What movies can I take my whole family to for Christmas?
It’s crunch time for the holidays. Travel plans are being finalized, presents are getting wrapped, and the procrastinators are finally realizing how little time they have left. As your family begins coming into town for the holidays, quickly you’ll realize how small your house is, and how badly you need to get everyone out of it.
One of the best pastimes for families is a group trip to the local movie theater to check out the latest releases. Sure, everyone knows that the cat-tastrophe known as Cats and the finale for Star Wars is out and available. But what movie is best for your family? There are people of all ages, with a variety of tastes.
We’re going to run down all the movies out in theaters now that are perfect for your family. We’re also going to break it up into a list for people with kids, and people without. We know you have no desire to go see Frozen 2 unless you have a bunch of younger cousins or nieces/nephews at your house.
Also, not all of these movies may be at your local theater. We’re going off all the movies getting wide releases until the end of the year, as well as some movies that have been out but aren’t leaving theaters anytime soon. There’s plenty of options for your family, you just have to look in the right places.
If you have kids coming over…
Frozen 2
Look, we know “Let it Go” is annoying and you still will never get it out of your head. But Frozen 2 turns the original film on its head, giving a grand adventure story with music. Elsa’s big ballad “Into the Unknown” is also a lot less annoying than “Let it Go”, so you’ll be okay playing that for days on end.
The adults will enjoy the story about revealing the true history you know, and the 80’s power jam Kristoff gets. Kids will love the fire spirit that’s actually just a cute lizard. However, everyone will love Olaf’s song “When I Am Older”. The title alone should tell you why.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Unless you have any hard-core Star Wars fans, everyone can get something out of this Star Wars finale. Star Wars has always been meant for the entire family, giving a grand space adventure. The Rise of Skywalker is no different, and director J.J. Abrams especially focuses on making Star Wars open to everyone.
Especially in this film, Lando Calrissian himself Billy Dee Williams makes a reappearance, and Emperor Palpatine as well. The older crowd in your family will definitely enjoy the old faces joining the new on their adventure. Plus, this is Carrie Fisher’s final film role, so it’s sad but great to see Princess Leia back one last time.
Jumanji: The Next Level
The follow up to the unexpected successful revival of the 1995 film, Jumanji: The Next Level has The Rock and Kevin Hart acting like Danny Devito and Danny Glover, respectively. That right there sums up what everyone will get out of this.
Spies in Disguise
Those who remember the Dreamworks movie Shark Tale may be a little uncomfortable that Will Smith is making a return to animation. But early reviews for Spies in Disguise make it clear that while its ideas are watered down for a younger audience, this has the makings of a great body-swap and spy comedy.
Even if it’s animated, Will Smith as a suave gentleman spy sounds appealing for everyone, and Tom Holland being in it is a factor for Marvel fans. This film was made by the same studio who did The Peanuts Movie and the Ice Age franchise though, so just remember that going on in case it’s a little too childish.
If you’re an adults-only party…
Cats
We already trashed Cats so we know you’re looking at us like we have two heads. But in terms of appealing to the masses, the cast really does. Young adults will love seeing Jason Derulo and Taylor Swift, while the older crowd will love Jennifer Hudson getting another chance to shine.
If you’re willing to look past the awful character designs, at the end of the day this is a musical movie. Most musical movies end up appealing to everyone in different ways, and Cats looks like it’s no different.
Little Women
The legendary classic novel is coming to the big screen for an eighth time, with Greta Gerwig behind the camera. With names like Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and Saoirse Ronan on board, it’s a guarantee that great performances await you and your family.
Little Women has always been the perfect feel-good family story, and most likely you have fond memories of a past film version of the novel. Greta Gerwig’s version is the perfect way to give yourself new fond memories with your family and with the March sisters once again.
Uncut Gems
Maybe warn your parents that this isn’t like Adam Sandler’s usual movies before you go. While Sandler has done drama before, Uncut Gems gives Sandler the chance to truly remind everyone what kind of actor he is with the right material. The Safdies Brothers’ last film, Good Time, did the same for Robert Patterson.
The crime thriller has Sandler playing a jeweler in debt with loan sharks, who goes for a high stakes bet to try and pay off all his debts. Like a good old fashion mobster movie, Uncut Gems has high stakes and drama to keep you and your family at the edge of your seat for two hours.
Knives Out
Now let’s go from crime thriller to murder mystery! Rian Johnson’s passion project Knives Out is a love letter to Agatha Christie and the age of whodunits, taking a more modern angle on the classic mystery genre. Granted, you’ll probably walk away dreaming of Chris Evan’s cable-knit sweater more than anything.
The perfect way to celebrate Christmas is taking your family to a movie about a family trying to figure out which one of them murdered the patriarchal head of the family, right? With a cast led by Daniel Craig in an awful southern US accent, everyone is on the top of their game in this movie, leading to an enjoyable experience for all.
