Movies like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas (2012)
The best movies like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas (2012) are The Small One (1978), Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021) and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011). If The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe King of Kings (2025)8.3/10 from 220 votes
- NewestA Butler's Job (2026)Released 2026
The Small One (1978)
Ordered by his father to sell an old mule called Small One, a Hebrew boy in the ancient Holy Land takes the donkey to the Jerusalem market. Finding no buyers there, the boy is about to give up when he meets a kind man named Joseph, who buys Small One and uses the steed to take his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
Shaun's seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the flock inadvertently leads to Timmy going missing. Can Shaun get Timmy back before he becomes someone else’s present?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)
When Grouchy Smurf behaves badly to everyone and refuses to celebrate Christmas, the Smurfs of Christmas Past, Present and Future teach him to appreciate Christmas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like this10 Lives (2024)
A pampered cat takes for granted the lucky hand he has been dealt after he is rescued and loved by Rose, a kind-hearted and passionate student. When he loses his ninth life, fate steps in to set him on a transformative journey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSong of the Sea (2014)
The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisIt's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
Charlie Brown, Linus and the entire Peanuts gang are off on a lively Easter egg hunt. They suspect they've spotted the Easter Bunny … but the trouble is, he looks a lot like a certain beagle who's near and dear to Charlie Brown's heart. Is it truly the Easter Bunny, or is it just the irrepressible Snoopy playing a trick on the kids?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHome on the Range (2004)
When a greedy outlaw schemes to take possession of the "Patch Of Heaven" dairy farm, three determined cows, a karate-kicking stallion and a colorful corral of critters join forces to save their home. The stakes are sky-high as this unlikely animal alliance risk their hides and match wits with a mysterious band of bad guys.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarnyard (2006)
Otis is a mischievous, carefree Holstein cow who lives on a farm where, unbeknownst to humans, the animals are anthropomorphic. He prefers having fun with his best friends: Pip the mouse, Freddy the ferret, Peck the rooster, and Pig the pig - rather than following strict rules and accepting responsibility. But when his adoptive father is killed in a coyote attack, he has a heavy responsibility thrust upon him to become leader of his farm home's community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (2001)
When a huge snowstorm leaves everyone stranded, Mickey and all of his guests at the House of Mouse, including Pooh, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel and many more of his old and new friends, break out the cookies and hot chocolate to help Donald mend his tattered Christmas spirit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHappy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986)
It's the night of Peppermint Patty’s New Year’s Eve bash, but Charlie Brown has to write a book report about War and Peace. Hoping to join the fun for a special dance with the Little Red-Haired Girl, he tries desperately to finish in time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOoops! Noah Is Gone... (2015)
It's the end of the world. A flood is coming. Luckily for Dave and his son Finny, a couple of clumsy Nestrians, an Ark has been built to save all animals. But as it turns out, Nestrians aren't allowed. Sneaking on board with the involuntary help of Hazel and her daughter Leah, two Grymps, they think they're safe. Until the curious kids fall off the Ark. Now Finny and Leah struggle to survive the flood and hungry predators and attempt to reach the top of a mountain, while Dave and Hazel must put aside their differences, turn the Ark around and save their kids. It's definitely not going to be smooth sailing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnnabelle's Wish (1997)
Annabelle - a calf who has a special wish for Christmas - wants to be a reindeer and help Santa Claus drive his sleigh as he delivers his presents! Annabelle's friends tell her not to get her hopes up, but to everyone's surprise, Santa does indeed meet up with Annabelle, and the calf gets to help Santa make the holiday special for one young boy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe King of Kings (2025)
Charles Dickens tells his young son Walter the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys (2001)
When the mysterious Toy Taker grabs all of Santa's toys, it looks like the children will miss out on Christmas. But everyone's favorite reindeer, Rudolph, comes to the rescue with his lovable friends: Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the grizzly prospector, the abominable snow monster Bumbles and Rudolph's very special friend Clarice. Together, they promise Santa they'll track down Toy Taker and rescue Santa's toy. Their incredible quest takes them on a wild adventure with Rudolph's red nose leading the way!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisLight of the World (2025)
It's 30 AD and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn't exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and others begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautifully animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Polar Express (2004)
When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020)
A royal relative steals a gem with the power to make things fly, the Paw Patrol takes to the skies to stop him and save Barkingburg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998)
Young Rudolph suffers a childhood accident that sees his nose turn from the publicly accepted norm of black to a glowing red colour. His parents worry about him getting teased, and indeed he does in the end. When he is beaten in the reindeer games by his rival for a doe he fancies, Rudolph runs away and moves into a cave with Slyly the Fox. However can he overcome his fear and reach his true potential?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOlive, the Other Reindeer (1999)
After mis-hearing a radio broadcast about Santa canceling his Christmas trip due to an injured reindeer, Olive the dog decides to travel to the North Pole and volunteer to be a replacement. Unfortunately, Olive must deal with an evil postman who's tired of handling all the extra Christmas mail. Will Martini the penguin be able to help Olive realize her dream?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown (2017)
When the Scooby gang visits a dude ranch, they discover that it and the nearby town have been haunted by a ghostly cowboy, Dapper Jack, who fires real fire from his fire irons. The mystery only deepens when it’s discovered that the ghost is also the long lost relative of Shaggy Rogers!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Elm-Chanted Forest (1986)
A painter falls asleep beneath a magical elm tree and awakens with magical powers that allow him to communicate with the creatures of the forest. In the limited time that he possesses these powers, he must help save the forest from the threat of the evil Cactus King.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Marmaduke (2022)
Great Dane Marmaduke epitomizes the overgrown lapdog, with an irascible streak and a penchant for mischief that is tempered with a deep sense of love and responsibility for his human family, the Winslows. The new animation is set in the world of elite dog shows, rife divas, rivalries and slapstick comedy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Very First Noel (2006)
Melchior, one of the Three Wise Men, narrates the story of his travels in search of a magnificent star pointing him to a newborn King.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire (1999)
Robbie the Reindeer arrives at the North Pole, ready to take his place as navigator on Santa's Christmas sleigh team. However, Robbie is soon plagued by doubt regarding his ability, and sets out to regain his self-respect and the admiration of his team-mates.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Pom Poko (1994)
The Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The Raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans in hilarious circumstances.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBarbie of Swan Lake (2003)
Barbie as Odette, the young daughter of a baker, follows a unicorn into the Enchanted Forest and is transformed into a swan by an evil wizard intent on defeating the Fairy Queen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Butler's Job (2026)
A devoted butler tries to save his detective master from a mysterious vampiric kidnapping.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Baja's Studio (2017)
Kohata Anime Studio is a place full of dreams where animation is made. Baja was raised in this studio by the people who create animation. Floating in a pond outside are his friends the ducks. One night, when all the people are no longer at the studio, Baja takes a peek outside and finds that his duck friends are being attacked by a cat. Will Baja be able to save his friends? A wondrous night adventure begins.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Ugly Duckling Goes On Holidays (2004)
When summer arrives, the school semester ends, and the youngest animals on the farm go to summer camp in the woods, with Mariano the rooster. There they find out all about the mysteries of nature, and share some extraordinary adventures. They discover strange mansions, enchanted forests, and mischievous goblins. It’s a summer camp that the Ugly Duckling will never forget!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon (2014)
Tom and Jerry find a dragon egg, and help the baby dragon find its mother.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
Like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas?
The closest matches to The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas are The Small One (1978), Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021) and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas?
Start with The Small One (1978), the closest match to The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas?
The King of Kings (2025), rated 8.3/10 by 220 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas?
A Butler's Job (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas?
Yes: The Small One (1978), Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021) and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011).
How are movies similar to The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.