It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With Christmas around the corner, many of us are already feeling festive and in search of ways to get into the spirit. What better way to do so than by watching a reindeer movie?
From classic films like Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to newer favorites like Fred Claus, there are plenty of reindeer movies out there that will bring you Christmas cheer.
Reindeer Movies
Movies featuring reindeer often revolve around themes associated with the Christmas season, fantasy, and adventure. Here are some common themes found in reindeer movies:
1. Christmas Spirit and Magic: Reindeer are closely associated with Christmas, particularly because of their role in pulling Santa Claus’s sleigh.
Movies featuring reindeer often emphasize the magic and spirit of Christmas, showcasing the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
2. Friendship and Teamwork: In many stories, especially those involving Santa’s reindeer, themes of friendship and teamwork are prevalent.
The bond between Santa and his reindeer team, including Rudolph, often highlights the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Stories like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” often involve characters facing challenges or being different from others.
The narrative typically centers around overcoming obstacles, embracing uniqueness, and demonstrating that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
4. Adventure and Exploration: Some reindeer movies venture into fantastical worlds or take characters on adventurous journeys.
These films may explore the North Pole, magical realms, or the challenges of delivering presents around the world in a single night.
5. Seasonal Joy and Festivities: Reindeer movies often capture the festive atmosphere of Christmas, featuring snowy landscapes, decorated trees, and cheerful celebrations.
They aim to evoke a sense of seasonal joy and warmth.
6. Lessons of Generosity and Giving: Christmas is a time associated with generosity and giving, and reindeer movies often incorporate these themes.
Characters may learn the importance of kindness, generosity, and spreading joy to others.
Whether it’s the classic tale of Rudolph or other reindeer-centric films, these themes contribute to the heartwarming and magical nature of Christmas movies featuring these iconic creatures.
Here are our favorite reindeer movies:
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Josh Hutcherson, Samantha Bee, Morena Baccarin (Actors)
Elliot the Littlest Reindeer
When Blitzen suddenly retires, a miniature horse determined to join Santa’s reindeer team faces fierce competition in the North Pole tryouts. | Stream on Redbox
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Sam Elliott, Abe Vigoda, Ariana Richards (Actors)
Prancer
Nine-year-old Jessica finds a wounded reindeer in the snowy woods.
Believing it is the real Prancer, she works to nurse it to health so she can ‘return it to Santa.’ Her effort brings about wonderful changes in her father (Sam Elliott), their unusual neighbor (Cloris Leachman), a crotchety veterinarian (Abe Vigoda), a department store Santa (Michael Constantine), and the people of the town.
A Boy Called Christmas
An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny. | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Whoopi Goldberg, Brenda Blethyn (Actors)
Blizzard
An enchanting tale of Katie and her magical friendship with Blizzard, one of Santa’s newest reindeer. Blizzard uses her special powers to help Katie realize her own inner, strength and potential. By doing so Blizzard risks being banished from Santa’s village — only the most powerful gift of the call can save them.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kari Heitalahti, Elina Knihtila, Juha Veljonen (Actors)
Little Brother, Big Trouble: A Christmas Adventure
On Christmas Eve, Niko the young reindeer must find his little brother who has gone missing and save Christmas for his family.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Larry D. Mann, Billie Mae Richards (Actors)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Have a holly jolly Christmas with the most famous reindeer of all in the original holiday special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
- Where to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Donald Sutherland (Actor)
A Reindeer’s Journey
Meet Ailo, a newborn reindeer who embarks on an incredible odyssey with the help of his mother. Narrated by Donald Southerland and set against the frozen majesty of northern Finland, their journey is an uplifting story for the whole family.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Emma Roberts, Norm Macdonald, Olli Jantunen (Actors)
The Flight Before Christmas
A flying squirrel shows a youthful reindeer who suffers from vertigo how to soar into the sky. The reindeer heads to the North pole to save Santa and his reindeer.
Here are your options for a reindeer movie on Netflix:
Trash Truck Christmas
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.
Six-year-old Hank and his best pal, a giant trash truck, go on lots of adventures, from learning how to fly to going to the movies.| Stream on Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles
Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it’s too late | Stream on Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles 2
Unhappy over her mom’s new relationship, a now-teenage Kate runs away and lands at the North Pole, where a naughty elf is plotting to cancel Christmas. Kate Pierce, now a cynical teen, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus.| Stream on Netflix
Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue
Determined to help Santa get ready for his merry rounds of gift-giving, a team of special elves wrangles in more reindeer and much-needed holiday magic. | Stream Netflix Elf (on the Shelf ) Reindeer Rescue
You can also download Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue (2020)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Nell Carter, Lacey Chabert, John Forsythe (Actors)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
A curious little reindeer sets out to answer an important question; where did Christmas carols come from?
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Elmo Shropshire, Michele Lee, Sue Blu (Actors)
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this is a wild and wacky episode that will knock you off your feet. | Stream on The CW
Reindeer in Here
Start a new holiday tradition and celebrate what makes each child unique with this giftable boxed set that comes with a timeless picture book and a lovable, huggable plush. | Stream
CBS Holiday Collection (Episode 1) – Robbie The Reindeer: Hooves of Fire/Legend of the Lost Tribe
In the animated special, Robbie will be training to compete in the reindeer races to become a part of Santa’s sleigh team. | Stream
Movies where reindeer make an appearance
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Weisz (Actors)
Fred Claus
A hilarious and heartwarming comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti about Santa’s brother, and complete opposite, Fred Claus.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Tom Hanks, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari (Actors)
Polar Express
A doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
David and the Elves
Young David is sad because his parents have moved to a big city and forgotten the meaning of Christmas. He meets an elf, Albert, and together they embark on a journey to the Tatra mountains in search of David’s grandparents. | Stream on Netflix
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