Christmas movies are an essential part of the holiday season and the perfect excuse to spend quality time with our families. There's nothing like sharing our love for films with others and creating new memories that'll give us the year-long holiday cheer.
As such, we're providing you with a Christmas movie watchlist filled with classics, family mishaps, light romance, and iconic Disney pieces to generate the warmth of get-togethers and goodwill. Your kids and teens will love them as much as you do. We are kids at heart, after all, when the holidays ring in.
The best Christmas movies on our watchlist for the kids and teens
A Christmas Story (1983)
If this classic isn't on your watchlist, then consider this a sign to add it!
In this holiday dramedy, a 9-year-old boy named Ralphie Parker, living in the Midwest pre-WWII, has one thing on his wishlist, a Red Ryder BB Gun. It was the toy of the 1940s for every boy, and Ralphie shares his childhood story about wanting one of his own, even if his mom disagrees.
There's a sweet father-and-son bonding moment near the end, which makes Ralphie's coveted gift all the more meaningful and true to the heart.
After you're finished with A Christmas Story, be sure to check out its 2022 sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas on Max.
Where to watch: Max
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the Elf in this light-hearted and fun comedy that makes us all believe in the holiday magic led by spirit. Buddy's the enigma of our inner childhood and tries to find all that's good in the world in an innocuous direction.
Moreover, Buddy finds and bonds with his biological family on his journey from the North Pole to New York and falls in love despite a shaky start. However, the overgrown elf travels back north from time to time for visits, as he doesn't forget his roots.
Where to watch: Disney+/Hulu (package)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Lady and the Tramp was and still is, my mom's favorite movie from her childhood. As a dog lover myself, I could see why. The heartwarming story reveals a pampered and pure breed Cocker Spaniel falling for a streetwise dog who shows her life beyond the white picket fence and comfort.
While the film does contain outdated material that wouldn't be utilized today, it remains one of Disney's best in terms of settings, music, and animation. You must realize that in the 1950s, when Lady and the Tramp premiered, and during the Gilded Age/Progressive Period, where the movie takes place, adoption was a rare event, as was spaying and neutering. Times have vastly improved since, but the dog romance between Lady and Tramp is too sweet and warm to pass up.
Where to watch: Disney+
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Ron Howard's live-action vision of the green guy is brought to life by Jim Carrey, whose comedic flare adds depth to the beloved character. We're given a significant backstory of why the Grinch has such a sour attitude toward Christmas, which is theorized by the film's writers and not an original plot from the Dr. Seuss book.
Where to watch: Prime or watch on Freeform
Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
Believe in the magic of Santa with the Miracle On 34th Street. In this black-and-white movie, Santa goes to trial to prove he's the real jolly old elf from the North Pole, not just a hire for Macy's. What's more, you'll see the iconic store in the 1940s as a busy place for the holidays.
Where to watch: Peacock
Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this family comedy as a forgetful dad who encounters the horror of Christmas Eve shopping to buy the desired gift for his young son. Between the antics of Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman as his zany next-door neighbor, and Sinbad as Myron the Mailman, you won't be able to stop laughing. I consider Jingle All The Way the ultimate holiday comedy that'll make you feel good.
Where to watch: Disney+
Christmas Inheritance (2015)
The 100's Eliza Taylor trades in her post-apocalyptic wardrobe for a brighter, more polished one in the rom-com Christmas Inheritance. She plays a greeting card heiress named Ellen, who must come to an absolution after her scandalous behavior at a charitable party. To accomplish her goal, Ellen travels to a small town, where she befriends several citizens, learns Christmas's true meaning, and relights her heart.
Where to watch: Netflix
Christmas Vacation (1989)
If you thought your family was chaotic during the holidays, wait until you meet the Griswalds in Christmas Vacation. Clark, the patriarch, has his entire family over for the holiday celebrations, and together, they encounter every problem and mishap. It's hilarious, fun, and a little sad, as the cat had an unfortunate fate. Despite all the shenanigans, Clark gets what he wants most for Christmas after another mishap leads to it.
Where to watch: Hulu or Max
Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins wasn't probably on your watchlist as many believe it's not a Christmas movie, as it was released in July. It falls under the holiday film category, as it was set during Christmas. In the Speilberg production, Gizmo, the Mogwai bonds with a teenager named Billy and forms an adorable friendship. However, after Billy disobeys the rules of properly caring for the rare creature, multiple gremlins wreak horror on the town and nearly cause a dystopia if it weren't for Billy using extreme measures to stop them.
Given some of the violent sequences in Gremlins, the movie is more appropriate for teenagers than young kids,
Where to watch: Hulu
Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1990, 1992)
When Kevin McCallister is left behind after his family leaves for their Christmas getaway to Paris, he must protect his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. He's very observant and resourceful of an eight-year-old kid from Chicago, and by using everyday household objects and his intelligence, Kevin sets up an elaborate security system that brings the bad guys to justice.
I feel like you can't watch Home Alone without the sequel, as the two go hand-in-hand. In Lost In New York, Kevin encounters the same criminals and, once again, sets up his system to catch them. Now, you think those guys would learn from the first time, but nope. The same thing happens but in a different place.
What's even funnier, is that Kevin's entire family had zero clue that he was a hero, nor did the child disclose his "adventures." Kevin only wanted to stay at the most posh hotel in New York, while eating a bowl of ice cream.
Where to watch: Disney+
A Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets come together to tell the story of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are Bob and Emily Cratchit respectively, while British actor Michael Caine portrays Ebenezer Scrooge. It's a sweet, but moving version of the 1843 novella with musical numbers and hilarious bits throughout.
Where to watch: Disney+
White Christmas (1954)
Finally, we're ending our list with the musical, White Christmas. Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen put on unforgettable performances while bringing everyone together. It's the essence of Christmas and magic for the entire family.
Where to watch: Prime