Movies
Netflix Kids & Family: Holiday Animation Extravaganza
2024-11-21
This holiday season, Netflix Kids & Family is truly a treasure trove of cozy home viewing options. With a diverse lineup of animated features and a special virtual event, there's something for every young viewer.
Unlock the Magic of Holiday Animation on Netflix
Spellbound: A CG Fantasy-Adventure
Starting this week, viewers are in for a treat with "Spellbound," a brand new original movie produced by Skydance Animation. Set to premiere on Friday, November 22, this CG fantasy-adventure follows Ellian (Rachel Zegler), the tenacious daughter of Lumbria's rulers. She embarks on a daring quest to save her parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) from a monstrous transformation spell and prevent her kingdom from ruin. Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), this movie is sure to captivate audiences with its enchanting story and stunning visuals. 2: The story of "Spellbound" takes viewers on a journey through a magical world filled with challenges and surprises. Ellian's determination and courage as she faces the dangers ahead make her a relatable and inspiring character. The animation style of the movie is top-notch, bringing the fantasy world to life in vivid detail. It's a must-watch for fans of fantasy and adventure movies.That Christmas: An Animated Adaptation
The year's closing month kicks off with "That Christmas," an animated adaptation of children's books by Richard Curtis (Love Actually). Directed by Simon Otto and produced by Locksmith Animation in the UK, this movie intertwines multiple tales set during one troubled Christmas. It touches on themes of love, loneliness, family, and friends, as well as a big mix-up for Santa Claus (Brian Cox) and tons of turkeys. The voice cast also includes Bill Nighy. 2: "That Christmas" is a heartwarming story that will resonate with viewers of all ages. The animation is charming and the characters are endearing. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some family-friendly entertainment. You can read more about this movie in the upcoming January '25 issue of Animation Magazine.Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
In the new year, Aardman's beloved claymation duo returns for a new feature-length adventure in "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl." Set to be available on January 3, 2025, this misadventure sees the return of an old nemesis whose machinations clash with Gromit's concerns about Wallace's (Ben Whitehead) latest invention - the world's first "smart" gnome (Reece Shearsmith). The voice cast also features Peter Kay, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, Muzz Khan, and Lenny Henry. 2: "Wallace & Gromit" is known for its humor and charm, and this new movie is no exception. The claymation animation is as delightful as ever, and the story is full of laughs and surprises. It's a must-see for fans of the duo and anyone looking for a fun and entertaining movie.Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld: A 2D-Animated Supernatural Series
On December 4, animation lovers won't want to miss the free virtual event for "Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld"! Kicking off at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, the screening will present the first two episodes of the new 2D-animated supernatural series, followed by an exclusive conversation with producer/voice star Ali Wong and series creator Echo Wu. 2: The series centers around a Chinese-American high school girl (Wong) whose life is turned upside down when a demon king tries to steal her fiery magical powers. Now, Jentry must balance battling demons of all descriptions with the everyday drama of being a teenager. It's a unique and exciting story that combines elements of fantasy and coming-of-age. You can read more about it in the January '25 issue of Animation Magazine.Other Family-Friendly Animated Titles
This season also sees the debuts of several family-friendly animated titles on Netflix. Season 1 of the PAW Patrol spin-off preschool series "Rubble and Crew" will be available on December 9. The seventh and final season of animated epic "The Dragon Prince" will air on December 19. Additionally, there will be a flurry of animated feature acquisitions including Sony's "Open Season: Scared Silly" (December 1), Sony/Jim Henson's "The Star" (December 4), Illumination's "The Lorax" (January 1), DreamWorks' "The Road to El Dorado" (January 1), and Universal's live-action/CG hybrid comedy "Woody Woodpecker" (January 1). 2: These new animated titles offer a wide range of entertainment options for the whole family. From preschool adventures to epic fantasies, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of PAW Patrol or DreamWorks' classic movies, you're sure to find something to enjoy.Holiday Animation Classics
Netflix viewers can also revisit holiday animation classics at any time. These include Sergio Pablos' Oscar-nominated "Klaus" (2019), Aardman's "Robin Robin" (2021) and "Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas" (2021), DreamWorks' "Trolls Holiday Special" (2017), The Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus" (2022), and The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday" (2023), as well as Damien O'Connor's "Angela's Christmas" (2017) produced by Brown Bag Films. 2: These holiday animation classics are a great way to celebrate the season and enjoy some timeless entertainment. With their charming stories and beautiful animations, they are sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones. Hop over to the Netflix Holiday Hub for even more festive treats.