Netflix Christmas Movies #ChristmasMovies Favorite #RomComs – #Animation

 

Introduction

Oh groan, thousands of Christmas videos and movies, from every genre, mysteries to musicals, live actors to animations.

How to choose?

Well, you’re in luck as I’ve consulted lists, viewed and suffered through a few, and compiled a list of four of the more recent releases. Since my major streaming service is Netflix, I checked out the following, but they have many additional suggestions as well.

Of course, you can always resort to a few of the old favorites and many of those, mine as well, include the classic A Christmas Story. You can’t beat that epic line, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” or forget that horrible leg lamp. I tend to avoid romance or sappy stuff, which might eliminate Christmas movies entirely unless you get serious in your search and share.

NETFLIX MOVIES

The Star – November 17, 2017 – Sony Pictures Animation

This is a delightful animation featuring the voices of Steven Yeun as Bo the donkey and Gina Rodriguez as Mary using modern speech and snappy patter. Also included are voices you may recognize, such as Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. You’ll also enjoy carols by well-known singers such as Mariah Carey. The graphics of the animal-focused adventure capture anthropomorphic expressions and build engagement.

This is an animation adults will enjoy, and I think would work fine as a family-friendly movie and one I’m happy to recommend.

A California Christmas – December 14, 2020

Married collaborators Lauren and Josh Swickard produced the movie, which was written by Lauren, garnering a 52% Rotten Tomatoes.

And, groan, yes, a romance. (sorry)

What can I say? It’s predictable, sappy, and slightly (or supposed to be) rated above a Hallmark Christmas movie. So many creative liberties you are supposed to overlook or ignore, but they added up for me. Sorry, but the Bay area isn’t short-sleeve weather in the wine country in winter. Looking beyond disbelief, however, the characters are varied and interesting. I do get tired of the rich partner paired with a desperate one, but the storyline is entertaining.

If you loved this one, there’s a sequel, A California Christmas-City Lights. I did not view that one, having had enough with the first, but this might just be your cup of tea.

A Boy Called Christmas – November 18, 2021 (Germany)

Another animation featuring a mouse and a boy called Christmas who sets out in search of his father. His father was trying to find HOPE, and  Christmas left on a quest to discover the snowbound village of the elves, Elfhelm. Along the way, he confronts a number of obstacles, including a reindeer called Blitzen. He takes with him his pet mouse, Nikolas. (Funny that a mouse shows up in The Star as well.)

Voices of Kristin Wiig (who does an outstanding job) and Maggie Smith who appears as Aunt Ruth are featured. The animation is visually appealing with beautiful landscapes and special effects. The moral of the story stands out for a family-friendly movie, although there are some darker aspects that may not be appropriate for very young impressionable children. Recommended for 4+.

This movie was produced from a book by the same name, penned by Matt Haig in October 16, 2018 and published by Yearling. Highly rated and noted as a fantasy for children. Visit him at matthaig.com and follow @matthaig1 on Twitter.

Meet Me at the Christmas Train Parade – Nov 24, 2023 (Canada) Nov 15, 2025 (US)

Yeah, it’s another RomCom. I went looking for Christmas movies that did not include romance. There are a few. This isn’t one of them. Don’t ask me why, but this one appears to be popular, starring Emma Johnson and Ryan Northcott. I thought the best thing about it was the train. It was magnificent. I can’t fault the gorgeous scenery either, filmed in Alberta, Canada, beautiful snowy mountain views under blue sky, pine boughs bent under the weight of heavy melting snow.

The storyline is predictable; however, the actors are okay (except the boy–annoying), the characters barely engaging. The plot could be interesting but this one missed the execution other than to watch the train chug through the scenery. With so many other movies out there—I’d keep looking.

CONCLUSION

Just these few took some considerable effort. I hope you have some additional suggestions for me. I refuse to watch Home Alone, Miracle on 34^th Street, or It’s a Wonderful Life. Should I resort to Die Hard? (again) In the meantime, I’ll enjoy your reviews of Christmas-time books.

©2025 V Williams