What to Watch with Kids During the Holidays: Family Movie Night Ideas
School holidays are the perfect time to relax and enjoy some quality moments with your family. And what better way to do that than by snuggling up on the couch and watching a great movie together? But finding something that both kids and adults will enjoy can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created a list of top picks — films and cartoons that are fun, meaningful, and even a bit educational.
Plus, we’ll show you how to turn family movie night into an opportunity to practice English in a fun and natural way!
Why Watching Movies with Your Kids Is Actually Awesome
Family movie time is about more than just keeping the kids entertained for a couple of hours. It’s a chance to:
- Connect. Chatting about the plot or characters brings you closer together.
- Spark imagination. Kids learn to empathize and invent stories of their own.
- Practice English. Watching in the original language with subtitles is a great way to support language learning.
What to Watch with Kids During the Holidays: Top 5 Animated Movies for All Ages
Zootopia
A colorful and clever story about friendship and chasing your dreams. Follow Judy, a rabbit who wants to be a police officer in a city full of animals. Inspiring, funny, and packed with positive messages.
Inside Out
A brilliant journey through the emotions of a young girl. This movie helps children understand their feelings and reminds adults what it’s like to be a kid.
Frozen
A modern Disney classic with unforgettable songs and a heartwarming story about sisterhood. (Yes, it’s the perfect excuse to sing "Let It Go" in English!)
Up
An emotional and humorous tale of an old man and a young scout on an unexpected adventure. This one will make you laugh and cry — perfect for a family night in.
Toy Story
The original film that launched a beloved franchise. Follow Woody, Buzz, and their toy friends on a journey that teaches the value of friendship.
A colorful and clever story about friendship and chasing your dreams. Follow Judy, a rabbit who wants to be a police officer in a city full of animals. Inspiring, funny, and packed with positive messages.
Inside Out
A brilliant journey through the emotions of a young girl. This movie helps children understand their feelings and reminds adults what it’s like to be a kid.
Frozen
A modern Disney classic with unforgettable songs and a heartwarming story about sisterhood. (Yes, it’s the perfect excuse to sing "Let It Go" in English!)
Up
An emotional and humorous tale of an old man and a young scout on an unexpected adventure. This one will make you laugh and cry — perfect for a family night in.
Toy Story
The original film that launched a beloved franchise. Follow Woody, Buzz, and their toy friends on a journey that teaches the value of friendship.
Top 5 Family Movies for the Holidays
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Start your magical journey with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. This film is a great way to introduce kids to the wizarding world — and to English in its original form!
Home Alone
A holiday classic filled with creativity, laughter, and a little mischief. Kids love Kevin’s clever tricks, and parents enjoy the nostalgic charm.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A whimsical adventure directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. Great for sparking conversations about kindness, honesty, and dreams.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Step into a magical world where anything is possible. This fantasy tale will capture imaginations of all ages.
Mary Poppins
The original nanny everyone wishes they had! This film is filled with charm, catchy songs, and British accents — a great pick if your kids are learning English.
How to Make Movie Time More Educational
Want to make the most of your child’s screen time during the holidays? Try these tips:
- Watch in English. Choose the original audio with subtitles — it helps kids get used to natural speech and pronunciation.
- Talk about it. Ask questions like, "What would you do if you were the main character?" or "Who was your favorite and why?" It builds critical thinking skills.
- Learn new words. Pick out 5–10 interesting words or phrases from the movie and go over them together afterward.
Native Speakers Courses!
Holidays are the perfect time for discovery — not just in movies, but in learning too. Book a free trial lesson with a native-speaking teacher and let your child boost their confidence in English in a fun, engaging way.
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