Top 10 Christmas Movies That Should Be On Disney+
Each December, many of us curl up on the sofa in front of the fireplace to watch classic Disney movies and with Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+, set to launch in late 2019, I wanted to take a look at my top 10 movies I want to see added onto the platform for next year.
1) The Santa Clause
This is possibly one of my favourite Christmas movies of all time, which sees Tim Allen play the role of a divorced father, who unwittingly kills Santa Claus and ends up taking on the mantle of Santa Claus. I love how the movie plays on fact that Tim Allen’s character doesn’t want to be Santa and over the next year, slowly transforms into a traditional looking Santa. It’s got some daft moments and plenty of humour. Judge Reinhold also has a great role in the movie as the “step-father” who is trying to discredit the ex-husband.
2) The Christmas Carol
Disney’s animated movie starring Jim Carrey as the classic Scrooge, in this version of the classic Christmas story. There have been many remakes and modern versions of this story, but this one stands out as my favourite Disney version. I love the animation style in this movie and how it allows the movie to explore a more fun adventurous side of the story, plus show a great representation of that period.
3) The Search for Santa Paws
With many different “Paws” Christmas movies to pick from and all of them sliding into that stereotypical “straight to video” category, these are a good pick for younger children as that is the target audience. But adults will be saying “ooooooh” and “awwh” at the lovable puppies throughout the movie. If you love the “Hallmark” style holiday movies, this is perfect addition to Disney+.
4) I’ll Be Home for Christmas
While Home Improvement’s Tim Allen became Santa Claus, his Home Improvement “son”, Jonathan Thomas Taylor, had his own holiday movie. It’s full of good family situation humour as a prank gone wrong means we have a classic Christmas road trip movie that is great to just sit back on a wet cold day with your feet up. It’s might not be a “classic” must see every year, but having a movie like this on Disney+ is exactly what the service should bring, a chance to enjoy some lesser known titles.
5) Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
While I always prefer watching the original animated classic, this straight to video sequel is often overlooked at this time of the year. Continuing on the story of Belle and Beast, plus all the well known characters like Cogsworth and Lumiere. It’s a fun animated movie, that is perfect for Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+. Movies you might not necessarily want to watch over and over, but its nice to have it available when you want it.
6) Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one classic Disney animated movie featuring the fab five, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy and Mickey Mouse. With this movie being made in the 90’s, the animation style doesn’t look dated, so younger fans won’t be put off, but still having that classic Disney feel for adults. This is a movie which is perfect for Disney+, its not something you might want to watch over and over again, but for an occasional viewing every few years or something to pop on to keep children amused, it fits the bill.
7) Twas the Night
This Disney Channel original movie stars “Breaking Bad’s” & “Malcolm In The Middle’s” Bryan Cranston. The story sees the con-artists end up knocking out Santa Claus, but end up leaving the “Naughty List”, when they help save Christmas. With it being a Disney Channel original, the budget was much smaller and doesn’t have the big epic holiday feels. I only saw it myself because I found it in the Christmas movies collection on the UK’s DisneyLife streaming service. Which perfectly fits the idea of how having it on a streaming service like Disney+ is going to give it a new audience.
8) Iron Man 3
While many might not think Iron Man 3 is a traditional movie and shouldn’t be on this list, but it’s set around Christmas and features Christmas songs, decorations and presents. It’s the classic tale of good vs evil, with some inner demons effecting Tony Stark following the events of “The Avengers”. For me, this is the perfect excuse to jump into the Marvel back catalogue during the holiday season, especially in the earlier weeks in the run up to the big day.
9) Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
The debate on whether this is a Halloween or Christmas movie has been going on for years, but to me it fits in perfectly for both and is usually one of the earlier Christmas movies I end up watching. The animation is unique, especially since stop motion isn’t your standard Disney style. It’s got some great music and is a holiday season classic.
10) The Muppet Christmas Carol
I know I’ve already included a version of “A Christmas Carol” on my list, but with the Muppets involved, its almost a completely different story. It’s full of zany Muppets antics and just makes me laugh. For younger fans, this version of the classic tale is probably the best, its simple but effective as a good all around family movie.
What do you think of my choices? What movies do you want to see on Disney+ next year?