The tree is up, the turkey is in the oven, and the Christmas tunes are jingling away on the radio – all that’s needed to make this Christmas weekend more festive is a great Christmas film to enjoy on the telly, with a mince pie in hand.
We’re looking at all the best films airing over Chrismas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day on all the major TV channels: BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.
All the films we’ve listed are family-friendly of course, so suitable for all ages. Don’t forget, if you miss any of these films, you can catch up via BBC iPlayer, All 4, and the ITV Hub.
There are excellent TV Christmas specials and shows on too, we’re looking at all the best ones right here.
The best films/movies on TV on Christmas Eve 2020
Christmas Eve hosts a plethora of exciting films for kids and big kids alike (I’m looking at you, fellow millennials). Don’t miss Paddington 2, Kung Fu Panda and Moana!
BBC1
- Kung Fu Panda (2008) – 9am
- Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) – 10:45am
- Moana (2016) – 12:35pm
- Cars (2006) – 2:15pm
- Paddington 2 (2017) – 4:15pm
BBC 2
- Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – 1:25pm
Channel 4
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – 2:35pm
Channel 5
- Annie (1982) – 10:35am
- Ben-Hur (1959) – 3:05pm
- Oliver! (1968)- 12:05pm
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) – 3:10pm
Best family films/movies on TV on Christmas Day 2020
While you’re recovering from that turkey overdose, why not catch Home Alone 2 over on Channel 4? 2020 was the year of self-isolation after all.
BBC1
- Early Man (2018) – 1:15pm
- Coco (2017) – 3:10pm
BBC 2
- Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – 11:35am
- Some Like It Hot (1959) – 1:15pm
Channel 4
- Garfield 2 (2006) – 9:05am
- Home Alone 2 (1992) – 5.30pm
Best family films/movies on TV on Boxing Day 2020
If you’re not too busy hunting Boxing Day discounts, you can catch incredible animations like Brave and Madagascar 2. And for those who want an old school classic, there’s The Karate Kid on Channel 5.
BBC1
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) – 8:55am
- Penguins of Madagascar (2014) – 10:15am
- Brave (2012) – 1:20pm
BBC 2
- Cinderella (2015) – 2.50pm
Channel 4
- Horton Hears a Who! (2008) – 12pm (noon)
- Shrek the Third (2007) – 5pm
Channel 5
- The Karate Kid (1984) – 12pm (noon)
If none of these films really do it for you (though come on, who could dislike any Home Alone film?), we also have a separate list of all the best Christmas movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Now TV.
Author: Somrata Sarkar, Senior Staff Writer
Somrata researches and writes about the best tech deals to help readers make smart, informed buying decisions. She's an expert on accessories and also reviews laptops, phones, audio and other devices.