Must-See Holiday Movie List for the Family


There’s nothing better than throwing on some cozy p.j.’s, popping some popcorn, and settling down for a movie night with the family. Especially now that our favorite classic holiday movies are playing regularly on TV and Netflix.

This year, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of our favorite family-friendly holiday movies.

Are your favorites on our list? Find out now…

Movie #1 — Elf

Elf is a comedic story about a man named Buddy who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby and raised among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.

Not only will this flick have you in stitches from laughing, but it will also have you spreading Christmas cheer by singing loudly for all to hear.

This movie is often played on ABC family multiple times during the month of December.

 

 

 

Movie #2 — A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas has become an iconic holiday classic since its 1965 release. This year, discover the real meaning of Christmas and join Charlie Brown as he organizes the town Christmas pageant.

Check your local listings to find out when it airs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie #3 — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Claymation Version

Kick it old-school with a screening of the claymation version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Will Rudolph and Hermey the elf make it past Bumble, the scary snow monster? You’ll just have to watch the movie to find out!

You can find copies of this classic film in movie rental stores, or stream it live on your computer via YouTube and other websites that provide affordable access to movies online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie #4 — It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life is a magical story about a man named George Bailey who wishes he had never been born. Upon hearing George’s wish, a Christmas angel  is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. Over time, George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he were never there.

It’s tradition for NBC to play this movie every Christmas Eve. Be sure to mark it on your calendar so you don’t miss it this year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie #5 — Home Alone

Home Alone, released in 1990, tells the story of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister who gets accidentally left home alone after spending the night in the attic as punishment for acting out. While his family is enjoying a holiday trip in Paris, he’s left home alone to protect his home from sneaky (and very funny) burglars.

This movie is typically available via Netflix during the holiday season. If you can’t find it online, check your local movie rental store or TV guide to see when it’s playing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#6 — A Christmas Story

“You’ll shoot your eye out,” “oh fudge!”, and “He looks like a pink nightmare” are all famous quotes that came from the movie A Christmas Story.  If you haven’t seen this film yet, you must join Ralphie Parker on his dream of getting a Red Ryder air rifle from Santa this year.

Every year on December 24 and 25, TNT airs the movie for 48 hours straight.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie #7 — The Polar Express

The Polar Express, a movie based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, takes you on an amazing adventure with a boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole.  On this journey, the little boy discovers that the wonder of life and the magic of the holiday season never fade for those who believe.

This movie often airs on ABC family. Check your TV guide listings for when it will be played.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie #8 — The Grinch

The Grinch is a classic tale about a grumpy Grinch that decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. In the midst of trying to steal Christmas from all the Whos in Whoville, the Grinch runs into an endearing character named Cindy Lou Who. Will she be able to stop him from ruining Christmas? Find out while watching the movie.

The Grinch often airs in December on ABC Family. Or, if you’re interested, the old cartoon version of the Grinch can usually be found on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.
 

 

 

 

What is your favorite holiday movie? Share it with us in the comments below!

Family-Friendly Movie Night Ideas

It’s now been several months since school has let out for the summer, and you may be scratching your head wondering what you can do to entertain your kids between now and when school starts.

Fret not! We took an office poll and would like to suggest hosting a family movie night.

Think about it…it’s the perfect way to spend an evening after a long day at the beach or the pool while also getting in some much-needed family chill time. With the variety of child-friendly movies available that are also fun for parents and older children to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to find something perfect for the entire family.

Here are some of our favorites for a family movie night…

The Secret Life of Pets

If y0u’re a pet lover that enjoys a good laugh, you’ll definitely want to add The Secret Life of Pets to your movie list.

This film follows the story of a dog named Max whose life suddenly gets flipped upside down when his owner adopts a new dog into the family. It also documents the lives of several other house pets and the shenanigans they get into while their owners are away.

Ever wonder what your pets are doing when you leave for work or school? Watch this movie to find out!

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a classic Disney film that all ages will enjoy.

If you’re old-school, watching an old VHS of the animated Beauty and the Beast is a great way to take a step back in time and bring yourself back to the good old days.

If you prefer movies with a more modern look, you’ll want to check out the new live-action Beauty and the Beast that has received nothing but wonderful reviews from Disney fans across the country.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Years ago, JK Rowling captured the hearts of children and adults with her Harry Potter books. Today, she is making even more magic as her book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits the big screen.

This whimsical movie, packed with fun, adventure, and plenty of laughs is perfect for the entire family.

Tip: After you watch this film, schedule one movie night per week to watch the Harry Potter films with your family.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

A beach vacation is one of the most fun things you can do during the summer. But, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a beach vacation, the second-best thing to do is sail the 7 seas while watching the movie Dead Men Tell No Tales.

This movie is the final movie in the well-loved Pirates of the Caribbean series.

While this film is fun for the whole family, it does have a few moments that may be deemed too dark or scary for really young children, so please exercise caution when watching.

The BFG

The BFG is a beloved children’s book written by Ronald Dahl that follows ten-year-old Sophie’s as she meets and forms a relationship with a Big Friendly Giant.

Since the book, popular movie director Steven Spielberg has turned this classic into a film the whole family can enjoy.

Will The BFG be able to convince the rest of the giant community that humans are friends, not food? Rent the movie to find out!

Do you and your family have a favorite movie for movie night? Share it in the comments below!