In this article we will look at some of the best Christian Christmas movies you can watch during the holidays. All these suggestions are family friendly!
Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by watching some of the best Christian Christmas movies about Jesus? These films will help you get into the Christmas spirit and remind you of why we celebrate this wonderful holiday. From timeless classics to newer releases, there’s something for everyone in this list. So gather your friends and family, put on some Christmas music, make some popcorn and hot cocoa because it’s time we celebrate the reason for the season!
The Best Christian Christmas Movies
In this list we will look at some animated films that work great for kids and adults, but we will also look at some regular films as well. All of them are kid friendly and Christmas loving!
Just to make choosing your movie easier I have added the trailer to each suggestion.
1. The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story is a 2006 film that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke and stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary and Oscar Isaac as Joseph. The Nativity Story was well-received by many and shares the story of Christ in such a beautiful way.
The Nativity Story takes place in Nazareth, Judea, and Bethlehem. The film begins with the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ by the angel Gabriel to Mary. Mary is betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter, who is reluctant to marry her when he learns she is pregnant. However, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him that Mary is carrying the Son of God. Joseph decides to marry Mary and take her to Bethlehem, where they will have their baby.
The film culminates with the birth of Jesus Christ in a stable and the visit of the shepherds and the Magi. The Nativity Story is a beautiful and moving portrayal of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. So, if you are looking for a Biblical Christmas movie then this will hit the spot. It’s also a great movie to introduce children to the real meaning of why we celebrate Christmas.
2. The Star
The Star is a 2017 animated film that tells the story of the nativity from the perspective of the animals involved. The film was directed by Timothy Reckart and features the voices of Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, and Keegan-Michael Key. The Star was a box office success and received positive reviews from critics.
The Star is about a donkey named Bo who is chosen by Mary to carry her to Bethlehem. On the journey, Bo and his animal friends encounter danger and adventure, but they ultimately arrive in Bethlehem just in time for the birth of Christ. The film is a fun and unique take on the nativity story that is sure to please both kids and adults. My nephew can vouch he loved it!
3. The Ultimate Gift
The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 Christmas drama which was based on the best selling novel by Jim Stovall. The film was directed by Michael O. Sajbel and stars Drew Fuller, Abigail Breslin, James Garner, and Bill Cobbs.
The Ultimate Gift is about a wealthy man named Jason Stevens who is left a unique inheritance by his grandfather. In order to receive his inheritance, Jason must complete a series of tasks that will teach him the true meaning of life. The tasks are not easy, and they force Jason to confront his selfish ways. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Emily who changes his life forever.
The Ultimate Gift is a heartwarming film that teaches valuable lessons about life, love, and giving. This is a great film to watch with the whole family.
4. The Christmas Candle
The Christmas Candle is a 2013 film that tells the story of a small English village in the 1800s where all of the candles are made by one family. When a new vicar arrives in town, he starts to question the tradition and wonders if there might be a better way to bring light to the people’s lives. The Christmas Candle was directed by John Stephenson and stars Samantha Barks, Hannah Tointon, and Susan Boyle. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office bomb.
Please ignore Rotten Tomatoes rating on this film. If you look and see the audience gave it 74% approval rating. And for good reason! This movie is heart-warming and shares on kindness, hope and faith.
5. Believe
Believe is a 2016 Christmas film that tells the story a small-town business man named Matthew who is forced to close his business and cancel the annual Christmas pageant. This causes the town to turn on Matthew, but hope is not all lost. This is when he meets Clarence , a boy who believes miracles can happen. Believe was directed by Billy Dickson and stars Ryan O’Quinn, and Shawnee Smith.
This movie is sweet, centered on the theme of a Christmas miracle. It helps reminds us that with God all things are possible.
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a 2005 film based on the novel by C. S. Lewis. The film was directed by Andrew Adamson and stars Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, and William Moseley. It’s not your average Christmas movie, as it weaves the story of Jesus through beautiful and vivid allegories.
The film tells the story of four siblings- Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy- who are sent to live in the country during World War II. While exploring their new home, they discover a wardrobe that transports them to the magical land of Narnia. In Narnia, the children help Aslan , the lion, defeat the evil White Witch. The film is full of Christian themes and is a great choice for families looking for a more faith-based Christmas movie that is full of action and wonder.
** There are other versions of the Chronicles of the Narnia. For example there is a 1979 animated version you can check out: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
7. Chasing the Star
Chasing the Star is a 2017 Christmas film about the journey of the magi. The film was directed by Bret Miller and stars Yancy Butler, Rance Howard, Terence Knox The film follows the magi on their journey as they are led by a star to Bethlehem. Along the way, they must face many challenges and dangers, but they are determined to find proof of an ancient prophecy about the coming Messiah.
Chasing the Star is a great film for families to watch together. It is exciting, and it tells the story of the first Christmas from a unique perspective. It does have some dark moments so keep that in mind when watching it with small children.
8. The Heart for Christmas
The Heart for Christmas is a 2011 Christian Christmas themed movie that is filmed by director Gary Wheeler. It stars Candace Cameron Bure, Erin Bethea, Eric Jay Beck, George Newbern, and Matthew West. This wonderful story is based on a true story which makes it even more amazing. It’s about a woman’s experience with a family that is dealing with a child who has acute leukemia. This family is trying to make the best of their limited time together and are trying to find a bone marrow donor.
This movie is very touching and inspiring. It is a great reminder of what is truly important during the holiday season.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is 1965 animated film that centers around the comic strip the Peanuts. It was directed by Bill Melendez. The whole premises of the movie is about Charlie Brown trying to figure out the meaning of why we celebrate Christmas. Charlie struggles throughout the movie trying to understand until Linus comes to the rescue and share the Christmas Story. But the amazing thing is that he shares the Christmas story straight from scripture!
Linus says to Charlie Brown… “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”
This cartoon is a wonderful movie for kids to learn the true meaning of Christmas in a way that is entertaining and enjoyable. It is on the shorter side, only being around 25 minutes. Which again works great for little minds who don’t have the attention span to sit through a 2 hour Christmas movie.
10. The Little Drummer Boy
The Little Drummer Boy is a 1968 stop motion (think gumby) film. It was directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. The movie is about a little drummer boy named Aaron. On his birthday he is gifted a drum. But life doesn’t go well for little Aaron as tragedy hits home and he is kidnapped. Later he runs into the Magi he goes with them to witness the birth of Jesus. The little drummer boy is moved by the scene and offers his only gift, to play his drum.
While Christian overtones are strong in this movie, it’s a great film for anyone as the story is touching. The visuals are also beautiful as it was filmed in stop motion animation which was painstakingly done frame by frame. They don’t them like that anymore! It’s a great classic!
11. The Least of These: A Christmas Story
The Least of These: A Christmas Story is a 2018 film that was directed by Mark Nicolosi and stars Tayla Lynn, Emma Faith, and G. Michael Nicolosi. The movie centers around single mom named Rose and her daughter Katy. And their life is turned around when they come to know a Salvation Army Santa Claus.
In this sweet movie you will learn the meaning behind, faith, forgiveness, and hope.
12. We Three Kings
We Three Kings is 2020 historical Christmas film directed by Joseph Graber and Stacie Graber, It stars Scarlett Diamond, Vincent Vargas, Adam Hightower. After the death of their mother, 2 children can’t wait for their Uncle Henry to come for Christmas. The story centers around this family, the Christmas hymn We Three Kings and a Christmas pageant. In this movie you will learn the meaning behind the gifts that were given to Jesus.
This is a great family friendly movie that will have everyone learning about the true meaning of Christmas.
Christian Christmas movies are a great way to celebrate the holiday season while learning about the reason for the season…JESUS! The movies listed above are all wonderful films that will inspire and touch your heart. They are all family friendly and work great for a movie night home.
Christmas Articles
Ready to dive into more Christmas reading? It has been an incredible joy to write some of these articles about the birth of Jesus. I hope they bless you as much as they have blessed me in writing them.
Learn the symbolic meaning behind the gifts the wise men gave Christ.
Have your mind blown as we study and look into the story of the magi (wise men) of the Bible.
Dig deeper into the Christmas story by learning these 17 facts about the birth of Christ.
What is Christmas without some carols, hymns, poems, and stories. These Christmas poems focus all on Jesus. The true reason behind the holidays.
Need the write words for a Christmas card or tag? Look no further! These Christmas blessings will work perfectly.
Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.
She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…