34 DECEMBER 16, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
The best family-friendly holiday movies to stream
BY MAYA LAIDLER
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
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 familyfriendly
holiday movie. With so many classic fi lms
as well as new holiday movies coming out, it can be
hard to decide what to watch together. This list is
fi lled 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 fi lm 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.
“A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS” (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to watch: Netfl ix
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 fi nd his father. This movie
has a star-studded cast with actors 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 that it employs
throughout Clara’s journey across the four realms.
“THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
(2019)
Rating: Unrated
Where to watch: Netfl ix
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.
HOLIDAYS
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