The decorations are up, the chocolates are out and you’re looking for the perfect Christmas film to entertain your students on the last week of term! Well look no further, as our definitive list compiles the very best of the old-school classics and modern favourites to give your students that warm, fuzzy cheer with the 10 best classroom friendly Christmas movies of all time.
So make a cuppa, grab a mince pie and roll out the classroom TV – it’s movie watching time…
10. Jingle All the Way
Synopsis: Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a father vowing to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas in this cult classic from 1996. The problem is, it’s Christmas Eve and every store is sold out of the figure, ensuring a hilarious race against time to find the last remaining Turbo Man.
Rated: U
Run time: 89 mins
9. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Synopsis: A retelling of the classic Dickens story, involving the Muppet characters giving their unique twist on the tale of an old, bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. It also contains the legendary Michael Caine as Scrooge.
Rated: U
Run time: 85 mins
8. The Polar Express
Synopsis: Tom Hanks voices multiple characters in this heart-warming story of a young boy who embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas on the way.
Rated: U
Run time: 100 mins
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Synopsis: Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville, home to the Whos. All the Whos love Christmas, but just outside lives the Grinch, who just so happens to hate Christmas. Jim Carrey is his zany best in this family comedy that’s perfect for adults and children alike.
Rated: PG
Run time: 104 mins
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Synopsis: Tim Burton’s ‘alternative’ Christmas film focuses on Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, who, being bored of doing the same thing every Halloween decides it’s time he hosted Christmas. Your students will love this dark, fantasy visual.
Rated: PG
Run time: 76 mins
5. Gremlins
Synopsis: No water, no food after midnight and no bright light. These are the 3 simple rules given to Billy Peltzer when he receives his new pet, the iconic Mogwai, in this Steven Spielberg classic from 1984. An older, alternative Christmas film which some students may not have seen – but will certainly enjoy!
Rated: 15
Run time: 106 mins
4. Frozen
Synopsis: Do you want to build a snowman? You will after watching this! The stand out Disney hit from 2013, Frozen sparked mass sing-a-longs from children and adults upon its release. When the newly-crowned Queen Elsa accidentally traps her kingdom in infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer and a snowman to break her icy spell.
Rated: PG
Run time: 102 mins
3. Home Alone
Synopsis: The movie that lifted Macaulay Culkin to super-star levels, Home Alone tells the story of a young boy who’s accidently left at home while his family heads off on a Christmas vacation. Left to his own devices, he also needs to defend his home against two bumbling burglars. A classic film that’s perfect to watch every Christmas!
Rated: PG
Run time: 103 mins
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Synopsis: The most famous (and oldest) movie on our list comes from 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey has big ambitions, and a big heart, whose personal sacrifices create a rippling effect of goodwill on earth. A film with a superb message for your students to take in over the Christmas period.
Rated: U
Run time: 97 mins
1. Elf
Synopsis: The story of Buddy, played hysterically by Will Ferrell, travelling to New York City to find his true identity and biological father after finding out he isn’t actually an over-sized elf, may sound a strange concept – but is actually one of the funniest, loving, Christmas films of all times. One your students will want to watch time and time again!
Rated: PG
Run time: 97 mins
There you are – the 10 best classroom friendly Christmas movies of all time.
If you have some more you think rank, let us know!
Merry Christmas.
*Film information sourced from IMDB & trailers sourced from YouTube.
