We don’t have to be psychic, although we are a little bit, to foretell that you and yours will be spending a lot of time indoors this holiday season. Even if the weather outside is not frightful, current circumstances have us all spending more time at home than probably ever before. Since we have a feeling you’re going to be at home with your family, we figured we would give you some beautiful movies to watch as a family this holiday season.
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Yes, some of the movies on our list are holiday themed, but not all because we love variety. We’ve included a rating for each film, when available, plus a short description and what platforms they are available on for streaming. May we suggest that you stock up on popcorn, snacks, cozy blankets, and anything else that will make your family feel comfy and loved? Then snuggle up together and enjoy these family-friendly movies together!
‘Elf’ is rated PG.
From the moment this movie was released in 2003, it became a holiday classic destined to be watched year after year. The film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, who discovers that he’s not an elf and leaves the North Pole to go find his father in New York. It’s available for streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
‘The Greatest Showman’ is rated PG.
This film is a musical biopic that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, an orphan who grows up to become the creator of the world-famous Barnum and Bailey Circus. The cast includes Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. It’s available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ is rated PG-13.
This movie is a reboot of the 1995 film that starred Robin Williams. In this version, players enter a video game instead of a board game. There is some mild cursing, so you might not let really young ones watch, but it’s filled with fun adventure and humor. It’s available for streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘The Christmas Chronicles’ is not rated, but is probably best for tweens and up.
Starring Kurt Russell as the one and only Santa Claus, this is what you would call a holiday adventure movie about a couple of kids who try to catch Santa on camera but end up on a wild adventure instead. If you guys end up liking it, you can watch the sequel starting on November 25, 2020. Both the original and the sequel are available for streaming on Netflix.
‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ is rated PG.
The live-action film based on the animated series finds Dora and her friends on adventure to save her parents and uncover the mystery behind the lost city of gold. Isabel Merced stars as Dora and her parents are played by Eva Longoria and Michael Peña. It’s available for streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘Coco’ is rated PG.
This film is a beautifully animated movie about a little boy named Miguel, who goes on an adventure to the Land of the Dead and finds out the truth behind his family’s ban on music. It’s a lovely tribute to family and culture. It’s available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘Hidden Figures’ is rated PG.
The film is based on the true story of three brilliant female African American mathematicians whose contributions to NASA’s US space program in the 1960s were crucial. As you can imagine, they had to contend with racism at every turn. It is available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘The One and Only Ivan’ is rated PG.
Adapted from the award-winning book by Katherine Applegate, this film tells the story of a silverback gorilla named Ivan. The book was inspired by the true story of a gorilla who loses his family and ends up performing at a strip-mall circus. It’s a touching tale. It’s available for streaming on Disney+.
‘Ruby Bridges’ is rated PG.
The film is based on the true story of Ruby Bridges, who was only 6 years old when she was chosen to be the first Black student to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960. She had to be escorted in by armed guards. It’s available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘Hunt for Wilderpeople’ is rated PG-13.
You will fall in love with Ricky Baker, who is played by Julian Dennison—it’s impossible not to. Ricky is a Maori boy in New Zealand who ends up hiding in the bush with his foster uncle and a national manhunt is organized to find them. The relationship between Ricky and his foster uncle develops into a beautiful bond that can’t be broken. It’s available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
‘Nanny McPhee’ is rated PG.
Nanny McPhee is reminiscent of Mary Poppins, but she’s got a charm that’s all her own. The film is adapted from the book and depicts the story of a nanny with supernatural powers who helps a group of misbehaving kids tap into kinder, more considerate, and caring versions of themselves. If you like the film, you can follow it up with Nanny McPhee Returns. Both films are available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Google Play.
‘Home Alone’ is rated PG.
Macaulay Culkin plays 8-year-old Kevin who was accidentally left behind by his parents when they head off to Paris. Don’t judge them too much, they have 11 other kids on their hands. Anyway, Kevin is left home alone to fend for himself as a couple of men try to try to burgle his home. It’s available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
‘Big’ is rated PG.
Tom Hanks does an incredible job of acting like a little boy in a man’s body in this 1988 movie. You should keep in mind that the film does contain some strong language and a few situations that you might not want younger kids to see because it’s basically a film about a child having to be an adult and deal with adult situations. It’s available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Google Play.
‘Freaky Friday’ is rated PG.
This is the story of a bickering mother and daughter who end up switching bodies. The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, who hilariously manage to make you believe that they have indeed switched bodies. It’s available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
'A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish' is rated PG.
The story of Cinderella gets an update in this teen rom-com. In this version, Cinderella is a singer and her “prince” is the son of a billionaire. There are, of course, wicked stepsisters and a wicked stepmother to contend with but no glass slipper. It’s available for streaming on Netflix, Amazon Play, and Google Play.
