Creating cherished family traditions is often about shared experiences, and what better way to bond than through the magic of movies? Family movie nights can become a cornerstone of your family culture, providing common ground, inside jokes, and lasting memories. Finding movies that appeal to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can be a delightful journey. We believe in selecting movies that are not only entertaining for children but also engaging for adults, avoiding anything too simplistic for grown-ups or inappropriate for younger viewers. Sometimes, we opt for shorter kids’ films for the whole family, followed by something a bit more mature for older children after the little ones are in bed. However, the core goal is always family togetherness.
This guide explores some of the Best Family Movies Of All Time, spanning various genres and eras, perfect for creating those special moments. We’ve curated a list that blends animated adventures, timeless classics, and heartwarming stories that resonate with families of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a festive Christmas movie or a captivating tale to enjoy any time of year, you’ll find something here to make your next family movie night truly special.
Animated Family Movie Magic
Animated movies possess a unique charm, capable of capturing imaginations and delivering powerful stories in visually stunning ways. These animated films are some of the best for families to enjoy together.
Animated Christmas Movies
The Small One (1978, Disney+, 0:25, TV-PG)
A heartwarming animated short from the classic Disney era, The Small One tells the gentle story of a young boy who must sell his beloved donkey, Small One. This sweet and touching film features catchy musical numbers and culminates in a beautiful, understated Nativity scene, making it a perfect choice for the Christmas season. It’s a tender reminder of simple joys and unexpected blessings.
Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018, Amazon, 1:26, PG)
Many Grinch adaptations exist, but this 2018 version stands out as a delightful take on the classic Dr. Seuss story. It retains the charm of the original 1966 cartoon while offering a fresh perspective. With religious carols, a humorous a cappella group, and a Grinch who is more relatable in his isolation and hurt, this movie offers a nuanced exploration of loneliness and the power of community. It’s a funny and insightful film about overcoming personal barriers to embrace love and connection.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983, Disney+, 0:26, G)
This animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol is surprisingly well-done. Concise and entertaining, it cleverly casts beloved Disney characters in Dickens’ classic narrative. While taking some liberties with the plot, Mickey’s Christmas Carol successfully conveys the story’s message of redemption with humor and heart. The familiar characters and engaging animation make it an accessible and enjoyable introduction to this timeless tale, even for younger viewers. While there are slightly spooky elements, the presence of Goofy as Marley’s ghost and Pete as the undertaker keeps it lighthearted and fun.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, Disney+, 1:26, G)
Considered by many to be the best movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a true gem. Combining the beloved Muppets with a faithful retelling of Dickens’ story, this film is rich with humor, heart, and memorable songs. Michael Caine as Scrooge delivers a stellar performance alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the whole Muppet gang. While perhaps slightly more sophisticated in plot than the Mickey version, the Muppets’ antics ensure it remains thoroughly entertaining for children, making it a family favorite year after year.
Klaus (2019, Netflix, 1:38, PG)
Klaus provides a fresh and visually stunning origin story for Santa Claus. This beautifully animated film tells the tale of a postman and a toymaker whose unlikely friendship brings joy and generosity to a cold, isolated town. With its striking animation style, excellent voice acting, and sweet message about the power of kindness and giving, Klaus is a modern Christmas classic that families will adore. It also subtly touches upon themes of legacy and remembrance in a gentle way.
Alien Xmas (2020, Netflix, 0:42, TV-Y)
For a quirky and unique animated Christmas experience, Alien Xmas is a delightful choice. Featuring impressive claymation, this short film tells the story of an alien tasked with stealing Earth’s gravity who instead learns the spirit of Christmas. With a sweet message about love and generosity, and a Santa Claus who defends Christmas with candy cane nunchucks, it’s an action-packed and heartwarming short that’s sure to entertain. The gentle humor and creative animation style make it a fun watch for the whole family.
Prep & Landing (2009, Disney+, 0:22, TV-G) & Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa (2010, Disney+, 0:07, TV-G)
These Pixar animated shorts offer a behind-the-scenes look at Santa’s operation, focusing on the elves responsible for preparing homes for his arrival. Prep & Landing and Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa are both charming and unobjectionable, filled with humor and holiday cheer. These shorts are perfect for adding a touch of modern Pixar magic to your family movie night, celebrating teamwork and the spirit of Christmas preparations.
Timeless Classic Family Movies
Some movies transcend generations, becoming cherished classics that families return to again and again. These old-timey classics offer heartwarming stories and enduring messages.
Old-Timey Christmas Movies
White Christmas (1954, Netflix, 2:00, TV-G)
White Christmas is the quintessential feel-good classic, blending music, romance, and a heartwarming story. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this movie is packed with iconic musical numbers and a sweet plot about helping a former army general and his struggling inn. With its mix of slapstick humor for boys and romantic elements for girls, White Christmas has something for everyone. It’s a joyous celebration of friendship, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Prime, 2:10, PG)
Considered one of the greatest films ever made, It’s a Wonderful Life is a powerful and moving story about the impact one person’s life can have on others. James Stewart delivers a memorable performance as George Bailey, a man who is shown what life would be like if he had never been born. While dealing with serious themes, the film is ultimately uplifting and reaffirms the importance of family, community, and the inherent value of every individual. Its timeless message and emotional depth make it a must-watch for families.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947, Prime, 1:50, TV-G)
The Bishop’s Wife is a charming and thoughtful film featuring Cary Grant as an angel who comes to Earth to help a bishop in need. This movie offers a more theologically nuanced portrayal of angels than some other films of its era. Its gentle humor and focus on faith, marriage, and the importance of what truly matters in life make it a heartwarming and enriching viewing experience. The film’s subtle charm and insightful themes make it a classic for families who appreciate movies with deeper meaning.
The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945, DVD, 2:06, NR)
Another Bing Crosby classic, The Bells of St. Mary’s is a delightful sequel to Going My Way. This film pairs Crosby with Ingrid Bergman in a heartwarming story about a priest and a nun who clash over methods but unite in their dedication to their school. Filled with humor, Catholic themes, and a charming Christmas pageant, it’s a film that celebrates faith, community, and good-natured rivalry. Crosby’s singing and the film’s overall warmth make it a perfect choice for a family movie night.
Come to the Stable (1949, Amazon, 1:34, NR)
Come to the Stable shares thematic similarities with The Bells of St. Mary’s, telling the true story of two French nuns who arrive in a small New England town with a mission to build a children’s hospital. While perhaps lacking the star power of Bing Crosby, this film is based on a genuinely sweet story and highlights themes of faith, determination, and community spirit. Its gentle narrative and uplifting message make it a heartwarming classic, particularly for families who enjoy stories of overcoming adversity with faith and kindness.
80s & 90s Live-Action Family Favorites
The 1980s and 1990s produced a wealth of live-action family movies that continue to resonate with audiences today. These films often blend humor, adventure, and heartwarming messages.
Eighties-to-Oughts Christmas Movies
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983, YouTube, 0:48)
Based on a beloved children’s book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a sweet and faithful TV adaptation. It tells the story of the Herdman kids, known for being the most unruly children in town, who unexpectedly take over the annual Christmas pageant. This film delivers a heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas and the transformative power of understanding and compassion. Its humor and genuine emotion make it a great choice for families, especially during the holiday season.
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005, Disney+, 2:27, PG)
The first installment in the Chronicles of Narnia film series, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, beautifully brings C.S. Lewis’s classic fantasy novel to life. Combining adventure, fantasy, and allegory, this movie tells the story of the Pevensie children and their journey into the magical world of Narnia. The inclusion of Father Christmas makes it a fitting Christmas movie, and its themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and redemption resonate deeply. Visually stunning and narratively engaging, it’s a fantastic family film.
A Christmas Story (1983, Amazon, 1:33, PG)
A Christmas Story has become a holiday staple for many families, known for its nostalgic humor and relatable family dynamics. Set in the 1940s, it follows young Ralphie Parker in his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. While containing some mild language and questionable parenting moments, the film’s charm lies in its lighthearted portrayal of childhood Christmas experiences and family life. Its comedic moments and sentimental core make it a beloved, if slightly irreverent, Christmas classic.
Home Alone (1990, Disney+, 1:43, PG)
Home Alone is another iconic 90s family film, though perhaps not for every family due to some slapstick violence and mild content. It tells the story of Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on Christmas vacation and must defend his home from burglars. Despite some cartoonish violence, the film’s soundtrack is perfect, and it delivers messages of bravery, resourcefulness, forgiveness, and the importance of family. Scenes set in a Catholic church add a touch of Christmas spirit, making it a popular, albeit slightly edgy, holiday favorite.
Elf (2003, Amazon, 1:36, PG)
Elf is a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas comedy starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father, his childlike enthusiasm and fish-out-of-water antics lead to comedic and touching situations. While containing some mature themes that might be better suited for teens and older viewers, the film’s overall message of family, finding your place, and spreading Christmas cheer is genuinely heartwarming. Its humor and Ferrell’s energetic performance have made it a modern Christmas classic.
Joyeux Noel (2006, Amazon, 1:56, PG-13)
Joyeux Noel offers a poignant and moving portrayal of the Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I. This historical drama depicts soldiers from opposing sides – French, Scottish, and German – who put down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. With dialogue in French, English, and German, and subtitles, the film is a powerful reminder of humanity amidst war. While containing some mature themes and war violence, its message of peace, hope, and shared humanity makes it a profound and thought-provoking film for older teens and adults.
Die Hard (1988, Amazon, 2:12, R)
While debated as a Christmas movie, Die Hard is undeniably a well-made action film set during Christmas time. Starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, who must stop terrorists at a Christmas party, it’s packed with action and suspense. Despite its violent content and mature rating, some argue its setting and themes of sacrifice and fighting for family qualify it as a non-traditional Christmas movie. For families with older teens who enjoy action films, Die Hard can be a thrilling and unconventional holiday watch.
Christmas Romantic Comedies for the Family
Christmas rom-coms have become a popular genre, offering lighthearted romance and holiday cheer. While some can be predictable, they often provide feel-good stories with happy endings, perfect for a cozy family movie night.
Christmas Rom-Com Movies
While You Were Sleeping (1995, Disney+, 1:43, PG)
While You Were Sleeping is a sweet and charming romantic comedy set during Christmas time. Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely train ticket vendor who pretends to be engaged to a comatose man and ends up falling for his brother. With its heartwarming story, gentle humor, and focus on family connections, it’s a feel-good movie that appeals to a wide audience. The film’s celebration of family and unexpected love makes it a delightful choice for a family movie night.
A Christmas Prince (2017, Netflix, 1:32, PG)
A Christmas Prince is a quintessential Netflix Christmas rom-com, offering light and fluffy entertainment. It follows an aspiring journalist who is sent to Aldovia to cover a prince and gets caught up in a fairytale romance. While not high art, it’s a fun and family-appropriate movie with charming characters, festive settings, and all the chaste romance and Christmas decorations one could want. It’s perfect for those seeking lighthearted holiday escapism.
The Princess Switch (2018, Netflix, 1:42, TV-G)
The Princess Switch is a Christmas-themed take on The Prince and the Pauper story, starring Vanessa Hudgens in dual roles. It’s a cute and predictable but enjoyable movie about two look-alikes who switch places and find unexpected romance. While containing some plot holes and lighthearted clichés, its overall sweetness and holiday charm make it a fun, undemanding watch for families.
The Knight Before Christmas (2019, Netflix, 1:32, TV-14)
The Knight Before Christmas embraces its fantastical premise with a time-traveling medieval knight transported to modern-day Ohio during Christmas. Starring Vanessa Hudgens again, this rom-com is light on logic but heavy on holiday romance and charm. With its focus on honor, virtue, and sweet romance, it offers escapist holiday entertainment, even if it’s not deeply meaningful.
Christmas Catch (2018, Netflix, 1:26, TV-G)
Christmas Catch offers a slightly different rom-com premise, featuring a police detective falling for her prime suspect, who is a suspected Christmas tree thief. While breaking some typical rom-com molds, it’s a lighthearted and humorous movie, with an awkwardly charming heroine. Its playful plot and holiday setting make it a mildly diverting Christmas rom-com.
A Very Country Christmas (2017, Netflix, 1:24, TV-G)
A Very Country Christmas is a sweet and chaste romance set in a country music backdrop. It features a widowed mother, a charming country singer, and a focus on family and roots. With plenty of country music and a heartwarming story, it’s a gentle and predictable but comforting Christmas rom-com for families who enjoy the genre.
12 Dates of Christmas (2011, Disney+, 1:26, PG)
12 Dates of Christmas puts a Christmas spin on the Groundhog Day concept, with a woman reliving Christmas Eve repeatedly until she gets it right. Starring Amy Smart, it’s a predictable but ultimately heartwarming movie about learning lessons and finding love during the holidays. Its themes of personal growth and holiday magic make it a pleasant and familiar Christmas rom-com.
Choosing the best family movies of all time is a personal journey, but this list provides a great starting point for creating unforgettable family movie nights. Whether you prefer animation, classic tales, or modern rom-coms, the goal is to find films that bring your family together and create lasting memories.
