There’s
no shortage of holiday movies out there, from the classics to the
made-for-television guilty pleasures to the cartoons we grew up with.
Yet, there are some quintessential Christmas movies that are part of
every child’s Christmas experience. To help you choose, we’ve put
together a list of a favorites for every age group; from ‘Nightmare Before Christmas” to “Miracle on 34th Street” to the always lovable “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” there’s a movie (or three!) for every family this season. See some of our favorites below!
The
Classics
It’s A Wonderful Life [9 & up]
This Christmas classic about George
Bailey and his family is a must-watch for families. A great flick for both
children and adults, this Frank Capra directed film is the epitome of the
Christmas spirit.
Miracle on 34th Street [6 & up]
This 1940s Oscar winning classic
centers on the series of unfortunate events that lead Kris Kringle himself to
pose as Santa at Macy’s. Families will love watching Kris Kringle interact with
the New York public. We also really like the 1994 remake, starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins and Dermot Mulroney. Watch them both over the course of a weekend and let your kids decide which one they like best!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole
Christmas [4 & up]
Based on the Dr. Seuss book of the
same name, this 1960s TV special brings the mean, green Grinch to the screen. The
famous “You’re A Mean One” is sung throughout as The Grinch hatches a plan to
prevent Christmas from coming and ends up finding the Christmas spirit with the
lovable denizens of Whoville. At only 26 minutes long, you can squeeze it in between your busy holiday schedules, and it’s perfect for young children’s short attention spans. Read the book first and then let your child see the animation come to life on screen!
A Charlie Brown Christmas [3 & up]
It just isn’t a holiday without the
Peanuts gang. Watch this anti-consumerism Peanut’s special, in which
Charlie learns that Christmas is not about elaborate presents and celebrates
with his—now iconic—small aluminum tree. The soundtrack is also a great backdrop to holiday parties, gingerbread house making and present opening!
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer [3 & up]
Your kids know the song, but have they
seen the classic film? Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman, Hermey the misfit elf and the
lovable Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer dazzle children of all ages with this
magical tale about finding the Christmas spirit and being true to oneself. The music
alone will get children into the holiday spirit with great classics “A Holly
Jolly Christmas,” “Silver and Gold” and more!
Something
for Everyone
A Christmas Story [8 & up]
If your children have not seen this
Christmas classic, they must! Join Ralphie and the rest of the Parker family in
this goofy celebration of Christmas. Frozen tongues, leg lamps and the famous “You’ll
shoot your eye out!” sequence, this film will certainly delight children and
adults. Bonus? The TBS Network shows the movie nonstop from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. Click here to see the schedule.
Elf [7 & up]
This comedy hit starring Will
Ferrell centers on Buddy, a human raised as an elf in the North Pole. When
Buddy discovers his true parentage, he sets off to New York to meet his real
father. But the world of elves is quite different from that of humans. Watch as
Buddy navigates New York City and brings enthusiastic festive optimism to his
new found family. (Want to catch “Elf” on the Great White Way? The new “Elf” Broadway musical will be at the Al Hirschfeld Theater through the holiday. Click here for more info.
Home Alone [7 & up]
The original in the “Home Alone” series
introduces audiences to Kevin, the youngest and always bullied, member of the
McCallister family who is forgotten at home while his family takes a holiday
trip to Paris. What starts as a reprieve from his obnoxious family turns into a
hilarious fight with burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) to keep his family home intact. Of course, New York families will also love the beloved sequel, when Kevin takes on the same crooks in the big city.
The Muppet Christmas Carol [5 & up]
Jim Henson’s muppets take on the
Charles Dickens classic with Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Children will
love the lovable puppets and adults will appreciate the faithfulness to the original
novel. Plus, great songs like “Scrooge” and “It Feles Like Christmas” round out
the classic
The Nightmare before Christmas [7 & up]
This Christmas—and Halloween—stop motion classic
sprung from the kooky mind of Tim Burton centers on Jack Skellington, the
Pumpkin King of Halloween town, and his desire to bring Christmas cheer to a
town shrouded in Halloween creepiness. Children of all ages will delight in how
the monsters of Halloween dream up Christmas as well as the brilliant music
created by Danny Elfman.
Unaccompanied Minors [6 & up]
“Home Alone” for the 21st century kid.
This fun-filled children’s romp centers on a group of children making solo
flights to their doting parents to celebrate Christmas. There is no shortage of
hijinks and laughs as these kids get themselves into tons o’ trouble while also
learning the meaning of family and the importance of friends.
Something
for the Older Crowd
National Lampoon’s Christmas
Vacation [13 & up]
This modern classic features the
Griswold’s family and their holiday hijinks. A search for a Christmas tree,
disgruntled in-laws and an epic show of Christmas lights is just a glimpse of
what this fun filled holiday flick has to offer.
Scrooged [13 & up]
This modern version of A Christmas
Carol stars Bill Murray as a cynical television exec. Watch as he is visited by
the ghosts of Christmas past (a loud mouthed cabbie), present (a life sized
pixie) and future (a seven foot tall ghoul).
Love, Actually [16 & up]
This BAFTA award winning British flick is the only
R-rated film in the bunch. Save this movie for older teens and young adults who
have outgrown the innocent enthusiasm of films like “It’s A Wonderful Life.”
Jam packed with stars Keira Knightly, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman
and more, this romantic comedy will be a hit.
Check out the TV Guide Holiday Calendar for more information on Christmas flicks coming to your television. Also check out ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas schedule for additional films.
