Looking for some Christmas movies on Disney+? Whether you need something festive to keep the little ones busy during the holidays or something fun and festive before dinner hits, Disney+ offers plenty of festive movies. Their library boasts beloved films you can watch with family or independently; one example is the 1994 comedy The Santa Clause, which stars Tim Allen as an unsuccessful toy salesman who accidentally injures Kris Kringle on Christmas Eve and finds himself recruited as Santa. This movie and its two sequels remain timeless classics perfect for family viewing!
12. A Christmas Carol (2009)
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Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 36m
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three ghosts representing Christmas past, present, and future has become one of cinematic history’s most widely adapted tales. From Muppet extravaganzas to Alastair Sim in a nightgown – adaptations have brought this story many times over to cinema screens worldwide.
Robert Zemeckis and ImageMovers Digital’s 2009 adaptation of A Christmas Carol features motion capture technology to bring Jim Carrey as Scrooge to life alongside an all-star cast including Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, and Darryl Sabara voicing their characters from the book.
Employing performance capture technology used in films like The Polar Express and Beowulf, filmmakers have created an animated films to bring joy and entertainment to children of all ages. While remaining faithful to Charles Dickens’ original, modern touches add flair and will capture audiences of all ages.
Carrey excels as Scrooge, using his entire body to portray him with great nuance and emotion. Additionally, he delivers every line with perfect tone and emotion, and the other performances are outstanding.
11. One Magic Christmas (1985)
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Genres: Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 29m
Mary Steenburgen excels as Ginny Grainger, a working mother struggling to keep her family together during Christmastime. One Magic Christmas takes more risks than most family movies when depicting life’s gritty realities without becoming too sad or depressing – something rarely depicted by holiday films! Phillip Borsos’s film provides an appealing alternative to Disney films with its colorful imagery and special effects that often dominate.
Santa assigns Gideon as a Christmas angel to bring joy back into the home and festive atmosphere. Still, Gideon appears more like an evil serial killer than an enlightened being, wearing a trench coat and wide western hat while frequently appearing at family gatherings to listen in on conversations or ask their daughter personal questions.
When tragedy befalls the family – including Jack being shot during a bank robbery and fire that threatens their home – they turn to Gideon for assistance, calling upon his hard-earned wisdom to preserve what remains of their livelihood. Although confusing at times and too lengthy, this film examines death, crime, financial strain, and faith issues while honoring traditional holiday themes.
10. Godmothered (2020)
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Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 50m
Godmothered is an enjoyable family film with a familiar premise and predictable plot, but Bell and Fisher keep Godmothered from going down too quickly. Though its final speech can be heavy-handed, Godmothered provides sweet messages while offering fun fantasy comedy moments. If you’re searching for family movies this holiday season, don’t miss this one – Godmothered is available exclusively on Disney+.
Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher star in Godmothered Movie, an animated family flick directed by Bridget Jones’s Diary director Sharon Maguire that follows an amateur fairy godmother training herself named Eleanor as she navigates her way through this magical world of making wishes come true.
Moira, the headmistress of Motherland’s Fairy Godmother Training Institute, warns new godmothers that children no longer believe in fairy tales and that their assignments will soon be cut back. Determined to show her worth, Eleanor tracks down a letter written by 10-year-old McKenzie Walsh that fell through the cracks and travels down to Earth, hoping that her wish can come true.
9. Noelle (2019)
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Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 40m
Marc Lawrence brings out the holiday cheer in this cliche-ridden but mostly breezy flick starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader as winning leads, with charming visuals. However, even fans looking for sentimental tales like Noelle may feel this movie has an unsatisfying storyline.
Noelle, who recently became Santa Claus herself, becomes distraught when her older brother Nick Kringle goes missing and embarks on an adventurous trip from the North Pole to America to track him down. Along the way, she meets an attractive detective and experiences people’s needs firsthand. By engaging with the poor, homeless, and children with developmental disabilities, Noelle learns that Santa isn’t just a myth!
This Disney+ original film delivers important messages about being kind, but its narrative emphasizes Santa more than Jesus. Some Christian families may find this attention given to Santa rather than Jesus excessive. Still, the film reminds us to find joy in giving rather than receiving, which aligns perfectly with biblical teaching and deserves appreciation from us all – in particular, Noelle deserves some holiday joy for her efforts!
8. The Santa Clause (1994)
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Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 37m
If you’re searching for an entertaining Christmas comedy with heart, The Santa Clause Movie may be just what’s needed. Scott Calvin (Allen) is the marketing director of Lakeside Toy Company in Illinois and a divorced father with an 8-year-old son named Charlie who questions Santa Claus and its existence, prompting his mother, Dorey (Elizabeth Perkins), to worry that their faith could erode if this doubt remains.
Director John Pasquin worked closely with Tim to craft this drama, in which Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, and Tim co-starred alongside each other as characters like Scott Calvin (Allen). Following an incident on Christmas Eve that turned Scott into Santa Claus himself, Scott must convince others he is truly Santa.
This film blends emotional realism with epic fantasy, captivating children and adults alike. Its depictions of North Pole locations like Santa’s Workshop and his Naughty/Nice List were particularly impressive, breaking through some common stereotypes associated with him.
Although there may be mild language and farting jokes in this film, nothing else about it is particularly objectionable. Furthermore, the movie treats the sensitive topic of divorce with dignity without portraying Scott’s former flame as an enemy or oppressor.
7. Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
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Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 32m
A divorced social worker and an unknown man calling himself Santa Claus join forces to find holiday magic in this comedy from director Tim Story (Barbershop, Think Like a Man), featuring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Lil Rel Howery as its stars. Although sometimes somewhat forgettable, Dashing Through the Snow can still provide mild entertainment during its run time.
Dashing Through the Snow is a movie that may appeal more to kids than adults due to its vibrant palette and fast pace. Furthermore, this family film addresses family values as it depicts what makes a family strong.
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges plays Chris, an enthusiastic believer of Christmas who gets dispatched on Christmas Eve for an emergency call and meets someone who may or may not be Santa Claus; together, they form an unlikely bond that ultimately promotes forgiveness and love. Dashing Through the Snow is an impressive addition to the Christmas movie genre, offering some sweet messages and hearty laughs.
6. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
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Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Run Time: 1h 43m
While You Were Sleeping appears to have been planned as a Christmas release after 1994’s lackluster seasonal films (Mixed Nuts and Trapped in Paradise). But love stories don’t need to wait for Christmastime, and this sweet romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock (in her first actual breakout star vehicle!) offers an enjoyable way to pass an hour or so.
Jon Turteltaub directs with lightness, keeping the story from becoming overbearing. While its core is undeniably textbook formulaic, its surface is subtly elevated by ironic humor and graceful teamwork. Written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow, the script has the familiar feel of screwball romances yet remains fresh thanks to Bullock’s energetic performance and Bill Pullman as comic relief.
While You Were Sleeping is rare among modern rom-coms in that it portrays family as a resource rather than an obstacle to happiness, reminding us of their importance for a fulfilling home life and welcoming newcomers with open arms. Furthermore, healthy shame plays a crucial role in maintaining loving relationships without toxic resentment building up within them – making it a delightful film suitable for viewing by parents and teens.
5. Home Alone (1990)
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Genres: Comedy, Family
Run Time: 1h 43m
Home Alone was initially created as an entertaining family film about a boy left home alone at Christmastime fending off two incompetent burglars, becoming an instant classic and catapulting Macaulay Culkin into stardom. Home Alone remains a perennial family movie marathon favorite today. It remains synonymous with physical comedy and slapstick humor, with Kevin using clever traps to outwit Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) (both played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, respectively).
Home Alone Movie, released in 1990, was an American comedy blockbuster starring Macaulay Culkin. It tells the tale of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister wishing his family would vanish while they travel to Paris for Christmas when this comes true accidentally due to parental oversight.
Soon enough, though, Kevin learns being alone isn’t all it was expected to be. Still, with some resourcefulness from Culkin, he manages to foil two inept burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, ultimately making Home Alone an incredible success and earning both accolades such as Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nominations for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy!
4. Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas (2011)
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Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Run Time: 1h 43m
Good Luck Charlie is a Christmas Movie Released in 2011. The Duncan family travels from Denver to Palm Springs for Christmas with Amy’s maternal grandparents (Michael Kagen and Debra Monk). Unfortunately, due to a mix-up with plane tickets, the family becomes separated on board; Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) offers to give up her seat for free while Bob (Eric Allen Kramer) follows suit, hoping it would make their journey simpler; unfortunately, their decision to disembark in Las Vegas proves costly as it leads them all on an unexpected path resulting in family dispersion from one another and further discord.
Gabe and PJ join up, heading back towards their car only to discover it has been stolen. Luckily, a kind stranger offers to drive them around – while Gabe attempts to regain his seat by joining a LARP video game tournament.
Bob and Amy finally arrive with Charlie in Palm Springs, but things do not become more accessible for them. Their antics include PJ getting sunburnt by using suntan oil instead of sunscreen, Teddy becoming stuck in a water slide, and Charlie becoming oversensitive about tradition surrounding stars – though the siblings also share one heartwarming moment together.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
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Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 57m
Charles Dickens’s timeless tale is being adapted innovatively yet tastefully by director Brian Henson and his talented ensemble. Sir Michael Caine makes an outstanding portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge, an unpleasant miser who gets visited on Christmas Eve by three ghostly figures who show him his past, present, and future–warning him of what will happen if his ways don’t change.
Fun, funny, and sometimes scary moments make this film enjoyable for families during this holiday season. Additionally, its musical version provides one of the best ways to experience its story, with many famous holiday songs as the soundtrack.
The Muppets stand out among other adaptations of this story by being packed with clever sight gags, subtle references, and quirky characters. Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Gonzo (as Charles Dickens) make great narrators; Bunsen and Beaker serve as charity workers; Fozzie is the town drunk; while Waldorf and Statler (playing Jacob and Robert Marley respectively) complete an all-star cast of supporting actors.
2. Frozen (2013)
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Run Time: 1h 25m
The Frozen Movie, released in 2013, is an animated adventure film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale. It was co-directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee with a screenplay by Lee. Original score composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez was an international cultural phenomenon, featuring catchy musical numbers that celebrate strong female protagonists while exploring themes of sisterly unconditional love, self-identity and sisterly unconditional love that resonated with audiences worldwide.
This story follows Anna and Elsa, two sisters living in Arendelle in the Nordic kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa uses her magical snow powers for evil purposes, thus creating tension between Anna and Elsa when Anna falls instantly in love with Hans (set up by Duke Weselton to become King but seduces Anna into marrying him instead).
Anna embarks on an adventurous journey alongside mountaineer Kristoff and reindeer Sven to locate her sister, Elsa. Along their travels, they encounter magical trolls, an eccentric snowman, harsh conditions, and Hans’ lair, where Anna confronts him about using her as part of his manipulative schemes.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
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Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Run Time: 1h 16m
The Nightmare Before Christmas, directed and written by Henry Selick and Tim Burton, is an utterly captivating modern classic filled with intricate detail and breathtaking stop-motion animation. It tells the tale of Halloweentown’s Pumpkin King Jack Skellington accidentally opening up a portal into Christmas Town to alter it by making the holiday less cheery and more scary – plans which quickly go awry when his plans go awry.
The film’s otherworldly landscape, filled with gross and twisted creatures reminiscent of Edward Gorey or Charles Addams’s art, is an absolute treat. From its opening scene featuring an extraordinary skeletal slug with long arms and a baseball skull featuring a stitched mouth, through Sally, the undead girl with a surprisingly attenuated body who falls for Jack, to an extraordinary two-faced mayor who can switch between faces at will, to Sally herself who features stunning attenuated body features that seem almost attenuated body forms seen nowhere else in Hollywood today; to an astonishing level of creation can be witnessed throughout.
