‘Tis the season to curl up at home with some hot cocoa and good movies! No matter which streaming service you prefer, we’ve got the perfect recommendation for you.
The Muppets Christmas Carol (Disney+)
We’re starting this list off with a classic: a retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring Muppets like Kermit and Miss Piggy, alongside screen legend Michael Caine as Ebeneezer Scrooge. First released in 1992, the film was remastered and made available on Disney+ in 2019, to the delight of many fans worldwide.
It’s hard to put a fresh spin on a story that’s nearly two centuries old, but the Muppets pull it off with their signature zany humor and catchy songs. Check it out and see why it’s been dubbed one of the best adaptations of A Christmas Carol ever made.
Klaus (Netflix)
Netflix is known for being home to many beautiful animated features with unique styles, from recent series like Arcane to the breakout hit Love, Death & Robots. One lesser-known but no less ambitious film on the platform is Klaus, a 2D animated movie that meticulously recreates the look of 3D animation while still keeping a hand-drawn charm to its character designs and backgrounds.
Of course, Klaus isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s also a funny, heartwarming buddy-comedy about two unlikely friends who come together to create the Santa Claus myth that we all know and love today. If you love all things animation, this one’s definitely worth a watch.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas/The Grinch (Amazon)
Based on the Dr Seuss book of the same name, How The Grinch Stole Christmas introduced the grumpy, Christmas-hating green monster to a whole new audience when it released nearly twenty years ago. It also gave us one of Jim Carrey’s most career-defining performances, bringing the Grinch to life with iconic gestures and practical effects that have aged surprisingly well.
But if you’re looking for a more modern take on the story, 2018’s The Grinch is a 3D animated film from the creators of Horton Hears a Who and The Lorax, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role. Watch them both and let us know which version you prefer!
Jingle Jangle (Netflix)
Seen all the classics and want something new to watch this holiday season? Jingle Jangle is a recent addition to Netflix’s Christmas movie lineup, releasing in 2020 to positive reviews for its diverse cast and lighthearted but charming storyline.
Jingle Jangle tells the story of Jeronicus Jangle, a toymaker who loses his passion for making toys after his inventions are stolen by his apprentice. Years later, he’s unexpectedly visited by his granddaughter Journey, an equally talented young inventor who gets him caught up in a magical Christmas adventure. Can she inspire him to create again? Find out by watching the film!
BONUS: The Star Wars Holiday Special
Unfortunately, the Holiday Special isn’t available on any major streaming platforms, so you’ll have to put in some extra work to track down a copy of this film.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Let us know in the comments!
