Are you searching for the best G-rated Christmas movies to watch this holiday season? Plan your family Christmas movie night with this collection of the 50 best Christmas films that are rated G.
What is a “G” rating? A “G” rating means the movie is appropriate for a general audience. It indicates that the film includes “Nothing that would offend parents for viewing by children.” (You can learn more about film ratings from the Motion Picture Association and search ratings on FilmRatings.com).
This list is intended to help you find the best G-rated Christmas movies that will be appropriate to watch with little kids so you don’t have to worry, even if it’s the first time you’re watching the movie.
What better way is there to celebrate the Christmas season than by grabbing some hot cocoa, candy canes, popcorn, a cozy blanket, and cuddling up with your family for a movie marathon of the best Christmas movies of all time?
Want to watch the movie trailers? Click on the movie image or the “watch or buy” link below it, then click on Prime Video to see the movie trailer.
I hope you enjoy this list of the best Christmas movies that are rated G!
Pause and pin now so you can find this later!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, when you make a purchase using one of my links.
Note: Prices listed are approximate and only reflect price at time of publication. Prices are subject to change.
01. The Polar Express
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This Christmas classic takes a young boy on a magical Christmas Eve train journey to the North Pole. Starring Tom Hanks, this movie offers fantastical scenes and music, making it many people’s favorite Christmas movie. It shows that Christmas magic is real for those who believe.
02. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Runtime: 58 minutes
Watch Mickey and friends play out the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. In a role he was born to play, Scrooge McDuck plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the greedy character who learns about the spirit of Christmas after being visited by three wise ghosts.
03. The Christmas Bunny
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
In this heartwarming holiday movie, a foster child nurses an injured bunny back to health and forms a beautiful bond with her adoptive family along the way. This sweet movie is great for watching with family.
04. The Flight Before Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes
In this fun animated film, it’s up to a little reindeer to save Christmas. The reindeer overcomes his fear of flying with help from a flying squirrel and ends up helping Santa and the other reindeer.
05. Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour
This animated Christmas musical is a retelling of the hit movie, Elf. Join Buddy the elf as he leaves the North Pole and journeys to New York City to find his human father. Buddy’s Christmas spirit is contagious and this movie is packed with fun and music that will get anyone excited about the holiday season!
06. The Snowman
Runtime: 30 minutes
This short film is based on the best-selling children’s book by Raymond Briggs. It’s a beautiful story where a young boy builds a snowman who magically comes to life and they go on a fantastical adventure together.
07. Angela’s Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour
Funny and heartwarming, this Emmy-nominated tale is one of the best G-rated Christmas movies. It’s about family, childhood innocence, and the true meaning of Christmas. The whole family can enjoy this sweet story of a young, caring girl who gets a special idea in church on Christmas Eve.
08. All Dogs Christmas Carol
Runtime: 1 hour and 13 minutes
The characters from All Dogs Go to Heaven are back in their own version of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This movie is great for kids because it’s full of cute animated dogs that learn about the spirit of Christmas.
09. Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 11 minutes
This is one of the best G-rated Christmas movies. I have great memories of watching this movie when I was a child. Young kids will enjoy it because it features characters they’re familiar with from the Disney classic. It’s full of joyful songs and features the cast from the original Beauty and the Beast film!
10. Annabelle’s Wish
Runtime: 53 minutes
This movie makes me teary. It’s the story of a young boy who cannot speak and his friendship with a calf who has a magical ability to speak. It’s a movie about love, sacrifice, and Christmas wishes.
11. Arthur: Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour
This holiday special from PBS is a sweet story from the popular Arthur series. In the movie, Arthur tries his best to get the perfect Christmas gift for each person in his family. The story captures the stress that often accompanies the holidays, and how wonderful things can be if stop trying to make things “perfect.”
12. Santa Clause 2
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
This is the second movie in the Santa Clause trilogy (the first movie, The Santa Clause, is not on this list because it is rated PG, but it’s a great Christmas movie too). In this sequel, Santa (Tim Allen) has to help his son stay off the naughty list. Plus, he has to get married or he won’t be Santa anymore.
13. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Runtime: 1 hour and 37 minutes
In the third Santa Clause movie, Santa has to save Christmas from Jack Frost, played by the hilarious Martin Short. Santa has to keep his in-laws happy while keeping Jack from taking over Christmas.
14. Balto
Runtime: 1 hour and 18 minutes
This beautiful movie is not about Christmas but it is a great movie to watch in the winter and is entertaining for both kids and adults. Based on a true story, the movie is about the hero sleigh dog, Balto (Kevin Bacon), who leads his team on a perilous journey to deliver life-saving antitoxins during an epidemic.
15. One Magic Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
This Disney classic is all about the true meaning of Christmas. Aided by her guardian angel and her young daughter’s belief in the magic of Christmas, a mother is reminded that Christmas is about love and family.
16. Christmas Is Here Again
Runtime: 1 hour and 14 minutes
Can a little girl recover Santa’s gift sack with help from some elf and animal friends? This cute and funny movie narrated by Jay Leno features great voice acting and plenty of fun!
17. Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Runtime: 1 hour and 4 minutes
Join Pooh Bear and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood as they help Rabbit learn the meaning of Christmas in this heartwarming film.
18. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Runtime: 1 hour and 23 minutes
In this animated musical, it’s up to Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer to save Christmas again! When an evil queen creates a storm on Christmas, everyone’s favorite reindeer has to find a way to save the day.
19. Snow Buddies
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
My youngest daughter LOVED watching these puppy movies when she was younger and she has such fond memories of watching them. In this one, the pups go on an epic snow adventure including a dogsled race in Alaska. These are excellent holiday movies to watch with young children because it’s hard not to feel happy when you’re watching adorable puppies!
20. Santa Buddies: The Legend Of Santa Paws
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
The pups go to the North Pole in this adorable Christmas movie. They help Puppy Paws, the son of Santa Paws, remember what the true meaning of Christmas is.
21. The Search For Santa Paws
Runtime: 1 hour and 36 minutes
This prequel to Santa Buddies tells the story of how Santa Paws became Santa’s best friend. With the help of some canine friends, Santa Paws helps save Santa’s memories and gives a group of young orphan girls a beautiful Christmas.
22. Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
It’s up to the Santa pups to save Christmas from disappearing! When Mrs. Claus goes on a trip to visit a group of children, the pups stow away in the sleigh and end up helping people regain their Christmas spirit.
If you’re enjoying this, you’ll love these:
23. Little Brother, Big Trouble: A Christmas Adventure
Runtime: 1 hour and 13 minutes
In this Christmas sequel, Niko the reindeer has to find his little brother who has gone missing on Christmas Eve. Join Niko and his animal friends on a fun adventure to save his brother!
24. The Original Christmas Specials Collection
Runtime: 3 hours and 26 minutes
Although this collection is not rated, these specials are usually considered a safe bet for most audiences. These classic Christmas movies are perfect for a family movie night. This collection includes all the Christmas classics:
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
- Frosty the Snowman
- The Little Drummer Bow
- Cricket on the Hearth
25. Nutcracker: The Motion Picture
Runtime: 1 hour and 29 minutes
This motion picture presentation of the classic ballet featuring Tchaikovski’s gorgeous music is a beautiful way to fill up on holiday spirit. The superb dancing, set designs, and signature songs make this one of the best G-rated Christmas movies.
26. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 7 minutes
In this movie, Mickey, Minnie, and all their classic Disney friends gather to celebrate and they all tell stories of Christmases past where they learned lessons about the meaning of the holiday.
27. Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 7 minutes
This movie is a collection of stories where each of the classic Disney characters learns to appreciate the most important parts of Christmas amid different holiday stressors.
28. All I Want For Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes
This fun movie is a tale of siblings trying to get their parents back together for Christmas. The kids come up with all sorts of wacky ideas to get their parents together, including making a wish to Santa.
29. A Flintstones Christmas Carol
Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Reminisce about memories of watching the Flinstones with this prehistoric interpretation of A Christmas Carol. Fred Flinstone plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the true meaning of Christmas when he is visited by three Christmas ghosts.
30. Care Bears: Nutcracker
Runtime: 1 hour and 1 minute
Watch the Care Bears’ version of The Nutcracker in this sweet Christmas movie. Enjoy the classic ballet music while watching a Care Bears interpretation of the story.
31. Twas the Night Before Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
It appears that letters to Santa from a small town are not being delivered! In this classic fable, a bitter mouse is preventing the letters from reaching Santa. Can his holiday spirit be reignited in time to save Christmas?
32. A Muppets Christmas: Letters To Santa
Runtime: 56 minutes
Join Kermit, Ms. Piggy, and all your Muppet favorites on an epic Christmas adventure! Gonzo’s forgotten to mail his letters to Santa so the gang steps up to help in this movie that’s full of holiday spirit.
33. Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Little Mariah (voiced by Mariah Carey) has always wanted a dog. Her Christmas wish might come true if she does a good job taking care of her uncle’s dog. This fun movie features classic Mariah Carey Christmas songs.
34. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Watch Kermit as Ms. Piggy as Bob and Emily Cratchit, with Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. The Muppet version of a Christmas Carol is such an enjoyable watch with lovely songs and narration by Gonzo.
35. The 12 Dogs of Christmas
Runtime: The 12 Dogs of Christmas
Gather all dog lovers because this beautiful Christmas movie features many adorable canines. The story is about a young girl who goes to live with her aunt in a small town with laws against dogs. With the help of friends and tons of dogs, she fights to make the town dog-friendly.
36. Blizzard
Runtime: 1 hour and 41 minutes
To help a young girl come to terms with her best friend moving away, her aunt tells her the story of a figure skater who learns how to make new friends with the help of an enchanted reindeer.
37. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Runtime: 22 minutes
Join the beloved Olaf on an adventure to bring Christmas traditions to Anna and Elsa. Featuring new original songs, this Disney featurette will be lovely to watch with little ones this Christmas.
38. The Smurfs Christmas Carol
Runtime: 25 minutes
Fans of The Smurfs will enjoy this version of A Christmas Carol. Watch Grouchy Smurf learn the meaning of Christmas in this fun short.
39. Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special
Runtime: 26 minutes
Join the Ice Age gang in this funny Christmas special. When Sid ends up on the naughty list, the group journeys to the North Pole to save Christmas.
40. Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
Runtime: 53 minutes
Do you remember Mr. Magoo? Based on the classic Charles Dickens tale, the bumbling and endearing Mr. Magoo plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
41. My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 6 minutes
Anyone who enjoys ponies will love this classic My Little Pony movie. When Minty breaks the beacon that guides Santa to their town, she and her friends must figure out a way to save Christmas.
42. Scrooge
Runtime:
This classic musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol features many joyous songs sung live. Alber Finney plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns to be kind and generous at Christmas after being visited by ghosts who show him how terrible his future will be if he does not change. This is one of the best classic G-rated Christmas movies.
43. Once Upon A Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
It’s up to Santa’s daughter to save Christmas! She has to show that at least one family can be kind and caring before a disillusioned Santa cancels Christmas. This sweet film about human redemption is one of the best G-rated Christmas movies for families.
44. The Christmas Secret
Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
In this beautiful movie, a single mom is struggling to support her family. Watch as something magical happens that makes Christmas extra special this year.
45. 
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Runtime: 26 minutes
This Christmas special is not rated, but it’s a wonderful classic and most would probably agree it is appropriate for general audiences. Watch his heart grow three sizes as the Grinch learns to love Christmas and the residents of Whoville.
46. The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus
Runtime: 1 hour and 16 minutes
Based on the popular book, this movie presents Santa’s origin story. See how his childhood experiences and his love of making children happy turn him into the beloved Christmas figure.
47. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
Runtime: 51 minutes
Sung and told by Fred Astaire, this Christmas classic features stop-motion animation and tells the story of Kris Kringle and how the toymaker became Santa Claus.
48. Prancer
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes
In this heartwarming family film, a little girl and her father struggle with the loss of her mother. The little girl befriends an injured reindeer and Christmas magic ensues.
49. Casper’s Haunted Christmas
Runtime: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Join Casper the Friendly Ghost in a Christmas adventure. Casper is supposed to scare at least one person before the holiday, but he’s too kind to do it. Watch as he figures out how to solve his Christmas trouble.
50. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Runtime: 25 minutes
This beloved Christmas classic is not rated, but I included it on this list because most would probably agree it is appropriate for any audience. Watch as Charlie Brown tries to regain some Christmas joy in this sweet special.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best G-rated Christmas movies! Have a wonderful Christmas!
