Five Holiday Movies to Watch with Your Family

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 

We start with a universally beloved classic. There can be no debate that It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the best Christmas movies of all time. The character arch of George Bailey is a transition that anyone can relate to, no matter your age, gender, background, orientation, etc. Once your family watches this movie, you’ll always remember “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his [or her] wings.” 

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966; 2000) 

Jim Carrey once tweeted, “Just so we’re clear, the Grinch never really hated Christmas. He hated people, which is fair.” In both the animated and live-action versions of the classic Christmas story by Dr. Seuss, the Grinch transitions from a scary, hairy, antisocial creature into a loving, giving friend to the entire town of Whoville. The movie teaches families that regardless of the differences between people, love always prevails. 

3. Elf (2003) 

If you think your family hasn’t seen it, you’re probably wrong. You’ve definitely seen Elf, probably sometime last May. Elf is such a beloved movie that networks play it year-round. Will Ferrell’s performance of a big lost buffoon in stockings cannot be matched. An hour–and–a–half of deep belly laughs rivals Jim Carrey’s hilarious portrayal of The Grinch. This classic movie pulls all the heartstrings of rom-com fanatics and scrooges alike, making it a perfect family Christmas movie. 

4. Home Alone Series (1990; 1992; 1997) 

Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are masterpieces. You won’t be able to stop watching Macaulay Culkin’s boy wonder Kevin McCallister get the best of two bumbling robbers—twice! But, don’t forget Home Alone 3. Featuring a young Scarlett Johansson and a new batch of four international thieves, the third installment in this hilarious series is still plenty entertaining. 

5. The Polar Express (2004) 

Tom Hanks is a living legend. We could probably just tell you he’s in this movie and leave it at that. But the entire animated film is so beautiful that we can’t help ourselves but fawn over the dazzling illustration and wonderful story it tells. The Polar Express inspires children and parents to keep the Christmas spirit alive, no matter how difficult things get or how busy your life may be. Put your loved ones first and take the holidays as a time to appreciate your blessings.