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It’s nearly Christmas time again and as this special holiday comes but once a year, it’s also the best time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa to watch a Christmas movie while your chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. And not just any Christmas movie, but a claymation or stop motion animated film that will make you nostalgic for simpler times or Christmases past. In honor of the 12 days of Christmas, we’ve put together 12 Christmas movies that will give you the holiday feels and bring the holiday cheer. And like Santa Claus, we’ve included a gift: how to watch these movies and where, so you don’t have to worry about finding them yourself. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful list of meticulously edited Christmas movies. Honorable mentions movie mentions are Moomins and The Winter Wonderland, Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire, and Nester the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey.
'Jack Frost' (1979)
Where would a Christmas movie be without “Jack Frost nipping at your nose?” Though he isn’t the most colorful character in Christmas literology (he’s mostly all white), he’s definitely a gentleman. In this film, narrated by a groundhog, Jack Frost is an immortal spirit who has fallen in love with a human and attempts to be mortal to be with her. For those who love winter, this sad but beautiful film is for you and might even cause chills.
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964)
Not sure what to watch? Why not let this glowing film guide your movie viewing sleigh for the night? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, based on the Johnny Marks song of the same name, tells the story of the most well-known reindeer who graciously led Santa’s sleigh one foggy Christmas eve. So take a note from Santa and choose this movie, which is super short (55 minutes!).
'Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July' (1979)
If you want more Rudolph, you’ll definitely love this other Rankin/Bass film, which includes another Christmas favorite. Starring Mickey Rooney and Ethel Merman, Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July tells the story of the two title characters, who come together to stop the evil wizard Winterbolt. Rudolph is extremely adorable in this film and luckily this film grants him the opportunity to shine brighter in more ways than just leading Santa’s sleigh. And with the jolly happy soul of Frosty, this film will certainly bring Christmas cheer to those who choose to watch it.
'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town' (1970)
He knows when you’re awake, so why not show Santa you care by watching a movie where he’s the star? Narrated by Fred Astaire, this film is essentially a biopic that tells the story of how Santa Claus became the man we know and love today. Though we can’t guarantee watching this film will get you off of the naughty list, we can guarantee you will have a jolly time learning all about where everyone’s favorite Christmas traditions came from.
'Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas' (2021)
Reindeer aren’t the only animals who make up the Christmas holiday. Sheep play a role too, at least according to this short. In this short film from Aardman Animations (Chicken Run, Wallace and Gromit), Shaun the Sheep gets into the holiday spirit with his friends. But when an attempt to get bigger stockings causes Timmy to go missing, Christmas suddenly becomes the season for searching. This is a beautiful film and fans will have fun seeing the loveable sheep in action. Oh and it’s completely unproblematic: no animals were harmed in the making of this film.
Stream 'Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas' on Netflix
'The Year Without a Santa Claus' (1974)
Santa Claus is just like us: he gets the flu too. In this film, Mickey Rooney voices Santa, who gets a cold and decides to take a vacation to recover. Of course, a Christmas without Santa will definitely be messy and what follows is an adventure. But don’t worry kids: Santa will not get covid.
'A Miser Brothers' Christmas' (2008)
If you just watched The Year Without a Santa Claus and are looking for a follow-up, try this spin-off, with the same characters and many of the same voice actors. This film focuses more on the global impacts of what would happen if there was no Santa Claus, with the Miser Brothers (Heat and Snow) feuding and the evil North Wind trying to take control. Whether you watch A Miser Brothers’ Christmas in the heat or the snow, this film is perfect for any Christmas weather.
'Rudolph's Shiny New Year' (1976)
In continuing the tradition of films about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ring in the holiday season with the sequel film because why not? This film, which takes place right after the events of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, follows Santa Claus as he attempts to find Happy the Baby New Year before midnight or it will continue to be December 31 forever. This is a perfect film for those excited for the new year but also want to maintain the Christmas cheer. So take a watch if you’re interested and remember to write your New Years resolutions.
'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
Though this isn’t in the same vein as most of the other movies, Tim Burton’s wonderfully animated musical film is a fun adventure for the whole family to enjoy. Starring Chris Sarandon and Catherine O’Hara (this is definitely a Moira Rose-approved film), along with singing by Danny Elfman The Nightmare Before Christmas tells the story of Jack Skellington, the king of Halloweentown who decides to kidnap Santa Claus and take control of Christmas. Of course, this definitely doesn’t go as planned and what follows is a creatively hilarious movie about the true meaning of Christmas. It’s definitely worth a watch to get into the holiday spirit in a different way (bonus points if you watch in a halloween costume).
'Pinocchio's Christmas' (1980)
With so many films this year about Pinocchio, why not continue the theme amid the holiday season? In Pinocchio’s Christmas, the wooden boy who lies goes on many misadventures as he struggles to get Geppetto a Christmas present. It’s very cute but very worrisome to watch just how often Pinocchio can be led astray by the Fox and Cat. Plus, if you’re getting tired of seeing the reindeer with the shiny nose, we sense this film, with the nose that grows, will get you refreshed and ready for the holiday season.
'Robin Robin' (2021)
If Pinocchio’s desire to be a real boy resonated with you, follow it up with this film, about a bird who wants to be a mouse. Another film from Aardman Animations, Robin Robin tells the story of the titular character, who attempts to steal the star atop a Christmas tree to prove to her family that she can be a mouse. It’s sure to be a fun movie for the whole family to enjoy but be warned: you may become paranoid about whether there is a mice infestation within your home.
'Alien Xmas' (2020)
Finally, to round out all of the Christmas movies, we’ve got one that is sure-to-be out of this world. Alien Xmas tells the story of an alien named X, who is part of a group of aliens known as the Klepts (short for kleptomaniacs; they steal things). The Klepts head to the North Pole to eliminate Earth’s gravity and chaos ensues. But, like the Grinch and Jack Skellington, the Klepts eventually learn to understand the real meaning of Christmas. If you want a unique but short Christmas movie, this film is definitely for you and might just have you asking the biggest questions of the universe. Specifically, how would Santa deliver presents to space?
