There are few better ways to unwind during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than relaxing on the couch in the Christmas tree light and tuning in to your favorite holiday movie. And while live-action movies are always popular, animation is often more family-friendly and often a little sweeter!
From Rudolph to Charlie Brown, there are more than enough animated films and specials for everyone. However, for those Christmas movie fans who aren't quite sure which one to watch next,IMDbReviews can point the way.
Updated Dec 7, 2022 by Colin McCormick:
For fans of all ages, animated Christmas movies still draw a lot of love this time of year. From the oldest classics to the latest hits, some of the best Christmas movies are the animated ones. These adventures often capture the magic and fun of the season, and there's always plenty more to add to the watch list. Anyone looking for a festive Christmas present in the world of animation will have plenty to choose from this year.
VIDEO SHOW OF THE DAY
25 How Toys Saved Christmas (1997) - 6.5
- No streaming option available
When thinking of classic animated Christmas movies, most might not think of an Italian film dubbed in English with Mary Tyler Moore as a Christmas witch.How Toys Saved Christmasit truly is a hidden gem if ever there was one and not to be missed in the dark.
RELATED:10 Christmas Movies That Ruin Christmas, According to Reddit
Inspired by the myth of La Befana, a group of toys from her store decide to treat each other when she gets sick on Christmas Eve. It's soon easier said than done when the evil Mr. Grimm tries to sabotage their plans and ruin their rightful owners' Christmas. If viewers are looking for a different flavor of the Christmas story with magical toys and a standout art style, they need look no further than this quirk.
24 The Polar Express (2004) - 6.6
- Available on fuboTV and HBO Max
While it might be understandable why this movie gets the rating it does, moviegoers can't help but get on board.the polar expressyear after year. While this train ride might make for a journey through the uncanny valley once or twice, there's still an unshakable, unmistakable cloud of Christmas magic surrounding the adventure to the North Pole.
Chris Van Allsburg's classic story evolves from a children's book into a grand and glorious quest that can even be interpreted as a metaphor for a crisis of faith. It may have spooky puppets and weird animation choices, but there's still a lot to love about this Christmas classic.
23 Winnie the Pooh: A Very Happy Year for the Pooh (2002) - 6.6
- Available on Disney+
Winnie the Pooh's Christmas Carol might not score very highly, but to say that spending the holidays with the Hundred Acres gang isn't intoxicating would be completely disingenuous. Although the special is a repeat ofWinnie the Pooh and Christmas tooWith some added bonus material, there's still plenty for viewers young and old to enjoy.
In all honesty, no one can really dislike that silly old bear, whether in theWinnie-the-Poohbooks or movies. Seeing him donning a Santa outfit and tying Piglet to a rickety sleigh as he tries to fulfill his friend's Christmas wishes is a tradition for most Disney fans.
22 Disney's Christmas Carol (2009) - 6.8
- Available on Disney+, Roku, TNT and TBS
With all the gruesome, dark, and macabre imagery this adaptation offers, it's easy to forget that the 2009 version ofA Christmas Song is actually a Disney Christmas movie. Brought to life by motion capture animation and packed with phenomenal performances with Jim Carrey's Scrooge, delivering one of the scariest versions ofthe evil villain of christmas movie.
It might be an acquired taste for some, but it's one of the most accurate versions of the story on film. Acknowledging its ghostly origins, it's a fun, spooky and festive film that deserves to be seen alongside other versions of Dickens' classic.
21 Yogi's First Christmas (1980) - 7.1
- Available on Boomerang
Another iconic cartoon character who is really fun to celebrate the holidays with is Yogi Bear. After Yogi and Boo Boo wake up from their hibernation, they decide to join all their friends at Jellystone Lodge for their first ever Christmas celebration.
RELATED:The 15 Best Christmas Movies for Rom-Coms Fans
Seeing Yogi accompanied by other Hannah-Barbera characters like Snagglepuss and Huckleberry Hound makes everything a little more festive and fun. These characters have an enduring quality and it's hard not to enjoy watching them get into the holiday spirit.
20 Arthur Christmas (2011) - 7.1
- Available on Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, DIRECTV, TNT, TBS and True TV
arthur natalis a very interesting animated version of the story of Santa Claus, which opts for a strange mix of science fiction and traditional Christmas Eve narrative. Rather thanthe powerful versions of santa clausSeen in other films, there is a whole clan of clauses catering to the world's Christmas needs. Giving gifts has gone from being a magical process to one that requires an active SWAT team. Everything is fine until a child accidentally gets left out.
Soon it's up to Santa's young successor to deliver one last present before dawn, and with the help of a wacky grandfather and a quirky elf, he manages to keep Christmas alive and restore a little girl's faith in Santa Claus.
19 Annabelle's Wish (1997) - 7.2
- Available for rent on Amazon
While it doesn't feature some of the iconic characters seen in other animated Christmas movies,Annabelle's Wishpresents a beautiful story of friendship. The film follows a mute boy and a talking calf who form a strong bond and care for each other.
It's a touching story at times, but it features a wonderful message of friendship at its core, as well as the magic of Christmas. The more fans see this little gem, the more it becomes a Christmas classic.
18 Rise of the Guardians (2012) - 7.2
- Available on Freevee
Come to the bulliesrough version of santa claus, but stick around to hear Hugh Jackman voice the Easter Bunny. As ridiculous as that description sounds, it's just one of the reasons to giveRise of the Guardians a chance this holiday season. While it's not 100% a Christmas feature, there's something to be said for its brand of magic.
If viewers like superhero movies likeThe AvengersoThe Incredibles,they will likely be drawn to this story of Christmas characters protecting the world's children. It's definitely an adventure worth seeing at least once.
17 The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985) - 7.3
- Available on fuboTV and AMC+
There are many stories about Santa Claus in Christmas movies, but this animated adventure tells the story of the great man as a magical epic. The film revolves around a magical council that tells the origins of how Santa Claus came to be.
RELATED:The Best Christmas TV Episodes That Aren't About Christmas
While it might seem like this is similar territory explored inSanta Claus is coming to town,The Life and Adventures of Santa Clausit's its own funny story. With lots of magic and fantastical creatures, it feels like a Christmas story told in the world of J.R.R Tolkien.
sixteen Frosty the Snowman (1969) - 7.3
- Available for rent on Spectrum on Demand
With a corn on the cob pipe, a button nose and two eyes made of charcoal, Frosty brings holiday cheer with a broom in hand and a bright, happy soul. Easily one of the most beloved of the winter season, this great lug can grace everyone's screens anytime.
The Rankin/Bass Christmas specials are some of the most popular and iconic, and Frosty is a fan favorite. He's like a traveling party that no one wants to leave, and his smile and demeanor are so festive and upbeat, he'd put up a little competition with Santa Claus.
15 Santa Claus (1991) - 7.4
- No streaming option available
Santa Claushe's equally smooth and witty, as this Santa Claus is perhaps one of the most human versions of the character in an animated setting. The animated film by Raymond Briggs shows Santa Claus taking a vacation before returning to work before the holidays, trading in his sleigh for a motorhome and flying around the world.
Watching Santa Claus explore different countries and hobbies is surreally comical to watch, especially when he travels to Las Vegas and can be seen playing games and dancing with showgirls. The guy really knows how to keep himself happy all year round.
14 Mr. Christmas Carol Magoo (1962) - 7.6
- Available in Peacock Premium
There have been numerous adaptations ofA Christmas Songover the years, to the point where even Mr. Magoo have their own version. While it might seem like a clever way for the nearsighted cartoon character to get a Christmas special,Mr. Christmas Carol mageit's surprisingly solid.
The film establishes the framing device of having Magoo star in a stage production of the Charles Dickens classic. Those familiar with the story will find no surprises, but it remains a charming and faithful retelling of a story that never gets old.
13 The Little One (1978) - 7.6
- Available on Disney+
This underrated, rarely seen, underrated gem from Disney and Don Bluth definitely needs to be seen this year. It is a biblical story with beautiful animation, a story that touches the heart and ends with a strong and moving moral that is sure to captivate you.
RELATED:The 10 best Christmas episodes of animated series for adults
When a young boy is forced to sell his beloved old donkey, the two must travel to the Nazareth market to find Little One a new home. Though they have a few bumps along the way, the end of this sweet short film is so much more worth it.
12 A Christmas Carol (1971) - 7.6
- Available in Hoopla and Tubi
There are dozens ofAdaptations of Christmas Carols, but if fans only see one animated version this Christmas, they need to be sure it's the 1971 version by legendary animator Chuck Jones.
Don't let the short length get in the way, this is perhaps one of the most accurate and comprehensive representations of the source material ever seen. It perfectly balances the light and dark elements felt in the novel and was definitely worthy of the Oscar it won.
11 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (1970) - 7.7
- Available to stream for free
From stop-motion giants Rankin/Bass, this is perhaps one of the most beloved versions of the origin story of Santa Claus himself. Loaded with charm, whimsy and a certain lovable toy spirit, there's no doubt it can live up to classics likeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeer oFrosty the snowman.
In this winter tale, Fred Astaire sings and tells the story of how Kris Kringle helped to cheer up the children of Hattertown and the evil Burgermeister Meisterberger. From toys to elves and the magic of Christmas, the special has everything anyone could ask for in a Santa story.
10 The Year Without Santa Claus (1974) - 7.7
- Available for rent Apple TV
There are plenty of Rankin/Bass Christmas specials for fans to feast on, but this is easily top-notch material. With its humour, heart and catchy melodies,The year without SantaIt should definitely be considered seriously as it will definitely lift anyone's spirits despite the dismal title.
When a depressed Santa decides to take a vacation, it's up to Mrs Claus and a couple of elves to try to find the holiday spirit and goodwill. Throw in the best stop-motion musical number from Snow Miser and Heat Miser and you've created an instant classic.
9 The Tokyo Godfathers (2003) - 7.8
- Available on Roku, Hoopla, Vudu and Tubi
This beautiful and moving anime masterpiece may not be the most family-friendly film, but it is certainly one of the most heartwarming animated experiences one can find during the holiday season. When a drag queen, an alcoholic homeless man and a teenage runaway discover a baby in a dumpster, they must traverse Tokyo to return the child to its parents, all on one wintry Christmas Eve.
RELATED:Top 10 Christmas movie characters
The film has a great deal of emotional storytelling and has often been compared to works such asA Christmas Carol, it's a wonderful life,and even the nativity scene. It's an animated Christmas epic that simply has to be experienced to be understood.
8 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - 7.9
- Available on Disney+
When two opposing holidays collide, everyone is in for a ride. although it is aDebatable Christmas movie for some, many comethe nightmare before christmasthe perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas. However, there's enough Christmas cheer here to make it worth your while.
For many Disney fans, Christmas isn't complete until Jack Skellington climbs aboard a coffin sleigh and rides across a spooky moonlit sky with his own twisted brand of holiday cheer. While it might not be everyone's favorite feature, it's certainly an alternative animated Christmas story.
7 Once Upon A Mickey Mouse (1999) - 8.0
- Available on Disney+
Fullmany great Disney Christmas moviesfor fans to choose from, but it's hard to deny the holiday allure with some of Disney's most iconic characters.Once upon a time Mickey's Christmastells three different Christmas stories starring Donald Duck, Goofy and, of course, Mickey Mouse.
Each of these fun stories has a sweet Christmas message about the magic of the season, the love that is shared and the feeling of giving. It all comes together for an exciting Christmas anthology.
6 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) - 8.0
- Available for purchase on Apple TV
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Every year, fans are reminded of the most famous reindeer of all, and also his shiny nose (and beeper).
The special is easily one of the most watched movies this time of year. Rudolph, Hermie, Sam the Snowman and Yukon Cornelius have become household names that everyone can recognize. This is, for many, the iconic version of the tale and a film to pass on to the next generation.