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That Christmas

That Christmas

The story of a Christmas that needed more than just a sack full of fixing.

202491 minPGMidcredits score: 77th percentile of all films
Director
Simon Otto
Starring
Brian Cox, Bill Nighy, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker

It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's.

Where to watch

Where can I watch That Christmas?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists That Christmas streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about That Christmas?

That Christmas earns 8 badges, led by Family friendly and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is That Christmas worth watching?

That Christmas' Midcredits score is the 77th percentile of all films, from 102K ratings across 6 sources. 67% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

77th percentile

Better received than 77% of films

67th percentile among Animation78th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)75th

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Animation75th percentile among 2020s

Critics 60 · Audience 69

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

67% liked it

75th percentile of all films

66th percentile among Animation75th percentile among 2020s
67% rated it 7–1033% rated it 1–6

Critics 67% · Audience 73%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 8 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

102K ratings across platforms

79th percentile among Animation91st percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

That Christmas is an ambitiously multi-strand British family animation that aims to blend heart, humor, and modern social themes within a cozy seaside Christmas setting.

Fans praised

  • heartwarming and uplifting family film with strong Christmas spirit
  • charming ensemble of relatable characters with meaningful arcs
  • beautiful animation and cozy British seaside atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • overstuffed and disjointed plot with too many underdeveloped subplots
  • heavy-handed modern messaging that feels preachy and forced
  • predictable, forgettable story lacking humor or emotional weight

What stands out

Acting78

strong voice cast including Brian Cox, Bill Nighy, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker; young newcomers also praised

Atmosphere72

cozy British seaside town setting feels immersive and Christmassy

Emotional impactDivisive70

tearjerker moments around loneliness and family; detractors find emotional beats manipulative

CharactersDivisive65

lovable twins and lonely Danny resonate; detractors find them generic or annoying

DialogueDivisive55

some witty British humor and one-liners but not consistently funny

Plot and storyDivisive45

multiple storylines feel messy and undercooked, especially the barn family subplot

PacingDivisive45

first two acts slow and unfocused; third act picks up but feels rushed

OriginalityDivisive40

familiar Love Actually ensemble structure; feels derivative rather than fresh

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 10 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 12 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 16 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is That Christmas like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmHopefulThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film plays its heartwarming material straight, with sincerity and warmth, amplifying the festive spirit through stylised animation.
The rideThe storm creates consistent mild tension, but the overall mood is warm and hopeful, with moments of excitement.
StructureSanta narrates the story as a frame, while the film cuts between several character storylines.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of community spirit, ideal for holiday viewing.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeAn ensemble comedy-drama with multiple plot strands; no single archetype governs the whole film.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Community · 14% of filmsHope · 5% of filmsFamily bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how a small town and its residents, including Santa, come together and find hope during a Christmas crisis.
StanceThe film likely celebrates community spirit and hope as the town and Santa pull together through the storm.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · John Powell
SettingA small seaside town during a severe Christmas snowstorm
MusicJohn Powell's score likely blends orchestral warmth with festive motifs to underscore the Christmas setting.

Content guide

Is That Christmas okay for kids?

PG

That Christmas is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic elements, some language and rude humor” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (11/100), sexual content at minimal (13/100), language at mild (24/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (1/100) and frightening material at mild (24/100). Overall it is heavier than 6% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UKPG
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil10
  • Belgium6
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • IndiaU/A 7+
  • LTN-7
  • LU6
  • LV7+
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • PRPG
  • Russia6+
  • SingaporePG
  • SK7
  • South AfricaPG
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
  • VIPG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 1% of all filmsHeavier than 6% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 10%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 22%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 44%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 22%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 44% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does That Christmas have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in That Christmas' parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in That Christmas?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Brian Cox
as Santa
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bill Nighy
as Lighthouse Bill
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Fiona Shaw
as Ms. Trapper
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jodie Whittaker
as Mrs. Williams
India Brown
as Bernadette
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Guz Khan
as Dasher
Lolly Adefope
as Mrs. McNutt
Zazie Hayhurst
as Sam
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sienna Sayer
as Charlie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alex Macqueen
as Mr. Forrest
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like That Christmas?

Movies like That Christmas include Klaus (2019), Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and The Christmas Chronicles (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, most are Christmas films, and several are stories about siblings.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its subject: hope. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with That Christmas?

972 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: unrequited love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.