For a long time films have been a great way to get the family together in one place. Whether we watch comedies, action, or animated movies, films provide us with an opportunity to share stories with our loved ones.

Together we can experience great emotions, thrilling adventures, and wondrous events, as we watch a story unfold on the screen, right before our eyes.

As December draws closer it becomes increasingly difficult to enjoy quality family time outdoors, while the days are slowly getting shorter, and the air colder. So what better way to spend a couple of hours with your entire family on a cold, rainy day, than to go to the cinema this Christmas season?

Here's a list of three films the whole family can enjoy at the cinema this Christmas:

1. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1)

The much anticipated first part of the third instalment in The Hunger Games trilogy is finally here, and (judging by the trailers) it looks just as awesome as the first two films. Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss Everdeen – the bow and arrow wielding hero of the story. After surviving the Hunger Games twice, the film sees Katniss becoming the "Mockingjay", which has become a symbol of hope for the districts in their fight against the Capitol.

This promises to be an action-packed and emotionally-charged film. With excitement to be found at every corner, adults and children alike will surely not be disappointed by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.

2. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Ben Stiller returns in this American comedy as Larry Daley, along with a mad-cap bunch of old and new characters, which includes the late, great Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney in one of their final movie appearances, playing Theodore Roosevelt and Gus, Owen Wilson as Jedediah, and Ben Kingsley as Merenkahre.

The museum's exhibits once again come to life – this time to figure out why the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah (which is the reason these characters can speak and move) seem to be dying out.

Wild antics, witty one-liners, and a cast of loveable (and insane) characters guarantee great laughs for the whole family.

3. Paddington

Paddington is a British comedy based on a beloved children's fiction character, Paddington Bear – a polite plush-like creature, who travels with a battered suitcase and hat, and hails from Peru. The story follows this strange bear as he finds himself alone in Paddington station, where he befriends a young boy who takes him home. Hilarity ensues as the little ball of fluff is provided with a safe haven by the boy's family.

This is definitely one to watch if you are a fan of the books, and you know you cannot go wrong with an all-star cast that has names such as Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, and Nicole Kidman.