The best family-friendly holiday movies to stream
BY MAYA LAIDLER
Spending time with your family is an important
part of the holiday season, and the most entertaining
way to do so is to grab popcorn and a
cup of hot chocolate, bundle up and watch a family
friendly holiday movie. With so many classic
films as well as new holiday movies coming out,
it can be hard to decide what to watch together.
This list is filled with options that every member
of the family who loves Christmas and the holidays
is sure to enjoy.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Youtube
TV
This classic Christmas story was adapted into
an animated film from Dr. Seuss’ book, “The
Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” It is a fun and
moving story about the Grinch and his dog Max
as they attempt to thwart the Christmas celebrations
of the residents of Whoville. It is great for
all ages and teaches a lesson of kindness. It’s a
well-loved movie and story and is great to watch
again and again during the holiday season.
“A Boy Called Christmas” (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
Follow Nikolas, along with his reindeer and
pet mouse, as he sets off on a magical adventure
to the snowy north in a quest to find his father.
This movie has a star-studded cast with actors
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.26 COM | DEC. 17 - DEC. 23, 2021
such as Maggie Smith, Henry Lawfull and Kristen
Wiig.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Regarded as one of the best Christmas comedy
movies, “Home Alone” will make you laugh
and experience the feelings of cheer, playfulness
and warmth that come with Christmastime. This
movie holds up to all of the new movies coming
out as a classic masterpiece. The story is about
an 8-year-old boy, Kevin, who is left alone during
Christmas, and must protect his home from two
con men who try to rob the house.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max
A heartwarming comedy-drama about a department
store Santa who convinces a 6-year-old
cynic, Susan Walker, to believe in the magic of
Christmas.
“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Most people know the story of “The Nutcracker”
from the popular ballet, but this movie adaption
is a new twist to the original with a magical
world and imaginative characters. Keeping some
of the original elements of dance, the movie is a
feast for the eyes with all of the fantasy elements
Photo via Getty Images
that it employs throughout Clara’s journey across
the four realms.
“The Knight Before Christmas” (2019)
Rating: Unrated
Where to watch: Netflix
This cute romance movie is about a medieval
knight (Josh Whitehouse) who gets transported
into the present day, meets a high school science
teacher (Vanessa Hudgens), and falls in love during
the holiday season. This movie is best for older
kids, 10 and up. It is light-hearted, festive and has
a charming fairytale quality to its storyline.
“The Polar Express” (2004)
Rating: G
Where to watch: HBO Max
A story about self-discovery and the power of
believing, this movie takes the viewer on a journey
with a young boy who boards the Polar Express
heading to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
“Elf” (2003)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max, Sling TV,
Amazon Prime, Philo
Watching this heartwarming comedy starring
Will Ferrell is a great way to get into the Christmas
spirit. Raised among Santa’s elves in the
North Pole, Buddy grew up feeling out of place. He
travels to New York during Christmas and starts a
tentative relationship with his birth father where
chaotic adventures ensue.