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- For fans of all ages, animated Christmas movies still draw a lot of love during this time of the year. From older classics to more recent hits, some of the best Christmas movies are animated ones. These adventures often capture the magic and fun of the season and there are always plenty more to add to the watch list. Everyone looking for a festive holiday treat in the animation world will have plenty to choose from this year.
There are few better ways to relax during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than to crash on the couch by the light of the Christmas tree and tune into a favorite Christmas flick. And while live-action movies will always be popular, animation is typically more appropriate for the whole family, and often just a little sweeter!
From Rudolph to Charlie Brown, there are more than enough animated movies and specials to go around. However, for those holiday movie fans who are unsure of which to watch next, IMDb's ratings might point the way.
Updated on December 7, 2022 by Colin McCormick:
For fans of all ages, animated Christmas movies still draw a lot of love during this time of the year. From older classics to more recent hits, some of the best Christmas movies are animated ones. These adventures often capture the magic and fun of the season and there are always plenty more to add to the watch list. Everyone looking for a festive holiday treat in the animation world will have plenty to choose from this year.
25 How The Toys Saved Christmas (1997) - 6.5
- No streaming options available
When thinking of classic animated Christmas films, most might not think of an English-dubbed Italian film with Mary Tyler Moore as a Christmas Witch. How The Toys Saved Christmas is truly a hidden gem if ever there was one, and shouldn't be lost to obscurity.
Inspired by the myth of La Befana, a group of toys in her shop decide to deliver themselves when she falls ill on Christmas Eve. It's soon easier said than done when the evil Mr. Grimm tries to sabotage their plans and ruin Christmas for their rightful owners. If viewers are looking for a different flavor of Christmas story with magical toys and a stand-out art style, they need look no further than this bit of whimsy.
24 The Polar Express (2004) - 6.6
- Available on fuboTV and HBO Max
While it might be semi-understandable why this film earns the rating it does, viewers can't help but hop on board The Polar Express year after year. While this train ride might take a trip through the uncanny valley once or twice, there's still an unshakable and unmistakable cloud of Christmas magic that surrounds the adventure to the North Pole.
Chris Van Allsburg's classic story evolves from a children's book to a grand and glorious quest that can even be interpreted as a metaphor for a crisis of faith. It might have creepy puppets and bizarre animation choices, but there's still a lot to love about this Christmas classic.
23 Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002) - 6.6
- Available on Disney+
Winnie the Pooh's Christmas tale might not score very high, but to say that spending the holidays with the Hundred Acre crew isn't intoxicating would be completely untrue. Although the special is a rehash of Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too with some additional material tacked on, there is still a lot for viewers both young and old to enjoy.
In all honesty, no one can truly dislike that willy-nilly silly old bear - whether in the Winnie the Pooh books, or the movies. Watching him stuff himself in a Santa suit and hook Piglet up to a ramshackle sleigh as he tries to make his friend's Christmas wishes come true is a tradition for most Disney fans.
22 Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009) - 6.8
- Available on Disney+, Roku, TNT and TBS
With all the gruesome, grim, and ghastly imagery this adaptation has to offer, it's easy to forget that 2009's version of A Christmas Carol is actually a Disney Christmas movie. Brought to life by motion-capture animation and filled with phenomenal performances with Jim Carrey's Scrooge presenting one of the scariest versions of the evil Christmas movie villain.
It might be an acquired taste for some, but it's one of the most accurate versions of the story put to film. Recognizing its ghostly origins, it's a fun, frightening, and festive film that deserves to be watched along with other versions of the Dickens classic.
21 Yogi's First Christmas (1980) - 7.1
- Available on Boomerang
Another iconic cartoon character who is a lot of fun to celebrate the holidays with is Yogi Bear. After Yogi and Boo Boo are awakened from their hibernation, they decide to join all their friends at the Jellystone Lodge for their first-ever Christmas celebration.
Seeing Yogi joined by other Hannah-Barbera characters like Snagglepuss and Huckleberry Hound makes it an ever more festive bit of fun. These characters have an enduring quality, and it is hard not to enjoy seeing them get into the Christmas spirit.
20 Arthur Christmas (2011) - 7.1
- Available on Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, DIRECTV, TNT, TBS and True TV
Arthur Christmas is a very interesting animated take on the Santa Claus story, opting for a strange blend of sci-fi with the traditional night-before-Christmas narrative. Instead of the powerful versions of Santa seen in other movies, there's an entire clan of Clauses who cater to the globe's Christmas needs. The delivery of presents has been changed from a magical process to one that requires a practical SWAT team. This is all well and good until one child accidentally gets left out.
It's soon up to Santa's young successor to deliver one last present before sunrise, and with some help from a kooky Grandsanta and a quirky elf, he's able to keep Christmas alive and restore the belief in Santa to one little girl.
19 Annabelle's Wish (1997) - 7.2
- Available to rent on Amazon
Though not featuring some of the iconic characters seen in other animated Christmas movies, Annabelle's Wish does present a lovely story of friendship. The movie follows a young mute boy and a talking calf who form a strong bond and look out for each other.
It is a heartbreaking story at times, but it features a wonderful message of friendship at its center as well as the magic of Christmas. The more fans who see this little gem, the more it becomes a rewatched Christmas classic.
18 Rise Of The Guardians (2012) - 7.2
- Available on Freevee
Come for the swashbuckling badass take on Santa Claus, but stay to hear Hugh Jackman voice the Easter Bunny. As ridiculous as that description might sound, it's only one of the reasons to give Rise of the Guardians a chance this holiday season. While not 100% a Christmas feature, there's something to be said for its brand of magic.
If viewers are into superhero movies like The Avengers or The Incredibles, they'll more than likely be drawn to this tale of holiday figures protecting the children of the world. It's definitely an adventure worth watching at least once.
17 The Life And Adventures Of Santa (1985) - 7.3
- Available on fuboTV and AMC+
There are a lot of stories about Santa in Christmas movies, but this animated adventure tells the big man's story like a magical epic. The movie is centered around a magical council that recounts the origins of how Santa Claus came to be.
While it might feel as though this is similar territory explored in Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, The Life and Adventures of Santa is its own fun story. With plenty of magic and fantastical creatures, it feels like a Christmas tale told within the world of J.R.R Tolkien.
16 Frosty the Snowman (1969) - 7.3
- Available to rent on Sprectrum on Demand
With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal, Frosty brings Christmas cheer with a broomstick in his hand and a jolly, happy soul. Easily one of the most beloved beings of the winter season, this big lug can grace everyone's screens anytime.
Rankin/Bass Christmas specials are some of the most popular and iconic, and Frosty is one of the biggest fan favorites. He's like a walking party no one wants to leave, and his smile and demeanor are so festive and joyous he'd give Santa Claus a little competition.
15 Father Christmas (1991) - 7.4
- No streaming options available
Father Christmas is equal parts mellow and sharp-witted, as this Santa is perhaps one of the more human versions of the character in an animated setting. The animated film by Raymond Briggs shows Santa Claus taking a holiday before getting back to work before the Christmas season, trading in his sleigh for a camper, and flying around the globe.
Watching Santa explore different countries and leisures is surreally comical to watch, especially when he takes a trip to Las Vegas and can be seen gambling and dancing with showgirls. The guy truly knows how to stay jolly all year round.
14 Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962) - 7.6
- Available on Peacock Premium
There have been countless adaptations of A Christmas Carol over the years, to the point that even Mr. Magoo gets his own version. While it might seem like a gimmicky way for the near-sighted cartoon character to get a Christmas special, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol is surprisingly solid.
The movie sets up the framing device of having Magoo starring in a stage production of the Charles Dickens classic. Those familiar with the story won't find any surprises, but it is still a charming and faithful retelling of a tale that never gets old.
13 The Small One (1978) - 7.6
- Available on Disney+
This underrated, under-watched, and underappreciated gem from Disney and Don Bluth definitely needs to be watched this year. It's a biblical tale with beautiful animation, a story that pulls on the heartstrings, and it ends with a strong and touching moral that will definitely appeal.
When a boy is forced to sell his beloved old donkey, the pair of them must journey to the marketplace in Nazareth to find Small One a new home. Though they do get into some scraps along the way, the ending of this sweet short film is all the more worth it.
12 A Christmas Carol (1971) - 7.6
- Available on Hoopla and Tubi
There are dozens of adaptations of A Christmas Carol, but if fans only see one animated version this Christmas, they should 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 thorough representations of the source material ever seen. It perfectly balances out the light and the dark elements felt in the novel and was definitely worthy of the Oscar it won.
11 Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (1970) - 7.7
- Available to stream on Free Form
From the stop-motion giants of Rankin/Bass, this is perhaps one of the most beloved takes on the origin story of Santa Claus himself. Loaded with charm, whimsy, and a certain lovable toymaker, there's no questioning that it can stand beside the likes of such classics as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman.
In this wintry tale, Fred Astaire sings and tells the story of how Kris Kringle helped cheer up the children of Sombertown and the wicked Burgermeister Meisterberger. From toys to elves to Christmas magic, the special has everything one could ask for in a Santa Claus backstory.
10
The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974) - 7.7
- Available to rent Apple TV
There are a lot of Rankin/Bass Christmas specials for fans to binge, but this one is easily top-tier material. With its humor, heart, and catchy tunes, The Year Without a Santa Claus should definitely be heavily considered, as it will definitely lift anyone's spirits, despite the gloomy title.
When a depressed Santa Claus decides to take a holiday, it's up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of elves to try and find Christmas spirit and goodwill. Throw in the greatest stop-motion musical number from Snow Miser and Heat Miser, and it creates an instant classic.
9 Tokyo Godfathers (2003) - 7.8
- Available on Roku, Hoopla, Vudu and Tubi
This beautiful and moving anime masterpiece might not be the most family-friendly movie, but it's certainly one of the most emotional animated experiences one can possibly find during the holiday season. When a drag queen, an alcoholic vagrant, and a runaway teen discover a baby in a garbage bin, they must traverse Tokyo to return the child to its parents, all on a wintry Christmas Eve.
The film has a tremendous deal of emotional storytelling and has often been compared to works like A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, and even the Nativity. It's one animated Christmas epic that simply just needs 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. Though it is a debatable Christmas movie for some, many see The Nightmare Before Christmas the perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas. However, there's enough holiday cheer here to make it count.
For many Disney fans, Christmas isn't complete until Jack Skellington climbs aboard a coffin sleigh and rides through an eerie moonlit sky with his own twisted brand of holiday cheer. Though it might not be everyone's favorite feature, it's certainly an alternative animated Christmas tale.
7 Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas (1999) - 8.0
- Available on Disney+
There are many great Disney Christmas movies for fans to choose from, but it is hard to deny the charm of a holiday with some of Disney's most iconic characters. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas tells three different Christmas tales featuring Donald Duck, Goofy, and of course, Mickey Mouse.
Each of these entertaining stories features a sweet holiday message about the magic of the season, the love that is shared, and the feeling of giving. It all combines for a heartwarming holiday anthology.
6 Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) - 8.0
- Available to buy on Apple TV
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Every year fans recall the most famous reindeer of all, and his glowing (and beeping) nose as well.
The special is easily one of the most-watched movies at this time of year. Rudolph, Hermie, Sam the Snowman, and Yukon Cornelius have become household names that everyone can recognize. This is, for so many, the iconic version of the tale, and a movie to pass on to the next generation.