The holiday season is supposed to be the “hap, happiest season of all.” But it isn’t that way for everyone. In spite of the mountains of glitter, endless amounts of Christmas cookies and ample amounts of cheer to go around, there can still be some pouting throughout the holidays. But what’s this season about if not finding a change of heart? And there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than by watching these family-friendly movies on Netflix. They’ll make your heart grow three sizes.
If you’ve ever had to spend the holiday season with a Scrooge or Grinch, then you understand how hard it can be. They never want to sing Christmas carols, deck the halls or participate in any fun traditions. Sometimes, somehow, these people can change, whether it’s through the power of song or after meeting Santa Claus himself. Although some hearts might be frozen due to the frigid temperatures outside, the following films (and one series) will hopefully turn that around.
Synopsis: After his father’s death, angry and rebellious pre-teen Teddy (Judah Lewis) loses his Christmas spirit and turns to troublesome activities, like stealing cars. But his younger sister, Kate (Darby Camp), still believes in the Christmas spirit and tries to keep it alive in their home. After they successfully videotape Santa Claus (played by the wonderfully jolly Kurt Russell) entering their house, Kate and Teddy are forced to help him deliver all of his presents to little kids across the nation.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? Obviously. Teddy’s jaded teenage ways combined with Kate’s youthful optimism play on each other so well. In the end, Santa not only proves himself to the family, but he’s able to successfully change Teddy’s angsty teenage ways.
Synopsis: Kate is back in this Christmas Chronicles sequel, except this time she’s the rebellious one who’s unhappy about her mom’s new relationship. While on family vacation, Kate gets sucked into a wormhole where she’s transported to the North Pole, reunited with Santa and must thwart a mean-spirited elf, Belsnickel (Julian Dennison), who is determined to end Christmas for good.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? Duh. Although Kate believes in Santa Claus, she still has a bit of an attitude toward her mom. But after going on a journey with Santa in this sequel, she’s able to accept her mom’s new relationship. And don’t worry, Belsnickel rights his wrongs, too. The serious change of heart might even transform the grumpiest non-believers.
Synopsis: When an elf mistakes an alien for a Christmas gift and gives it to his daughter, he doesn’t know the “gift” is actually an alien named X, who is part of a major, extravagant plan to destroy all of Earth’s gravity and steal all the world’s Christmas presents. But in the process of destroying the holiday, X realizes there’s more to life than taking over the world and uses his fancy alien technology to save Christmas.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? Of course. Although X’s plan to take over the world is quite menacing in this family-friendly Christmas special, his eventual change of heart brings some major happiness to the North Pole.
Synopsis: Jules (Mo Bakker) hates Christmas because his father died on Christmas Eve. But, after moving to the Netherlands, he discovers his grandfather is actually Santa Claus. And now that he’s stricken with illness, it’s up to Jules to help his grandfather fulfill his duties.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? Yes. This Belgian Christmas tale is sappy, emotional and festive. Although it might make you cry at times, Jules is able to change his mind about some things and help save Christmas, which sounds like the perfect ending to me.
Synopsis: Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) is a wealthy woman who returns to her small hometown during Christmas time to evict the residents and sell the land to a mall developer. But thanks to the power of music, memories and a little magic, Regina’s able to stop her planned destruction.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? It’s hard not to, especially when Dolly Parton’s music is involved. Christmas on the Square is a full-on production filled with dancing and original songs that will put a smile on your face. Although it takes a little bit of time for Regina to come around, Christmas on the Square, with its catchy tunes and delightful tales, is as warm and comforting as a cup of hot cocoa.
Synopsis: Teenagers Dash (Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis) don’t know each other. Bright-eyed Lily loves Christmas. Sourpuss Dash does not. But through a notebook filled with dares that takes them to multiple locations around New York City, the two teens grow closer and Dash begins to see the beauty of the holiday season.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? If you love a fun romance series, then you will love Dash & Lily. OK, so this is the only selection on this list that isn’t a movie, and there might be a few things that can go over the little ones’ heads, since it is geared toward teenagers. And while Dash isn’t the most anti-Christmas, Scrooge-type character out there, it’s cute to watch his heart melt as he and Lily gradually fall for each other.
Synopsis: Born on Christmas Day, Jorge (Leandro Hassum) hates sharing his birthday with the big holiday. But after an accident on Christmas Eve renders him unconscious, Jorge wakes up on Christmas Eve year after year with no recollection of how he got there. Stuck in a time loop, Jorge must learn how to appreciate the holiday and embrace his life in order to get a second chance.
Will Your Heart Become Warm? YES! This Brazilian film is a little quirky and goofy, but it’s still an emotional, feel-good watch that you’ll want to tune into this holiday season. Jorge’s reluctance to embrace Christmas, but ability to watch his life slip away from him at the same time might possibly make you choke up. And if this film doesn’t make your heart grow three sizes after the credits roll, I don’t know what will.
