10 Animated Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Family Today
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Christmas season is the perfect time to enjoy holiday animated favorites. Create cherished memories with a family viewing of inspirational holiday movies. Whether you want to teach your children about the true meaning of the nativity or enjoy a festive flick, this list of animated movies will get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a timeless classic featuring the PEANUTS characters we’ve all grown to love. Charlie Brown is down in the dumps because of the commercialism of the holidays. When he’s mocked for picking a scrawny Christmas tree for the school play Linus helps him remember the true meaning of Christmas. It contains a very strong Christian worldview celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is safe for the whole family and is as nostalgic as they come.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
THE STAR is a sweet story of the birth of Jesus told through the viewpoint of a donkey named Bo. He makes a heroic journey with animal friends he meets during his quest to warn Mary and Joseph of Herod’s evil plan to find the prophesized Messiah. It’s an action-packed look at the Nativity Story that will keep children engaged throughout the entire film. THE STAR features very light cartoon jeopardy that may be intense for young children. MOVIEGUIDE® suggests this movie is best suited for kids 5+.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
VEGGIETALES: THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT brings the true meaning of Christmas to life in a special episode of the popular TV series. Everyone’s favorite singing Veggies put on a show to teach a young boy that Jesus is the reason for the season. It contains a strong Christian worldview focusing on the Gospel. Children will enjoy the fun and engaging way the nativity story is told. VEGGIETALES: THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT would be perfect for a festive movie night with the entire family.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
KLAUS is a charming animated movie that offers a twist on the origins of Santa Claus. A man training to be a postman is the worst student and is sent away to a faraway town. He meets a reclusive toymaker named Klaus, and they team up to deliver toys to children who have written letters. The film depicts a strong moral worldview extolling kindness. Parents should know there is light violence and some magical elements. Overall, it’s a heartwarming flick with positive lessons for kids 5 and up.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
Jim Carrey stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The animated version takes on the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens and is visually stunning. While it is a cartoon, there are intense moments that may frighten young children. It contains a strong moral worldview with overt references to Jesus Christ. There is light peril and some course language, but nothing too crass. DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a spellbinding holiday film for adults and children 9+.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is a playful animated movie about Santa Claus’s youngest son, Arthur, who tends to be a bit clumsy. He teams with Grandsanta to deliver a misplaced present to a young girl before she wakes up on Christmas morning. Mayhem unfolds during their misadventure. The film contains a very mortal worldview with an emphasis on family. Parents should be aware of superstitious elements about magic that may require a follow-up conversation. Otherwise, ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is an entertaining flick for the 6+ crowd.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
THE GRINCH is a delightful rendition of Dr. Suess’s Christmas story. The plot centers around the formidable Grinch, who lives in a mountain fortress above the cheery world of Whoville. After visiting the town and witnessing everyone filled with the Christmas spirit, he decides to steal Christmas. Will he have a change of heart? The film contains a very strong Christian worldview celebrating kindness and gratefulness. THE GRINCH is a delightful movie with light cartoon violence.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
Tom Hanks stars in the fun-filled animated feature THE POLAR EXPRESS, based on the beloved children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg. It tells the story of a young boy who rides a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, making friends and finding adventure along the way. The movie has a very strong moral worldview with little objectionable content, save for some light peril. Children 6+ will feel the excitement and wonder of the Christmas season after watching THE POLAR EXPRESS.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
ELLIOT THE LITTLEST REINDEER is a sweet movie about a miniature horse who wants to be a reindeer. He travels to the North Pole to fulfill his dream when Santa holds a contest to replace Blizten (who has chosen to retire). He has three days to reach the North Pole for tryouts. The film contains a very strong moral worldview extolling forgiveness and compassion. Parents should be aware of some cartoon violence and light magical elements. For the most part, ELLIOT THE LITTLEST REINDEER is filled with positive lessons for kids of all ages.
SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a Netflix special that kids will adore. The plot centers around Shaun’s son, who goes missing when he hides in a box at a county fair and is taken by a little girl. It contains a very strong moral worldview focusing on the importance of family and sharing Christmas joy. There is slapstick cartoon violence, but nothing overtly scary. While SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS doesn’t mention the nativity, it’s a wholesome holiday movie for children 5+.
Watch SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
