Another tradition we enjoy during Advent and Christmas is watching Christmas movies. Since there are so many enjoyable films, we can’t watch them all each year, so we rotate through them. My wife and I even keep a spreadsheet and calendar to track what we’re watching and when. However, some movies are simply too good to skip—reliable family favorites that we watch every year. 

Our list includes a few films featuring Santa Claus, and while we realize not everyone chooses to incorporate such stories into their Advent traditions, it’s a personal choice for our family. We use these stories to highlight the significance of Christ’s birth by fostering the wonder and awe of anticipation in a way our young children can understand.

Here are our top five Christmas movies for the whole family, and five honorable mentions.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 

Not just the best Christmas movie, but arguably one of the best films ever made. That may sound cliché, but it’s true for good reason. George Bailey’s big night echoes through time, reminding us why we are worth more alive than dead. Our lives are worth saving, even when things aren’t going well — what a salvific Christmas message! George learns, as many of the saints understood, that riches are found not in “seeing the world,” but in the community and honesty of a well-lived life, even in “the dust of this crummy little town.” The life-changing epiphany and the outpouring of selfless giving make this our top choice for Christmas entertainment.

White Christmas (1954)

This family classic never fails to entertain. Bing Crosby’s golden voice, Danny Kaye’s comedic timing, and the Haynes sisters’ charming performances make this a treat for children and parents alike. Beyond the music and dance numbers, White Christmas embodies the wholesome values of generosity and selflessness. The characters come together to support an old pal from the army, highlighting the importance of community and the joy of helping others. The ending never fails to leave me a little misty-eyed.

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

This film earns its place on our list for its heartwarming exploration of faith, love, and the Christmas spirit. It balances lighthearted charm with profound themes. Cary Grant plays an angel who guides a Protestant bishop back to the values that matter most.

Klaus (2019)

This is the most recent production on our list, and it stands out not just for its beautiful animation and lighthearted comedy, but for the unexpected depth it delivers by the end. While the film isn’t explicitly religious, it sidesteps the pitfalls of secularism and materialism, offering a narrative that ties modern traditions to fictional origin stories. In doing so, it subtly reflects traditional values, making it a meaningful addition to any family’s holiday viewing.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

There are several good adaptations of Dickens’ classic novel, but for the whole family, we are partial to The Muppet Christmas Carol with Michael Caine as Scrooge. It is surprisingly faithful to the book and conveys the depth and maturity of the message well. Though we don’t typically gravitate toward Muppet content, this is an exception. It is lighthearted, with excellent comedic timing from Rizzo and Gonzo. With its timeless message of redemption, compassion, spiritual renewal, and personal transformation during the season, The Muppet Christmas Carol resonates with all ages.

Honorable Mentions 

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

The best portrayal of Santa Claus as an incognito elderly man in New York. He confronts the problem of materialism and consumerism surrounding the holiday.

The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)

The Christmassy sequel to 1944’s Going My Way, which is also fantastic. Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman play a priest and a nun joining forces to save a struggling inner-city Catholic school.

The Santa Clause (1994)

A little irreverent and entirely secular, The Santa Clause still brings laughter and nostalgia — and the children would have had us put it in the top five.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

We used to watch this every year when it aired on TV, marking the official start of the holiday season. Linus’s scripture recitation alone makes this a heartwarming and wholesome addition, true to the spirit of Peanuts.

Elf (2003)

Quotable, hilarious, and endearing, Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf has become a reliable classic to re-watch each year.