As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I hold these Christmas specials near and dear to my heart, each one carrying its unique charm that has left an indelible mark on my holiday memories. Among all these timeless classics, there’s one that stands out as the epitome of Christmas spirit – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The most wonderful time of the year comes with all of its staples: lights, trees, cookies, presents, and movies — lots of movies. There are so many Christmas movies out there that it’s hard to know where to start your holiday binge. This is especially true if you’re looking for kid-friendly viewing options. We’ve pulled together a list of the top kids’ Christmas movies to help shorten that decision-making process. Even if you don’t have kids, this is a great way to figure out which nostalgia-laced holiday entries are worth a re-watch (because the potential for repeat viewing is one of the core credentials of any great kids’ Christmas movie).
When ranking these films, we considered key factors like longevity, current popularity, kid- and family-friendliness, and quantity of secondary media, remakes, and spin-offs. None of these individually is enough to help a movie rank high on its own. For instance, just because a movie like “Miracle on 34th Street” was released in 1947 and has been around for three-quarters of a century doesn’t automatically mean it makes the list. In the same vein, a movie that was topping the charts in 2022 doesn’t instantly make it a candidate, either. Each movie that made the list managed to tick several boxes (or exceptionally stand out in one or two categories). And, just for clarification: We are counting made-for-TV holiday specials as movies as long as they aren’t part of a serialized show.
So, without further ado, these are the 14 best kids’ Christmas movies ever, officially ranked.
14. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The initial item on our list is a contemporary take on a timeless tale. The live-action adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” expands the traditional Dr. Seuss cartoon into a delightful spectacle filled with quirks. Comedy legend Jim Carrey delivers an exceptional, one-of-a-kind portrayal as the transformed green grump into a softie, generating heartwarming comedy from a story and character that only a few could bring to life so effectively.
This one features numerous quotes, along with a timeless holiday song titled “Where Are You Christmas?” sung by Mariah Carey, which has remained popular on the radio. It’s noteworthy that this particular Christmas tale appears multiple times in our list (we’ll delve into that later). Although the Mariah Carey version is well-known, frequently referenced, and continues to resonate, it barely made the cut, such is the intensity of the competition in this category.
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor
Director: Ron Howard
Runtime: 1h 45m
Rating: PG
13. A Christmas Story (1983)
A Christmas Story” presents a realistic and at times unsettling portrayal of the festive season, as seen through the eyes of Ralphie Parker, a child who embodies the spirit of Christmas during the 20th century. The audience immediately connected with Parker due to his pre-digital age lifestyle and his unusual fascination with eye-deterrent toys, making him a popular character when the movie was first released in the early 80s.
The movie being narrated by Ralphie is reason enough for it to be included in the “Christmas movies for kids” list. In truth, what truly sets this film apart as a must-watch experience for children during the holidays is its continued relevance in today’s world. Additionally, very few other films can boast of regularly airing 24-hour marathons on Christmas Eve, which speaks to its enduring popularity. Nevertheless, despite meeting our criteria, the movie might not have enough kid-friendly excitement to reach the top spots in the rankings.
Cast: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
Director: Bob Clark
Runtime: 1h 33m
Rating: PG
12. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Back in the day, I found myself immersed in the charm of “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” one of my earliest Christmas movie experiences. This timeless stop-motion masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, making it a true classic of the festive season. Interestingly enough, this was one of the first films to delve into Santa’s tireless nature – he never seems to take a break! The story revolves around a weary and disheartened Old Saint Nick, who contemplated taking a year off from his usual duties.
Some films on this list captivate contemporary viewers through their modern, visually stunning cinematography and narrative techniques. However, others retain their charm and appeal by offering a unique, nostalgic experience through their traditional storytelling methods. “The Year Without a Santa Claus” belongs to the latter group, as its classic stop-motion animation sets it apart from today’s heavy reliance on special effects and CGI characters. The film’s timeless visuals are a major factor behind its inclusion on the list.
Cast: Mickey Rooney, Shirley Booth, George S. Irving
Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass
Runtime: 51m
Rating: U
11. Klaus (2019)
Klaus” is a fresh and innovative film that offers a unique perspective on the Santa Claus legend. It’s remarkable how the creators have crafted an original backstory for Santa, not to mention one that’s as entertaining as it is. What sets “Klaus” apart is that it’s an enjoyable movie in its own right.
This production’s lively cast, striking yet delicate animation, and unexpectedly emotional rhythms make it an enjoyable viewing experience any time you choose to watch it. Its current position on the list might be lower due to its recent release, as we can’t predict if it will achieve the same longevity as established classics. However, given its potential, it wouldn’t shock us if it continues to captivate children of all ages for many decades to come.
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simons, Rashida Jones
Directors: Sergio Pablos and Carlos Martínez López
Runtime: 1h 36m
Rating: PG
10. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A standout contemporary masterpiece, “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” offers a visually stunning, star-filled holiday excursion that embodies delightful imagination. The film’s execution is impressive, showcasing a clear, concise, and assured vision amidst its vastness and intricacies, much like the charming “Klaus.” It too presents a unique, refreshing perspective on the holiday season.
Have we not discussed the music yet? The quality of writing and dance sequences in this film are outstanding, captivating both children and adults from start to finish. Although the movie is quite new, its lack of age makes it less likely to appear on “greatest of all time” lists, but it certainly deserves a place there, regardless.
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills
Director: David E. Talbert
Runtime: 2h 2m
Rating: PG
9. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
As a gamer, diving into the timeless Christmas classics for kids, we’re now down to the low single digits on our countdown! One more classic to go, and it’s as old as modern holiday experiences – or at least feels that way! “Frosty the Snowman” is another fantastic Rankin and Bass TV special, introducing us to everybody’s beloved chatterbox snowman.
Although it’s been around for more than half a century, this brief animation continues to delight children today. Its traditional hand-drawn style brings a nostalgic charm, while the tune has become a classic part of childhood Christmases, making it an essential component of any kid’s holiday memories.
Cast: Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe, Jimmy Durante
Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass
Runtime: 25m
Rating: U
8. The Santa Clause (1994)
Among the numerous ’90s films that remain engaging today, “The Santa Clause” stands out as a festive classic, featuring Tim Allen in one of its leading roles – marking his debut as the main actor in a movie following his success on “Home Improvement”. This Christmas comedy is particularly noteworthy for leveraging Allen’s comedic talents effectively. In the film, he portrays Scott Calvin, an ordinary divorcee and disengaged father who unexpectedly assumes the role of Santa Claus due to the title’s stipulation.
Although other films in terms of production share similarities with “The Santa Clause”, what sets it apart and elevates its position among the top kids’ Christmas movies is the expansive franchise it has built since its debut. Currently, the series based on “The Santa Clause” encompasses three films and a television spin-off, yet the original movie remains unsurpassed in quality.
Cast: Tim Allen, Eric Lloyd, Wendy Crewson
Director: John Pasquin
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: U
7. Elf (2003)
It’s surprising to think that Elf is only a month younger than “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” a film that isn’t traditionally watched during Christmas but has a strong following among adults, not just children. Being relatively old yet still relatively new, the movie occupies a unique position, straddling the line between a well-known classic and a popular cultural phenomenon.
This tale skillfully balances child-appropriate humor, such as playful silliness like pouring syrup over spaghetti, and jokes that adults might appreciate, like experiencing a taxi collision in New York City or the challenges faced by both of Buddy’s parents. Notably, this film was created by Jon Favreau, who would later be instrumental in initiating the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Iron Man.” Since its debut, it has left an endearing and nostalgic impression on children across multiple generations.
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel
Director: Jon Favreau
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: PG
6. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Among the movies on this list released in 1983, it’s clear that “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” offers a superior children’s holiday experience compared to “A Christmas Story”. This 26-minute special is a brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, presented through some of childhood’s most iconic characters.
Although Scrooge McDuck might be more familiar to kids who grew up watching “Duck Tales” in the late ’80s or read its comics, characters like Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Goofy are firmly entrenched in today’s Disney universe. The way this special event manages to narrate Scrooge’s redemption story across three acts, while simultaneously maintaining the series’ classic animated humor and incorporating heavy moments, is truly impressive. It remains essential viewing during Christmas season even now.
Cast: Alan Young, Wayne Allwine, Hal Smith
Director: Burny Mattinson
Runtime: 26m
Rating: U
5. Home Alone (1990)
As a child, I found myself left behind by my family during the holidays and had the entire house to myself – a situation I ruled with an unexpected sense of authority. Armed with nothing but my wit and some ingeniously painful booby traps, I stood up against the bad guys, becoming the unlikely hero in this holiday tale. Just like how “Die Hard” is a beloved Christmas movie for adults, “Home Alone” holds a special place for kids, allowing us to live vicariously through Kevin McCallister’s adventures.
Just like how “The Santa Clause” series has its own set of sequels and spin-offs, so does the timeless fame of “Home Alone.” Not just one or two, but five! Although the later movies fall short in terms of quality and stray from the McCallister family storyline, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” is another adventure featuring Kevin, and it’s set during Christmas time. Despite their plots not exactly oozing holiday cheer, both the original and the second movie have become cherished, kid-friendly, and family-oriented holiday classics. As a gamer, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when these films come on during the festive season!
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Director: Chris Columbus
Runtime: 1h 43m
Rating: PG
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This collection encompasses films and specials that are worthy on their own, plus timeless classics every child ought to experience, irrespective of personal preference. Among these essential viewings is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which kicks off the top three must-see holiday movies for kids everywhere. Released in 1965, this classic ranks among the most memorable Peanuts holiday movies ever made and should be a part of every child’s childhood viewing.
The Peanuts holiday special, despite being sponsored by Coca-Cola for a special animated event, emphasizes the enduring value of resisting commercialization at Christmas and focusing on what truly matters. One of its most striking features is Linus’ bold Bible reading, which offers one of the most straightforward portrayals of the Christmas story (without requiring a Nativity film). Although it’s old, the messages remain timeless, and its casual, humorous style still resonates with contemporary young audiences.
Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford
Director: Bill Melendez
Runtime: 25m
Rating: U
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Four films from this list date back to the 1960s, demonstrating the significant impact children’s Christmas entertainment had during that era. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the oldest of these four, although its roots can be traced as far back as a quarter of a century earlier. In 1939, the Montgomery Ward department store introduced a promotional booklet titled “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. A decade later, the story was transformed into Gene Autry’s iconic radio hit with the same name. Finally, in the ’60s, it appeared on television as a special produced by Rankin and Bass.
This charming little movie stands out uniquely. Beyond being one of the oldest children’s Christmas films still popular today, it is connected to a well-known Christmas song that nearly everyone in the English-speaking world recognizes – here, the film originated from the song rather than vice versa. Moreover, the timeless tale of the underdog triumphing against adversity ensures that “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will continue to hold a prominent position among Christmas classics for many years to come.
Cast: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Stan Francis
Director: Larry Roemer
Runtime: 47m
Rating: U
2. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Among my favorites from the list of top kids’ Christmas movies is one that stands out for its unique puppet style – “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. This cherished classic from the early ’90s breathes new life into Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, as seen through the adorable characters created by Jim Henson Productions. Regrettably, Jim Henson himself passed away a few years before its release, and Richard Hunt, who lent his voice to many Muppets, had already departed in the same year that this film was made. Brian Henson, Jim’s son, took up the mantle, directing the movie as a tribute to both iconic Muppet personalities.
In addition to its touching origin, the film stands as another exceptional demonstration of blending child-appropriate humor with weighty themes. Michael Caine’s portrayal of the serious Scrooge, amidst the absurdity of his co-actors, generates a captivating tension as his character undergoes a transformation and reaches his redemptive conclusion. The film’s overall production quality, nostalgic appeal, memorable tunes, and timeless design of the puppets (compared to older animation techniques) have kept it in the “timeless yet contemporary” category for many years.
Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz
Director: Brian Henson
Runtime: 1h 25m
Rating: U
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
One timeless and memorable Christmas tradition is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, an enduring tale that has stood the test of time for decades. This classic holiday special lasts 26 minutes, offering a treasure trove of seasonal delight. The story originates from the book penned by Dr. Seuss himself, who also contributed to the screenplay. Notably, only four voice actors were involved in the entire production. Among them, Boris Karloff lent his voice to both the narrator and the Grinch, portraying the tale of a grouchy, disgruntled green-haired recluse living high up on a mountain, who sets out to annoy, deceive, and eventually befriend the cheerful Whos residing in Whoville beneath him.
The original animation contains all of the quiet subcontext that has been expounded on in longer recreations of the story in the 21st century — the fight against commercialism, the struggle of rejection, the true spirit of Christmas, the priority of community over materialism. Recent adaptations of the story (which came out in 2018 and 2023, respectively) prove that interest in The Grinch and the moral of his story is still very much alive. This animated short film remains a must-watch Christmas experience that captivates the collective consciousness each and every year.
Cast: Boris Karloff, Thurl Ravenscroft, June Foray
Directors: Chuck Jones and Ben Washam
Runtime: 26m
Rating: U
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2024-12-12 14:31