Christmas Films For Kids

I'm looking for suggestions for films to watch with my kids this Christmas, mainly my boys who are nearly 6 and 8 years old.

We were thinking of watching a film each evening, the week leading up to Christmas, so which films should we watch?

Ideas of films you loved as a kid, oldies or new films, cartoon or not, doesn't matter, any suggestion is welcome!

I'll go with the obvious, but Home Alone is a must Loved it so much when I was a kid.

Rango
Toy Story 1, 2 & 3
Cars 1 & 2
Transformers (Cartoon movie)
Transformers (movies)
Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2
Star Wars Trilogy (episodes 4,5 & 6!!)
Santa Claus (Old Dudley Moore movie)
Elf
Ice Age trilogy
The Princess Bride
Raiders Of The Lost Ark/ Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade(still my two favourite films out of the four of them)
Ghostbusters 1 & 2

There's some to get you started.

Santa Claus The Movie.
A Christmas Story.


Oh and the best Xmas movie of all time, Die Hard...although not suitable for kids.

One Christmas film I really enjoyed as a kid was The Santa Clause with Tim Allen. One film I saw a few years back was The Polar Express which I thought was actually quite good. The Muppet's Christmas Carol is really good as well. Anyone of any age can enjoy that.

Rango
Toy Story 1, 2 & 3
Cars 1 & 2
Transformers (Cartoon movie)
Transformers (movies)
Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2
Star Wars Trilogy (episodes 4,5 & 6!!)
Santa Claus (Old Dudley Moore movie)
Elf
Ice Age trilogy
The Princess Bride
Raiders Of The Lost Ark/ Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade(still my two favourite films out of the four of them)
Ghostbusters 1 & 2

There's some to get you started.

Absolutely! Two of my favourite films ever.  An absolute pleasure for anyone of any age. Truly great film making.

I should have said that they've already seen loads!

Definitely going for Star Wars this year, wife has been making me hold off previous years, but this time they're watching it!

We're going to go with Lord of the Rings (first one) as well, and Home Alone, like Diego said.

They've seen most of the rest of your list, Pete, as well as the Pole Express (cracking film, enjoyed it myself).

I was hoping there'd be some others I'd forgotten. They've also seen The Goonies, before someone suggests it! Looking back, bloody hell, they've seen tons of films already!

Absolutely! Two of my favourite films ever.  An absolute pleasure for anyone of any age. Truly great film making.

It was only when I tried watching the first one with the kids, I found it a bit violent for them, and I'm not usually overly fussy.

A scene near the start where a bloke gets impaled on some spikes was pretty grim, we ended up turning it off after a while, try again in a couple of years.

That said, my oldest has already had nightmares about the Gremlins! That was one film that never scared me as a kid, I was surprised.

Oh and the best Xmas movie of all time, Die Hard...although not suitable for kids.

Can't wait until they're old enough to watch great films like that!

Looking forward to sitting down and watching them discover Alien, Terminator, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, classics like that!

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

Great film (the original, of course), but we already own it!

To get your neurones working, I'll offer plus votes for the best and most original suggestions!

Ice Age 1, 2 and 3.

Hilarious the lot of them

I thought we were talking about thematic films - I mean, one that have Christmas in the story line, not just good films to watch this time of the year

Well, one film for kids I absolutely loved when younger and still watch when it's on tv is Hook. Dustin Hoffman is Captain Hook, Julia Roberts and Robin Williams (Peter Pan) are also on it.

I thought we were talking about thematic films - I mean, one that have Christmas in the story line, not just good films to watch this time of the year

Well, one film for kids I absolutely loved when younger and still watch when it's on tv is Hook. Dustin Hoffman is Captain Hook, Julia Roberts and Robin Williams (Peter Pan) are also on it.

I see what you mean, but it wasn't necessarily films that happen at Christmas, just brilliant films for kids. Hook is a good one, but I think I enjoyed it more than them!

Neverending Story - I think we must have watched that one a million times! Sure my oldest lad was in love with the princess, but how long did it take for them to understand the lead character was a boy and not a girl!

Flight of the Navigator.
(Loved that as a kid.)

Kung Fu Panda 2.
Cars 2.

Ghostbusters.
Scrooged. Maybe not.

Flight of the Navigator.

Great one, but I think I'm running out of options as I've put them through that as well!

Scrooged. Maybe not.

Had the exact same thought!

Maybe...? Hmm, maybe not!

In Malaysia, they always play Home Alone 1 and 2 without fail.

My lad's 3 at the moment his favourites are:

Cat in the hat.

Underdog.

The Incredibles.

The Incredibles.

Don't even bother with Disneys, I think we own most of the collection.

Princess Bride and Elf they haven't seen, might be worth a go.

Anyone know if Willow and Labyrinth are suitable? I haven't seen them in donkey's years, don't even remember if they're decent.

Dark Crystal.
Jim Henson movie.
Although along with Labyrinth is a bit dark.

Dark Crystal.
Jim Henson movie.
Although along with Labyrinth is a bit dark.

Interesting, I vaguely remember it.

I'll look into these, thanks again for the help!

Prince Caspian
Shrek
How to Train Your Dragon
Old Yellow
Short Circuit
Sinbad
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Beauty and the Beast
Surfs Up
ET
Mary Poppins
Sound of Music
The Rescuers
Wallace and Grommet and the case of the Ware Rabbit
George of the Jungle
Hoodwinked
Chicken Run
A Bugs Life
Wizard of Oz
Iron Giant
Home Alone
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Matilda
Aladin
Harry Potter
Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat
Ice Age
Wall E
Madagascar
Kung Fu Panda
Prince of Egypt
Monsters Inc
Peter Pan
Shrek
Time Bandits
Dumbo
The Incredibles
Karate Kid
Lion the Witch and the Wadrobe
Lion King
Toy Story
Finding Nemo

Prince Caspian
Shrek
How to Train Your Dragon
Old Yellow
Short Circuit
Sinbad
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Beauty and the Beast
Surfs Up
ET
Mary Poppins
Sound of Music
The Rescuers
Wallace and Grommet and the case of the Ware Rabbit
George of the Jungle
Hoodwinked
Chicken Run
A Bugs Life
Wizard of Oz
Iron Giant
Home Alone
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Matilda
Aladin
Harry Potter
Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat
Ice Age
Wall E
Madagascar
Kung Fu Panda
Prince of Egypt
Monsters Inc
Peter Pan
Shrek
Time Bandits
Dumbo
The Incredibles
Karate Kid
Lion the Witch and the Wadrobe
Lion King
Toy Story
Finding Nemo

Seen all those!

No, I'll have a look at that list, already noticed a couple of interesting ones!

No bother.

It's definitely not a film for kids but it was on tv all the time during the 90's so I watched it plenty of times as a kid: Bloodsport , with Jean-Claude Van Damme.

If you were in the states, I'd recommend ABC Family. 25 days of Christmas movies. My fiancee and I haven't left the couch for 7 nights

If you were in the states, I'd recommend ABC Family. 25 days of Christmas movies. My fiancee and I haven't left the couch for 7 nights

Night at the museum 1&2

Percy Jackoson & the lightning thief.

National Treasure.

National Lampoons christmas vacation.

Smurfs

Night at the museum 1&2

Nice one!

Muppet's Christmas Carol

Scrooged

Smurfs!

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Bad Santa.
Harold and Kumar's 3D Christmas.

You can thank me later

I think most kid friendly ones I would suggest have been said. Elf is a big fav of mine as far as themed kids ones go. Star Wars was top of my list of others (got the blu-ray set myself and it is glorious )

I don't know what stage you have your kids at with superhero films, but X-Men series is one I'd say. Can be a bit dark in moments of the series but they are fantastic. X-Men: First Class was first class as well!

Muppet's Christmas Carol

Deffo thinking about that one.

Smurfs!

You're the second one to mention it, is it that good? Wasn't tempted myself, maybe it's because they're blue.

I think most kid friendly ones I would suggest have been said. Elf is a big fav of mine as far as themed kids ones go. Star Wars was top of my list of others (got the blu-ray set myself and it is glorious )

I don't know what stage you have your kids at with superhero films, but X-Men series is one I'd say. Can be a bit dark in moments of the series but they are fantastic. X-Men: First Class was first class as well!

Elf looks good, and is a rare film they haven't seen.

A fan of the cartoon, haven't seen the X-Men films at all, was afraid I'd hate it, really.

It's a good show for a family, IMO, Ayrton.

Lotsa laughs here and there and they are really cute hahahah.

I'd actually recommend that Disney movies (especially those animated ones) are the most suitable.

Movies like Megamind, Monsters vs Aliens and so on.

Not particularly Christmas-y but Spirited Away is a pretty magical film. My kids love it... and so do I! 

Ooh. oh, Groundhog Day, though 6 & 8 might be a bit young.

What about Space Jam,Rookie of the Year and Willow starring Val Kilmer

I love Christmas time, especially watching all the movies I still love from being young, and even new ones, some from the top of my head are;

- Home Alone Series
- Over the Edge (Not christamsy but very funny animated movie)
- The Never Ending Story
- The Pagemaster
- Gremlins
- The Polar Express
- The Grinch
- A dog name Christmas (About a disabled lad wanting a dog, I found it really moving)
- Elf
- Miracle on 34th Street (Both old and newer version are great)
- Jack Frost (One I never miss every year, the one with Michael Keaton in)
- Disneys A Christmas Carol (The animated one with Jim Carrey)
- Small Soldiers (A great movie for young lads)
- The Santa Clause
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (From 1964, I found a copy under a car , and loved it)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas

And Im sure many more I cant think of right now.

A fan of the cartoon, haven't seen the X-Men films at all, was afraid I'd hate it, really.

Best X-Men Films are definately X-Men origins and X-Men First Class.

I like all them, but the two that go back and tell the story of how the X-Men were formed and how Wolverine became Wolverine are particularly good.

My favourite bit is Wolverine's cameo in First Class.

My favourite bit is Wolverine's cameo in First Class.

Aye you see him for all of five seconds ha ha.

I love Christmas time, especially watching all the movies I still love from being young, and even new ones, some from the top of my head are;

- Home Alone Series
- Over the Edge (Not christamsy but very funny animated movie)
- The Never Ending Story
- The Pagemaster
- Gremlins
- The Polar Express
- The Grinch
- A dog name Christmas (About a disabled lad wanting a dog, I found it really moving)
- Elf
- Miracle on 34th Street (Both old and newer version are great)
- Jack Frost (One I never miss every year, the one with Michael Keaton in)
- Disneys A Christmas Carol (The animated one with Jim Carrey)
- Small Soldiers (A great movie for young lads)
- The Santa Clause
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (From 1964, I found a copy under a car , and loved it)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas

And Im sure many more I cant think of right now.

Good shout on Jack Frost with Michael Keaton. Enjoyed that when I was younger. I think kids would really love it. Definitely worth a watch ayrton.

Good shout on Jack Frost with Michael Keaton. Enjoyed that when I was younger. I think kids would really love it. Definitely worth a watch ayrton.

OK, might just do that!

OK, night one was a success!

Just watched The Grinch (first time for me!), was very funny and gave us all a good laugh! Probably need to be a Jim Carrey fan to really appreciate it, but since I am, I loved it!

Noah's note (nearly 8 yrs): 9.5/10
My note (34 yrs ): 8.5/10

Anyone interested - Mrs Doubtfire is on now on 5 Star (Channel 5 but for american shows)

If you were in the states, I'd recommend ABC Family. 25 days of Christmas movies. My fiancee and I haven't left the couch for 7 nights

Yeah, no kidding!

I was gonna say Scrooged, too. I actually don't see why not for that age. Maybe a little violent, but not nearly as bad as what's common nowadays. Besides, at least it has some worth as a cautionary tale and isn't just mindless.

Other than that, my favorite movies this time of year are A Christmas Story which will be on a continuous loop at my house (a major station airs it back-to-back the entire 24 hours) and my absolute favorite, Christmas Vacation. We quote this movie all year long.

shi**er's full!

Dark Crystal.

Saw that in theaters as a kid and still gets time around here. Watching it as an adult I have to say it's kind of a slow moving movie. Besides that, the Skeksis scared the sh*t out of me as a kid. I still find them creepy and blame them for my (somewhat) irrational hatred of pigeons.

Oh, you know what else? The Wizard of Oz. My son actually sat for a good portion of it last week.

Elf looks good

It is! A must-see, AA.

Haven't seen Christmas vacation for a good while.

Clark Griswold is a classic!

Tonight was The Mask!

Laughs all round, two Jim Carrey's in a row!

Still looking forward to Star Wars though, I think it's the film that defined my Xmas's as a kid - knowing that it was going to be on TV was as good (if not better) than opening the presents!

Tonight was The Mask!

Laughs all round, two Jim Carrey's in a row!

Still looking forward to Star Wars though, I think it's the film that defined my Xmas's as a kid - knowing that it was going to be on TV was as good (if not better) than opening the presents!

Unless of course it was the Millennium Falcon you were unwrapping

Unless of course it was the Millennium Falcon you were unwrapping

The dream that never happened! 

The dream that never happened! 

Same.

Had the bridge of the Destroyer, Hoth, Snowspeeder & Vader's Tie, but no Falcon or X-wing.

Falcon, AT-AT, ST-AT, Snowspeeder, Bobba Fett's Craft, Emperor's Imperial shuttle and one of those speeder bikes from Return of the Jedi and a shitload of figures.

Keep promising myself Lego Millenium Falcon.
Fantastic piece.

Watched Elf tonight. Brilliant stuff.
Although the fact my sister said it was me all over slightly concerned me.

My young lads loved the pagemaster with Mccauley culkin , i still have it on vhs somewhere.

I always watch Cool Runnings at Christmas, not really a Christmas themed movie but it sure is jolly

I always watch Cool Runnings at Christmas, not really a Christmas themed movie but it sure is jolly

Great film. Best sports film ever!

We watched Kung Fu Nanny (Jackie Chan) last night.

Another not really Christmas film, but all the crazy karate scenes had my lads jumping about!

And watched The Green Hornet after with the wife - have to admit I wasn't tempted at first, but loved it! Thought the humour in the film was excellent, a funny diversion from the dark, perhaps overly serious, take on superhero films these recent years.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The lion, the witch and the wardrobe might be a good one to watch Andrew, I think it might be on over Christmas.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The lion, the witch and the wardrobe might be a good one to watch Andrew, I think it might be on over Christmas.

Good shout, we've got them on DVD though!

Thinking of watching Trouble at Timpetill (a French film, entitled Les Enfants de Timplebach), looks decent, brief review:

Trouble at Timpetill

French director Nicolas Bary's wacky, family-friendly fantasy comedy The Children of Timpelbach concerns the titular village, where the kids act so unruly and disobedient that all of the adults suddenly throw up their hands in disgust and decide to abandon the place. This, of course, leaves the children in charge of governing the community - which leads to a host of messy and wacky complications.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trouble_at_timpetill/

Good shout, we've got them on DVD though!

I should have guessed that really shouldn't I 

I think you've exhausted the 'kids film industry'   

Tonight was The Mask!

Laughs all round, two Jim Carrey's in a row!

Jim Carrey at his absolute best.

I always watch Cool Runnings at Christmas, not really a Christmas themed movie but it sure is jolly

"You dead yet"

"Nah Man!"

Brilliant.

I think you've exhausted the 'kids film industry'   

Think so too, but still looking for some hidden gems!

You know most people have seen a lot of Pixar films down the years but one Pixar film that I loved was A Bugs Life. It was the second ever Pixar feature after Toy Story and I feel it's underrated and even slightly forgotten in the Pixar sphere! Not seen it in a good while but it's just a shout if your kids haven't seen it ayrton. Great film.

Though not Xmas movies, you should get the Bill & Ted films out as well, especially now they''re considering what could be an excellent/bogus (delete as applicable) 3rd installment.

Watched Christmas Vacation last night, one of my all-time favorite comedies, not just christmas. Hilarious. Seen it 20+ times now I reckon but I laugh so hard every time.

"Eddie, who's heart is bigger than his brain."

"Aww, appreciate that Clark."

And the scene in the store with Clark and the hot lingerie lady, so good!

Anyways, adding to the list of films (late for xmas i know but ah well) - The Mighty Ducks 1, 2 & 3. Loved them since I was a little kid, still watch them regularly. Don't know many kids who don't like them!

Watched Christmas Vacation last night

Just finished up a little while ago. Brilliant.