10 of the best Christmas movies for kids to watch online
No one is stopping you from joining in the fun.
In the chaos surrounding the holidays it can be difficult to find a moment to enjoy quality family time. Whether you manage to steal away a couple of hours for movie night or simply need a cheerful film to keep the kids busy while you take care of last-minute tasks, we've got you covered.
The festive movies listed below are well-suited for young viewers, but there's a good chance they will appeal to their parents too. Trust us: they will come in handy if you want to avoid sitting through yet another highly requested Frozen re-watch. Without further ado, here are 10 of the best Christmas movies for kids currently available on streaming services.
1. Home Alone
Year: 1990
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
When a bratty 8-year-old finds himself home alone for the holidays after a mishap, he initially revels in his newfound freedom. Then 2 robbers target his house – and the young boy has to use all his wits to keep them at bay.
Home Alone is a Christmas staple for a reason: it's silly, hilarious and heart-warming, all at the same time. Seeing it as an adult will send you down nostalgia lane. Seeing it as a kid for the very the first time? Priceless.
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2. Arthur Christmas
Year: 2011
Cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton
When Santa fails to deliver a present on Christmas Eve, it's up to his youngest son Arthur to make things right. There's only one problem – Arthur, despite being good-natured, is quite clumsy. He proceeds to go on an epic adventure, but will he be able to make the delivery before morning comes?
Arthur Christmas is a joyful and witty holiday movie, one that will make kids laugh out loud and may even cause adults to shed a tear or two. Sweet and visually stunning, it's a wonderful watch regardless of age.
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3. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Year: 2020
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose
This charming Christmas film centres on a toymaker who loses his will to create after his apprentice betrays him. Years later, he is struggling financially. Thankfully, it all changes when his granddaughter shows up on his doorstep. The little one might be the perfect person to help him turn things around.
A spectacular musical extravaganza, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a movie brimming with sweetness and magic. It's incredibly uplifting, making it the perfect pick-me-up stream.
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4. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Year: 1992
Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz
Scrooge is an old miser who dislikes Christmas. However, when he is visited by three spirits that embody the past, present and future, he is inspired to change his cold-hearted ways.
Penned by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol is a classic holiday tale. Adding the Muppets into the mix is a sure-fire way to make it more accessible to kids, as this offers a gentler take on the original. By the end of The Muppet Christmas Carol, everyone gathered around the TV will be mesmerised. As for Michael Caine, he never fails to impress.
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5. Elf
Year: 2003
Cast: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart
In Elf, Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised amongst elves at the North Pole. Now an adult, he travels to New York to meet his biological father, a cynical businessman who is on Santa's naughty list. Buddy tries to redeem his dad, but finds the real world challenging to navigate.
A feel-good holiday comedy, Elf is elevated thanks to a wonderful central performance from Ferrell. Highly entertaining from start to finish and full of Christmas cheer, the movie will put a smile on everyone's faces.
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6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Year: 1965
Cast: Peter Robbins, Chris Shea, Tracy Stratford, Cathy Steinberg
This TV special may have come out in the 60s, but its message rings even truer today.
Charlie Brown finds himself depressed around Christmastime due to the holiday's intense commercialisation. To get into the spirit, he decides to direct the school play and ends up choosing a puny tree as a centrepiece. While his peers initially mock him, Charlie eventually realises what Christmas is all about.
Short and sweet, A Charlie Brown Christmas stands the test of time as a delightful holiday treat. Add it to your festive family watchlist ASAP.
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7. The Christmas Chronicles
Year: 2018
Cast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Lamorne Morris
When their plan to catch Santa Clause in the act goes terribly wrong, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save the day. Teaming up with Santa himself, they hustle to deliver all presents until morning, getting into all sorts of trouble along the way.
The Christmas Chronicles is imaginative and fun, with an excellent turn from Kurt Russell as Saint Nick. If the kids are struggling to believe in the magic of the holiday, this movie will convince them otherwise.
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8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Year: 2000
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Kelley, Jeffrey Tambor
Another classic that will never go out of style, How the Grinch Stole Christmas centres on the reclusive green Grinch, who wants to ruin Christmas for the inhabitants of Whoville. However, his mischievous plans are derailed when he encounters the precocious Cindy Lou.
This live action adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss book will be a hit with kids, who will appreciate its chaotic nature. Colourful and vibrant, the movie has enough charm and humour to become a household fave.
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9. The Santa Clause
Year: 1994
Cast: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd
When he accidentally makes Santa Claus fall off a roof, a man unknowingly agrees to become the next Santa. But taking over isn't as easy as one might hope, especially as he has to keep his new gig secret from a suspicious ex-wife.
Light and breezy, this Christmas comedy is a good time, with jokes and silliness galore. It goes down as smoothly as a delicious hot chocolate.
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10. Angela's Christmas
Year: 2017
Cast: Malachy McCourt, Ruth Negga, Caitriona Balfe, Lucy O'Connell
A short film perfect for younger viewers, Angela's Christmas is a sweet and moving tale about the power of family. The plot follows Angela, a young girl who has an extraordinary idea when attending church with her family on Christmas Eve. She decides to act on it, to surprising results.
To call this movie heartfelt would be an understatement, as it packs quite a punch in only 30 minutes. Add gorgeous animation into the mix and you're guaranteed a wholesome and satisfying watch.
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Didn't love our picks? Check out the latest releases on every service here. We also have a great list of Christmas movies for every mood.