The holiday season means its time for essential holiday movie viewing.

From there, Santa must fight the mercenaries and save the family, leading tojoyful and triumphantly violent results.

Many Christmas films have featured various depictions of Santa Claus as mostly a kind-hearted and jolly soul.

Arthur smiling while holding children’s letters to Santa Claus in Arthur Christmas

Image via Sony Pictures

The film is like ateen version of fellow Christmas rom-comLove Actually, with multiple storylines about love.

But theres one big problem: Harper has never told them that shes a lesbian.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TriStar Pictures changed the release ofHappiest Seasonfrom theatrical to streaming on Hulu.

David Harbour as Santa Claus with a bloody face in Violent Night (2022).

Image via Universal Studios

Thankfully, it became a streaming success, receivingpraise for its humor, heart, and positive LGBTQ+ representation.

This is whereAnna and the Apocalypsecomes in.

Through all the zombie violence and holiday fare, the filmAnna and the Apocalypseworks best as a coming-of-agetale.

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The film still has enough heart, and much of that is due to the impressive musical numbers.

Its the kind that you’ve got the option to watch any time of the year.

According to Central European folklore, Krampus is a creature who punishes badly-behaved children during the Christmas season.

Isabela Merced and Shameik Moore walk side by side on a snowy path wearing winter coats in Let It Snow.

Image via Netflix

From there, the family must band together to survive the creatures wrath.

Christmas horror films are nothing new, but what makesKrampuswork is how un-festive it is.

What makesArthur Christmaswork so effectively is how strongly it captures the spirit of Christmas.

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Most importantly, being a successful hand-drawn animated film in a world dominated by CGI is a major plus.

They shared drinks and photos of their loved ones, held a mass, and even played soccer together.

Thisincredible historical event inspired the filmJoyeux Noel, which is French for Merry Christmas.

Kristen Stewart as Abby and Mackenzie Davis as Harper sit together in a scene from Happiest Season.

Image via Hulu

Cast

NEXT:The 10 Most Absurd Christmas Movies That Are Still Entertaining

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Keegan-Michael Key as Gustafson singing and pointing to his right while surrounded by dancers in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Image via Netflix

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Zombies, teen angst and musical numbers set ‘Anna and the Apocalypse’ apart from the usual Christmas fare

Image via Vertigo Releasing

Anna and the Apocalypse movie poster

Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) walk together in Tangerine (2015).

Image via Magnolia Pictures

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Omi (Krista Stadler) confronts the monster from her past in Krampus (2015).

Image via Universal Pictures

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Santa Claus waving with a large plane behind him in Arthur Christmas

Sony Pictures Releasing

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Jesper and Klaus in a promo image for ‘Klaus’.

Image via Netflix

Klaus Movie Poster

Benno Furmann, Diane Kruger, and Daniel Bruhl in a scene from Joyeux Noël (2005).

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

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Cast Placeholder Image

Arthur Christmas