Christmas Family Movies On Netflix With Real Values At Heart
Christmas family movies on Netflix worth more than nostalgia
Netflix offers seven top-rated Christmas family movies that blend holiday magic with meaningful values: The Christmas Chronicles (2018, PG), Klaus (2019, PG), Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020, PG), A Boy Called Christmas (2021, PG), That Christmas (2024, PG), Angela's Christmas (2017, G), and The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story. These films emphasize family unity, kindness, hope, and selflessness-values that align with Marist education's focus on holistic student formation and spiritual mission.
Top 7 Christmas Family Movies on Netflix
Families seeking wholesome entertainment will find these Netflix originals consistently deliver holiday cheer without inappropriate content. Each movie has been verified as family-friendly through MPAA ratings and parent reviews.
- The Christmas Chronicles (2018, PG, 1h 44m) - Kurt Russell stars as Santa in this adventure where siblings Kate and Teddy save Christmas after crashing his sleigh
- Klaus (2019, PG, 1h 36m) - Animated origin story showing how a selfish postman and reclusive toymaker spark a tradition of kindness
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020, PG, 2h 2m) - Musical fantasy about a toy maker rediscovering joy through his granddaughter's imagination
- A Boy Called Christmas (2021, PG, 1h 46m) - Origin story of Santa Claus featuring Maggie Smith and Henry Lawfull on an adventurous quest
- That Christmas (2024, PG, 1h 31m) - Animated ensemble tale by Richard Curtis (Love Actually) with Ed Sheeran's original song "Under The Tree"
- Angela's Christmas (2017, G, 30m) - Irish animated short set in 1910s about a girl's wish to bring warmth to everyone including baby Jesus
- The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story - Heartwarming tale about an elf rebuilding a child's faith in Christmas magic
Movie Comparison Table
| Movie Title | Release Year | MPAA Rating | Runtime | Key Values Taught | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Christmas Chronicles | 2018 | PG | 1h 44m | Faith, family courage, believing in magic | 7.0/10 |
| Klaus | 2019 | PG | 1h 36m | Kindness, selflessness, friendship | 8.2/10 |
| Jingle Jangle | 2020 | PG | 2h 2m | Imagination, forgiveness, intergenerational bonds | 6.6/10 |
| A Boy Called Christmas | 2021 | PG | 1h 46m | Hope, perseverance, adventure | 7.0/10 |
| That Christmas | 2024 | PG | 1h 31m | Community, hope, overcoming loneliness | 6.8/10 |
| Angela's Christmas | 2017 | G | 30m | Innocence, compassion, family love | 7.3/10 |
Why These Movies Align with Marist Values
Marist education emphasizes holistic formation integrating faith, reason, and love. These Christmas films exemplify core Marist principles through their narratives:
- Community and Solidarity - That Christmas and Klaus demonstrate how small acts of kindness transform entire communities, mirroring Marist commitment to social mission
- Hope and Faith - The Elf on the Shelf and A Boy Called Christmas teach that faith is "braver and more courageous than the alternative," resonating with Catholic educational mission
- Family Unity - All seven films center on family reconciliation and intergenerational bonds, supporting parents' role in values transmission
- Innocence and Purity - Angela's Christmas's G rating makes it "super safe for little ones," emphasizing children's dignity as central to Marist pedagogy
Practical Tips for Family Movie Nights
School administrators and parents can use these films as educational tools for discussing values. Consider pairing movie viewing with reflection questions about kindness, family, and faith. For Marist schools hosting holiday events, these titles offer safe programming aligned with Catholic identity while entertaining diverse Latin American families.
Netflix's holiday lineup consistently dominates streaming seasons, with 2025 adding new titles like Jingle Bell Heist and A Merry Little Ex-Mas, though the seven films above remain the most family-focused options
Helpful tips and tricks for Christmas Family Movies On Netflix With Real Values At Heart
What makes The Christmas Chronicles family-friendly?
The Christmas Chronicles received a PG rating for "some thematic elements and mild peril" and has been highly praised for its funny moments, lighthearted energy, and entertaining spin on Santa Claus. It landed on Netflix's Top 10 list in 2023 and stars Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, making it ideal for全家 viewing
Is Klaus appropriate for young children?
Yes, Klaus carries a PG rating and features a strong moral worldview with depictions of thankfulness, kindness, selflessness, and family. The animation is visually stunning and teaches that "a simple act of kindness always sparks another"
When was That Christmas released on Netflix?
That Christmas premiered globally on December 4, 2024, exclusively on Netflix. Written by Richard Curtis (Love Actually) and featuring Ed Sheeran's original song "Under The Tree," it Cast includes Brian Cox as Santa Claus and Bill Nighy
What is the shortest Christmas movie on this list?
Angela's Christmas is only 30 minutes long, making it perfect for younger attention spans. Set in 1910s Ireland with a G rating, it's "super safe for little ones" and emphasizes the purity of children's wishes
Are these movies available worldwide on Netflix?
All sevenmovies are currently available to stream on Netflix globally. Netflix's Christmas Family Movies genre specifically curates this lineup for year-end festivities, starting at $8.99/month
