10 Hanukkah Movies to Watch With Kids

Hanukkah is just around the corner, and that includes lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and indulging in some tasty chocolate gelt. Another great way to celebrate with the whole family is by frying up some latkes, cuddling up with a cozy blanket, and watching your favorite feel-good movies.

Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration filled with hope, renewal, and time with family. So, if you are looking for a few relevant movies to share with your family this season, you won't have to look far.

Our carefully curated list of the best Hanukkah movies ranges from silly and serious to educational and inspirational, and everything in between. You are sure to find something for your littlest viewers—and even for those hard-to-please teens—so start planning out your family's Hanukkah movie fest now.

An American Tail

Why It's a Winning Pick

After a group of evil cats destroy their small village on Hanukkah, Fievel Mousekewitz and his family long to escape the endless persecution they face and head to America. They are especially excited when they hear there are no cats and that the streets are paved with cheese!

But when young Fievel gets lost on the way to his new home, the mice quickly learn that things in the U.S. are not perfect. They realize that in order to make a new life they must work together.

Overall, this heartwarming animated film details the experience of immigrants coming to America. Told from the perspective of a cute little mouse, this movie will expose kids to an important part of U.S. history. It also makes a great springboard for family conversations about immigration, working together, and the importance of Hanukkah.

Full Court Miracle

Why It's a Winning Pick

Based on the true story of Lamont Carr, this Disney Channel original movie centers around a group of young Jewish basketball players who are searching for a coach to help them out of their winless slump during the Hanukkah season. The main character, Alex Schlotsky, and his friends are determined to find their very own Judah Macabee to coach their team.

During this uplifting tale, the former college basketball star, sidelined after a knee injury, agrees to become the head coach of a yeshiva's struggling basketball team. Throughout the movie, religious analogies are used to not only help the team improve, but also teach important life lessons like helping others and being honest. It's a must-see for families this holiday season.

Eight Crazy Nights

Why It's a Winning Pick

If you have middle schoolers and up, your family might enjoy this animated movie about a boy named Davey (voice by Adam Sandler). Davey is the town troublemaker who is given one last chance to redeem himself.

After a crazy night on the town, Davey is facing jail time unless he agrees to serve as a referee for the youth basketball league. Davey is excited about this opportunity, especially if it keeps him out of jail—that is until he meets his boss. Although this film is animated, keep in mind that it is rated PG-13 and may not be appropriate for the littlest viewers due to toilet jokes and some off-brand humor.

Shalom Sesame - Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

Why It's a Winning Pick

In this holiday episode of Shalom Sesame, Anneliese is excited to celebrate her very first Hanukkah in Israel. She has even brought her family’s special menorah to share with her friends. But suddenly the menorah is missing and she absolutely must find it! 

As Anneliese and the gang try to solve the mystery of the missing menorah, they also learn all about Hanukkah. In classic Sesame Street style, this short film is peppered with little snippets that teach kids about dreidels, Hanukkah celebrations, and even the history of the holiday. You will appreciate both the wholesome—and the educational—qualities of this short film suitable for all viewers.

Love, Lights, Hanukkah!

Why It's a Winning Pick

Although this film is not a children's movie or an animated film, it is still a great family movie—especially if you have teens or tweens to entertain. Not only is "Love, Lights, Hanukkah!" wholesome and uplifting, but this Hallmark movie also will appeal to families with interfaith homes (which, according to research, is about one in five adults in the U.S.)

Overall, the story revolves around an Italian restaurant owner, Christina, who is struggling with the loss of her adoptive mother and a broken engagement. In an effort to learn more about her background, Christina takes a DNA test and discovers she has Eastern European Jewish ancestry. Even more exciting is that some close relatives—the Bermans—live nearby.

In true Hallmark fashion, this discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights. While the Bermans educate Christina (as well as the audience) about the origins of Hanukkah—including lighting a menorah, playing dreidel, and making latkes—Christina balances both Christmas and Hanukkah as she blends her past with her future. It is a movie that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Peg & Cat: The Hanukah Problem

Why It's a Winning Pick

When Peg and Cat's friend Albert Einstein invites them over for Hanukkah, there is a lot of laughing, singing, dancing, counting—and, of course, science. Plus, they learn all types of things about Hanukkah including why the number eight is special to the holiday. They even learn how to make their own dreidel out of paper. It is math and Maccabees at their finest! 

Not only does PBS Kids do an excellent job representing Hanukkah in this short film, but you can find other great Hanukkah options on the network, too, if your kids really enjoy this one. For instance, there are Hanukkah episodes of "Super Why" and "Arthur." And, you can even buy a full playlist of PBS Kids' Hanukkah episodes on iTunes.

A Rugrats Chanukah

Why It's a Winning Pick

“A Rugrats Chanukah” is a special episode in the Rugrats series revolving around Hanukkah where Grandma Minkus narrates the Hanukkah story to the children. Originally broadcast on Nickelodeon, this movie shares the stories and legends associated with Hanukkah in a simple and easy-to-understand way. 

During the film, the rugrats and their families celebrate Hanukkah with Didi’s parents, who take time to tell the children the story of the Maccabees' defiance against the Greeks to preserve their culture and religion. Overall, this film recreates the story of the Maccabean rebellion with accuracy and is sure to be a favorite among kids of all ages.

Elena of Avalor - Festival of Lights

Why It's a Winning Pick

Who doesn't love a good Disney princess movie? When Princess Rebeca’s ship runs into choppy waters and finally hits the shores of the kingdom of Avalor, Princess Elena is there to greet her. But Princess Rebecca has a problem—she was on her way home to Galonia to celebrate Hanukkah, and now she will never make it in time. What’s worse, her grandmother’s heirloom menorah is lost somewhere in the ocean. 

In an effort to make Rebecca's holiday special, Princess Elena and her family learn everything they can about Hanukkah. What they discover along the way, though, is that even when things get difficult, people keep going and make the most of everything they have.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn a little something about the origin of Hanukkah as well as the meaning of the menorah. But perhaps the most illuminating part of the episode, is that viewers discover that Latinx Jews exist.

Nina’s Hanukah Adventure

Why It's a Winning Pick

Living in Chicago is exciting. After all, there is always something to do, see, or learn. But not surprisingly every winter, Chicago also gets a lot of snow. And this year, there is a big storm is on its way just in time for the first night of Hanukkah. 

To make things more complicated, Nina’s neighbor, Mrs. Goldstein, soon discovers that the bad weather has delayed shipments and there’s no oil to be found anywhere in their community. How will she make her traditional latkes and jelly donuts without it? 

Fortunately, Mrs. Goldstein's optimistic daughter, Jennifer, is home for a visit and has a plan. She leads, Nina and her friends on a search for vegetable oil—as well olive oil for the rabbi’s menorah. Viewers not only learn about Hanukkah, but learn some important life lessons, too.

Something From Nothing

Why It's a Winning Pick

Based on Phoebe Gilman's award-winning book, this heartwarming story is about a boy named Joseph, his beloved Grandfather, and his special friend, Mazel the mouse. "Something From Nothing" is a celebration of Jewish culture and traditions.

This Hanukkah classic teaches viewers lessons about love, renewal, and most importantly—hope. There is no way you can watch this short film and not come away feeling inspired. Be sure to add it to your "must watch" list.