44 Best Animated Christmas Movies That Earn a Spot on the “Nice” List

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s an undeniable pull to revisit those familiar Christmas movies, especially ones from our childhood. Animated features, in particular, have a timeless appeal, making them perfect for sharing with the next generation. As you curate your list for this year, consider these animated gems that promise to make your holiday season even brighter.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)

Netflix presents a musical adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic, featuring songs by Leslie Bricusse, known for his work on “Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It’s a fresh take on the beloved story of redemption.

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

In this 30-minute special, Shaun the Sheep embarks on a quest for a larger stocking, leading to unexpected adventures, especially when one of his sheep friends is mistaken for a pet.

Robin Robin (2021)

Nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Short, this half-hour stop-motion special is a cozy tale about a bird raised by mice, longing to become a mouse. Its flocked, felted feel and endearing storyline make it a delightful addition to the Christmas watchlist.

A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)

Ideal for vehicle enthusiasts, this Christmas short involves Trash Truck’s effort to save the holidays after Santa makes a crash landing in a junkyard on Christmas Eve.

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020)

Infused with LEGO’s trademark humor, this Star Wars-themed special features Rey, Finn, and Poe organizing a Life Day celebration, offering a quirky take on the Star Wars universe during the holidays.

Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas (2019)

In this special, Lucky and her friends face a snowstorm, testing their ability to make it home for Christmas, embodying the theme of miracles during the holiday season.

Klaus (2019)

Nominated for an Academy Award, this heartwarming tale follows a postal worker who befriends a toymaker in a remote town.

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)

In the world of Vikings, this story rebrands Christmas as “Snoggletog,” emphasizing heartwarming lessons amidst dragony holiday festivities.

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018)

Meet Elliot, a miniature horse aspiring to join Santa’s sleigh-pulling team. Despite not being a reindeer, Elliot sets out to compete for a spot in this charming animated tale.

Angela’s Christmas (2018)

Based on a children’s story by Frank McCourt, this 30-minute special follows Angela from “Angela’s Ashes” on a heartwarming Christmas adventure.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to this feature-length take on the classic Grinch story, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved tale.

DreamWorks’ Home for the Holidays (2017)

Oh, the alien, endeavors to share Christmas magic with the Boovs in a story that takes an unexpected turn, blending humor and holiday spirit.

Trolls Holiday (2017)

Starring Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel, this hour-long adventure isn’t solely about Christmas but focuses on Poppy and the trolls’ efforts to help the Bergens find a new tradition, showcasing the spirit of holiday cheer.

All I Want for Christmas Is You (2017)

Inspired by Mariah Carey’s iconic Christmas song, this animated movie centers on a young girl named Mariah who longs for a puppy every Christmas, weaving a heartwarming tale around her holiday wish.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

Anna and Elsa seek holiday traditions in this short, where Olaf journeys through the kingdom to help them create cherished rituals, originally screened before Coco, evoking thoughts about family traditions.

The Star (2017)

This animated film takes a spiritual angle, following a donkey, a sheep, and a dove on an adventure intersecting with the first nativity, adding a unique dimension to the Christmas story.

If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie (2016)

This Amazon original offers a holiday-themed adaptation of Laura Numeroff’s cherished children’s book. Mouse and his animal pals rally to rescue a troubled holiday pageant while discovering the true essence of friendship along the way.

The Snowy Day (2016)

Adapted from Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved book, this 40-minute Amazon original follows young Peter on a charming snowy walk to his grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve.

Duck the Halls (2016)

For a lighthearted laugh, this 22-minute animated special features Donald Duck opting to stay put for the holidays, only to be surprised by the harshness of winter. With humor reminiscent of classics like Ren and Stimpy, it offers irreverent holiday fun.

Saving Santa (2013)

Martin Freeman stars as Bernard, an elf in this musical with a sci-fi twist. When villains target Santa’s secret for quick travel, Bernard aims to save Christmas, caught in a time loop.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Though not focused on traditional Christmas themes, this film portrays iconic childhood characters like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny as heroes uniting to protect children’s innocence from Pitch Black’s threat.

Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays (2012)

Scooby-Doo and friends investigate an evil snowman’s attempts to ruin Christmas at a toy store, providing a fun, supernatural twist for the meddling gang.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Take a peek behind the scenes of Santa’s technologically advanced North Pole and follow Arthur on an adventure to deliver a forgotten gift.

Prep & Landing (2011)

Disney’s short film follows an elite team of elves preparing houses for Santa’s arrival, offering an engaging glimpse into the North Pole’s behind-the-scenes operations.

Santa’s Apprentice (2010)

Originally from France, this film explores Santa’s retirement and the rules that require him to train an apprentice.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Robert Zemeckis employs motion-capture technology to bring multiple performances by Jim Carrey to life in this adaptation of Dickens’ classic.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009)

Based on the beloved book characters, Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat embark on a Christmas adventure, exploring the challenges of finding a perfect gift for a monkey.

The Polar Express (2004)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, this motion-capture film is an enchanting adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s book. It follows a doubting young boy on a magical train ride to the North Pole to discover the truth about Santa Claus.

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)

Combining two delightful specials, “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” and “Happy Pooh Year,” this movie weaves a heartwarming narrative that extends the joy of the holiday season throughout December.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)

Featuring classic Disney characters, this three-part movie weaves heartwarming tales centering around Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck during the holiday season.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)

In this direct-to-video sequel to the classic Disney princess movie, Belle is eager to celebrate Christmas by decorating the castle. However, the Beast and composer Forte lack holiday spirit and resist joining in the festivities. Can Belle find a way to bring back the joy of the season and unite them in celebration?

Annabelle’s Wish (1997)

In this heartwarming story, Annabelle, a young calf, dreams of flying with Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. The narrative revolves around whether her Christmas wish will come true.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece blends Christmas cheer with macabre elements, making it a unique and timeless watch.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

Mickey Mouse takes on Dickens’ tale in this condensed yet delightful holiday classic.

The Snowman (1982)

Adapted from Raymond Briggs’ beloved book, this charming half-hour special captures the serene charm of the original drawings. The story carries a quiet and enduring charm that resonates through the screen.

The Small One (1978)

Directed by Don Bluth, this Disney special portrays a boy tasked with selling his family’s donkey, The Small One, encountering a potential buyer named Joseph with a unique purpose.

Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

Based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” this animated film unfolds when Santa decides to skip a town due to a rude letter, featuring a spirited vocal performance by actor Joel Grey.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

From the prolific era of Rankin/Bass Productions, this stop-motion classic features the memorable duo of Heat Miser and Snow Miser, creating a delightful and unforgettable tale.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Narrated by Fred Astaire, this short film delves into the backstory of Santa Claus, exploring Christmas traditions and shedding light on Santa’s origins.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Narrated by Jimmy Durante, this classic film brings to life the tale of Frosty, the snowman who magically comes to life thanks to a special hat. Based on the iconic Christmas song, it’s a heartwarming story cherished by generations.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

This stop-motion animated short, inspired by the famous song, narrates the tale of an orphaned drummer boy. Filled with complex emotions after facing loss at a young age, he embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and redemption during the Christmas season.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, animated by Chuck Jones, narrated by Boris Karloff, and accompanied by the iconic “You’re a Mean One” song.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Join Charlie Brown on a poignant journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas, reflecting on the more contemplative aspects of the holiday season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This stop-motion classic from Rankin/Bass Productions imparts a heartwarming lesson about embracing one’s imperfections.

These animated Christmas films each bring their unique touch of warmth, nostalgia, and timeless storytelling, making them cherished additions to holiday traditions for audiences young and old.