A Boy Called Christmas

Play trailer

2:32

A Boy Called Christmas

2021

1h 46m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Adventure

Drama

Fantasy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible. Adapted from the bestselling book by Matt Haig.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

A Boy Called Christmas offers few surprises, but makes up for its lack of originality with a heaping helping of winsome holiday spirit.

Read Critics Reviews

Stephen Romei

The Australian

12/11/2021

3.5/5

This is a big-hearted movie about kindness, which, as Nikolas reminds his dad, costs nothing but is worth so much.

Go to Full Review

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

12/01/2021

It's light, playful, and knowingly anachronistic without being obnoxious.

Go to Full Review

Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

11/28/2021

4/5

Kenan has done a better job here of mining the comforts of childhood nostalgia than he did on the recent Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which he co-wrote.

Go to Full Review

Joe Flockhart

Loud and Clear Reviews

Mar 2

3.5/5

Gil Kenan’s A Boy Called Christmas is a sweet, gorgeous winter fantasy – perfect for children if somewhat lacking for adults.

Go to Full Review

Aaron Phillips

But Why Tho?

01/16/2023

8.5/10

A Boy Called Christmas was a surprising hit for me, and I urge you and your families to put this film at the top of your must-watch list.

Go to Full Review

Tom Beasley

Flickering Myth

12/16/2021

2/5

It's a film that leaves you yearning to delve into the riches of its unknown worlds, but lacks the propulsion to actually get the audience there.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

diogo13 T

@Tua_mera Jul 15

This reimagining of Santa Claus's origins is overflowing with magic, impressive visual effects, and a very well-crafted, welcoming atmosphere. Although the script is quite predictable and draws heavily on clichés from other well-known fantasy stories, it remains a competent and charming family entertainment.

See more

Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 11

A Boy Called Christmas is a great holiday film on Netflix that brings a fresh and imaginative take on a festive origin story. It captures the spirit of Christmas in a warm and engaging way. The visuals are charming and the world-building feels magical without being overwhelming. It has a cozy tone that makes it easy to get absorbed into, especially during the holiday season. The characters are heartfelt and the story balances adventure with emotion nicely. It keeps things simple but effective, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Overall, it’s a wholesome and uplifting watch that fits perfectly into seasonal viewing. I rate it an 8/10.

See more

Matthew C

@mattucee Dec 27

I appreciated that there was no mention of Jesus, or even Saint Nicholas. It was all about its own mythology!

See more

marcia k

@silllyme Dec 22

Absolutely wonderful movie. Full of love and hope.

See more

Daniel F

@mrdan124 Dec 19

Great Christmas movie. Full of heart. Perfect to get you in a festive mood. Kristin Wig is great and the boy is wonderful.

See more

Abigail H

@AbbyHuang15 Dec 19

Never heard of a boy called Christmas who makes your heartwarmth and joy. That looks wonderful! In the beginning, Aunt Ruth invited to their children to tell a story about Nikolas. I don't know, Nikolas could have been impressed by his father, and a father still alive, they could believe Nikolas could ride with his reindeer named Blitzen and his buddy named Miika. He could always impress by rescuing Little Kip all the way home to Elfhem. Awesome Impressive! I can't believe it, you have to watch it again, anyway.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Gil Kenan

Director

Henry Lawfull

Nikolas

Stephen Merchant

Miika

Michiel Huisman

Joel

Zoe Margaret Colletti

The Truth Pixie

Kristen Wiig

Aunt Carlotta

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

32%

36%

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

The Secret Kingdom

64%

50%

The Secret Kingdom

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Secret Kingdom

Spirit Halloween: The Movie

56%

43%

Spirit Halloween: The Movie

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Spirit Halloween: The Movie

Come Away

29%

49%

Come Away

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Come Away

A Dog's Journey

53%

91%

A Dog's Journey

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Dog's Journey

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

2021 Holiday TV Calendar

A Boy Called Christmas: Trailer 1

2:32

Now Playing

A Boy Called Christmas: Teaser Trailer

0:54

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible. Adapted from the bestselling book by Matt Haig.

Director: Gil Kenan
Producer: Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin
Screenwriter: Ol Parker, Gil Kenan, Matt Haig, Ol Parker, Gil Kenan
Production Co: Studio Canal, Netflix, Blueprint Pictures
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 24, 2021
Runtime: 1h 46m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings