ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Learning to love the least of these.
Should You Watch It?
Arthur Christmas is a funny, energetic family adventure with a tender center. Its strongest message is that every child matters, including the one overlooked by a massive, high-tech Christmas operation. The story also honors humility, family unity, putting others first, and refusing to judge someone because of clumsiness.
The film’s Christmas vision is not explicitly Christian. It emphasizes Santa Claus and the “magic” of Christmas without clearly pointing to Jesus Christ as the real reason for the holiday. Still, it includes Christian Christmas songs, a church, and a reference to St. Nicholas.
If your family can discuss those differences with discernment, this is a warm and entertaining choice. Yes—Arthur Christmas is worth the trip for families of all ages.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESArthur is Santa Claus’s clumsy, awkward younger son, while his brother, Steve, is preparing to succeed their father. Steve has nearly perfected a technology-driven system for delivering presents—until one child is accidentally forgotten.
Arthur cannot accept that failure. With help from his grandfather, Grandsanta, he sets out to deliver the missing gift before Christmas morning. Their journey quickly becomes a chaotic race involving an old sleigh, reindeer, and plenty of trouble.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an especially enjoyable family film. Arthur Christmas is playful, funny, and filled with adorable moments. Its adventure keeps plenty happening, while its heartwarming scenes show a family learning to stick together.
The story can feel convoluted because so much is happening almost all the time. Even so, the humor, warmth, and strong emotional emphasis on every child’s value make the film a rewarding Christmas experience.
The Worldview
Arthur Christmas presents a strong moral worldview centered on the value of every child. It teaches that people should put others first, humble themselves to do what is right, and avoid judging a potential hero by awkwardness or weakness. Several generations of Santa Claus learn to love the least of these children.
The film’s main departure from a biblical Christmas is its emphasis on belief in Santa Claus and the “magic” of Christmas. It does not clearly identify Jesus Christ as the real reason for Christmas. The story does include Christian Christmas songs, a worshipful singing of “Silent Night,” a church at the center of town, a mention of St. Nicholas, and references to the “gift” of the world.
The film’s central concern—that no child should be forgotten—echoes Jesus’ teaching: “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong moral worldview supporting family and the value of children, with some Christian content including “Silent Night” is sung and other Christian Christmas songs are heard, St. Nicholas is mentioned, and there’s a church at the center of town, marred by some superstitious elements such as emphasis of belief in Santa Claus and magic, but the magic is not nominalistic; one obscenity, plus some scatological, crude humor; light cartoon violence as man slips down ice and runs into elves, and man shoots gun at characters; no sexual content, just one kiss between a married couple; no nudity; grandfather drinks and has alcohol around; no smoking or illegal drugs; and, stealing, mentions of aliens, homogenous elves with piercings, and family competes against each other but is brought together at the end.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Arthur refuses to let one forgotten child be overlooked. Who are the people God may be asking us to notice and care for?
Matthew 25:40 · Philippians 2:3–4Arthur is clumsy, but his family learns not to judge him by his weaknesses. How should we treat people whose gifts look different from ours?
1 Samuel 16:7 · Romans 12:4–8The film contrasts technology and efficiency with personal responsibility. When is doing the right thing more important than doing something quickly or impressively?
Micah 6:8 · Luke 10:30–37What does your family want Christmas to emphasize, and how can you keep Jesus at the center of the celebration?
Luke 2:10–14 · Matthew 1:21The Final Word
Arthur Christmas is a funny, warmhearted adventure that celebrates every child’s value and the importance of putting others first. Its Santa-centered “magic” needs discernment, but the film offers families plenty to enjoy and discuss. WORTH THE TRIP.
