A Charlie Brown Christmas stands out as a uniquely thoughtful and melancholic holiday special. Feeling down about the commercial frenzy, Charlie Brown searches for the real meaning of Christmas with the help of his friend Linus. Its simple animation, Vince Guaraldi's unforgettable jazz score, and sincere message continue to resonate deeply, making it a timeless and essential watch. | © ABC
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the timeless stop-motion classic about the most famous reindeer of all. After being ridiculed for his shiny nose, Rudolph runs away, joining an elf who wants to be a dentist and discovering the wonderful Island of Misfit Toys. With its charming animation and unforgettable songs, it’s a story about embracing what makes you different that has charmed generations. | © Universal Television
Santa's Apprentice is a colorful animated film about a young boy who is chosen to train as the next Santa Claus. The story follows his delightful and sometimes challenging lessons in all things festive, from toy-making to flying the sleigh. It’s a pure-hearted movie that lets out everyone’s inner child, making it a wonderful new holiday watch for families. | © The Weinstein Company
Frosty the Snowman is the classic, joyful tale of a snowman who magically comes to life when a special hat is placed on his head. He and a little girl named Karen must race to the North Pole, so he won't melt, all while being chased by the hat's grumpy original owner. It’s a simple, sweet special with a big heart, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit with the youngest viewers. | © Anderson Digital
Jim Carrey lends his voice to the ultimate holiday curmudgeon in this animated version of Charles Dickens' classic tale. He plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who gets a spectacular wake-up call from three Christmas spirits on one fateful night. The motion-capture animation brings the ghostly visits to life with impressive scope, making the familiar story feel thrilling and fresh. | © Walt Disney Pictures
The Polar Express perfectly captures the thrilling magic and childlike wonder of a midnight train ride to the North Pole. While the story expands beautifully from its original book, the heart of the film remains a stunning journey about holding onto belief. Some may find the animation style unique, but the gorgeous scenery and festive spirit create a truly immersive Christmas adventure for the whole family. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The grouchy, green Grinch returns, determined to finally put an end to the most wonderful time of the year for the cheerful Whovillians. He hatches a plan to pose as Saint Nick and steal every last decoration and present from the town. It’s a vibrant, funny retelling of the classic tale, packed with new jokes and a heart that still grows three sizes by the end. | © Universal Studios
Arthur Christmas cleverly answers the big question of how Santa delivers all those presents in one night with a hilarious high-tech operation. When one gift is accidentally left behind, Santa's clumsy son Arthur and his grumpy Grandsanta launch a secret, old-school mission to deliver it. It’s a smart, funny, and wonderfully British animated adventure that’s full of heart and holiday spirit. | © Sony Pictures Entertainment
Robin Robin is a beautiful stop-motion film about a young robin raised by a family of mice who doesn't quite know where she belongs. When she sees the Christmas Star, she makes a heartfelt wish to discover who she really is and to learn how to fly. It’s a short, gorgeously crafted story about identity, family, and finding your own wings. | © Netflix
Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Engines is a must-watch for any family with a little train enthusiast. This hour-long special weaves together five festive short stories that will keep young engineers completely riveted. It's a simple, charming collection all about friendship and holiday spirit on the Island of Sodor. | © Universal Pictures
In Angela's Christmas Wish, the lovable Angela returns, now a year older and wishing for her father to come home from Australia for the holidays. Inspired by their mother's story, she and her brother Pat set out on a series of misadventures to find a way to make their Christmas wishes come true. It’s a gentle, heartfelt short film full of charm and the quiet hope for a holiday miracle. | © Netflix
That Christmas is a brand-new animated comedy from Love Actually director Richard Curtis, set in a cozy seaside town hit by a massive snowstorm. When the blizzard threatens to stop Santa from making his deliveries, a group of local children must band together to save the day. With a fantastic voice cast including Brian Cox as Santa, it's a funny, big-hearted film about community and festive spirit. | © Netflix
The Nightmare Before Christmas is that rare stop-motion classic that works perfectly for both Halloween and Christmas. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, stumbles upon Christmas and becomes enchanted with its joyful spirit, deciding he wants to give scaring a rest. His well-meaning attempt to take over the holiday leads to a funny, sweet, and visually stunning adventure about finding where you truly belong. | © Touchstone Pictures
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol brings a fresh, musical energy to the classic Dickens tale, adapted from the beloved 1970s film. This animated version features the voice of Luke Evans as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by ghostly guides, including Olivia Colman's unique, candle-like Ghost of Christmas Past. It's a festive and fantastical retelling that makes the familiar story feel new and engaging for the whole family. | © Netflix
Klaus beautifully reinvents the Santa origin story in 19th-century Norway, where a spoiled postman named Jesper is exiled to a distant, feuding town. To meet his daunting quota of letters, he forms an unlikely partnership with a reclusive woodsman named Klaus, and they start delivering handmade toys to children. This simple act of kindness sparks a new tradition, transforming the town and creating the legend we know today. | © Netflix
Gathering the family for a holiday movie night is a cherished tradition. This list rounds up the best animated Christmas films that kids will adore, and parents will happily watch again. From timeless classics to charming new tales, these movies are guaranteed to spark festive spirit for everyone.
