[Also great for family fun] Anime movies to watch at Christmas

The Star: The First Christmas

The Star: The First Christmas (Dubbed Version)

If you’re unsure what to watch, the heartwarming Christmas movie “The Star” is a perfect pick! The theme song “The Star,” sung by Mariah Carey, was even nominated for a Golden Globe.

Mary, whose life is threatened after she becomes pregnant with the Son of God, and Bo the donkey, who tries to warn her of the danger… the suspenseful developments make the time fly by, and it’s great fun for families and friends alike.

The story is simple, so it’s suitable from around upper elementary school.

This heartwarming tale will surely make you want to tell someone about it.

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"Close" Trailer – Netflix

A Spanish animated film that unfolds the origin story of Santa Claus with a fresh sensibility.

Set in the Arctic Circle, it portrays the encounters and growing bond between Jesper, who works in a small, dark, and frigid town, and Klaus, a toymaker with a unique, reserved aura.

Directed by a former Disney creator, the visuals feel friendly and the music is captivating.

It’s a heartwarming film that conveys the precious Christmas spirit of empathy and neighborly help.

Santa Company: The Secret of Christmas

Director Kenji Itoso's original theatrical anime 'Santa Company: The Secret of Christmas' trailer — Kana Hanazawa / Yuki Kaji / Haruka Tomatsu / Rie Kugimiya / Takahiro Sakurai / Yusuke Kondo / Kazutoyo Koyabu / Chafurin / Minori Chihara

More recently, director Kenji Itoso—who has worked on titles like Attack on Titan and Fire Force—brings us his original feature-length anime Santa Company: The Secret of Christmas.

It’s a perfect pick for the holiday season and often becomes a hot topic around Christmastime.

With a friendly, approachable art style, it depicts quirky incidents and heartwarming tales that unfold within Santa Company, the organization that delivers presents to children all over the world.

I can’t go into detail without spoilers, but this film alone conveys just how strong Itoso’s flair for entertainment is.

Also keep an eye on its broader media rollout, including the independently produced version, the SDGs spin-off, and the manga adaptation!

Disney's A Christmas Carol

Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Japanese Dubbed Version)

A Christmas Carol, the novel by British author Charles Dickens, has been adapted for the screen many times.

Director Robert Zemeckis of the blockbuster film Back to the Future masterfully brings Dickens’s world to life on film.

The story follows Scrooge, a cold and merciless man who reforms after a supernatural, spiritual experience on Christmas Eve.

Released in 2009, it is a fantasy animated film by Disney created with CG and 3D.

Please enjoy this wondrous tale depicting a mysterious experience on Christmas night.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Japanese dubbed version)

This work, known as Tim Burton—the true maverick’s—first picture book, has such a distinctive worldview that it’s hard to believe the original is a picture book at all.

To give a spoiler-free summary: “Jack, the Pumpkin King, who’s fed up with the same old Christmas, stumbles upon a mysterious door in the forest, and then…”—a heart-pounding turn of events.

Since it’s done in a musical style, even the slightly spooky story is fun to watch! It’s also published as a picture book and a comic, so it could make a great Christmas present.

Be sure to check out the merchandise too—like clocks and lamps that really spotlight Jack’s popularity!

Father Christmas

DVD "Father Christmas" Trailer

The film Father Christmas is a 1991 British Christmas movie created by the master Raymond Briggs, known for works like The Snowman and When the Wind Blows.

Its heartwarming story, depicted in a soft and gentle style, makes it perfect for watching on Christmas night with friends and family.

People think Santa Claus works only once a year, but in reality he spends the whole year preparing for Christmas.

This classic Christmas tale, still beloved around the world, portrays the uproarious adventures that befall Santa during his busiest season.

Save Santa! - The Great Christmas Operation -

Release on Fri, 11/21: “Save Santa! ~The Great Christmas Operation~” Trailer

Santa Claus, who brings presents and dreams to children at Christmas, has been captured by bad guys! Join Bernard, an invention-loving elf, and his reindeer partner Blitz on a Christmas Eve adventure to rescue Santa.

Riding a time-traveling sleigh, they embark on a wildly imaginative journey through time to save him.

“Save Santa! The Great Christmas Operation” is a fantastical, heartwarming Christmas movie that became a worldwide hit.

The film is directed by Leon Jussen, a creator who has contributed to numerous Disney films.

Don’t miss this thrilling, edge-of-your-seat Christmas adventure—perfect to watch with family and friends.