'Polar Express' (2004), 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964) and 'The Grinch' (2018). Warner Brothers/Courtesy Everett Collection; Courtesy Everett Collection; Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on Reddit Post a Comment Share on Whats App Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Print the Article Share on Tumblr It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a festive film? Movies are the perfect way to commemorate the season and remember the magic of holidays. Whether you're looking to revisit a beloved film from your childhood or are looking for a fresh take on a classic story to introduce to your children, the movies on this list are suitable for all ages to enjoy. The Hollywood Reporter has assembled a list of the best kid-friendly Christmas movies that are perfect for your kids or family to binge throughout December. From classics like Home Alone to hidden gems like Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, these picks are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. 'The Polar Express' (2004) Image Credit: Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection The Polar Express shares the story of a young boy who finds himself on a journey to the North Pole on a magical train - the Polar Express. A beloved Christmas film, the movie shares the message of believing in the spirit of the holiday. The movie features motion-capture computer-animation, which means the characters were created partly from work by real-life actors blended with computerized animation. Tom Hanks notably stood in and voiced a number of the roles. The Polar Express earned three Academy Award nominations, all centered around the film's music/sound. Read THR's 2004 review of The Polar Express here. 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964) Image Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images This movie tells the classic story of the most famous reindeer of all. Before Rudolph was the Christmas icon he is today, he was rejected by the North Pole reindeers for his unique red nose. However, the very feature he was criticized for ends up being an asset to Santa and the rest of the world when Rudolph saves Christmas. A 2018 THR poll found that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the most beloved holiday film, further solidifying the reach and longevity of this story. 'Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas' (1999) Image Credit: (C)Walt Disney Co. / courtesy Everett Collection This 1999 animated movie centered around the cherished Disney characters is sure to entertain the kids this holiday season. An oldie but a goodie, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas features three separate stories that spotlight different sets of characters: Donald Duck and the rest of the Duck family; Goofy and Max; and Minnie and Mickey Mouse. 'Elf' (2003) Image Credit: New Line/Courtesy Everett Collection In one of Will Ferrell's most recognizable roles (and that's saying a lot), the six-time Emmy Award winner portrays Buddy the Elf, a human who was accidentally raised by elves after stumbling into Santa's toy sack on Christmas Eve as a baby. When Buddy realizes he has a father living in New York City, he leaves the North Pole and ventures out to reunite with his biological father, causing chaos along the way. Read THR's 2003 review of Elf here. 'Frosty the Snowman' (1969) Image Credit: CBS/Courtesy of Getty Images Another magical movie, Frosty the Snowman, encapsulates the story of a snowman who comes to life after a few children place an old silk hat on his head. Frosty finds himself in hot water when the snow begins to melt, which threatens his own life as well, as the children embark on a plan to help the snowman make it to the North Pole. 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000) Image Credit: Courtesy of Everett Collection In the live-action adaptation of the widely known Dr. Seuss book, Jim Carrey stepped into the unforgettably green role for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The film tells the story of the Grinch, a creature who cannot stand Christmas, living on Mount Crumpit right outside of Whoville. When Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) learns about the Grinch's story, she sets out to reinstall Christmas spirit in his heart. How the Grinch Stole Christmas was nominated for three Oscars and won one for best makeup. Momsen reflected on how beloved the film has become in conversation with THR, noting, "The film that [director] Ron [Howard] made is so heartwarming. How can you not love it? It's for children; it's for adults. The core story is so universal. It's just amazing." Read THR's 2000 review of How the Grinch Stole Christmas here. 'Home Alone' (1990) Image Credit: 0th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection One of the most popular holiday movies of all time, Home Alone introduced Kevin McCallister to the world in 1990. With Macaulay Culkin in the leading spot, the movie sees what happens when Kevin is literally home a
The Hollywood Reporter
Happy Holidays: 20 Kid-Friendly Films for Christmas
December 11, 2025
7 days ago
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