Five festive animated films to watch this December
By MetStudios
12 December 2025
The festive season is here, and there’s something about a cosy evening that makes watching an animated film feel just right.
We’ve put together five seasonal film recommendations to help you get into the festive spirit. Grab a blanket, a warm drink, and enjoy some of our favourite animated films for this time of year.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Tim Burton story brought to life by director Henry Selick, known for James and the Giant Peach and Coraline. The film follows Halloween’s Jack Skellington as he discovers Christmas, blending Burton’s signature mix of dark and whimsical using 100% stop-motion animation.
Why it’s our pick:
It perfectly balances spooky and sweet, with unforgettable characters, clever storytelling, and stunning stop-motion animation that still wows decades later. Danny Elfman’s iconic music adds extra magic to Jack Skellington’s adventures, capturing the spirit of both Halloween and Christmas and making it a timeless classic for all ages.
Klaus (2019)
Klaus is a beautifully hand-drawn animated film directed by Sergio Pablos. It tells the story of a reluctant postman who teams up with a reclusive toymaker to bring joy to a snowy, divided town. While fully 2D, the film uses innovative lighting and shading techniques to give the animation a rich, almost 3D depth and texture, making it a visual standout this festive season.
Why it’s our pick:
Klaus is heartwarming and full of charm, offering a fresh take on the origin of Santa Claus. Its unique animation, clever storytelling, and uplifting message make it a must-watch for anyone looking for something magical and different this festive season.
That Christmas (2024)
That Christmas weaves together a handful of sweet, funny stories set in the snowy town of Wellington-on-Sea, where a sudden blizzard sends everyone’s festive plans into chaos. The 3DCG animated feature is based on the children’s book trilogy by Richard Curtis.
Why it’s our pick:
Marielle Reuser, our BA Animation Course Leader at MetStudios London, shared what makes That Christmas stand out:
“That Christmas is a warm, funny animation that captures the messy moments that make the holidays feel real. The characters feel true to life as they navigate climate change and mental health in thoughtful ways. This film is full of small details, humour, and charm.”
Directed by Simon Otto, who previously served as Head of Character Animation on the much-loved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy at DreamWorks. The film is brought to life by Locksmith Animation, something that makes it especially special for us at MetStudios.
“We’re especially excited about That Christmas because we’re working with Locksmith Animation on a brief with our students, giving them a chance to learn directly from staff who worked on the film. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get insight into real industry practice while exploring the storytelling and craft behind films like this.”
Curious about our BA (Hons) Animation degree? Click here to explore the course.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
This anime classic follows three friends living on the streets of modern-day Tokyo who discover a baby girl on Christmas Eve, sparking a heartwarming adventure. Directed by Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue), this film blends detailed, realistic cityscapes with expressive animation, creating a visually stunning and emotionally rich story.
Why it’s our pick: Tokyo Godfathers combines emotional depth with stunning animation. Its vibrant, expressive visuals and compelling storytelling make it a standout festive anime classic that’s both touching and unforgettable.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
This beloved Dr. Seuss’ TV special follows the Grinch, who tries to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville, only to discover its true meaning in the process. Directed by Chuck Jones, best known for his work with Warner Bros. Cartoons, it paved the way for the many Grinch adaptations that followed.
Why it’s our pick:
As the very first animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a timeless festive favourite. Lovers of animation will enjoy its charming hand-drawn style, unforgettable characters, and heartwarming story that brings humour, joy, and festive spirit to viewers of all ages.
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