The best Christmas movies are ones that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you enjoy a Christmas movie that sends a sentimental message, or one that is filled with riotous comedy, you can find the perfect Christmas movie to get you in the holiday spirit. So turn out the lights, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up on the sofa and enjoy one of the top 5 family-friendly Christmas movies below.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out our list of ‘Top 10 Christmas Comedy Movies’. Each one is guaranteed to make you laugh away the stress of the Christmas season.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Christmas Movies
A Christmas Story
No other movie has captured the essence of the Christmas holiday like A Christmas Story. Set in the 1940’s, the movie follows the life of a young boy named Ralphie, who is on a mission to get a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas. With no one on his side, and everyone fearing that a BB gun is too dangerous, Ralphie must take drastic steps to dodge the ever-present threat, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”, and ensure he receives the Christmas gift of his dream.
A Christmas Story is quite literally the epitome of Christmas, youth, and everything that was once innocent and pure. Likened to a “Norman Rockwell picture come to life” this movie will appeal to viewers of all ages. Children will enjoy watching Ralphie fight off the neighborhood bullies, eating soap for saying bad words, and dreaming of taking on bad guys with his Red Rider BB gun. Adults will enjoy the nostalgic look back on a time when there was no television, and life was simple, presented in a funny and unique way.
Miracle on 34 th Street
This popular classic Christmas movie sends a message of hope, and will inspire even the most cynical non-believers. In the movie, we meet Susan, a little girl who has given up on Santa Claus, and doesn’t seem to have much faith in people in general. When Susan’s mother, who works for Macy’s, hires the new department store Santa, everything Susan once doubted slowly begins to change.
Is there really a Santa Claus? After meeting the new department Santa, Susan is intrigued and enchanted by him and begins to believe that he truly is a Santa Claus. Watching Susan slowly begin to BELIEVE is absolutely wonderful, and the story is inspiring. Amid skepticism and doubt, and even after a trial is called to determine Santa’s sanity, Susan still believes. In the end, the question of whether Santa Claus is real or not is left to the viewer, but it certainly sends the message that if you believe…anything is possible.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation is a hilarious Christmas comedy which follows the hapless Clark Griswold and the rest of his dysfunctional family. This is the perfect movie for Christmas, as it comedically depicts situations that we all find stressful and chaotic during the holiday season. Anyone that has ever struggled to assemble an outdoor Christmas light display, had family over for the holidays, or dealt with intolerable neighbors, will get a good laugh out of the antics displayed in this film.
When Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) decides to have both sides of the family stay at the Griswold home for the Christmas holiday, it is a recipe for disaster. Made worse by an unexpected visit from cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) the stage is set for a hilarious dose of holiday mishaps, including a scene where a squirrel gets loose in the living room on Christmas Eve.
The Polar Express
There is only one word to describe the movie The Polar Express, and that word is – Magical. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, this animated holiday film is destined to become a classic. It is about a little boy who has lost his faith in Santa, but through a bit of magic he finds himself on a train headed to the North Pole. He, and the other children on The Polar Express enjoy quite an adventure on the way.
The story is inspiring, exciting, and mesmerizing, and the animation is absolutely marvelous. Tom Hanks lends the voice (and his likeness) to five different computer-generated characters, and you will be able to spot the characters he plays, if not by voice, but by sight. In The Polar Express, there is singing, action and adventure, hope and excitement, and moments that will touch your heart. When the little boy finally arrives at the North Pole, and is given a small bell by Santa Claus himself, he learns that he can only hear the bell if he truly believes. Can YOU hear it?
It’s a Wonderful Life
Any Christmas movie collection would not be complete without the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Directed by Frank Capra, and starring Jimmy Stewart, this is a heartwarming story about a man named George Bailey (played by Stewart) who wishes he had never been born. That is, until an angel appears and shows George how he has impacted the life of others.
It’s a Wonderful Life is not only a wonderful Christmas movie, but is arguably one of the most inspiring movies ever made. It earned five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Sound Recording, and Best Film Editing.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Top 10 Christmas Comedy Movies
Women’s Christmas Gifts Under $ 20
Non-Candy Stocking Stuffer Ideas
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Previously published on Bestcovery