Animated Christmas movies
Sometimes, the best movies are the animated ones. Yes, that goes for Christmas movies, too! There’s something about capturing that holiday magic in a way that both kids and adults can understand and enjoy that makes it so much better. So, going further than just naming a bunch of kids’ Christmas movies, we thought we’d curate a list of some of the best animated Christmas movies available for streaming now!
What adult could resist the sweet nostalgia of a classic Christmas movie like Rudolph, or one based off of a beloved Christmas book, like The Polar Express. Even the bah-humbug types can find something to smile about in The Grinch. Some of these picks have great music, too. Cue “Let It Go” and “Frosty the Snowman,” please! No matter how old or young the members of your holiday crew are, kids from 1 to 99 are sure to be charmed by these family-friendly favorites.
And if you’re still on the lookout for more cheer, never fear: We’ve got plenty of ideas outside of these animated films.
1. Klaus (2019)
Courtesy Netflix
This oddball origin story of Santa Klaus is the first animated feature from Netflix, and features Klaus (Oscar-winner J. K. Simmons), a large, bearded man with a knack for toymaking but who doesn’t have much interest in children, Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), the worst postal carrier ever and Alva (Rashida Jones), a cynical teacher. They live in Smeerensburg, the unhappiest place on Earth. If it sounds like a grump-fest, well yes, that’s the setup. But don’t worry: Icy hearts melt, and even Smeerensburg can find joy. Rated PG.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Courtesy: Apple TV+
Not even good ol’ Charlie Brown is immune to the occasional bout of seasonal affective disorder. As Christmas approaches, the large-headed heart of the Peanuts gang is feeling bummed out. But when he and his buddies decide to put on a holiday-themed play, everyone finds out that, when it comes to spreading cheer, it’s not the size of the tree that matters. Rated TV-G.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Enterprises Inc.
One of the few movies that plays equally well at Christmas and Halloween, Tim Burton’s stop-motion classic is certainly a wee bit spooky-looking, but it’s far too fun, funny and sweet to give the little ones literal nightmares. Jack Skellington is the gangly Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, but once he discovers the joy of Christmas, he begins to feel like giving is better than scaring. But when your whole existence is defined by frights, shifting to a life of merriment ain’t exactly easy. Rated PG.
4. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Image: NBC/Universal
This classic from the stop-motion masters at Rankin/Bass Productions has been enrapturing young audiences for going on 58 Christmases now. You know the story – a reindeer with a glowing nose endures the insults of his peers, until his deformity proves to be advantageous – but whether you’re seeing it for the first or 58th time, it’ll leave you smiling. Oh, and this version adds a yeti, too. Rated TV-G.
5. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This smart and oh-so British 3D animation opens with one of life’s great questions: how does Santa visit so many homes so quickly? The answer, it seems, is a high-tech army of elves dispatched, SWAT-style, from a silent spaceship disguised as a cluster of stars. It wasn’t always like this, but Santa’s eldest son Steve (Hugh Laurie), modernized the operation. Nevertheless, one parcel slips through the net, so it’s left to Santa’s sensitive younger son Arthur (James McAvoy), and the grumpy Grandsanta (Bill Nighy) to deliver the package using old-school reindeer and sleigh. All of which inspires a frenzied inter-continental dash and one too many padded-out mishaps. Rated PG.
6. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Photograph: Courtesy CBS/Classic Media
Y’all know the tune, now see the cartoon. This classic holiday television special from animation studio Rankin/Bass – the masters of the classic 60s and 70s holiday television special – brings the Gene Autry tune about a snowman that comes to life to, well, life, with wondrous old-school, hand-drawn animation. If it doesn’t get you in the Christmas mood, it’s possible your heart melted a long time ago. Rated G.
7. The Elf On The Shelf Presents: An Elf’s Story (2011)
Courtesy CCA & B,LLC
Everyone has found a spot (likely several) for an Elf on the Shelf. The annual visitor is placed in unique situations and acts as a North Pole spy for Santa (hopefully ellicting good behavior, though that’s not always a guarantee). Thanks to the newfound tradition’s popularity, it has received the holiday movie treatment. In the animated story, we journey alongside Taylor. The young boy hasn’t quite embraced the holiday spirit, so Chipey is sent from Santa’s workshop to assess the situation. Although tricky at times, Taylor and his new buddy discover the importance of the season together. If you’re looking for a little Elf on the Shelf creativity in your own home, check out these awesome ideas!
8. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Photograph: Mgm Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
The famous holiday curmudgeon descends from solitude at Mount Crumpit in order to wreak havoc over the jolly residents of Whoville. However, it’s going to take quite a bit to convince them to tone down their Christmas cheer. Think the mean-spirited grouch will change his ways? Rated G.
9. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer (2000)
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
Young Jake witnesses his spunky grandma get run over by Santa’s reindeer, but his teenage sister and parents don’t believe him since they don’t believe in Santa. Going on a quest that exposes his evil cousin’s cruel intentions, and even brings him all the way to the North Pole. Jake is determined to find his missing grandma and show everyone that Santa Claus was indeed at his house that fateful night. Rated TV–G.
10. The Polar Express (2004)
Photograph: © Warner Brothers/ABC Family
Chris Van Allsburg’s enchanting children’s book made its way to the big screen as an animated flick in 2004, drawing a new generation in for even more family fun. As the story goes, on Christmas Eve, a young boy finds a train parked outside his house—The Polar Express—which is headed to the North Pole! He finds out he’s been picked to receive the first gift of Christmas, and he asks for only one thing: a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. But what happens when he tries to take the bell home with him?
11. Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines (2014)
Photograph: Courtesy Mattel
Either you’re a Thomas the Tank Engine family, or you’re not. This hour-long movie is for those of you in the train community—your little engineer will be riveted by these five short stories linked by a Christmas theme.
12. The Grinch (2018)
Photograph: Courtesy Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday killjoy returns for another round of curmudgeonly Christmas misery! While the town of Whoville anxiously awaits December 25, the grouchy, green fella uncovers a way to ruin it for everyone. He attempts to pose as Saint Nick, steal Christmas from the Whovillians and finally put an end to the most wonderful time of the year. Looks like someone’s tinsel is in a twist! Rated PG.
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13. Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)
Photograph: Courtesy ImageMovers Digital LLC
Jim Carrey has a knack for landing the role of curmudgeonly holiday killjoy (hello, Grinch!). In this animated recreation of Charles Dickens’ famed tale, Scrooge (voiced by the funnyman) gets a wake-up call from three Christmas spirits. Rated PG.
14. Olivia: Merry Christmas, Olivia (2010)
“Olivia: Merry Christmas Olivia”
Your favorite Nickelodeon 6 ¾-year-old piggy Olivia is back in action in this series of live episodes. You’ll follow Olivia as she wishes to become a Santa that returns lost toys (her favorite toy monkey Matilda is missing). You’ll also see her trying to make the perfect family Christmas in the middle of summer (complete with a snow machine). Above all, Olivia just wants everyone to have a great Christmas, and you’ll follow her on heartwarming adventures that your kids can really relate to. Not rated.
15. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979)
The wicked Winterbolt—who is certainly on Santa’s naughty list, —awoke from a spell. Now that’s he’s up, he’s ready to put the light out on Rudolph’s shiny red nose, which is already getting dimmer. Will Christmas go on with our star reindeer’s most beloved feature? Not rated.
16. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Photograph: Courtesy Warner Bros.
December is a highly anticipated month, largely thanks to Saint Nick’s Christmas Eve pilgrimage. In this ’70s film—narrated by none other than Fred Astaire—families get a taste of how the Christmas magic comes to be. Expect to learn how reindeers fly, how exactly Santa makes his way down the chimney and even how Mr. and Mrs. Claus were first introduced. D’aww! Despite some scrooges along the way, this sweet story prevails and makes this time of year all the more jolly and bright. Not rated.
17. Frozen (2013)
Ever since she was a girl, Elsa (Idina Menzel), princess of Arendelle, has had literally chilling powers. With a wave of her hand she can cover everything around her in ice and snow. However, when her frosty abilities nearly kill her sister, Anna (Kristen Bell), Elsa is confined to a room in her castle, not to emerge until she comes of age for her queenly coronation. On that day, unsurprisingly, things go very awry, and the two sisters—with help from a friendly snowman who dreams of spring—must work together to save the kingdom from eternal winter. Plasticine CG animation brings the icy world to life in this Walt Disney musical production, which sparked a nationwide frenzy to scoop up any and all themed merchandise. The almost instantaneous popularity speaks to the film’s success with the peanut gallery—not to mention countless parents who admittedly sang along to Menzel’s showstopping, self-actualizing ballad “Let It Go” more than a few times. Rated PG.
18. A Garfield Christmas (1987)
Photograph: Courtesy CBS/United Features Syndicate
Oh, Garfield. A typical day consists of snacking, giving Odie a hard time and more snacking, but things change during the holidays. When his owner brings the crew to his visit his parents for a Christmas celebration no one can seem to agree on how to spend their time—a classic predicament during the busiest time of the year. Despite his typical mischevious ways, Garfield manages to get everyone to cooperate and appreciate what December 25 is all about. Not rated.
19. Smallfoot (2018)
An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, Smallfoot turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist – a human. News of this Smallfoot throws the Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village. Is it a Christmas story? Well, not exactly, but it’s snowy, and fun, and teaches an important lesson.
20. A Year Without Santa Claus (1974)
“A Year Without Santa Claus”
In this lesser-known but no less charming stop-motion charmer from the Rankin/Bass team, we learn that even a magical, immortal being like Santa gets sick sometimes. After catching an opportune cold, the big man is advised by his doctors to take the year off. How will the children of the world cope? Not rated.
21. Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
Image: DreamWorks Animation
Po (Jack Black) sets out to restore honor to his village and save the winter festival: What can possibly go wrong? This animated short also features the purring voices of Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Seth Rogan.
