Animation is one of the most versatile and powerful mediums used today. It allows the creator to design a world of endless possibilities while also effectively conveying important lessons to the viewer. It also has the ability to appeal to a large audience, as viewers young or old are comfortable sitting down with a good cartoon. This makes it a good choice when sitting down with family during Christmas time deciding what to watch. Without further ado, here are some animated Christmas films to help you get into the spirit.

1. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2000)

Based on the holiday hit song, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer is a comedy and family film directed by Phil Roman. It follows young Jake Spankenheimer after he witnesses Santa Claus hit his grandmother with his sleigh and kidnap her?! Everyone is convinced that he is lying because Santa Claus isn’t real. In the meantime, Jake’s cousin Mel plans to take advantage of Grandma’s absence by trying to take ownership of the family store. Jake goes on a journey to solve the mystery of his missing grandmother before it’s too late and proves once and for all that Santa Claus is real. If you’re looking for a wacky story that includes Santa testifying in court and a fruitcake that was almost very literally to die for, you should definitely check out this movie. 

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion fantasy film and musical directed by Henry Selick. It was based on the characters by famous filmmaker, Tim Burton, who is most known for his horror films and the gothic style of his work. In this movie, Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King of Halloween town, yearns for something other than the horror and tricks he is accustomed to. He discovers Christmas Town and begins to take over the role of Santa in order to bring some of this Christmas joy back to Halloween Town. However, this results in negative consequences and ultimately the realization that each holiday has its own unique charm and should be celebrated in its own way. This classic movie teaches us the importance of being true to oneself and the consequences of taking things too far.

3. The Snowman (1982)

The Snowman is a short television film based on a children’s picture book by Raymond Briggs of the same name. It was directed by Dianne Jackson. One winter’s day, a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life as the sun sets. They spend the night toying around the house before flying over to the North Pole and meeting Father Christmas and several other magical snowmen. This film is non-verbal but encompasses the feel-good spirit of Christmas.

4. Arthur Christmas (2011)

In a world where presents are delivered on Christmas Eve by high-tech elves and their equally high-tech ship, a single child was accidentally forgotten. Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, discovers this and goes on a journey to deliver this gift across the world to this child when no one else seems willing. This heartwarming and comedic story teaches us the importance of giving and family. 

5. Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Based on the well-known Peanuts comic series by Charles M. Schult, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic Christmas story that has been made a tradition in many households around the country. The story begins with Charlie Brown feeling discouraged as he notices the commercialization and materialism of the holiday season. He becomes the director of his school’s Christmas pageant to try to get into the spirit, but when his frail Christmas tree seems to disappoint everyone, his friend Linus has to help him discover the true meaning of Christmas. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a great holiday watch as it truly embraces the Christmas spirit.