Christmas is a great time to see good films together with the children. Kids and Media gives you tips on good Christmas films for families and children alike: Here are our recommendations!

by Rune H. Rasmussen

Home Alone 1 & 2
Kevin is left at home alone after his family forgets him when they go away for Christmas. This is no problem for Kevin, who defends himself against two clumsy burglars and teaches them a real lesson. These classic Christmas comedies are perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, and will without a doubt get a lot of laughs. In addition, both films deliver a message concerning how important family is.
Age Limit: PG

The Polar Express
Chris is about to stop believing in Father Christmas, but on Christmas Eve, a shining, black train stops outside his house. The conductor invites him on what will turn out to be a fantastic journey, which removes all of Chris’ doubt that there is more to this world than the eye can see. The film is based on Chris Van Allburg’s imaginative Christmas fairytale.
Age Limit: U

The Grinch
The Grinch hates Christmas. He is really annoyed with all the Whos in Whoville, who are getting ready for Christmas with great enthusiasm. But when he travels into town with sabotage in mind, he meets little Cindy Lou, the only one in town who questions the Whos’ preoccupation with buying gifts and decorations. She decides to find out more about the Grinch, and the result is that the Grinch’s heart softens and both learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Age Limit: PG

Christmas Story
Do you want to watch a film about Father Christmas’ childhood? This Finnish film is charming, exciting and perfectly suitable for the entire family. “The greatest happiness is to make others happy” is a phrase from the film, and it is easy to be inspired when you see what great consequences this attitude has.
Age Limit: PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas
The inhabitants of Halloween Town think that they can make a better Christmas than Father Christmas and the people of Christmas Town. The waiflike and maladjusted Sally warns them, but nobody listens. This puppet film is very well made and is a mixture of horror, fantasy, musical and comedy. This is a somewhat different Christmas film that absolutely deserves the cult status it has earned.
Age Limit: PG

It’s a wonderful life
In this classic from 1946, we become acquainted with George Bailey, who has sacrificed his own dreams in order to make his hometown a better place to live. But one Christmas Eve, he considers taking his own life. His guardian angel appears and shows him how life would have been had he not existed. “It’s a wonderful life” is on the list of the best films of all time, and conveys a wonderful, touching Christmas message.
Age Limit: U

Shrek the Halls
Christmas doesn’t turn out quite the way he planned it when Shrek realises his friends have very different ideas of what Christmas is all about. This makes it a little difficult for Shrek to have the cosy family Christmas he’s wished for. This film offers 30 fun-packed minutes of entertainment, and is perfect to get in the Christmas mood.
Age Limit: PG

A Christmas Carol
This remake of the classic story by Charles Dickens, starring Jim Carrey, is wonderfully made, and gives an entertaining film experience, whilst arousing the joy of Christmas.
Age Limit: PG

Just Friends
A romantic comedy set at Christmas time, dealing with the frustrating experience of being in love with a friend - who just wants to be friends. A fun film, which comes recommended for teenagers.
Age Limit: 12

Surviving Christmas
Faced with the possibility of having to celebrate Christmas alone, Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) decides to travel to his idyllic childhood home. As the family who currently lives there isn’t his own, he pays them to pretend that he is a part of the family. This is a very entertaining film, which is based on a hilarious idea.
Age Limit: 12