Read update
- 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 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 all their friends at the Jellystone Lodge for their first-ever Christmas celebration.
Seeing Yogi ed 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
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 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.
