The 15 best kids’ Christmas movies to watch this festive season – from The Grinch to Elf
OVER the festive season there is nothing better than watching a Christmas movie with the kids.
And if you're struggling to know what to watch - here's our rundown of the 15 best movies that are suitable for the whole family.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
This Netflix classic, sees siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Clause on Christmas Eve - but things don't go to plan.
When their scheme goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it's too late.
It is up to the children and Santa to save Christmas by correctly delivering all of the presents. But will they be successful?
Available to watch on Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
A year on from the first film, Kate Pierce - now a cynical teen - is unhappy spending a family Christmas in Mexico with her mum’s new boyfriend and his son, Jack.
Kate decides to run away but Jack follows and they are both unexpectedly transported to the North Pole.
A mysterious, naughty, troublemaker elf then threatens to ruin Christmas and Kate must help Santa and Mrs Claus save festivities yet again.
While it's missing some of the magic of the original, the sequel still serves up a sweet second helping of holiday cheer that makes the most of its marvellously matched leads.
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Available to watch on Netflix
Nativity! (2009)
Widely regarded as one of the most popular Christmas films of all time, Nativity! hit our screens back in 2009.
Viewers soon fell in love with the story of a loveable primary school teacher - Mr Madden - who tries to put on the best nativity play with his class after claiming that Hollywood are coming to visit.
The movie centres around the pupils of St Bernadette’s Primary School, who were practically infants when the film first hit screens.
Here’s a look at what happened to the kids from the first film.
Available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Alien Xmas (2020)
When a race of kleptomaniac aliens attempts to steal earth's gravity in order to more easily take everything on the planet.
However, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas and a small alien named X can save the world.
Alien Xmas reminds us that we all have that spirit within us at an important time of year.
It's a bit of a sloppy plot, but also kind of endearing in its loosey-gooeyness.
Available to watch on Netflix
Angela's Christmas (2018)
A Christmas Eve trip to church with her family gives young Angela an extraordinary idea, one that not everyone approves of.
Set in Ireland in the 1910s, Angela's Christmas is a funny, heart-warming and poignant story about the power of family.
It's also about the innocent desire of a child to ensure everyone is safe, warm and loved at Christmas time.
On the face of it, the animation film isn't the most thrilling holiday special, but it does provide good solid family entertainment overall.
Available to watch on Netflix
All I Want for Christmas Is You (2017)
Young Mariah (Carey – she does the voice of the movie's main character) just wants a dog for Christmas.
In order to prove to Santa that she's responsible enough she pet-sits a mischievous puppy named Jack.
But it's not long before the playful pooch turns the Carey's Christmas family holiday upside-down.
Any excuse to listen to Mariah's iconic track and sing along.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime
Trolls Holiday (2017)
OK, this isn't explicitly about Christmas, but it is very festive.
When Poppy feels guilty that she took away the Bergen's only holiday.
She undertakes a mission to find a new yearly tradition for her friends.
Great for kids who already love the franchise and will recognise their favourite characters.
Available to watch on Netflix
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Santa Claus has a son called Arthur in this version of how Christmas happens in the North Pole.
Despite using a highly trained team of elves to take care of all festive business, when one gift is left behind it's up to Arthur to make sure it gets delivered.
This movie is sure to capture the imagination of kids (and adults).
Plus Arthur's underdog status will have you rooting for him to succeed.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime
The Polar Express (2004)
An inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg.
The film centres around a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole.
He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Tom Hanks's dulcet tones are perfect as the voice of as the train conductor.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime
Elf (2003)
Hard to believe this has been around for 17 years and it's still as great as when it was first released.
Buddy is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler.
He is then raised to adulthood among Santa's elves but always feels left out.
Heading to New York to find his real dad, Buddy discovers life is very different to the North Pole.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people.
He then accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits.
Jack gets a new lease on life and plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role.
A wonderful option from all the gooey Christmas feelings and with songs by Danny Elfman, especially What's This, you'll be watching it again and again. You're welcome.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime and Disney+
Klaus (2019)
Beautiful and moving, get the tissues ready because there's a good chance it will make you cry.
Not the kids but definitely the adults.
A terrible postman is sent to a frozen town in the North where he discovers Santa Claus is hiding out.
There's a bit at the end when our protagonist Jesper disappears and whispers into wind and snow – “I’m coming, my love”. Sob!
Available to watch on Netflix
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This Netflix original is a musical story about a toymaker whose prized creation is stolen by his apprentice.
Luckily the toymaker's inventive and curious granddaughter goes on an adventure to get it back.
The film features lots of original music.
This includes songs from John Legend, Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan, and one performed by Usher.
Available to watch on Netflix
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
A version of The Nutcracker that has never been seen before where Clara must defend the Land of Sweets from Mother Ginger.
Needing a magical, one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift, Clara must enter a fourth realm to retrieve the key and restore harmony to the unstable land.
Along the way she meets a soldier named Phillip, a group of mice and the regents who help her on her way.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime
The Grinch (2018)
The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet.
He hates Christmastime and his neighbours in Whoville who celebrate the holidays with a bang.
The Whos then decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter.
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However, the disgruntled Grinch realises there is one way to gain peace and quiet. A classic.
Available to watch on NOW TV and Amazon Prime