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

Beauty and the Beast / Belle's Enchanted Christmas

Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Magical World (Dubbed) - Trailer

Among Disney films, when it comes to the most romantic stories, Beauty and the Beast surely comes to mind.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is the second installment, released as a home video in 1997.

It continues the story after the scene in the original where the Beast rescues Belle, with Christmas as its theme.

It preserves the original’s message of not judging others by appearances and valuing kindness and love, along with its beautiful visuals.

For children, Christmas feels mysterious and magical—perfect for a cozy family viewing to spend a heartwarming evening together.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

Meet Anna and Elsa again! Olaf’s on a roll too! Frozen: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Blu-ray & DVD Trailer

As a spin-off of the 2013 mega-hit Frozen, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure was released in 2017 as a co-feature with Coco.

Set a few months after the previous film, in winter at Christmastime, it’s perfect for watching at home while looking forward to the holidays.

No matter how many times you watch it, you’ll be captivated by the grand music and the beautiful world of ice.

Alongside protagonists Elsa and Anna, charming characters like Kristoff the mountain man and Olaf the snowman are as delightful as ever.

It’s sure to spark lively conversations again, like asking everyone which character they like best.

Guardians: Legendary Heroes

Guardians: The Legendary Heroes (Japanese Dubbed Version)

Among DreamWorks Animation titles like Penguins and the Shrek series, my top recommendation is Rise of the Guardians! There may still be many who haven’t seen it yet, but guess what—Santa Claus appears as one of the warriors.

The story begins when legendary guardians like the Easter Bunny, Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy seek help from an ordinary boy, Jack Frost.

When he says, “Why me??” you just know something exciting is coming.

It’s a perfect pick for a Christmas movie night to enjoy with friends and family.

A House for Tom and Jerry at Christmas

Tom and Jerry | A Home for Christmas | WB Kids

Tom and Jerry, a show I’ve been familiar with since childhood—how amazing that it can be so funny without any dialogue! I guess that’s the indescribable charm of the characters.

It’s surprising that its first broadcast in America was in 1940! This work, “The Night Before Christmas,” also delivers the same old slapstick antics of Tom and Jerry with a delightful punch.

In the scene where Tom gets locked out in the deep snow and Jerry helps him, you can catch a glimpse of Jerry’s kindness.

Besides the Christmas-themed episodes, there are tons of entries in the Tom and Jerry series, so this might be a great opportunity to watch a variety of them!

Lady and the Tramp

Lady and the Tramp (Japanese Dubbed Version)

Even if you don’t have a clear memory of it, I’m sure you’ve seen this anime at least once.

If you look at the cover of the video or DVD—the jacket with the noble lady and the stray dog Tramp side by side—you’ll think, “Ah, that one!” The contrast between a wealthy dog and a poor dog, and the relationship between two dogs drawn to each other despite their different circumstances, make it a story that resonates not only with children but also with adults.

It’s perfect for a family movie night! It would also be fun to compare the two versions—the original released in 1955 and the remake in 2019.

Moominvalley and the Winter Wonderland

Trailer for the film 'Moomins and the Winter Wonderland'

A truly adorable Christmas story about the Moomin family.

The setting is Moominvalley, where leaves are falling and winter is just around the corner.

Curious little Moomintroll innocently longs for Christmas, asking, “Who is Mr.

Christmas?”—and it’s impossibly endearing.

Nothing particularly dramatic happens, but the film’s gentle warmth quietly seeps into your heart.

Its fantastical yet slightly nostalgic winter tale is perfect for a relaxed family Christmas.

You’ll be left with a wonderfully kind feeling after the credits roll.