[Also great for family fun] Anime movies to watch at Christmas
Christmas is one of the most festive events of the year, isn’t it?
Going out to see the lights or doing some shopping is fun, but some of you might prefer to spend a relaxing time at home, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce anime films that are perfect for Christmas and great for the whole family to enjoy.
If you’re not sure what to choose, we recommend starting with the classics listed at the top.
Some of these titles are available on subscription services, so gather the family and enjoy them together in a cozy, laid-back way!
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- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
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[Also great for family fun] Anime movies to watch at Christmas (1–10)
Tom and Jerry: The Nutcracker
A heartwarming Christmas movie brought to you by everyone’s favorites, Tom and Jerry.
It cheerfully depicts the slapstick chaos of Jerry the mouse, who dreams of the ballet The Nutcracker, and Tom the stray cat and his pals.
Jerry’s dream of the ballet world becomes reality through a Christmas miracle.
He transforms into the Toy King and enjoys a delightful time.
But then Tom and the other stray cats burst in, causing a huge commotion.
Jerry sets off on a journey to seek help from a toymaker.
Can he save the ballerina doll and make his dream come true? Watch this thrilling and exciting Tom and Jerry Christmas film and have a blast with your family and friends.
Grinch
A movie I’d like to recommend as something the whole family can watch and laugh together is The Grinch.
It’s an animated adaptation of the hugely popular book How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
The biggest draw is, without a doubt, the Grinch himself—he’s mean, but somehow impossible to hate.
It’s been adapted into animation and live-action several times, so many people probably recognize him by looks alone.
By the way, in the 2018 version I’m introducing here, the Japanese dub of the Grinch is voiced by Yo Oizumi.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express is a story about a boy who discovers a mysterious train racing across the snow on Christmas Eve and embarks on an adventure.
Its suspenseful plot is sure to entertain adults as well.
The film also features many delightful characters, including tiny Santa’s helpers, whose cute appearances bring not only thrills but also heartwarming moments.
It’s also known for featuring Tom Hanks as a voice actor.
If you enjoy Hollywood films, be sure to check it out.
[Also great for family fun] Anime movies to watch at Christmas (11–20)
Pop-Up Mickey / A Wonderful Christmas
Disney favorites like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse spring to life in 3D to weave a lively Christmas tale.
On this special, heart‑pounding, exciting Christmas day, gently open the picture book and one delightful story after another begins.
The first story is about ice skating.
Next come tales featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie, followed by one starring Goofy and his son—joyful Christmas stories popping out one after another.
Why not spend a wonderful time watching a Christmas movie that everyone can enjoy together—family and friends alike?
Mickey's Christmas Gift
Do you know the story “The Gift of the Magi”? In the midst of a life of poverty, the woman sells her hair to buy a chain for the man’s watch, while the man sells his watch to buy combs for the woman—a tale overflowing with love.
Based on that story is this Mickey cartoon, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas,” a perfect Christmas animation the whole family can enjoy.
With the familiar slapstick antics of Goofy and Donald, it’s full of laughter and heart.
At around 60 minutes long, it’s also great for filling a bit of free time!
snowman
When we think of winter, we think of snow—and when we think of things made from snow, we think of snowmen.
This piece is themed around a snowman.
Based on Raymond Briggs’s picture book, it was broadcast as an animated film in 1982.
It tells the story of a snowman brought to life who has fun playing with a young boy, and its cheerful atmosphere amid the cold evokes the splendor of Christmas.
There is no dialogue; it’s a work told solely through animation and music, allowing you to fully experience the picture-book-like, beautiful touch.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This is a work themed around Santa Claus—indispensable at Christmas—and his partner, the red-nosed reindeer.
The original story is a poem written by Robert L.
May for his daughter, and it’s also famous as the basis for the classic Christmas song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The animation aired in 1964, and through puppetry it clearly portrays the story and sparkle of the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It’s a piece that conveys not only the preparations for delivering presents and the excitement of those waiting, but also the thrill felt by those doing the delivering.