From a delightful tale on the origin of holiday gifts to a story on reinstating the power of belief, OTTplay recommends five films and where to watch them during this holiday season.
Collage of films - A Boy Called Christmas, The Polar Express and Noelle
Does Santa Claus exist? Well, we would like to believe so and have found a handful of films that reaffirm our faith in the spirit of this festive season. From the tale on the origin of holiday gifts to a story on reinstating the power of belief, OTTplay recommends five films to enjoy during these Christmas holidays.
1. Klaus
Klaus follows the story of a youth, Jesper, bundled off to a godforsaken land where he befriends a toymaker, Klaus, to end the hostility between two sets of villagers, and thus born is the tradition of holiday gifts. An animated comedy, Klaus is co-written and directed by Sergio Pablos. The voice cast includes Jason Schwartzman for Jesper and JK Simmons for Klaus. The movie won the hearts of audiences and the nomination for an Oscar for the Best Animated Feature Film as well.
Platforms - Netflix
OTTplay rating - 8.3
2. The Polar Express
A little boy embarks on an incredible train journey to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express. As the train chugs along the snowy terrain, the boy awakens to the wonders of life and the power of believing. Based on a children's book of the same name, The Polar Express is directed by Robert Zemeckis. The voice cast includes Tom Hanks (in multiple roles), and Daryl Sabara as the little boy.
Platforms - Vi Movies, TV. Google Play, Disney+Hotstar
OTTplay rating – 7
3. Miracle on 34th Street
Six-year-old Susan is doubtful about the existence of Santa Claus. But in an enamouring tale of love and faith, little Susan’s belief is reinstated and we are left convinced that the most precious gifts in life cannot be seen. Directed by Les Mayfield, this comedy-drama of 1994 has Richard Attenborough playing Kris Kringle and a young Mara Wilson as Susan Walker.
OTTplay rating - 6.8
Platform - Disney+ Hotstar
4. A Boy Called Christmas
In this magical tale, Nicolas goes on a mission to find his father, who had gone missing while on a quest to locate the mythical village of the elves. Directed by Gil Kenan, this 2021 fantasy film features Henry Lawfull as Nicolas, while Michiel Huisman portrays the role of Nicolas’ father - Joel, the woodcutter.
OTTplay rating - 7.1
Platform – Netflix
Also read - Best. Christmas. Ever! OTT release date: when, where to watch Mary Lambert’s holiday romantic comedy
5. Noelle
Noelle Kringle, played by Anna Kendrick, proudly tells us that Christmas runs in the family. Her brother, the newly-appointed Santa, gets cold feet with Christmas around the corner, and it falls on the woman (of course) to take up the reins of her family business. The 2019 fantasy film was written and directed by Marc Lawrence. Give this charming tale, albeit with a female Santa, a chance this festive season.
Platform - Disney+ Hotstar
OTTplay rating - 6.6
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