41 best G rated Christmas movies – and what’s new for 2023!

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You lovely lot seemed to enjoy my ultimate guide to the best Halloween TV shows and films for families with young children so much that I thought I would do a guide to the best rated Christmas movies for families. This is aimed at families with young children who are looking for Christmas movies rated G and PG. There are 41 G rated Christmas movies in the list.

I have ordered them from most recent releases to older films for your ease. This year’s G rated Christmas movie releases are at the top of the post.

For your convenience, where possible I’ve noted the year they were released, the age rating, the IMDB rating and a link to buy them (or rent them) if they are on Amazon. If it’s available on Netflix, I’ve mentioned it. The Disney ones will be available on Disney Plus too.

If you purely want to see Christmas films rated PG then you can go here for a standalone post that features only the best PG Christmas movies. 

If you want to see non Christmas family films then check out G rated movies the whole family will enjoy and Best PG movies for kids. 

And for the grown ups don't forget my post - The best cheesy Christmas movies like the Holiday!

I hope enjoy snuggling up in your Christmas bedding and watching some of these festive flicks!

Please note, this guide is written for my US audience – for the UK version of this post see Best Christmas films for kids rated U and PG (and what’s new for 2023!).

What G rated Christmas films are coming out in 2023?

I don’t know if it’s due to covid shutdowns in 2020/2021, the writer’s strikes or whether Networks and studios are just holding off on announcing their Christmas 2023 offerings but so far it’s looking like there won’t be many new major Christmas releases for children/families in 2023 of the likes of Klaus and Christmas Chronicles etc. I’ll keep an eye out and update here if that changes though!

The Bad Guys: A very bad Holiday, G, 22m, 2023, Netflix, 5.1 IMDb

In this new adventure set before the events of the feature, there’s nothing the Bad Guys love more than Christmas morning, because while everyone is home opening presents, it’s the perfect time to execute their city-wide holiday heist. But when Christmas is unexpectedly canceled, the Bad Guys must do the unthinkable: reignite the city’s holiday spirit by giving instead of taking.

Glisten and the Merry Mission, G, 3 November 2023, 6.7 IMDb

Follows Marzipan, a young elfling, and her mother Cinnameg, as Marzipan must believe in the magic of the season and goes on an adventure to rediscover the enchanted snow deer named Glisten and save Christmas. Voice actors include Freddie Prince Jr, Chevvy Chase (Santa), Leona Lewis and Dione Warwick.

This one is scoring the highest out of the new films for 2023 and has a girl as the main character so I’m looking forward to watching this one.

Best Christmas films for families – G rated Christmas films from 2022

My Little Pony: Winter Wishday, G, 44m, 2022, IMDb 6.2, Netflix

With different holiday traditions across three pony lands, the Mane 5 race against time to celebrate everyone’s special customs and make it home in time for the Wishing Star.

Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus, G, 2022, 5.2 IMDb, Netflix,

It’s Boss Baby’s first Christmas and though Tim wants to introduce him to all the holiday trappings as well as the (somewhat strange) Templeton traditions, Boss Baby wants nothing to do with any of it. In a last ditch effort to get Boss in the spirit, Tim takes him to the mall to meet Santa but unbeknownst to Tim, Boss and Santa have a previously undisclosed business relationship. 

Best Christmas films for families – G rated Christmas movies from 2021

Olaf Presents, G, 2021, 7.3 IMDb, Disney plus

Frozen’s beloved snowman retells several classic Disney tales as only he can, in an original series of shorts.

Robin, Robin, G, 7.0 IMDb, 32 mins, Netflix

From the animation team behind Flushed Away and Chicken Run comes Robin Robin a Christmas short.

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, G, 7.3IMDb, 30min, Netflix

A one-off Christmas special episode of Shaun the Sheep from the BBC.

Shaun’s seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock inadvertently leads to the disappearance of his cousin Timmy.

Best Christmas films for kids – Christmas films rated G from 2020

Super Monsters: Santa’s Super Monster Helpers, IMDb 4.7, G, 24 mins, 2020, (Netflix)

When Santa needs serious help prepping all of his presents, the Super Monsters lend a hand – and some monster magic – to get every gift out on time.

Angela’s Christmas Wish (2020), 47 mins, IMDb 7.0, G (Netflix)

A sequel to the much loved Angela’s Christmas, Angela’s Christmas Wish is a heart-warming tale of a determined little girl who sets out to reunite her family in time for Christmas.

Alien Xmas, G (2020), 40 mins, IMDb 6.2, (Netflix)

When extraterrestrials attempt to steal Earth’s gravity, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas — and a small Alien named X — can save the world. I fell asleep during it but the kids enjoyed it.

Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday, G, 46 mins, IMDb 5.8, (Netflix)

Join the Rescue Riders as they celebrate the Viking holiday of giving, Odinyule.

Best Christmas films for families – G rated Christmas movies from 2019

Noelle (2019), G, 1h 40 mins, IMDb 6.3 (Disney plus)

Santa’s daughter (Anna Kendrick) must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother (Bill Hader), who is supposed to inherit the Santa role gets cold feet. Canny little Christmas film that can open up some feminist conversations with your kids!

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon (2019), G, 25 mins, IMDb 6.7, (BBC Iplayer)

Based on a popular Michael Morpurgo book, this 25-minute animated children’s Christmas adventure tells the story of a shy girl who discovers a baby dragon in her family woodshed, and the journey she subsequently embarks on to return it to its mother. My 4 year old loves dragons so this will be a must watch for us.

Best Christmas films for families – Christmas movies rated G from 2018

The Grinch (2018), 1h 25m, G, IMDb 6.3 (Netflix)

The 2018 animated Grinch is in my opinion better than the original 2000 live-action version. A grumpy Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville. 

Super Monsters and the Wish Star (2018), 27mins, G, IMDb 4.9 (Netflix)

Christmas wishes come true for Lobo, whose favourite cousin arrives for a surprise visit, and for Glorb, who wishes he could be everywhere at once!

Best Christmas films for families – best G rated Christmas movies from 2017

Angela’s Christmas (2017), 30min, G, IMDb 7.3 (Netflix)

New but we didn’t really rate this. Despite it being a short, the kids got bored. It’s sweet and ye olde but not super christmassy and no laughs.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), G, 22min, IMDb 5.2

A Christmas themed Frozen special. Cute short with some catchy songs and funny moments the whole family can enjoy. My personal fave is when the Oaken guy whips his towel off for Olaf, makes me laugh every time.

Trolls Holiday (2017) G, 26min, IMDb 6.2 (Netflix)

A seasonal Troll’s short where Queen of the Trolls, Poppy, finds out that the Bergen’s don’t have holidays and enlists the help of her Troll friends to fix that. Not Christmassy enough for me tbh.

Best G rated Christmas movies for families – 2015

Stick Man (2015), G, 27min, IMDb 7.1

Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three, and he’s heading on an epic adventure across the seasons. Will he get back to his family in time for Christmas? Voiced by esteemed British actors such as Martin Freeman, Jennifer Saunders and Rob Brydon. We haven’t watched this one yet but it sounds cute.

Best Christmas movies for families rated G – 2010-2015

Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014), G, 22min, IMDb 7.2

I was hesitant to include this as it’s not massively Christmassy but it is technically still a Christmas film so here it is. ‘It’s a post-Christmas play-date and the toys have to go up against the fearsome and aggressive new dino toys’. Not my favourite Toy Story short by any stretch.

The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012), G, 24min, IMDb 7.1

Personally, I think this sequel and homage to the Snowman is better than the original. I love the track Light the Night by Andy Burrows (of Razorlight, We are Scientists and Smith and Burrows fame), it’s such a tune.

Arthur Christmas (2011), G, 1h 37min, IMDb 7.1 (Netflix)

‘Arthur Christmas reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the centre of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.’ Good film but feels a bit long and looses it’s way at times.

The Search for Santa Paws (2010), G, 1h 36min, IMDb 5.7

‘Magic dogs and an elf team up with two children to rescue Santa who has lost his memory’. These films with the talking animals are pretty ghastly but kids tend to love them! If they like this then there is also Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012). If you like puppy Christmas films there is also Santa Buddies. I was going to add Santa Claws in at this point (for the cat lovers) but with an awful plot and IMDb rating of 3 I couldn’t do that to you!

 

Best G rated Christmas movies for families – 2000-2010

Nativity (2009), G, 1h 45min, IMDb 6.5 (Netflix)

British comedy based around a school nativity play starring Martin Freeman. Nativity Rocks, the 4^th sequel to this, is out at cinemas this Christmas but is currently scoring a dismal IMDb rating of 4.8. I find anything below a 5 is painful.

Prep and Landing (2009), G, 22min, IMDb 7.7

Cute little short about Santa’s Prep and Landing elite unit of elves. If you like this one there were sequel shorts in 2010 and 2011.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009), G, 58min, IMDb 6.5

‘George and the Man in the Yellow Hat are having a merry time counting down to Christmas. But neither can decide on what to give each other. Will they find the answers before Christmas morning?’. I like watching Curious George so I can feel intellectually superior to the Man in the Yellow Hat who despite being some sort of scientist is frankly devoid of any common sense. In my humble opinion he gives that monkey far too much freedom and responsibility.

The Polar Express (2004), G, 1h 40min, IMDb 6.6

This is our family Christmas film. We watch it on ‘Christmas tree day’ every year. It holds such special memories for our family after our son Arlo fell in love with it at 2 years old. It’s an excellent Christmas film full of songs, adventure and magic.

Mickey’s Twice upon a Christmas (2004), G, 1h 8min, IMDb 6.6

Sequel to Mickey’s Once upon a Christmas containing 5 mini films; Belles on Ice, Christmas: Impossible, Christmas maximus, Donald’s Gift and Mickey’s Dog-Gone Christmas.

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (2001), G, 1h 5min, IMDb 6.8

A collection of Christmas themed Disney shorts. This one is my favourite Mickey Christmas production as it contains Mickey’s Christmas Carol which is a lovely 26 minute Disney short version of A Christmas Carol (scoring 8 on IMDb in its standalone movie format). It also has another favourite of mine ‘Pluto’s Christmas Tree’ featuring Chip and Dale.  I’m pretty sure both of these were on my Disney videos from the 80s/90s and watching them takes me right back to being a girl again, excited for Christmas.

Best G rated Christmas movies for families – 1990s

Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999), G, 45min, IMDb 7.1

‘When Santa cancels his annual flight because of a hurt reindeer, a young Christmas loving dog named Olive is convinced she has what it takes to get Santa’s flight off the ground and save Christmas.’ Olive is voiced by Drew Barrymore. Another one we’ll be watching for the first time this year.

Mickey’s Once upon a Christmas (1999), G, 1h 6min, IMDb 7.2

3 Christmas tales starring all the Disney favourites, narrated by Kelsey Grammar.

The Santa Clause (1, 2 and 3), (1994), G, 1h 33min, IMDb 6.3

When Tim Allen inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. Very funny and dry classic for the whole family to enjoy. Although be aware that it wasn’t until I watched this recently that I realised how ‘fatist’ it is.

Miracle of 34th Street (1994), G, 1h 54min, IMDb 6.5

A lawyer and a little girl must prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing.

Muppets Christmas Carol (1992), G, 1h 25min, IMDb 7.7

The Muppets version of a Christmas Carol. I can’t believe this was 1992. I thought it was modern, I feel old.

Best Christmas movies for families rated G – 1980s

Santa Claus the Movie (1985), G, 1h 48min, IMDb 6.1

The legend of Santa Claus is put in jeopardy when an unscrupulous toy manufacturer attempts to take over Christmas.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983), G, 26 mins, IMDb 8

I have such fond memories of watching this each Christmas as a child. This was my first introduction to the Charles Dicken’s tale and the Disney short still holds its magic today.

The Snowman (1982), G, 26min, IMDb 8.2

The 1980s Christmas classic in which a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life on Christmas eve and takes him to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. In the re-released version, David Bowie voices older James, oh how I miss him so.

Best G rated Christmas movies for families – 1960s

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), U, 25min, IMDb 8.3

Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tires to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), G, 47min, IMDb 8.1

A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them. Old AF but excellent IMDb rating gets this on my list.

So there you go, enough films for all of December, and some of November too if you are an eager beaver! I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best G rated Christmas movies for families?! What are your family’s favourite Christmas films? Let me know in the comments.

If you liked this post then you might also like some of my other Christmas posts this year:

Best children’s Christmas books

Over 30 of the best children’s Christmas books to read to your little ones over the festive period.

Best children’s Christmas books

The ultimate guide to a family Christmas

The ultimate guide to a family Christmas

How to create a magical family Christmas tree day box

How to create a magical family Christmas tree day box

Christmas gift ideas for adults that you can buy online

Christmas gift ideas for adults that you can buy online

New Christmas films to watch this winter

New Christmas films to watch this winter

10 Pokemon gifts for kids you can buy on Amazon

10 Pokemon gifts for kids you can buy on Amazon

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