25 Best Animated Christmas Movies For Kids in 2023
Christmas is a time of cheer, celebration, and relaxation. The most relaxing part of the Christmas season is the time spent watching some Christmas-themed movies with the whole family. Kids love animated films. With the help of computer animation, animated films have become more popular among kids. We have compiled a list of some of the best animated Christmas movies that are worth watching during this Christmas season.
These animated Christmas movies are not only entertaining, but they’re full of positive spirit and Christmas-themed messages.
Best Animated Christmas Movies For Kids And Family
For this list, we have gathered some of the greatest animated Christmas films and TV specials. You can stream them instantly on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
New Animated Christmas Movies
Our Editor’s Picks
Dr. Seuss’ The GrinchÂ
In Christmas 2018, Illumination Studios brought a new animated Christmas movie named “The Grinch.” It’s been 18 years since the wildly popular How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In this new remake, Benedict Cumberbatch returned to the big screen as the legendary Dr. Seuss character.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
With his charming personality, Puss has been a beloved hero character since its first appearance in Shrek 2. The most recent movie, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” offers a variety of eye-popping details about Puss the Cat, making the character more loveable and hilarious.
In this second installment of the film, Puss takes the viewers on a thrilling journey that gives the vibe of the Christmas season.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
If you have a Super Mario fan in your home, we have found a perfect animated movie for this Christmas. From Nintendo’s Mario video game franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a super entertaining animated movie packed with non-stop action and fast-paced storytelling.
This is a great movie to teach kids about courage, responsibility, and adaptability. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day are the notables among the star-studded voice cast.Â
Klaus
What could be a better time to watch a demythologized origins story of Santa Claus than Christmas? Written & directed by Sergio Pablos, Klaus is the first Christmas-themed animation of its kind that connects all the dots of Santa Claus.Â
It has a broad but heartfelt theme that resonates perfectly with Christmas. No doubt that it will be a great addition to your animated Christmas classic movies.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
A groundbreaking and refreshing addition to the superhero genre, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a holiday masterpiece for kids obsessed with Spider-Man and superhero-themed movies.
Watching this family-friendly movie with children will definitely be a fun experience. Add it to your list of must-see animated movies to watch this Christmas.
Soul
Released in 2020, “Soul” is one of the animated classics from our favorite Pixar Studios. Once again, Pete Doctor directed this animated masterpiece.
The movie tells the tale of a middle school band teacher who is passionate about jazz music. After falling through a manhole, he ends up in a mystical place — and he’s just a soul. The storyline might remind you of “Coco,” the 2017 Oscar-winning film. However, you might feel the theme of this movie is a little sophisticated for kids to understand.
Coco
Christmas is a great time to teach kids about family values, music, love, and forgiveness. To do that, you won’t find a better movie than Coco. Coco is an animated musical based on the background of the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos. The film tells the story of an aspiring Musician named Miguel and his journey of being a musician against his family’s consent.
The movie explores themes of family, life, and art while the storyline illuminates Latin America’s culture. Not just kids, but even adult members of a family will find the movie really informative and enjoyable.
Old Animated Christmas Movies
Our Editor’s Picks
Frozen
Frozen is another great animated film that’s worth watching over and over during the Christmas holiday season! The combination of stunning visuals and strong characterization has made it one of the most powerful Disney movies with female leads. Though everyone in a family will love to watch it, it is definitely a must-see if you have a little princess in your house.Â
After this hit movie in 2013, everyone was eager to see Anna and Elsa’s next adventure in the Winterland. Disney’s Frozen II was released to theaters just before Thanksgiving 2019. If you haven’t watched it, watch it now.
Rise Of The Guardians
“Rise of the Guardians” is an animated holiday family entertainment and a great Christmas movie for both young kids and adults. The character “Santa Claus” makes the movie more appealing to kids. Kids can even watch it during the Thanksgiving holiday or at any time when they lose a tooth.
Polar Express
“The Polar Express” is a Christmas favorite from Robert Zemeckis. The combination of Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks always creates magic.
Kids love Trains. And you can take them on a Polar Express-themed train ride during Christmas.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a great mix of stop-motion animation, holiday music, and fantasy. And these elements will give younger viewers plenty of chills. It is a must-see animated Christmas movie during the holiday season.Â
A Charlie Brown Christmas
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” was the first animated “Peanuts” special. Nearly 60 years old, this animated Christmas classic has been an essential holiday viewing for people of all ages. Plus, the soundtrack by composer Vince Guaraldi is also a must-listen during this time of the year.
Arthur Christmas
“Arthur Christmas” is a 2011 animated classic Christmas movie. The movie features some fun characters such as Arthur, Steve, Santa, Mrs. Santa, American James, Bryony, and Santa Elves. The clash of different characters makes it an ideal Christmas movie for kids. Both kids and adults will love this equally.
A Christmas Carol
“A Christmas Carol” is a 2009 animated Christmas family drama directed by Robert Zemeckis. Adapted from Charles Dicken’s timeless classic A Christmas Carol, the star-studded holiday classic features Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, and Colin Firth.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Is it your little one’s first-ever Christmas? Then, Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas will be a great movie to watch with your kid just before the start of the holiday season.Â
 The movie teaches kids a few Christmas traditions like baking cookies, going out looking for a tree, singing Christmas Carols, and buying special Christmas gifts for someone.
Tokyo Godfathers
“Tokyo Godfathers” is a 2003 Japanese animated film directed by Satoshi Kon. This is one of the most surprisingly uplifting Christmas tales to come out of the Anime world. The movie is full of unexpected twists, turns, and miracles at every turn. As Christmas is the “season of miracles,” why not give Tokyo Godfathers a try?Â
The Snowman
“The Snowman” is an old animated Christmas TV movie. The movie tells the tale of a lonely young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at Midnight on Christmas Eve. Together with the snowman, the boy embarks on a magical journey through an amazingly animated winter wonderland.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” is another old animated Christmas television special directed by Rankin and Bass. The film reflects on what Santa is all about and the true spirit of Christmas. A great movie for children! Entertaining for even adults with a child-like heart and sense of humor.
The Year Without A Santa Claus
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” is one of the most underrated animated Christmas movies, according to Bustle. The movie portrays the story of a weary and discouraged Santa Claus when he decides not to give out gifts on Christmas Eve. Anyone will enjoy the movie regardless of age.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is a 1983 animated television special adapted from Charles Dicken’s masterpiece A Christmas Carol. Kids will enjoy watching this animated Christmas cartoon movie during this holiday season.
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is Bill Melendez’s animation masterpiece. Even after 50 years, people still look forward to this holiday special as the holidays roll around.
Big Hero 6
If your kids love Disney and Marvel movies, Big Hero 6 is a must-watch. This animated action-comedy film is centered around a 14-year-old robotics prodigy, Hiro Hamada. With the help of his health companion robot, Baymax, and a team of geniuses, Hiro Hamada must find the person behind the tragedy that killed his brother.
No doubt children, as well as parents, will be fully immersed in the movie while watching it together.
The Little Matchgirl
“The Little Matchgirl” is a 2006 animated short film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s book of the same name. The Walt Disney Company produced and distributed the film. The film tells the story of a poor young girl who has a burning desire to find comfort and happiness in her life.
The story and the delicate animation make it a must-see movie around the Christmas holiday. The story also reminds us of the value of compassion and charity.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a 1948 animated Christmas comedy movie directed by Larry Roemer. The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer documents the experiences of Rudolph, an adorable reindeer born with a glowing red nose.
Frosty The Snowman
“Frosty The Snowman” is a 1969 animated family comedy film. The story shows the generous side of Santa Claus instead of portraying him as just a present deliverer. The easy storyline also makes it enjoyable for kids.
Christmas movies make us feel good about the Christmas season. There are many animated Christmas movies that are not mentioned in this list but are definitely worth our attention!
What are your personal best animated Christmas movies you plan to watch this Christmas? Let us know in the comment section below.
