The Ultimate List of Top Ten Family Christmas Movies Curating this ranking involved a blend of IMDB and Metacritic ratings, as well as box office success. Can’t decide what to watch on Christmas Day without sparking a debate? How about indulging in the ten ultimate family Christmas movies of all time? We’re here to help.
This top ten selection is meticulously crafted by considering both IMDB audience and Metacritic ratings, along with box office performance.
So, gather the festive cheer from Christmas movies and a tub of treats, like Quality Street. There’s an unparalleled joy in snuggling up with the entire family to enjoy a heartwarming holiday film.
Whether you opt to start from the top and work your way down or begin at the bottom and work your way up, ensure these Christmas classics are on your must-watch list this year. And don’t forget to pass the mince pies.
10. The Santa Clause On a Christmas Eve night while reading “The Night Before Christmas” to his son, single father Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) encounters a thud on the rooftop. It’s Santa himself, but the situation takes a twist as Santa gets injured. Chaos and comedy unfold as Scott steps into the role of Father Christmas. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
9. A Christmas Carol Jim Carrey isn’t new to portraying holiday killjoys (remember the Grinch?). In this animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ renowned tale, Carrey voices Scrooge, who receives a life-changing lesson from three Christmas spirits. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
8. Home Alone Is it even Christmas without “Home Alone”? The movie follows an eight-year-old boy, Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Caulkin), who’s accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Hilarious chaos ensues as Kevin defends his home against burglars. A true Christmas classic. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
7. It’s a Wonderful Life This Christmas film is simply unbeatable, except by the six preceding it in this list. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man with grand ambitions and an even bigger heart. His selfless sacrifices trigger an inspiring chain reaction of goodwill in the small town of Bedford Falls. The messages are heartwarmingly beautiful. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
6. Elf Funnyman Will Ferrell shines in this Christmas gem that has rightfully become a holiday staple. Ferrell plays the exuberant Buddy the Elf, who discovers he’s actually human and embarks on a quest to experience the holiday season in New York City with his birth family. The result is a hilarious fish-out-of-water adventure. You’ll want to watch this one more than once. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol The plot remains familiar: a stingy old man who loathes Christmas is visited by three ghosts. What sets this version apart is that it’s brought to life by the Muppets. A classic in its own right, this rendition is sure to charm kids, even though they may not recognize the original Muppets from their TV era. Rated G. Available on Amazon Prime.
4. The Polar Express Join the heartwarming journey of a young boy who boards the magical Polar Express, transforming his disbelief in Christmas. Tom Hanks lends his voice to a multitude of characters in this festive animated spectacle. Can you guess them all? Rated G. Available on Netflix.
3. Arthur Christmas Imagine Santa Claus as your father? This is the reality for Arthur Christmas, tasked with an ultra-secret and incredibly important mission. Certainly beats a day at the super-secret toy-making facility. Rated PG. Available on Netflix.
2. A Christmas Story Set in the 1940s, young Ralphie endeavors to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas The tale of Jack Skellington bridging Halloween Town and Christmas Town is portrayed in exquisite stop-motion animation. As Jack immerses himself in the holiday spirit, despite his lack of understanding, he commits to helping Santa deliver presents. Yet, his zealous efforts lead to unintended consequences. Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime.
