20 Best Christmas Movies for Your Family Movie Night
It’s almost that most wonderful time of year, can you believe it? Thank goodness for the end of 2020 and the wonder of Christmas. Last year my husband and I made a list of more than 20 Best Christmas Movies for Your Family Movie Night. We plan on watching every single one this year, which may or may not be possible with a newborn on the way. Check out our list below and let us know if we forgot anything.
Oh, and it you are wondering why I am posting this list early, it’s because there are technically more than 20 movies in the list, so you will need all the extra time you can spare to watch them all by December 25th. That is if you want to accept the challenge.
1. The Grinch (2018)
It might be blasphemy, but my favorite version of the Grinch is the latest creation produced by Illumination. I can’t get enough of this movie. Obviously, you can also add the Jim Carrey version from 2000 and the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas from 1966 to your list.
2. Rise of the Guardians
Rise of the Guardians features all the major characters, such as the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and even Jack Frost. However, I do consider this movie to be a winter staple. If you have imaginative kids, this film is perfect for them.
3. Klaus
My all-time favorite Christmas movie is Klaus. It was released in 2019 and is a visual masterpiece. If you haven’t seen this gem of a film, please take the time to add it to your list this year. You will need Netflix.
4. Polar Express
The Polar Express might be my husband’s favorite Christmas movie. It’s also a masterpiece, and features the voice of Tom Hanks, who is an American treasure. Watch this one with a nice cup of cocoa. If you’ve seen it, you know why.
5. Last Christmas
Another new film from 2019, Last Christmas is now a part of our annual list. This one is not younger-kids friendly, but is perfect for a date night. Watch it with a box of tissues. It’s a tear-jerker in the best way.
6. The Holiday
The Holiday is other excellent date night or girls night movie. It’s about two broken-hearted women who happen to switch homes for the holidays. There are so many big names in the film and the music score is beautiful.
7. Four Christmases
Keeping on the theme of date-night films, Four Christmases is a family favorite. It’s a hilarious depiction of what it is like to have many Christmases in only a couple of days. If you are familiar with that dilemma you will love this movie.
8. A Christmas Story
Every year on Christmas Eve there is a channel that plays A Christmas Story on repeat. And my family watches it all day. No matter whose home you go to, A Christmas Story is on the TV. I might have it memorized.
9. Noelle
This adorable film was also released in 2019, and I thought it was pretty cute! If you like Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader, it’s a must-see. Very heart warming and funny. Noelle poses the question, “Can there be a female Santa?” Uhm, yes!
10. Home Alone (1 & 2)
Obviously the first home alone is a classic, but the second movie also has it’s merits. You can’t have a Christmas movies list without Home Alone. Okay, technically there are four movies in the series, but there are only two with the original Kevin. I think we can all agree they are the best of the series.
11. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is another classic Christmas Movie everyone should see. No matter what your age. If you are looking for a wholesome, inspiring film for Christmas then this is the one.
12. Santa Claus (1,2, & 3)
This opinion might be controversial, but I love all three of the Santa Claus films. Yes, the first one has a special place in my heart, but I could watch them all back to back. I think it’s the humor and the magic of Santa that draws me in. Definitely a must-see Christmas movie series.
13. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
If you are a fan of classic comedy, then this is the movie for you. Can you go wrong with John Candy and Steve Martin? Nope. It’s the classic trying to get home for Christmas movie.
14. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Speaking of those trying to get home for Christmas movies, this one is perfect. Honestly, to me it’s a little cheesy, but we could all use a little bit of cheesy around the holidays could we not?
15. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Again, you can’t make a Christmas Movie List without Charlie Brown. It’s not even one I mean to watch every year, but at some point it’s on TV. So nostalgic.
16. Elf
Elf is quite possibly the funniest Christmas movie on the list. And the most quotable. “I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR.” Iconic.
17. A Muppet Christmas Carol
Who doesn’t love the muppets? Actually, I know a few people who do not, but I’ve never been able to understand why. There are many versions of a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, but this one is by far my favorite.
18. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
My Christmas season never quite feels complete without watching this movie. I honestly can’t remember a year I haven’t watched it or at least listened to the original vinyl at least once. Yup, my mom has the record.
19. Frosty the Snowman
By reading that last title, did you get the song stuck in your head? “Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soul…” Brings me back to kids choir, you know?
20. The Nightmare Before Christmas
For me this movie is more Halloween-y, but it has Christmas in the title, so… The Nightmare Before Christmas is worth watching if not only to marvel at how they did animation at that time.
Thank you for reading the 20 Best Christmas Movies for Your Family Movie Night. For more ideas on what to do as a family or how to live hygge check out these posts below:
5 Fantastic Movies For Family Movie Night in the Fall
6 Hygge Movies to Watch on Family Movie Night
12 Classic Children’s Books to Read With Your Kids
How to Hygge in the Winter
As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.
Love always,
