Brr…it’s cold outside! Good thing there’s nothing better than snuggling up with your favorite people and a feel-good movie.
These winter family movies bring on the snowy adventures, cozy classics, and animated winter wonderlands. They’ll bring all the magic of the season straight to your living room.
This list is split into G/PG movies, timeless winter classics, and PG-13+ picks for older kids and adults. So grab the cocoa, fluff up those blankets, and get ready to press play on some new cozy memories!
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This list contains recommendations only. Use your best judgment to determine if a movie is the right fit for your family.
G & PG-Rated Winter Family Movies
These cold weather movies offer magic, laughter, and heartwarming fun for kids of all ages.
1. Ice Age (2002)
A group of unlikely animal friends bands together to return a human baby to its family during the Ice Age. The icy landscapes, snow-covered adventures, and warm themes of friendship make it a wonderful winter watch.
Love Ice Age? Then don’t miss Ice Age Meltdown too! (Or any of the other awesome movies in this franchise)
2. Anastasia (1997)
This was my favorite childhood movie. Not only is it a beautiful story of a lost Russian princess, but there are sparkling snow scenes and wintery magic. Anya, a brave young orphan, sets out on a journey to discover her true identity and reunite with the family she never knew she had. It’s a story full of heart on a cold day.
Note: The movie is a beautiful story based on rumors of Anastasia’s survival (that persisted for decades). However, DNA has since proven that the real Grand Duchess died with her family in 1918.
See it here >>
3. Happy Feet (2006)
Mumble the penguin cannot sing like the others, but he can dance better than anyone. His journey to acceptance is filled with humor, music, and life in the frozen Antarctic. The snowy setting and adorable penguins make it a natural winter favorite.
Fun Fact: To help the dancers move like penguins, they attended “Penguin School” and wore beak-like apparatuses to mimic a penguin’s head.
4. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
A beast imprisons a brave, beautiful, and brilliant young woman in his castle. Despite her fears, she learns to see beyond the beast’s hideous exterior. And realizes that true beauty comes from within. The movie is filled with cozy candlelit scenes and charming winter moments.
See it here >>
5. Frozen (2013)
Frozen follows fearless Princess Anna as she teams up with rugged iceman Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf. They must find Queen Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter. Along the way, Anna learns the true meaning of love, courage, family, and fresh beginnings (the very things that make ringing in the new year so special).
Fun Fact: Tthe movie was nearly 70 years in the making, originally conceived by Walt Disney in the 1940s based on The Snow Queen.
6. Abominable (2019)
A young girl discovers a yeti on her rooftop and sets out on a journey to help him return home. The snowy mountains and magical winter scenery make this adventure feel like a sweet, frosty escape.
See it here >>
7. Snow Buddies (2008)
A group of playful puppies races through snowy Alaska in a fun sled dog adventure. All the snow, teamwork, and puppy cuteness make it a great choice for winter watching.
See it here >>
8. The Snowy Day (2016)
Based on the classic book, this story follows young Peter as he explores his neighborhood after a fresh snowfall. Its gentle pacing, snowy visuals, and nostalgic charm make it perfect for a cozy winter afternoon.
9. The Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
*A break from the snow!
While this isn’t strictly a winter movie, it does feature hilarious penguins that prove global espionage is for the birds! Your favorite super-spies, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with the elite North Wind team to save the world.
See it here >>
10. Frozen 2 (2019)
Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven journey into an enchanted forest to uncover secrets from the past. With swirling leaves, icy landscapes, and themes of courage, it captures the magic of winter beautifully.
Related: Frozen Movie Trivia Questions
11. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians (Jack Frost, Santa Claus, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny) team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.
Fun Fact: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
12. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
While all of the Harry Potter movies are magical and include unique winter scenes (like the Yule Ball in the Goblet of Fire), this one has extensive and charming snowy scenes. Particularly the first visit to Hogsmeade.
See it here >>
Related:
13. Little Foot (2020)
Little Foot is a tiny Bigfoot with an even bigger heart! And when penguin pals Zoey and Flip warn him about a sinister plan involving all the magical creatures of the galaxy, he decides to step up and step in!
See it here >>
14. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Four siblings step through a magical wardrobe and find themselves in Narnia, a land trapped in eternal winter by an evil witch. With the help of the great lion Aslan, they discover courage, friendship, and the true meaning of good triumphing over evil.
Fun Fact: Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie) was blindfolded and carried onto the snowy set for her first entrance to capture genuine reactions for the film.
15. March of the Penguins (2005)
This documentary follows emperor penguins on their incredible journey across frozen Antarctica. Its stunning icy landscapes and fascinating wildlife make it a beautiful winter viewing experience.
See it here >>
16. Smallfoot (2018)
Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed – a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale.
See it here >>
17. Miracle (2004)
This winter family movie is based on the true story of the 1980 U S Olympic hockey team. It follows their determination and teamwork. The rink-side action and snowy atmosphere make it a perfect winter sports film.
“Do you believe in miracles”?
See it here >>
18. Snow White (2025)
A princess finds refuge with seven dwarfs after fleeing danger. While it is not strictly a winter film, the forest charm and cozy cottage vibes pair well with cold-weather viewing. Plus her name is SNOW white after all!
See it here >>
Fun Fact: The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature in U.S. history.
Classic Winter Movies For Families
Enjoy watching these timeless favorites that never lose their winter magic.
19. Cool Runnings 1993
A misfit Jamaican bobsled team competes in the Winter Olympics against all odds. Its uplifting message makes it a must-watch during winter. (Especially if it’s an Olympics year!)
20. Little Women (2019)
The March sisters grow up during times of love, loss, and change. With memorable winter scenes and warm family moments, it is a beautiful film to enjoy during the colder months.
21. Groundhog Day (1993)
A weatherman relives the same day over and over until he learns what really matters. The snowy small town setting and cozy winter feel make it a great seasonal pick.
See it here >>
Crazy Fact: Bill Murray was bitten by the groundhog twice during production and had to receive rabies injections.
22. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
When a magic hat brings Frosty to life, he and his friends enjoy a joyful adventure through the snow. Its cheerful winter spirit makes it a beloved seasonal classic.
See Frosty the Snowman here >>
23. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
A reluctant coach leads a ragtag hockey team toward victory. With plenty of icy rink action and heartwarming teamwork, it is a great winter sports movie for families.
24. Mr Popper’s Penguins (2011)
A businessman inherits a group of penguins which turn his life upside down. Its snowy chaos and penguin fun make it ideal for winter movie nights.
Fun Fact: Jim Carrey had a disclaimer at the end of the credits stating he was “bitten mercilessly” by penguins during production.
PG-13+Rated Winter Family Movies
These movies bring more action, comedy, or romance to your binge-watching.
25. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Warriors battle dark forces in a kingdom filled with icy magic and enchanted winters. The dramatic snow-covered scenery makes it a visually stunning winter pick. (Plus, you know, there’s Chris Hemsworth!)
See it here >>
Love this movie? Don’t miss the sequel: The Huntsman: Winter’s War
26. Winter’s Tale (2014)
A burglar falls in love with a woman in a magical version of New York that experiences deep winter. Its snowy atmosphere and romantic fantasy make it a dreamy cold-weather movie.
27. Everest (2015)
Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. The climbers face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.
28. Chasing Ice (2012)
A photographer documents melting glaciers in breathtaking detail. The stunning icy landscapes make it a captivating choice for winter viewing.
See it here >>
29. The Mountain Between Us (2017)
Two strangers must work together to survive after a plane crash in a snowy wilderness. The snow filled setting and themes of strength and connection make it fitting for winter.
Fun Fact: The actors and crew experienced extremely harsh conditions, with temperatures as low as -40 degrees Farenheit, heavy snow, and high altitudes that made breathing difficult.
30. Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (2014)
A Tokyo office worker abandons her mundane life and embarks on a quest to find a mythical fortune lost in the frozen wilderness of Minnesota.
See it here >>
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