenty of fun, a clever narrative, and excellent animation.
6.
- IMDB: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/92%
- Director: Henry Selick
- Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 15 minutes
It's true that there isn't such a thing as a frightening Christmas, but you can watch The Nightmare Before Christmas throughout both holidays and it serves as a kind of bridge between Halloween and Christmas.
Children like Tim Burton's classic stop-motion film, which is a unique film. I mean, who can resist Christmas? It even extends to the King of Halloween, who, upon seeing a bustling town nearby, want to bring Christmas to his ancestral land.
As was already indicated, children will undoubtedly find this unusual film to be engaging. Put this on your viewing list, and Tim Burton will make sure that the whole film is a gloomy, enchanted experience.
5. 1990's Home Alone
- IMDB: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63%/80%
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Home Alone has always been the one-stop shop to enjoy an ideal A lighthearted viewing party on Christmas night with our household. A little child who was inadvertently left at his parents' home on Christmas Eve finds himself confined to a difficult circumstance. Now that two thieves have broken into their house, he must defend it.
Since its release more than 30 years ago, Home Alone has gained immense popularity throughout the globe. It was dubbed into several regional languages to increase its accessibility over the Christmas season. That's how I first came into this movie when I was younger, and it ended up being so meaningful to me that I still hold it dear.
I continue to be amazed at the filmmakers' ability to create a humorous but very engaging film that will not soon be forgotten. Even if the follow-ups fall short of the original, youngsters will love this movie and it is still worth seeing.
Klaus (2019)
- IMDB: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/96%
- Director: Sergio Pablos Carlos & Martínez López
- Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Klaus is without a doubt one of the best kid-friendly Christmas films of the last several years. It tells the story of how Jesper, a postman, and Klaus, a toymaker, work together to bring back the town's long-lost happiness.
Klaus masterfully captures the spirit of Christmas with exquisite hand-drawn animations, a heartfelt narrative full of clever puns, and touching moments. Children will enjoy this retelling of the Christmas holiday's beginnings from a new angle.
3.
- IMDB: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 77%/86%
- Director: Brian Henson
- Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes
The classic novella "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, published in 1843, is adapted into The Muppet Christmas Carol. We all know how well-known the Muppet show is, and a kid-friendly Christmas version of the film made it a beloved classic.
In this film, Dickens' well-known Christmas story is brought to life by the muppets in a charming and original manner. This was more than enough to enthrall almost everyone, not just children! It is considered to be among the greatest renditions of the Christmas Carol in history.
Therefore, in order to make this Christmas a really joyous experience, you must comprehend why this movie is a must-see.
2.
Elf (2003)- IMDB: 7.1
- Rotten Tomatoes:85%/79%
- Director: Jon Favreau
- Cast: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes
The timeless masterpiece Elf by Jon Favreau is appropriate for a wide range of viewers. For many people, Christmas wouldn't be the same without seeing this movie on TV once. Fans of Will Ferrell like it to that extent, and youngsters of today will likewise find it endearing.
The story of this movie is about a guy who was raised by elves. He makes his way to see his biological father, who could use some Christmas cheer. Watching this film always accomplishes the goal of giving youngsters back their Christmas spirit and enthusiasm, just like in the film. Viewing this movie never gets old! And I predict that watching this happy movie with your family throughout the Christmas season will soon become a habit.
1. The 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life
- IMDB: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/95%
- Director: Frank Capra
- Cast: James Steward, Donna Reed, etc
- Runtime: 2 hours, 9 minutes
Though many children might dismiss this film as a black-and-white classic, if they see it, they'll have an amazing time. It is the tale of a man who intends to kill himself on Christmas Eve, but is prevented from doing so by a heavenly angel who demonstrates to him the real meaning of life and what his loved ones' lives would have looked like if he had never been born.
This is unquestionably Frank Capra's masterpiece. As a result, youngsters shouldn't skip this, the finest Christmas movie, at any costs. The children will get the greatest hope in life and a genuine sense of Christmas cheer from Capra's timeless and classic film.
That concludes our extensive selection of kid-friendly Christmas movies. We hope that our carefully chosen selection of films was of great assistance to you and delighted your children, making this Christmas season one to remember. Having said that, which film on this list is your favorite? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.