Nothing beats a good Christmas movie to get everyone in the festive mood, and watching one together as a family is one of our favourite things to do in the run-up to the big day. When Netflix released Klaus, its first original animated movie, we wondered whether it would earn a place alongside the classics. Having now had a few Christmases with it, we think the answer is a clear yes.
Some of our best-loved family Christmas movies over the years have been Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, The Grinch (we prefer the original version) and Arthur Christmas. Klaus has slotted right in alongside them as a cosy, funny, and genuinely moving addition to the family movie night line-up.
About Klaus
Klaus was directed by Sergio Pablos, the co-creator of Despicable Me, and marked Netflix’s first original animated feature film. It’s part of a wider push by Netflix into family films and series, working with some of the biggest names in animation, including Guillermo Del Toro, Henry Selick, Glen Keane and Nora Twomey.
What makes Klaus stand out is its look. Rather than the CGI style used by most modern animated films, Klaus was made using traditional 2D animation techniques, giving it a warm, hand-drawn feel that suits its old-fashioned Christmas story perfectly.
Director Sergio Pablos summed up his approach to a great Christmas movie simply: “Make them laugh 30 times and make them cry twice: first time out of sorrow, and second time out of joy.” Watch it with the family and see if it hits that mark for you too.
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The Story
Klaus follows Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman), who finishes bottom of his class at postal academy and is posted to a bleak, frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals barely speak to each other, let alone exchange letters.
Just as he’s about to give up, Jesper finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones) and discovers Klaus (voiced by Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter living alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. Their unlikely friendship brings laughter back to the town of Smeerensburg, sparking a new tradition of generous neighbours, festive folklore, and stockings hung by the chimney with care.
It’s a warm, funny origin story with genuine heart, and it works just as well for grown-ups as it does for kids.
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Why It’s Worth Adding to Your Christmas Watchlist
Klaus is streaming exclusively on Netflix, making it an easy pick for a cosy night in during the countdown to Christmas. Its blend of humour, heart and beautiful animation has earned it a loyal following among families looking for something a little different from the usual Christmas film rotation.
If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s well worth adding to this year’s list. And if you have, it might just be time for a rewatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klaus available to watch on Netflix?
Yes, Klaus is a Netflix Original and streams exclusively on Netflix.
What is Klaus about?
It tells the story of Jesper, a struggling postal academy graduate posted to a remote Arctic town, and his unlikely friendship with Klaus, a reclusive toymaker. Together they bring warmth, letters, and Christmas cheer back to a town that had forgotten how to be kind to one another.
Is Klaus a traditionally animated film?
Yes. Unlike most modern animated features, Klaus uses 2D hand-drawn animation techniques rather than CGI, giving it a distinctive, storybook feel.
Who voices the characters in Klaus?
The main cast includes Jason Schwartzman as Jesper, Rashida Jones as Alva, and J.K. Simmons as Klaus.
Is Klaus suitable for a family movie night?
It’s a gentle, funny film with a heartfelt story, making it a good choice for family viewing during the festive season.
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Looking for More Festive Ideas?
If you enjoyed reading about Klaus, why not browse our other Christmas movie picks and festive family activities to help plan your countdown to the big day?
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