I simply adore diving into the magical world of Christmas movies during this most wonderful time of the year! And let me tell you, dear reader, there is nothing quite like immersing oneself in the timeless tales and enchanting characters that these films offer.
Christmas movies form their unique category, encompassing numerous genres throughout the years. Depending on your preference for holiday viewing, you might find your ideal Christmas movie in a section featuring couples sporting red and green sweaters, a horror-themed platform, or something different entirely. For those who appreciate traditional Christmas stories, however, Disney+ offers an extensive selection – a fitting choice given the diverse movies Disney Studios has produced over the years.
There are almost countless Christmas-themed productions on Disney+, ranging from timeless classics to films that might even get their creators on Santa’s naughty list. To simplify your December viewing, we’ve put together a list of 11 outstanding Christmas movies on Disney+ that you won’t want to miss. We consider a “Christmas movie” not only those explicitly labeled as such, but also any film set during the holiday season and filled with its spirit. So, grab some hot cocoa, settle under a warm blanket, and enjoy your festive viewing!
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Let’s begin by discussing what many consider to be the most iconic Disney Christmas movie featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends. This film is undoubtedly the definitive Christmas production starring these beloved characters. Although they have been part of numerous Christmas-themed productions throughout the years, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas,” released in 1999, stands out as the studio’s most dedicated effort to create a classic, flawless holiday movie within the Mickey Mouse universe. It has become such an integral part of holiday viewing for families worldwide that it is now considered a traditional choice.
Titled “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” by Walt Disney Television Animation, this straight-to-video production is an assemblage of three heartwarming holiday stories. In the initial tale, “Donald Duck: Caught in a Christmas Loop,” Huey, Dewey, and Louie (all voiced by Russi Taylor) yearn for Christmas every day and unintentionally find themselves trapped in a time loop. The second story, “A Goofy Christmas,” follows Goofy (Bill Farmer) as he makes it his mission to convince his skeptical son Max (Shaun Fleming) that Santa Claus truly exists. Lastly, in “Mickey and Minnie’s Magi Gift,” Mickey (Wayne Allwine) and Minnie (Russi Taylor) strive tirelessly to purchase one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for each other.
Each of these three tales exudes a delightful and heartfelt atmosphere, showcasing charming and aesthetically pleasing cel animation infused with Christmas spirit, gentle humor from cartoons, and poignant messages about the holiday’s essence of love and unity. It’s hard to imagine more suitable family entertainment for a cozy winter afternoon on the 25th.
Home Alone
The fascinating thing about Christmas films as a cultural proposition is that, even at their most orthodox and crowd-pleasing, they are not directives guiding the public’s relationship to the holiday so much as reflections of it. When you stop to think about it, for instance, the story of an eight-year-old boy being threatened with violence by two grown men for 100 minutes and responding by essentially torturing them in various ways wouldn’t necessarily seem all that Christmas-y on paper. And yet, we have 1990’s “Home Alone,” the classic Christmas slapstick comedy to end them all, and nobody is weirded out by its status as mandatory December viewing. But why would anyone be? It’s always been there, as Christmas as milk and cookies.
The timeless appeal of “Home Alone” lies in its side-splitting humor and unforgettable scenes, showcasing Macaulay Culkin in one of the most captivating child performances in cinema. Directed by Chris Columbus, a specialist in family-friendly films, “Home Alone” narrates the tale of Kevin McCallister (Culkin), a boy from Chicago suburbs who is left behind when his family goes to Paris for Christmas vacation. Caught between enjoying his newfound freedom and feeling vulnerable, Kevin takes on a battle against two burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) who intend to rob the McCallister residence. A series of intricate physical comedies unfold, all culminating in a lighthearted yet affectionate and ultimately family-oriented perspective on Christmas.
While You Were Sleeping
1995’s “While You Were Sleeping,” featuring Sandra Bullock, was an extraordinary box office hit and remains one of her most memorable romantic comedy performances. This film might be considered the pinnacle of Bullock’s reign as a romcom queen, with its intricate plot hinging almost entirely on Bullock’s immense charm and charisma. The storyline revolves around a unique premise where an entire family unexpectedly falls in love with her character within just a few days. Given Bullock’s ability to captivate the audience so quickly—she wins our hearts as Lucy Eleanor Moderatz within five minutes—the emotional journey feels utterly convincing. You could say it’s a magical touch that perfectly suits a Christmas-themed romance.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas
1993’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” directed by Henry Selick (not Tim Burton, although he was involved in its creation), was a daring bet that paid off. With unwavering faith in itself, it managed to captivate audiences and make them believe in it too. This visually stunning, jaw-dropping masterpiece was the first significant breakthrough for stop-motion animation in the U.S. feature film industry and is often credited with propelling the medium to new heights. Additionally, this innovative film introduced the idea of a dark and Gothic Christmas aesthetic, which wasn’t popularized until later.
Couldn’t this unique blend of Halloween and Christmas not impact you in some way? The movie “Nightmare Before Christmas,” set in Halloween Town, depicts Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon, with Danny Elfman providing the singing), who has grown tired of Halloween, leading his townsfolk to take over Christmas. By cleverly avoiding labeling it as either a Halloween or Christmas movie, “Nightmare” examines the joy, meaning, and shared elements of both celebrations. It offers a spooky animated fantasy that manages to serve up all the heartwarming Christmas feelings while still being tinged with horror.
Noelle
Among the lesser-known yet hilarious Christmas comedies produced recently, the Disney+ original film “Noelle” offers a delightful and relaxing holiday watch experience, largely relying on the charm of familiar storylines and the sparkle of its talented cast. However, with stars as witty, skillful, and dedicated as Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader taking on the leading roles, it’s more than sufficient. This film may not offer anything groundbreaking beyond what you might anticipate from its plot and “slightly snarky yet still Disney” presentation, but sometimes a predictable and comfortable Christmas movie is exactly what you need for a cozy night in during the holiday season.
The story of “Noelle” revolves around the conventional Christmas legend where Santa Claus, along with Mrs. Claus, operates from the North Pole, readying for the annual distribution of gifts. However, this time, there’s a surprise: Kris Kringle, the last Santa Claus, has just passed away, and his son Nick (Hader), who is reluctant to assume the role of Santa Claus, inherits the red coat. As Christmas approaches, Nick becomes frightened and runs away from the North Pole. His younger and more capable sister, Noelle (Kendrick), embarks on a journey to Phoenix, Arizona, in pursuit of Nick, aiming to persuade him to fulfill his familial obligation.
Just as you’d guess, things don’t always follow a script, but Kendrick and Hader brilliantly portray their characters’ touching journeys of self-awareness; the jokes about holiday administrative hassles are quite amusing; and Shirley MacLaine shines as an elderly elf caregiver. What more could you ask for?
Iron Man 3
Many Marvel movies seem to reflect the styles of their respective directors. “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” showcases Sam Raimi’s intense horror elements, while “Thor: Ragnarok” embodies Taika Waititi’s quirky humor. Chloé Zhao brought a unique perspective to “Eternals,” and “Iron Man 3” is essentially a Shane Black action-comedy featuring the armored Avenger. Shane Black, a longtime collaborator of Robert Downey Jr., fits Iron Man/Tony Stark’s character perfectly as both men share a love for clever tricks and amusing one-liners.
Similar to several action-comedy films directed by Shane Black, “Iron Man 3” carries a deep, heartfelt undertone beneath its witty banter and intense violence. This sentiment is expressed through the film’s Christmas atmosphere. As Tony Stark collaborates with a boy named Harley Keener from Tennessee (played by Ty Simpkins) to confront The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), the story unfolds during the winter season, with action sequences taking place amidst festive decorations and explicitly exploring themes of family, unity, and belonging. This is particularly noticeable in Stark’s developing friendship with Harley, which prompts him to ponder his role in the world and the connections that tether him to it. Black intentionally set the film during Christmas to instill a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among the large cast, a choice that makes “Iron Man 3” one of the most emotionally resonant Marvel films.
One Magic Christmas
Contrary to what the title and poster of the 1985 Walt Disney Pictures film “One Magic Christmas” might suggest, this isn’t your typical cheerful, heartwarming Christmas tale. Instead, it stands as one of the most somber, melancholic films ever produced under the Disney label, and it holds a similarly bleak position within the broader landscape of Christmas cinema. If you’re seeking a light, comforting Christmas movie, this isn’t the one for you. However, if you’re open to an alternative holiday viewing experience, “One Magic Christmas” is still a captivating and worthwhile choice for those who appreciate a change in pace.
In a heartwarming tale, Mary Steenburgen portrays Ginny Grainger, a devoted wife and mother wrestling with economic hardship while trying to hold her family together. To bring some holiday cheer, Saint Nicholas (played by Jan Rubeš) dispatches Gideon (Harry Dean Stanton), a guardian angel, to assist Ginny during this challenging time. Beneath her stoic exterior, Ginny is battling profound sorrow and an unmet sense of purpose, which, combined with the pressure of her family’s circumstances, threatens to push her over the edge into despair.
The movie vividly portrays Ginny’s struggles and yet manages to guide her towards hope, gratitude, and the enchantment of Christmas. This is an audacious, peculiar tonal risk for a Disney family film, distinguishing itself from other productions by the studio. However, Steenburgen and Stanton manage to pull it off beautifully.
The Santa Clause
In the ’90s, there were many films that combined traditional fantasy themes with the monotony of everyday life, and “The Santa Clause” is one of the most memorable instances of this trend. This full-length movie showcases Tim Allen’s knack for handling even the most far-fetched comedy scenarios with ease, as it tells the story of a seemingly ordinary suburban dad who, in reality, transforms into Santa Claus. The writers Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, along with director John Pasquin, carefully craft this transformation, ensuring that they make the most of every comedic opportunity throughout the process.
In a unique twist, Allen’s character, Scott Calvin, is a marketing director for a toy company and a divorced father who spends Christmas Eve with his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Strange sounds from the roof turn out to be none other than Santa Claus himself, who falls off the roof after an accident caused by Scott. In response to Charlie’s wishes, Scott takes on Santa’s suit and is transported by reindeer to deliver presents worldwide. It is later revealed that Scott has unknowingly activated a provision that requires him to assume the role of the new Santa. Over the ensuing year, he undergoes both physical and emotional transformations, initially resisting but eventually accepting his new duty. Many Christmas films play with holiday traditions, but few explore the nature of Santa as deeply as this film does. This is why “The Santa Clause” has endured from a ’90s standalone to a beloved trilogy.
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
The concept of a Winnie the Pooh Christmas film is so perfect that it’s not much of a surprise that it’s been done several times: First, in 1993, with “Seasons of Giving,” a direct-to-video release including a special and two episodes of “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh;” then, in 2002, with “A Very Merry Pooh Year;” and then again in 2007 with “Super Sleuth Christmas Movie,” based on the Playhouse Disney show “My Friends Tigger & Pooh.” Out of all these, “A Very Merry Pooh Year” is easily the most memorable. It’s the absolute right movie to put on if you want to celebrate the holidays in the Hundred Acre Wood.
As a gamer, I can’t wait to dive into “A Very Merry Pooh Year”! This fantastic collection brings together the 1991 Emmy-nominated TV special, “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too,” along with a brand-new adventure. In the classic tale, presented as a narrative shared by Rabbit (Ken Sansom) within the new story, we follow the quest to retrieve a letter to Santa Claus that was inadvertently sent without Pooh’s (Jim Cummings) wish list. Meanwhile, in the heartwarming new chapter, the charming residents of the Hundred Acre Wood are busy getting ready for New Year’s festivities!
This heartwarming, magical, and playful film captures the essence of a Winnie the Pooh story perfectly. It stands out as a unique holiday movie that can be enjoyed not just during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but truly any time of the year. Spending 65 minutes with this charming group would always be a delight.
Miracle on 34th Street
In 1994, director Les Mayfield chose to reimagine George Seaton’s 1947 Christmas classic “Miracle on 34th Street” for a modern audience. By updating the script and giving it a more contemporary realism, complete with nuances that only adults would appreciate, and delving into the complexities of religious faith, Mayfield aimed to make the film relevant for its time while also highlighting its original message of faith through contrast with a more skeptical world. Today, both movies are like remnants from past eras, yet they remain compelling viewing and can be found on Disney+. The remake might be easier for kids unfamiliar with the distinct pacing of classic Hollywood to follow.
Similar to the original film, Mayfield’s “Miracle on 34th Street” revolves around a jovial elderly gentleman (Richard Attenborough) who is recruited by a skeptical event organizer (Elizabeth Perkins) to portray Santa Claus in a store. He maintains that he is the genuine Santa Claus and manages to win over the belief of the organizer’s daughter (Mara Wilson, a former child actress known for her outspokenness about Hollywood). The story culminates in a court case where the man tries to prove his authenticity as Santa. It’s incredibly heartfelt and hard to resist, a Christmas train of spirit that plows through disbelief until it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the enchantment. Definitely watch it on Christmas if you haven’t; even better, compare the two versions.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “The Muppet Christmas Carol” stands out as an exceptional contender for the best Christmas movie ever made. Lucky for us fans, it’s now available on Disney+. This heartwarming adaptation features the talented Michael Caine portraying Ebenezer Scrooge, while the rest of the captivating cast is predominantly Muppets. The film beautifully encapsulates the essence of Charles Dickens’ novella with incredible accuracy, from the melancholic existence of Scrooge to the spine-tingling terror of the Ghosts of Christmas, which, I must add, are truly terrifying even for Muppet standards. Beneath its delightful surface lies a profound critique of capitalism that adds depth and meaning to the story. To top it all off, Kermit takes on the role of Bob Cratchit, making this already fantastic “A Christmas Carol” adaptation even more special.
To put it simply, one of the enchanting aspects of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is watching intricate puppetry techniques seamlessly presented, making it appear as if the Muppets are real actors like Caine. The skillful and awe-inspiring performances by the Muppets have always been instrumental in high-budget films, and “The Muppet Christmas Carol” might be its most authentic representation – a movie that makes you believe and feel emotionally connected to an old man transforming with help from talking cloth creatures. This magical quality mirrors Dickens’ message of love blooming from previously barren grounds, and let’s not forget Miss Piggy’s exceptional portrayal as Emily.
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2024-11-20 22:31