Christmas Movies in Theaters 2016 | Family Holiday Movies

by: Erin Dower

The holidays can be a hectic time. Relax and have fun with your family by seeing this year's top family movies in the theaters for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn the release dates and ratings of the season's best films for kids of all ages.

And here are our picks for the worst Christmas movies of all time!

Trolls

Step into the colorful world of Trolls, the overly cheerful creatures with tall, funny hairdos (yes — just like the troll dolls you enjoyed as a kid). They’re constantly dodging Bergens, notorious grumps who are only pleased when they feast on Trolls. This DreamWorks film by the creators of Shrek features original music and voice talent by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and other hilarious stars!

Rated: PG

Release Date: Nov. 4

Doctor Strange

No holiday season is complete without a thrilling struggle to protect mankind… right? In this action-packed fantasy flick from the Marvel franchise, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), an injured neurosurgeon, tries to repair his defunct hands but is quickly sucked into an inter-dimensional battle to save the world.

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: Nov. 4

Loving

Offer your teen some food for thought with this family-themed film, based on the inspiring true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, the couple who fought to legalize interracial marriage in the U.S. Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton passionately play the Lovings, who were sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for getting married.

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: Nov. 4

Almost Christmas

Prepare for laughter and tears alongside the Meyers, a dysfunctional family (aren’t they all?!) coming together for their first Thanksgiving since their mom died. The all-star cast includes Danny Glover (as the dad, Walter), Gabrielle Union, Jessie Usher, Omar Epps, and Mo’Nique (as the crazy aunt… we all have one!).

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: Nov. 11

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Harry Potter fans rejoice! J.K. Rowling’s book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (a fictional textbook on wizardry and witchcraft) is coming to the big screen. Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne stars as Newt Scamander, the author of the textbook and a leader in New York City’s underground community of wizards and witches in the glitzy 1920s.

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: Nov. 18

Moana

In the latest Disney animated adventure, by the creators of Frozen, a young woman named Moana sets sail for a mystical island on a mission to help her family (how Disney!). The legendary demi-god Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) joins her. It’s a tropical quest that’s sure to lift your family's holiday spirits!

Rated: PG

Release Date: Nov. 23

Sing

Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) is a quick-witted koala bear whose beloved theater is on the brink of failure — until he hatches a brilliant plan to host the world’s greatest singing competition there. This adorable animated film from the creators of Despicable Me is sure to be a hit among families who love reality TV talent competitions.

Rated: PG

Release Date: Dec. 21

Passengers

Beautiful people in space? Your teen will love it. In this intergalactic thriller, two passengers traveling on a spacecraft to a distant colony planet awaken 90 years too soon, thanks to a malfunction in the sleep chambers. How will Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Dunn (Jennifer Lawrence) survive? It might take a Christmas miracle!

Rated: Not Yet Rated

Release Date: Dec. 21

Top Family Movies for the 2016 Holiday Season

by: Erin Dower

Trolls

Doctor Strange

Loving

Almost Christmas

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Moana

Sing

Passengers

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by: Erin Dower

Trolls

Doctor Strange

Loving

Almost Christmas

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Moana

Sing

Passengers

FE Most Popular Slideshow

An Age-by-Age Guide to Teaching Kids About "The Birds & The Bees"

12 Simple Developmental Activities to Play with Your Baby

Top 10 Graduation Gifts

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teacher Appreciation Week

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