10 Best Animated Christmas Movies The Whole Family Will Love

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Arthur, Santa’s well-meaning but clumsy son, wants nothing more than to spread holiday cheer but everyone seems to overlook him. When a child’s gift is accidentally left behind, Arthur jumps into action, determined to fix the mistake and prove that every present matters. His heartfelt mission takes him on an adventurous journey filled with family tensions, humor, and Christmas spirit.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Christmas Cabin Fever (2023)

Greg Heffley’s holiday season goes sideways when a heavy snowstorm traps him indoors with his family. Suddenly, all the cozy Christmas plans he imagined turn into a whirlwind of frustrations, mishaps, and relatable tween chaos. This hourlong animated film captures the humor and headaches of being cooped up with relatives during winter break. Fans of the book series will enjoy Greg’s signature dramatics, and newcomers will instantly relate to his cabin fever struggles.

Klaus (2019)

Klaus surprised audiences when it earned an Oscar nomination thanks to its beautiful animation and heartfelt story. The movie follows a postal worker stationed in a cold, gloomy town where letters are scarce and tensions run high. When he meets a reclusive toymaker, their unlikely partnership slowly transforms the community.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)

Robert Zemeckis brings Charles Dickens’s timeless tale to life using motion-capture animation that allows Jim Carrey to portray multiple characters, including Scrooge and several of the ghosts. The technology adds fluidity and intensity to the classic story as Scrooge confronts his past, present, and future. This version leans into both the spectacle and depth.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

This feature-length retelling expands the world of Whoville and gives the Grinch more backstory, all while maintaining the charm of Dr. Seuss’s original tale. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Grinch with delicious snark and surprising warmth as the story unfolds. With colorful animation and extra runtime, families get a deeper look at his grumpy personality and the holiday that ultimately softens his heart.

Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol (2025)

The Prep & Landing series follows a squad of highly skilled elves who prepare homes for Santa’s arrival, but even elite teams have their chaotic nights. In The Snowball Protocol, Lanny and Wayne return for another mission that quickly spins out of control as small mishaps snowball into bigger problems. Their teamwork is tested as they scramble to keep Christmas on track.

Santa’s Apprentice (2010)

In this French animated film, Santa is finally ready to retire—but he must follow the rules and select a young apprentice to train as the next bearer of the red suit. Reluctant to step down, Santa still takes on the challenge of mentoring a boy who must learn responsibility, kindness, and confidence in himself. Their journey brings humor, heart, and plenty of seasonal magic.

That Christmas (2024)

Written by Richard Curtis, famous for Love, Actually, this cozy animated story follows what happens when a massive snowstorm interrupts Santa’s Christmas Eve plans. As he goes through the unexpected chaos, families around the world also find themselves adjusting to imperfect but heartfelt celebrations. The film blends gentle humor with touching moments about togetherness.

The Polar Express (2004)

In this visually ambitious animated film, a young boy boards a mysterious train on Christmas Eve and takes a magical journey to the North Pole. Director Robert Zemeckis uses motion-capture technology to create immersive environments and allows Tom Hanks to perform multiple characters. The story explores belief, wonder, and the growing doubts that many children experience about Santa.

The Snowy Day (2016)

Based on Ezra Jack Keats’s classic children’s book, this gentle 40-minute special follows Peter as he walks through his snowy neighborhood on Christmas Eve to visit his grandmother. The animation brings the book’s iconic art style to life while preserving its sense of wonder and simplicity. Peter’s small adventures; crunching snow, exploring sidewalks, and noticing winter’s beauty, capture the feelings of childhood during the holidays.