Top 10 kids' movies to watch this Christmas

Virgin Radio

23 Dec 2022, 11:30

There’s nothing better than curling up under a duvet and whacking on a festive film or four to keep the kids (and us) entertained. 

When you can’t think of anything worse than leaving the house, snuggle up, stay warm and work your way through these classic PG-friendly festive treats on the small screen.

The Muppet Christmas Carol 

Take a trip down movie memory lane with Jim Henson’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. The 1992 musical set in the Victorian era tells the classic tale of Scrooge with twist and stars Michael Caine alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo as Charles Dickens. 

Home Alone 

Arguably the movie that will make you really feel like it’s Christmas. Kevin McCallister wakes up home alone after he makes his family disappear, well, go on holiday. Cue Marv and Harry, burglars non-extraodinaire who target his huge family home. We know all the words. We know all the music. We still can’t get enough of this 90’s favourite. 

Elf 

Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas and NYC? The 2003 movie (has it really been that long?) stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, one of Santa’s middle-aged elves who leaves the North Pole for the first time ever and finds himself in New York City trying to find his real human dad (James Caan). A comedy holiday classic, you’ll be jingling around the streets in your elf suit in no time. 

The Grinch

Feeling a bit more Scrooge than Saint Nick? Cue some animated Christmas misery with Dr. Seuss' holiday hump. Set in the town of Whoville, everyone is excited for the big day apart from Benedict Cumberbatch’s Grinch who discovers a way to ruin it for everyone by posing as the Big Man and stealing Christmas from the Whovillians. Will his darstardly plan work? 

Frozen

You’ll get the songs stuck in your head for the rest of the month after watching this but 2013’s Frozen has to be a yuletide go-to. Snow? Check. Female solidarity? Check. Fairytale ending? Check. Anna, Elsa, Olaf and the crew will make you feel festive quicker than you can shout Let It Go.

The Christmas Chronicles

Who can watch this 2018 movie with a dry eye? Kurt Russell stars as Santa in this cockle-warming action tale based on two children who are set on capturing Father Christmas on camera. They find themselves going on a whirlwind, magic-affirming adventure with Santa himself, plus there’s a heartwarming cameo from Goldie Hawn as Mrs Claus.  

Jingle All the Way

The 1996 retro movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in this family comedy as a father who promises to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas, but every store is sold out and he finds himself running around town competing with everyone (including Santa) to try and find one. Silly, festive fun and PG-jokes, this is Arnie on top family-friendly form.

Nativity

What says Christmas more than a nativity set in Coventry? Schoolteacher (Martin Freeman) battles to overcome his hatred of the festive season and get his former girlfriend (Ashley Jensen) to fly back to London from Hollywood for his class's Nativity play. Also stars Pam Ferris and Marc Wootton as everyone’s favourite teacher, Mr Poppy.

The Snowman

Get ready for melted snow and melted hearts. The iconic tale that will transport you back to your childhood, the 1982 animation is based on a little boy who makes a snowman on Christmas Eve which magically comes to life and takes him on an adventure to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas. Based on the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, the nostalgic silent animation will bring a tear to your eye as soon as you hear Aled Jones’ Walking in the Air.

Here’s what else is new on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney + and Sky this month.