Why 'Unaccompanied Minors' Is The Most Underrated Christmas Movie!

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is by watching movies. The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Polar Express are classics that many people watch during this time of year. But what if I told you that my favorite is Unaccompanied Minors? Chances are high that you have probably never seen or heard of this movie, but it needs to be on your radar this holiday season.

Prior to 2020, many of us probably spent the days before Christmas traveling to the homes of our friends and loved ones. While I never traveled alone at Christmastime, I’ve always wondered what that experience was like for unaccompanied minors. 

Unaccompanied Minors follows Spencer and Katherine Davenport on their journey from California to Pennsylvania. The two unaccompanied minors get stuck at the airport when a major snowstorm hits the area, and they are forced to stick together and make the most out of the situation. Along the way, Spencer meets four other unaccompanied minors who instantly form a special bond and work together to try to save Christmas for themselves and Spencer’s sister. 

I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, I longed to be an adult. I wanted to experience the freedom that came along with age and independence. Unaccompanied Minors is full of moments that show teenagers trying to have some fun with their newly found freedom at the airport. From ordering way too many mozzarella sticks at the airport restaurant and playing with safety equipment to riding the golf cart through the terminals, viewers are provided with a glimpse into the activities the group gets involved in to make the most out of the holidays. 

Aside from humor, Unaccompanied Minors also highlights the importance of a “chosen family”. While the group couldn’t spend the holidays with their families since they were stuck at the airport, they became their own family. The kids even tried to make the holidays bright for the airport manager and the concierge. The holidays are about being kind and spreading cheer, and the unaccompanied minors do that for each other and for the rest of the airport passengers. 

If you’re looking for a holiday movie that is funny and heartwarming, Unaccompanied Minors is one that you need to watch! (Currently streaming on Netflix but also makes regular appearances on cable this time of year -- check your local listings!)

What is your favorite underrated Christmas movie?