Unconventional Holiday Movies

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Sure, you can't go wrong with a tried-and-true classic holiday film. But plenty of other great flicks are out there for families looking for something non-traditional this year. Fancy a festive giggle? Why not try the likes of Trolls Holiday or -- for older kids -- Planes, Trains and Automobiles? After something with a splash of seasonal action? Revisit classics like Home Alone and Die Hard. For even more holiday suggestions, be sure to check out our Best Holiday Movies for Kids list. Happy holidays to all!

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All I Want for Christmas Is You Poster Image
MOVIE

All I Want for Christmas Is You

age 4+

Merry, mischievous holiday tale is fun for families.

November 14, 2017 2017 G (91 minutes)
Albert Poster Image
MOVIE

Albert

age 5+

Spunky tree's adventures are filled with festive messages.

December 9, 2016 2016 NR (43 minutes)
hoops&yoyo Ruin Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

hoops&yoyo Ruin Christmas

age 5+

Hallmark stars bring the funny to sweet holiday special.

November 26, 2011 2011 NR (22 minutes)
Alien Xmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Alien Xmas

age 6+

Adorable family tale of Christmas spirit has mild scares.

November 20, 2020 2020 NR (42 minutes)
Arthur Christmas Movie Poster: Festive characters pose under the film's title
MOVIE

Arthur Christmas

age 6+

Fast-paced, funny holiday movie about the Christmas spirit.

November 23, 2011 2011 PG (97 minutes)
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure Poster Image
MOVIE

Beethoven's Christmas Adventure

age 6+

Holiday canine hijinks, plus a few serious scenes.

November 8, 2011 2011 PG (90 minutes)
Klaus movie poster: Klaus, Alva, Jesper, and Margu stand under towering shelves of toys
MOVIE

Klaus

age 6+

Santa origin story is a sweet reminder of generosity.

November 8, 2019 2019 PG (98 minutes)
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special Movie Poster: Pee-wee and Santa pose with a present
MOVIE

Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special

age 6+

Bizarre humor, high-speed antics, non-stop fun!

December 21, 1988 1988 NR (48 minutes)
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday movie poster: Christmas baddies.
MOVIE

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

age 6+

Book-inspired short film has cartoon violence, mild insults.

November 30, 2023 2023 NR (25 minutes)
The Magic Snowflake Poster Image
MOVIE

The Magic Snowflake

age 6+

Charming, creative holiday fun for the whole family.

November 20, 2013 2013 NR (82 minutes)
Trolls Holiday Poster Image
MOVIE

Trolls Holiday

age 6+

Holiday-themed show will give Trolls fans the warm fuzzies.

November 24, 2017 2017 NR (26 minutes)
A Fairly Odd Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

A Fairly Odd Christmas

age 7+

Series-inspired TV movie is worry-free holiday fun for kids.

December 17, 2013 2013 G (107 minutes)
Journey to the Christmas Star Poster Image
MOVIE

Journey to the Christmas Star

age 7+

Norwegian holiday fairy tale is fanciful, a little scary.

November 9, 2012 2012 G (80 minutes)
Rise of the Guardians Poster Image
MOVIE

Rise of the Guardians

age 7+

Holiday icons defend childhood in gorgeous adventure.

November 21, 2012 2012 PG (98 minutes)
8-Bit Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

8-Bit Christmas

age 8+

Fun '80s nostalgia tour has mild language, violence.

November 24, 2021 2021 PG (118 minutes)
Ernest Saves Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Ernest Saves Christmas

age 8+

Goofy holiday movie is OK fun for families, knowwhatImean?

September 3, 2002 2002 PG (91 minutes)
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol movie poster
MOVIE

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

age 8+

Animated adaptation has positive messages, scary scenes.

November 18, 2022 2022 NR (96 minutes)
The Christmas Project Poster Image
MOVIE

The Christmas Project

age 8+

Bully learns about kindness in holiday family comedy.

November 3, 2016 2016 NR (92 minutes)
The Man Who Invented Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

The Man Who Invented Christmas

age 8+

Heartfelt take on idea for Charles Dickens holiday classic.

November 22, 2017 2017 PG (104 minutes)
The Wiz Poster Image
MOVIE

The Wiz

age 8+

1970s all-Black remake has positive messages, violence.

October 24, 1978 1978 G (135 minutes)
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