Over Christmas one of our kids was sick and we ended up dog-piling on the couch and watching 4 movies in a 24-hour time period. We watched many of the Christmas movies my husband and I loved watching growing up, and it reminded me how many good movies are out there that our kids have not seen.
These winter movies are specifically non-holiday, but take place in the winter. Many of them are favorites from my husband or I's childhoods, and a mixture of some our kids have loved for years. Hopefully they become favorites in your home as well.
25+ Winter Movies for Kids (+ Where to Stream Them!)
Snow Dogs- Rent on Amazon Video
A Miami dentist inherits a team of sled dogs in Alaska and has no idea what he is doing. As he learns to mush, he also uncovers surprising truths about his family. It is goofy and feel good.
As someone who grew up around bobsledding in Lake Placid NY, this is a favorite of mine! A group of Jamaican athletes decide to compete in the Winter Olympics as a bobsled team. No one takes them seriously at first. It is funny, inspiring, and based on a true story.
Abominable- Available on Netflix or Peacock
A teenage girl discovers a young yeti hiding on her rooftop. She and her friends help him travel across China to reunite with his family. It is sweet, adventurous, and visually beautiful.
Smallfoot- Rent on Amazon Video
A young yeti discovers that humans might actually exist, which turns his world upside down. The movie flips the Bigfoot myth in a playful way. It is lighthearted and full of music and humor.
Four siblings step through a wardrobe into a magical land trapped in endless winter. They become part of a battle between good and evil alongside the great lion Aslan. It is epic, cozy, and full of wonder.
I loved this book in elementary school, and love the movie too! A businessman suddenly becomes the caretaker of six mischievous penguins. His orderly life quickly turns chaotic in the best way. It is silly and surprisingly heartwarming.
Snow Day- Available on Paramount+
I remember watching this movie in theaters on a Snow Day from school growing up! A massive snowstorm shuts down the city and kids everywhere celebrate a surprise day off school. A group of siblings try to make the snow day last forever. It is pure winter chaos and fun.
Miracle- Available on Disney+
Another homage to Lake Placid, NY... This movie tells the true story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. A group of underdogs take on the world’s best and shock everyone. It is intense, emotional, and inspiring.
For a long time this was my kid's all-time favorite winter movie! Five playful puppies head to Alaska and get involved in a junior dogsled race. They learn teamwork and perseverance along the way. It is cute and very kid friendly.
This documentary follows emperor penguins as they survive Antarctica’s brutal winters. It shows the incredible lengths parents go to protect their young. It is calm, fascinating, and surprisingly emotional.
Derek and Kyle had a phase where they would watch this every night before bed together when Kyle was a toddler. The elite penguin squad goes on a globe hopping spy adventure. Their over the top confidence leads to nonstop chaos. It is fast, funny, and action packed.
A math loving teen discovers a passion for figure skating. She has to choose between following her dreams and meeting expectations. It is an uplifting sports story.
Happy Feet- Available to Rent on Amazon Video
Mumble is a penguin who cannot sing but can tap dance like no one else. His difference sets him apart from his colony. It is musical, energetic, and surprisingly thoughtful.
I would not be a 90s kid if this did not make the list. A lawyer is forced to coach a struggling youth hockey team. What starts as a punishment turns into a lesson in teamwork and heart. It is a classic underdog story.
This movie makes me a little batty, but it does technically take place in winter. A cynical weatherman gets stuck reliving the same winter day over and over. He slowly learns that change starts with him. It is funny, thoughtful, and surprisingly meaningful.
This was a favorite of mine growing up! A musician dad dies but comes back as a snowman to reconnect with his son. Their time together is limited and bittersweet. It is emotional and very wintery.
Fun fact: I have never seen this movie but one of the songs was played at our wedding. Mythical figures like Jack Frost and the Easter Bunny team up to protect children’s hope. Jack learns who he is and why he matters. It is action packed with a winter fantasy feel.
Iron Will- Available on Disney+
I have never seen this movie, but Derek claims it is a great addition to the list. A teenage boy enters a dangerous dogsled race to save his family farm. He faces brutal conditions and fierce competitors. It is gritty, inspiring, and based on a true story.
A young girl sets out on a journey to rescue her friend from the Snow Queen’s icy spell. Along the way she meets magical allies and strange creatures. It feels like a classic fairy tale.
A team of sled dogs is left behind in Antarctica after a research mission goes wrong. The movie follows their fight to survive the harsh winter. It is emotional and intense.
This documentary shows what life is really like for scientists living in Antarctica year round. It focuses on extreme weather, isolation, and resilience. It is quiet, stunning, and fascinating.
Frozen- Available on Disney+
When Elsa’s icy powers accidentally plunge her kingdom into eternal winter, her sister Anna sets off to find her and fix things. Along the way, Anna teams up with a rugged mountain guy, his reindeer, and a very lovable snowman. It is about sisterhood, courage, and learning to embrace who you are.
Frozen II- Available on Disney+
Elsa hears a mysterious voice calling her north, and she and Anna leave Arendelle to uncover the truth about their past. Their journey takes them into enchanted forests and deeper questions about identity and responsibility. It is a little darker and more emotional than the first movie.
Ice Age- Available on Disney+
A mismatched group of animals team up during the Ice Age to return a human baby to its family. Along the way, they become an unlikely herd. It is full of slapstick humor and heart.
The ice is melting and the herd has to migrate before their valley floods. Manny worries about being the last mammoth while everyone else just tries to survive the chaos. It is fast paced and very funny.
Sid gets himself into trouble underground and the herd has to rescue him from a hidden dinosaur world. New characters and bigger action take the story in a wild direction. It is silly and adventurous.
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