We are in the holiday season, and you already know what that means. You can find holiday songs and baking shows on Christmas. Scrambling to find gifts your kids will love … without breaking the bank. Tweens and teens moan when they are asked to take part in family holiday festivities. Believe me, I know. It is very real.
Movies are a good way to have holiday activities together. Even the most rebellious teenager will stay in the family space when there is a good holiday movie. Holiday magic at your rescue!
If you’re looking to grab a little holiday cheer and perhaps coax your teen or tween out of their room or away from their screen of choice for a couple hours, stream one of these gems and the holiday magic will do its thing. Are you unsure what to watch? We’ve got you covered with 13 suggestions — popcorn and hot chocolate optional, but strongly advised!
1. Noelle
Starring Anna Kendrick as Kris Kringle’s daughter, this movie has just the right amount of humor and sweetness without being too cringey. Shirley MacLaine (Billy Eichner) and Bill Hader (Bill Hader) are not disappointed.
Disney+: Watch the video
2. Spirited
An updated 2022 take on Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Spirited This musical comedy stars Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. As one Rotten Tomatoes viewer said, “It’s a funny, bouncy romp with strong singing and dancing talent and just the right touch of snark to please any Scrooge.” Did we mention it stars Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell? We need to say more.
Similar story
The Case for Having a Family ‘Staycation’ This Holiday Season
You can stream AppleTV or watch in theatres
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
It wouldn’t be a holiday movie list without Christmas Vacation It would be great if it was. Most movies from “back in the day” prove to be a teensy bit problematic, but this one actually stands the test the test of time reasonably well. And funny enough, the older I get, the more I can appreciate Clark’s wholesome (albeit a bit unrealistic) attempt to make his “good old-fashioned family Christmas” happen.
Amazon Prime Video and Max Video are available to watch.
4. Elf
This movie will never get old. NEVER. There are many movie quotes to choose from, and Will Ferrell is the ultimate Will Ferrell.
Amazon Prime Video and Max Video are available to watch.
5. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Starring Forest Whitaker (Kegan-Michael Key) and Phylicia Rahad. Jingle Jangle This 2020 film is about a bitter and burned toymaker who finds joy and hope when his granddaughter enters his life. It’s important to represent the truth and this new take on holiday musicals should be seen. Bonus: The movie also features John Legend’s music.
Netflix – Watch Now
6. Four Christmases
Four Christmases is a delightful rom-com, in which a couple (played by Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day. If you’re looking for a movie that puts the “fun” in family dysfunction, this is it.
Amazon Prime Video
7. Love Actually
I know, I know. Folks know. big feelings About this movie. Personally, I’m still a fan despite its flaws and obvious blind spots. It’s fun and funny, and who doesn’t get in the holiday spirit when Hugh Grant does that dance?
Amazon Prime Video
8. The Holiday
Holiday rom-com at its best The Holiday is about two women — one from LA (Cameron Diaz) and one from England (Kate Winslet) — who book a last-minute house swap over the holidays. It’s sweet and happy, albeit a little predictable, and you and your family just might be searching for last-minute vacation rentals in the English countryside after watching it.
Amazon Prime Video
9. Fred Claus
This comedy features the hilarious comedy of Vince Vaughn & Paul Giamatti. Fred Claus is about Santa’s angry older brother, Fred, who’s forced to move to the North Pole to help Santa prepare for Christmas.
You can watch HBO Max
10. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
The beauty of this one is that depending on your kids’ ages, you can choose the original from 1966, the Jim Carrey version (2000), or the most recent one from 2018 — or watch all three and compare!
11. Unaccompanied Minors
Based on a true story by Susan Burton first told on the public radio show This American Life 2001 (titled If you are in an emergency, place your sister in an upright positionThis movie tells the story of a group unaccompanied children who are traveling to Midwestern for the holidays and get stuck in an airport.
You can watch HBO Max
13. Die Hard
Teens love the thrill of it all. Parents love the ‘80s nostalgia. This movie will be loved by the whole family, regardless of whether it is actually a holiday movie. (It’s not.)
Disney+: Watch the video
