Movies Like The Trolls and the Christmas Express

If you liked The Trolls and the Christmas Express (1981), a family and animation movie directed by John R. Gaug, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
★ 7.4/10Also animation and family
Sam the snowman tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his glowing nose, teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius…
2
Trolls Holiday (2017)
★ 6.7/10Also animation and family
When the eternally optimistic Poppy, queen of the Trolls, learns that the Bergens no longer have any holidays on their calendar, she enlists the help of Branch and the rest of the gang on a delightfully quirky mission…
3
Arthur Christmas (2011)
★ 6.8/10Also animation and family
For hundreds of years, the Claus family has delegated the title "Santa" to a chosen few of its members, which can be passed down upon retirement. Each Christmas, Santa and his vast army of highly trained elves produce…
4
The Polar Express (2004)
★ 6.7/10Also animation and family
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.
5
The Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus (2022)
★ 6.7/10Also animation and family
Christmas Eve takes a twisty turn when the Boss Baby accidentally swaps places with one of Santa's elves and gets stranded at the North Pole.
6
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
★ 7.2/10Also animation and family
Feeling forgotten by the children of the world, old St. Nick decides to skip his gift-giving journey and take a vacation. Mrs. Claus and two spunky little elves, Jingle and Jangle, set out to see to where all the…
7
That Christmas (2024)
★ 7.2/10Also animation and family
It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's.
8
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
★ 7.9/10Also animation and family
Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts…
9
The Naughty Nine (2023)
★ 6.3/10Also family and tv movie
Fifth-grader Andy finds himself without a present from Santa on Christmas morning. Realizing he must have landed on the “naughty list” and feeling unfairly maligned, Andy pulls together a team of eight other…
10
Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)
★ 6.4/10Also animation and family
Rudolph must find Happy, the baby new year, before the midnight of New Year's Eve.
11
Stick Man (2015)
★ 6.8/10Also animation and family
Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three, and he's heading on an epic adventure across the seasons. Will he get back to his family in time for Christmas?
12
Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)
★ 6.5/10Also animation and family
Olaf is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.
13
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)
★ 6.5/10Also animation and family
When Sid accidentally destroys Manny's heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa's naughty list, he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right and ends up making things much worse. Now it's up to…
14
Northpole (2014)
★ 6/10Also tv movie and family
Northpole, the magical city where Santa and his elves live and work is in trouble. Families around the globe have gotten too busy to enjoy the season together, and Northpole depends on their holiday happiness to keep…
15
Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas (2019)
★ 6.8/10Also animation and family
Lucky and her friends venture into town on Christmas Eve in an attempt to fulfill their holiday plans. But when distractions lead to delays, they must figure out how to get home in time for Christmas in the middle of a…
16
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
★ 7.2/10Also animation and family
A postman, S.D. Kluger, decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a baby named Kris who is raised by a family of elf toymakers named Kringle. When Kris grows up, he wants…
17
Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight! (2015)
★ 6/10Also animation and family
The holiday season gets extra chilly as Loki and the frost giant Ymir plot to conquer the world. Marvel heroes Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and others must stop the villains from stealing Santa's power – if…
18
The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)
★ 6.7/10Also animation and family
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.
19
Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)
★ 7/10Also animation and family
Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and all his Disney pals star in an original movie about the importance of opening your heart to the true spirit of Christmas. Stubborn old Donald tries in vain to resist the joys of the…
20
Annabelle's Wish (1997)
★ 6.6/10Also family and animation
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…