The holiday season is here and nothing is nothing like snuggling down under a blanket with a hot chocolate to soak in the magic of family Christmas movies. Crammed full of irresistible glittering lights, heartwarming tales, and infectious cheer, these films possess a unique ability to transport viewers into a world of festive enchantment and are a huge part of of family Christmas tradition in our house (and probably yours too!).
From stories of Santa Claus and his merry elves to tales of love and generosity, family Christmas movies have become an integral part of holiday traditions worldwide. The anticipation of watching these beloved films year after year adds to the magic of the season, I am sure you will agree!
What makes Christmas movies truly special is their ability to evoke nostalgia while offering fresh perspectives on timeless themes. For parents, these films serve as a bridge between their own childhood memories and the joy of passing down cherished traditions to their children. Beyond mere entertainment, the magic of family Christmas movies extends to imparting valuable life lessons, reinforcing the spirit of giving, and emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, and empathy. Whether it’s learning the true meaning of Christmas or believing in the power of miracles, these films inspire and uplift audiences of all ages.
You know it. I know it. As the holiday season approaches, families eagerly anticipate the opportunity to gather around the TV, snuggle up with blankets, and immerse themselves in the heartwarming narratives of Christmas movies. These films have a unique ability to bring families closer together, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating shared experiences that strengthen familial bonds. Whether it’s the laughter, tears, or moments of reflection, the magic of Christmas movies lies in their ability to unite generations and instill a sense of wonder and joy that transcends time.
Wondering what to hunker down and watch this Christmas? Here we present to you our curated list of favourite family Christmas movies on Netflix. All you have to do is sit down and watch them (oh, and make the hot chocolate!),
The Top 10 Family Christmas Movies on Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Directed by Clay Kaytis, this action-packed adventure follows the misadventures of siblings Kate and Teddy as they team up with Santa Claus to save Christmas. Filled with humor, heart, and thrilling escapades, this film is perfect for families seeking an exhilarating holiday ride. It’s rated PG and suitable for all ages.
Klaus (2019)
This heartwarming animated film directed by Sergio Pablos tells the origin story of Santa Claus in a fresh and endearing way. With its stunning animation, captivating storyline, and themes of friendship and generosity, Klaus is a must-watch for families. The movie is rated PG and suitable for children and adults alike.
The Princess Switch (2018)
Starring Vanessa Hudgens in dual roles, this charming romantic comedy follows the delightful escapades of a baker and a duchess who switch lives during the holidays. Filled with romance, humor, and festive cheer, this movie offers lighthearted entertainment for the whole family. It’s rated PG and suitable for tweens and teens.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Based on the bestselling book by Matt Haig, this enchanting fantasy film chronicles the adventures of a young boy named Nikolas as he embarks on a magical journey to find his father in the North. Filled with whimsy, wonder, and heart, this movie is a delightful pick for families. It’s rated PG and suitable for children and adults.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A particular favourite in our house owing to the fact that my daughter’s old teacher was an extra in this! Directed by David E. Talbert, this dazzling musical tells the story of an inventive toymaker and his granddaughter as they rediscover the magic of creativity and belief during the holiday season. With its enchanting visuals, uplifting music, and themes of resilience and imagination, Jingle Jangle is a captivating choice for families. The movie is rated PG and suitable for all ages.
The Grinch (2018)
This animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic follows the grumpy Grinch as he hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville. Filled with humor, heart, and colorful animation, this film offers a delightful holiday experience for families. It’s rated PG and suitable for children and adults.
Angela’s Christmas (2017)
Set in 1910 Ireland, this heartwarming animated film tells the story of a young girl named Angela who embarks on a mission to ensure that everyone has a joyful Christmas. Filled with warmth, humor, and themes of compassion and community, Angela’s Christmas is a touching choice for families. The movie is rated TV-Y and suitable for all ages.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
In this comedic sequel, three overstressed moms navigate the chaos of the holiday season as they deal with their own mothers’ visits. Filled with humor, relatable scenarios, and a message of embracing imperfection, this film offers a humorous take on the challenges and joys of the festive season. It’s rated R and suitable for adult audiences so best left for when the kids have gone to bed! But I had to include this as us mamas deserve some entertainment at this time of year too….
The Star (2017)
This animated retelling of the Nativity story follows a brave little donkey named Bo and his animal friends as they become unexpected heroes in the greatest story ever told. Filled with humor, heart, and themes of courage and faith, The Star is a delightful pick for families. The movie is rated PG and suitable for children and adults.
A Christmas Prince (2017)
In this endearing romantic comedy, a young journalist is sent abroad to get the scoop on a handsome prince who is set to become king. Filled with romance, holiday charm, and a touch of fairy-tale magic, this film offers a cozy and enchanting viewing experience for families. It’s rated TV-PG and suitable for tweens and teens.
Family Christmas Movies: Plot Summaries and Age-Appropriateness
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
…follows the adventurous journey of Kate and Teddy as they join forces with Santa Claus to save Christmas. With its blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments, the film is a delightful pick for families. The plot showcases the siblings’ misadventures as they help Santa complete his mission, offering a mix of excitement and heartfelt messages about the spirit of the season. The movie is rated PG and is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect choice for family movie night.
Klaus (2019)
…tells the heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant manner. The film explores themes of friendship, generosity, and the power of goodwill, making it an uplifting and enchanting experience for viewers. The plot revolves around a postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker, leading to the creation of a heartwarming Christmas tradition. Rated PG, Klaus is suitable for children and adults, offering a heartening viewing experience for families to enjoy.
The Princess Switch (2018)
…offers a charming and lighthearted romantic comedy that follows the delightful escapades of a baker and a duchess who switch lives during the holidays. Filled with humor, romance, and festive cheer, the plot weaves together entertaining scenarios and heartwarming moments, making it a delightful pick for tweens and teens. The movie is rated PG, offering wholesome entertainment that is suitable for family viewing.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
…chronicles the enchanting adventures of a young boy named Nikolas as he embarks on a magical quest to find his father in the North. The film’s captivating plot is filled with whimsy, wonder, and heart, offering an engaging and uplifting experience for viewers. With its themes of courage, imagination, and the spirit of adventure, the movie is suitable for children and adults, providing an enchanting viewing experience for families. It’s rated PG, making it an inclusive choice for family movie night.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
… weaves a dazzling musical tale of an inventive toymaker and his granddaughter as they rediscover the magic of creativity and belief during the holiday season. The film’s plot is brimming with enchanting visuals, uplifting music, and themes of resilience and imagination, offering a captivating and heartening experience for families. Rated PG, Jingle Jangle is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal choice for family movie night.
The Grinch (2018)
…is an animated adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic, following the grumpy Grinch as he hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville. The film’s plot is filled with humor, heart, and colorful animation, providing a delightful holiday experience for families. Rated PG, The Grinch is suitable for children and adults, offering a festive and entertaining viewing experience for all ages.
Angela’s Christmas (2017)
…is a heartwarming animated film set in 1910 Ireland, portraying the endearing story of a young girl named Angela who embarks on a mission to ensure that everyone has a joyful Christmas. The film’s plot is filled with warmth, humor, and themes of compassion and community, offering a touching and uplifting experience for viewers. Rated TV-Y, Angela’s Christmas is suitable for all ages, making it a heartening choice for family movie night.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
…is a comedic sequel that follows three overstressed moms as they navigate the chaos of the holiday season. The film’s plot is filled with humor, relatable scenarios, and a message of embracing imperfection, providing a humorous take on the challenges and joys of the festive season. Rated R, A Bad Moms Christmas is suitable for adult audiences, offering a lighthearted and relatable viewing experience for parents and caregivers. One for when the kids have gone to bed then for a Christmas date night!
The Star (2017)
… is an animated retelling of the Nativity story, following a brave little donkey named Bo and his animal friends as they become unexpected heroes in the greatest story ever told. The film’s plot is filled with humor, heart, and themes of courage and faith, providing a delightful and meaningful experience for families. Rated PG, The Star is suitable for children and adults, offering a heartwarming viewing experience for all ages.
A Christmas Prince (2017)…
…is an endearing romantic comedy that follows a young journalist sent abroad to get the scoop on a handsome prince set to become king. The film’s plot is filled with romance, holiday charm, and a touch of fairy-tale magic, offering a cozy and enchanting viewing experience for tweens and teens. Rated TV-PG, A Christmas Prince is suitable for older children and teenagers, providing a charming and heartwarming choice for family movie night.
What are your favorite family Christmas movies and what else would you add here? Let me know in a comment below!
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