The holiday season is a magical time filled with delightful Christmas traditions, one of which is enjoying heartwarming Christmas films together as a family. From timeless classics that have delighted generations to recent releases that captivate audiences of all ages, these films bring joy, laughter, and a festive spirit into our homes. For this reason, we have selected some of the best recent Christmas movies (and old ones) to watch as a family.
Watching Christmas movies is not just about entertainment; it’s an opportunity for your family to bond, relive fond memories, and create new ones. These films often reflect the season’s essence, emphasizing themes of love, kindness, and the joy of giving. They teach valuable lessons about the importance of family, friendship, and generosity, reminding us of what truly matters during the holiday seasons.
Best Timeless Christmas Movies for Family
There’s something incredibly special about timeless Christmas movies. They bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for family gatherings around the Christmas tree. Here are some all-time favorites that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Home Alone (1990)
This iconic film tells the story of a young boy named Kevin who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas vacation. Kevin’s clever antics to ward off intruders, combined with the heartwarming storyline, make this film a must-watch every holiday season.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940s, this film follows the holiday adventures of 9-year-old Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. With its charming vignettes and memorable moments, “A Christmas Story” is a nostalgic treat for the holiday season.
The Grinch (2000 & 2018)
Dr. Seuss’s beloved character comes to life in these adaptations. Both versions follow the Grinch, a holiday-hating creature who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Despite his grumpy demeanor, the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas, making for a heartwarming and fun-filled viewing experience.
Elf (2003)
In this hilarious Christmas comedy movie, Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole. His journey to New York City to find his biological father leads to uproarious situations, making Elf a delightful addition to your holiday movie list.
Die Hard (1988)
If your family loves excitement and thrill, action movies offer a unique blend of adventure and holiday cheer. Die Hard is one of the top Christmas action movies that promises to keep you on the edge.
Die Hard is set on Christmas Eve and follows NYPD officer John McClane’s high-stakes mission to save his wife and others taken hostage during a Christmas party. Action-packed and intense, Die Hard adds a thrilling twist to your holiday movie lineup.
Best Recent Christmas Movies for Families
The past decade has seen many fantastic Christmas movies perfect for family viewing. Here are some of the best recent Christmas movies that cater to various tastes.
Genie (2023)
Genie is an enchanting tale of a magical genie who visits a family on Christmas Eve. It’s an exciting mix of fantasy and Christmas traditions, with a heartwarming story of love, hope, and the spirit of giving. Genie teaches the importance of family and the joy of togetherness. Children will love the magical genie and the sparkle he brings to the holiday season.
Family Switch (2023)
Family Switch is a hilarious yet touching flick about a family who magically switch bodies on Christmas morning. It’s a journey of understanding and empathy, with each family member experiencing the challenges faced by the others. The movie beautifully conveys the message of patience, respect, and love in families.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023)
A fun-packed movie that brings the beloved Wimpy Kid’s comic series to the screen, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is an adventurous Christmas tale with a lot of humor, emphasizing the importance of friendship, courage, and embracing life’s mishaps. A perfect pick for a laugh-filled family movie night.
The Naughty Nine (2023)
A whimsical story about nine mischievous elves making chaos on Christmas Eve. However, the naughty elves learn about responsibility, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas. The Naughty Nine is filled with laughter, surprises, and valuable lessons for children.
Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
A heartwarming story of a reindeer’s journey to deliver a forgotten gift. Dashing Through the Snow teaches about determination, teamwork, and the joy of giving. You and your child will be touched by the perseverance of the little reindeer and the magic of Christmas.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
A modern take on the classic tale, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol invites viewers into the world of Scrooge, a man who despises Christmas. A Christmas Carol beautifully captures Scrooge’s transformation and emphasizes the message of kindness, forgiveness, and the magic of Christmas. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol is also a fantastic movie to show in schools because of the important life lessons it can teach students.
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
A Christmas Story Christmas is a sequel to the classic A Christmas Story, bringing back the nostalgic charm. It’s a delightful mix of humor and sentiment, highlighting the importance of family and beloved Christmas traditions.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A Boy Called Christmas is a magical tale of a young boy’s quest to find his father and the origin of Christmas. It’s an exciting adventure with a strong message of:
- Bravery
- Belief
- The power of love and hope
Godmothered (2020)
A modern-day fairy tale about a young fairy godmother who brings Christmas magic to a single mom and her children. Godmothered beautifully portrays the power of belief, resilience, and the magic of love during the Christmas season.
Klaus (2019)
This Netflix original movie introduces a fresh take on Santa Claus’s origin story. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness, and the joy of giving, boasting beautiful animation and a captivating storyline.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
The Christmas Chronicles features Kurt Russell as a charismatic Santa Claus. When Santa’s sleigh crashes on Earth, it’s up to a pair of siblings to save Christmas. The Christmas Chronicles is a modern holiday classic with its blend of:
- Humor
- Adventure
- Holiday magic
Planning a Christmas Movie Night with Kids
Organizing a Christmas movie night at home can be as fun and exciting as watching the films themselves. Here are some tips to create a cozy holiday movie-watching atmosphere:
- Set the Scene: Decorate your living room with Christmas ornaments, lights, and a cozy blanket fort. You could even create a makeshift indoor campfire with LED lights.
- Snack Time: No movie night is complete without snacks. Make a popcorn station and offer a variety of seasonings. You could also set up a hot cocoa bar with different toppings.
- Intermission Activities: Plan a short intermission for a quick stretch or a fun holiday-themed game.
- Post-Movie Discussion: After the movie, engage your child in a discussion about the film. Ask them about their favorite scenes, characters, and lessons learned.
Accessing Family Christmas Movies
Most Christmas movies are readily available on various streaming platforms. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Peacock offer many holiday films. However, you need to ensure the content is suitable for your child. It’s also crucial to ensure your child doesn’t spend too much time watching movies. This is where parental control apps like Safes come in handy. Safes allows you to monitor and manage your child’s screen time, ensuring a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for the young ones.
Feel free to try Safes by downloading it from our website or common app distribution platforms like Google Play and App Store. Sign up for a free trial with Safes to get curated recommendations and ensure your holiday viewing is family-friendly.
Wrap-Up: The Joy of Watching Christmas Movies Together
Watching Christmas movies together is more than just a fun family activity; it’s a tradition that:
- Nurtures togetherness
- Sparks conversations
- Creates lasting memories
This holiday season, take the time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the magic of Christmas films with your loved ones. From timeless classics to recent releases, there’s a Christmas movie for everyone in the family to enjoy. Happy viewing, and may your holidays be filled with joy and laughter!
