Movies like The Story of Christmas (1994)
The best movies like The Story of Christmas (1994) are The Small One (1978), Light of the World (2025) and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020). If The Story of Christmas hooked you with its animation and family, 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
- NewestWhere Ever You Are (2026)Released 2026
- In FrenchEleanor's Secret (2009)Also in French
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 & family
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 & family
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (2000)
Based on the popular book by L. Frank Baum, the beloved author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, comes the incredible story of The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus. Many centuries ago, long before toys had even been invented, a baby abandoned at the edge of an enchanted forest was adopted and raised by a beautiful wood nymph, thus beginning the life story of Santa Claus. From his first truly magical childhood through the discovery of his life's work of making children happy, discover the origin of every tradition surrounding Santa Claus, from toys, stockings and lighted trees to reindeer and sleigh. Journey back to a time of magic and wonder, and experience this heartwarming tale that will bring joy each holiday season.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies 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 & family
Worth the HypeMovies 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 & family
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 & family
SnoozefestMovies 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 & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Miracle Maker (2000)
A mother and father in search of help for their sick daughter cross paths with an extraordinary carpenter named Jesus, who has devoted his life to spreading God's word. An amazing miracle brings to light the true meaning of Christ, and the sacrifices he endured for the deliverance of mankind. A compelling story of faith, trust, and devotion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIt's a SpongeBob Christmas! (2012)
At Christmastime in Bikini Bottom, everyone's excited except Plankton, who always gets a lump of coal from Santa. But he vows this year he'll finally get his wish – the Krabby Patty formula! And it won't be by being good. He's gonna make everyone in Bikini Bottom bad!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEleanor's Secret (2009)
Natanaël, seven, still doesn't know how to read. His eccentric old aunt bequeaths her house to his parents and her book collection to the young boy. Nat discovers that the books serve as a shelter for all the heroes found in children's literature. They are the original characters and are counting on him for protection. For if they leave the library, they will disappear along with their stories forever! When his parents start selling off the books, Nathanaël, who is shrunk by the evil witch Carabosse, braves everything to save his tiny friends
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLittle Nicholas: Happy as Can Be (2022)
Somewhere between Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Jean-Jacques Sempé and René Goscinny lean over a large white sheet of paper and bring to life a mischievous and endearing boy, Little Nicolas. From schoolyard games and fights to summer camp pranks and camaraderie, Nicolas lives a merry and enriching childhood – and brings friendship and newfound life to his creators, too.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Nutcracker Prince (1990)
After young Clara receives a wooden nutcracker as a Christmas gift, she dreams about a fantastical battle between her Nutcracker Prince and the evil Mouse King. At stake is the Nutcracker's freedom - and Clara's future happiness.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPloey: You Never Fly Alone (2018)
A plover chick has not learned to fly when his family migrates in the fall. He must survive the arctic winter, vicious enemies and himself in order to be reunited with his beloved one next spring.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Trash Truck Christmas (2020)
When Santa crash-lands in the junkyard on Christmas Eve, Hank, Trash Truck and their animal friends all have a hand in rescuing the holiday for everyone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Magic Snowflake (2013)
A young boy named Nicholas is about to become the next Santa Claus, but must first avoid a crisis that's threatening the magic of Christmas before he can succeed in his new role.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & 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 & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWinnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966)
Christopher Robin's bear attempts to raid a beehive in a tall tree.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Star (2017)
A small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the greatest story ever told: the first Christmas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJourney to Bethlehem (2023)
A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Ten Commandments (2007)
This vibrantly animated feature recounts the biblical epic of the Hebrew prophet Moses and the Ten Commandments. Led by the word of God, Moses challenges the ominous Egyptian pharaoh, performs miracles and guides the chosen people on a 40-year journey through the desert to free them from captivity and lead them to the Promised Land.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisVeggieTales: Sweetpea Beauty (2010)
Once upon a time, there lived a royally sour blueberry, a fair rhubarb maiden and a dastardly deceptive mirror! Sweetpea Beauty knows that what's on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can't see past her own reflection! So, when a decree is handed down that only the most beautiful can rule the land, the Queen gets nervous and things turn ugly! Banished to the dark forest, Sweetpea's fate seems bleak until a charming prince, a band of merry minstrels and seven snow peas come to the rescue! Will Sweetpea and her friends be able to warn the Queen in time to save her from the clutches of the tricky mirror - or will the crumbling kingdom and the Queen's own heart be lost forever? Find out in this fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Isolated in the bell tower of Notre Dame, Quasimodo longs to experience the world beyond the cathedral walls, despite the wishes of his stern guardian, the Judge of Paris Claude Frollo. His first venture into the city leads him to Esmeralda, a fearless Romani woman whose defiance of Frollo's tyranny draws her—and Quasimodo—into his dangerous obsession.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisVeggieTales: Where's God When I'm S-Scared? (1993)
Whether it's a giant Frankencelery from a scary movie or a hungry den of lions from Ancient Babylon, Junior Asparagus learns we can trust God with all of our fears and that He really is "bigger than the boogey-man!"
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry (2008)
The lives of twelve year old buddies Dustin, Albert, and Mark, sharing a carefree existence in the summer of 1970, suddenly changes when Dustin makes an unexpected friend after cutting the lawn of 75 year old Jonathan Sperry. As the old man shares lessons in faith with the preteen trio, a spiritual transformation occurs.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
The Youngest Evangelist (2021)
Based on a True Story, we journey back to 1980 to see John King, a 10yr old African American boy, see his mother experience the Joy of Salvation, after witnessing her endure domestic violence, to then desire and experience Salvation deeply for himself. He then begins a hard journey and increases in his love for God, which results in him answering the call to Evangelism. See him in his everyday life, at home, school, church, and play, as he learns the importance of being obedient and respecting his parents, teachers, and elders by facing the consequences of his actions. The underline story is a true return to core parenting by introducing our youth to the Lord at a young age. Other short cross sub-stories involve using wisdom dealing with a dreaded disease, the lack of respect for our public school educators, and the irreplaceable benefits of continuing to offer music/band programs in schools.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Where Ever You Are (2026)
After living in Denmark for 38 years, Francisco has decided to move back to his homeland, the Philippines—a country he feels he has never really left. So, on a cold winter evening, he meets with his daughter, who was born and raised in Denmark, to tell her that he plans to leave just a few days later.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Priests (2012)
A deep and unconventional friendship is formed between two, somewhat homophobic, priests serving the same church.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Seja O Que Deus Quiser (2023)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Legend of Crystania: The Motion Picture (1995)
Ashram, desperate to find a home for his people, is tricked into selling his soul. 300 years later, Pirotesse's devotion to her king remains unshaken. In the sacred world of Crystania, amidst a civil war waged by shape-changing warriors, she searches for her beloved Ashram. She meets Redon, a young prince obsessed with avenging his murdered parents. Together, they confront Ashram's captor Barbas.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like The Story of Christmas and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Story of Christmas?
The closest matches to The Story of Christmas are The Small One (1978), Light of the World (2025) and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Story of Christmas?
Start with The Small One (1978), the closest match to The Story of Christmas.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Story of Christmas?
The King of Kings (2025), rated 8.3/10 by 220 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Story of Christmas?
Where Ever You Are (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there French movies like The Story of Christmas?
Yes: Eleanor's Secret (2009), Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be (2022) and The Magic Snowflake (2013).
How are movies similar to The Story of Christmas chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Story of Christmas, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.