10 Holiday Movies for 10 to 16 Year Olds

There is a moment in time, sometime around the tenth year, where a child’s idea of the holiday season changes. After the change occurs, a new kind of excitement can grow as the child sees how they are a part of Santa’s task force. These ten movies, in no particular order, might just keep your elf happy.

The Nightmare Before Christmas PG
Tim Burton’s shared this gem with audiences hungry for something more in 1993. Whether you call this claymation film a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie it is definitely festive, a little scary, very surprising and thoroughly engaging. Rated 8.0 on IMDB.

Scrooged PG-13
In 1988, in fine form Bill Murray graced the silver screen with this jewel of a remake. based on Dickens’ Christmas Carol, the protagonist learns about the true meaning of Christmas despite the avarice of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Rated 7.0 on IMDB.

The Family Stone PG-13
Sarah Jessica Parker plays an exacting and professional businesswoman from New York City, who finds herself entirely out-of-her-depth when she meets her boyfriend’s laid-back family for Christmas 2005. This film is all about awkward moments, fitting-in, and discovering how to be true to you. Rated 6.3 on IMDB.

Arthur Christmas PG
This 2011, animated film focuses on Santa’s other son, Arthur. Arthur is a clumsy guy whose mistakes have caused mischief in the past, but who loves Christmas more than anything and all he wants to do is help. Although intended for a younger audience, this film reminds viewers that the spirit of giving is a large part of Christmas. 7.1 on IMDB.

Elf PG
A comedy about finding true identity, Buddy the elf (played by Will Ferrell) sets out to find his human family after making one-two-many-mistakes at the North Pole. A physical comedy for the holidays, Will Ferrell does not disappoint. Premiered in 2001 Elf gets 6.9 out of 10 on IMDB.

Gremlins PG
For Christmas in 1984, Billy got the cutest pet, but a simple late-night mistake turns Billy’s life and his whole town upside down. Great and slightly scary fun for your Christmas holiday. 7.2 on IMDB.

The Christmas Chronicles PG-13
Netflix released this gem of a film during the 2018 holiday season. With Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, the kids in this movie are in for an amazing adventure! 7.3 on IMDB.

Iron Man 3 PG-13
This 2013 movie is like the Marvel reboot of A Christmas Carol wherein Iron Man is a cross between Scrooge and the Grinch. He too learns the meaning of giving and is redeemed. 7.2 on IMDB.

Edward Scissorhands PG-13
Johnny Depp stars as a misunderstood monster with a heart of gold in this 1990 film. Awkward and alone, Edward is rescued from a drafty old castle after which he finds love and acceptance, but his joy cannot last. This movie is, in some ways a coming of age experience, an unflinching look at the harm that pretension causes, and the power that friendship provides. Rated 7.9 on IMDB.

Unaccompanied Minors PG
A group of unaccompanied minors makes the most out of what seemed like a dismal holiday. Released in 2006 this film will resonate with any kid who has ever flown unaccompanied or felt abandoned during the holidays. 5.2 on IMDB.