Home for Christmas (1990): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1990, Home for Christmas is a fantasy, drama and family film directed by Peter McCubbin, running about 96 minutes. “Let Him Steal Your Heart.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Mickey Rooney plays a weary old thief who befriends a young child. Home for Christmas is a 1990 Canadian made film about a young girl (Chantellese Kent) who wants a grandfather for Christmas. She chooses an elderly, homeless ex-con (Mickey Rooney) as her pseudo-grandfather and he teaches her - and her family - the true meaning of Christmas. Somewhat predictable.. but has a good plot twist about half way through that keeps it interesting. A solid, low-key performance by Mickey Rooney as the seemingly broken down homeless man saves this one from drowning in it's own mushiness.

Who’s in it. Home for Christmas stars Mickey Rooney as Elmer, Simon Richards as Reg Spencer, Lesley Kelly as Barb Spencer and Chantellese Kent as Amanda Spencer, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.2/10, Home for Christmas has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Dove Amazon Channel and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Home for Christmas page.

If you liked it. Fans of Home for Christmas tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.