One Christmas Movie To Watch On Netflix With Kids
Top Faith-Based Christmas Movie on Netflix: Journey to Bethlehem
The best Christmas movie to watch on Netflix that honors faith is Journey to Bethlehem, a PG-rated musical retelling of the Nativity story streaming since December 8, 2023. This film directly depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, drawing primarily from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and won the 2024 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie at the Movieguide® Awards Gala.
Why Journey to Bethlehem Stands Out for Catholic Families
Journey to Bethlehem uniquely combines musical entertainment with biblical accuracy, making the Nativity story accessible to children while maintaining theological reverence. Director Adam Anders spent 17 years developing this project specifically to create a colorful, vibrant alternative to somber biblical films that would engage kids repeatedly.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Streaming Platform | Netflix (available globally since Dec 8, 2023) |
| Runtime | 1 hour 38 minutes |
| Maturity Rating | PG (family-friendly) |
| Key Cast | Fiona Palomo (Mary), Milo Manheim (Joseph), Antonio Banderas (King Herod) |
| Faith Accuracy | Taken mostly from Gospels of Matthew and Luke |
| Award Recognition | 2024 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie |
Key Faith Elements in the Film
- The script explicitly refers to Jesus as Lord, Son of God, Messiah, King of all kings, Immanuel, and "God with us"
- Angel Gabriel appears to confirm Mary's pregnancy with the Son of God
- The three wise men visit King Herod's palace before seeking the Christ child
- Classic Christmas melodies are woven with new pop songs about faith
- King Herod's attempt to kill the holy family follows biblical narrative
Alternative Faith-Based Christmas Movies on Netflix
For families seeking additional options aligned with Catholic values, these Netflix titles also honor faith while maintaining age-appropriate content:
- Angela's Christmas - Animated short taking children "straight to church and to baby Jesus," described as filling hearts with joy
- Angela's Christmas Wish - Netflix original emphasizing family reunion and the true spirit of Christmas
- Klaus - Animated film teaching that "acts of kindness beget kindness," exploring love, hope, and forgiveness
- Scrooge: A Christmas Carol - Musical adaptation preserving Dickens' original text with the message "God Bless us, Everyone!"
- The Christmas Chronicles & The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Films with theological hints about the Christmas Star, emphasizing love over magic
Connecting Faith-Based Entertainment to Marist Educational Values
For Catholic school administrators in Brazil and Latin America, selecting faith-aligned media supports holistic education by reinforcing Gospel values outside the classroom. Journey to Bethlehem exemplifies content that blends educational rigor (biblical literacy) with spiritual mission (understanding Christ's birth), mirroring Marist pedagogy's integration of faith and learning.
Parents and educators can use this film as a discussion tool during Advent season to teach students about the Nativity story, the significance of Jesus as "God with us," and the importance of protecting the vulnerable-core themes in Catholic social teaching.
Helpful tips and tricks for One Christmas Movie To Watch On Netflix With Kids
Is Journey to Bethlehem appropriate for young children?
Yes, Journey to Bethlehem carries a PG rating and runs 1 hour 38 minutes, making it suitable for families with children. Director Adam Anders intentionally created it as a "storybook Bible come to life" so kids stay engaged throughout.
Where can I stream Journey to Bethlehem?
Journey to Bethlehem is available exclusively on Netflix globally as of December 8, 2023. It is unavailable on ad-supported Netflix plans due to licensing restrictions.
What makes this movie different from other Nativity films?
Unlike somber biblical movies, Journey to Bethlehem is colorful, vibrant, and fun with musical numbers, while still treating Jesus' birth with proper reverence. It won the 2024 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie specifically for this balanced approach.
Does the movie follow the biblical account accurately?
Yes, the film is taken mostly from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, featuring Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel, the three wise men, and King Herod according to scripture. The script uses biblical titles for Jesus including "Lord," "Son of God," and "Messiah".
