There's nothing like some Christmas shows and movies to help bring on the festive cheer, whether that be through hardcore rock or genuine giving spirit. Some movies and shows have been passed on for decades as Christmas must-sees, and some are little-known gems waiting to be uncovered. For anyone searching out some holiday spirit, look no further than these anime shows, all up for streaming on Netflix, which all hold a bit of Christmas cheer to kick the season off.
Aggretsuko
Appropriately named "We Wish You a Metal Christmas," Aggretsuko's Christmas special focuses on Retsuko attempting to balance her obsession with social media and the magical holiday spirit. Retsuko has begun relying more and more on social media to feel validated by likes and followers, but with Christmas approaching, the fact that her online persona seems to have such a wonderful life that is all a facade hits hard. Retsuko realizes that she's not seeking followers on social media, but actually, the important people in her life who enjoy who she really is. It's a sweet reminder to remember Christmas as the simple gathering of those who care for you.
Watch Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas, streaming now.
Toradora
The string of Christmas episodes in Toradora is well-known for being some of the best out there. Though not everything is jolly and bright, the act of Ryuji Takasu dressing up as a teddy bear Santa Claus to try to give Taiga Aisaka the Christmas she never received is the sweetest expression of love, even if they haven't quite reached the confession stage.
Taiga throwing her arms around him before admitting she's not that dense--she knows it's him--is what a Christmas episode is all about. The fact that practically all the main characters are trying to give up on their own chances with the person they like in order for someone else they care about to be happy might also be very dramatic while at the same time embodying the sort of giving spirit that this season is meant to be about.
Watch Toradora, streaming now.
Angel Beats
Angel Beats may be infamous for being a sad anime, and while the holiday episode is certainly melancholy, it is undeniably beautiful. When Yuzuru Otonashi begins to regain his memories from life, the memories he has of his terminally ill sister are the first he recovers. He particularly remembers where she asks him to sneak her out of the hospital so she can see the Christmas lights.
At that point, there is little hope of her surviving, so the last memory Yuzuru has of her is carrying her on his back as she hugs him tight and stares in awe at the lit-up trees surrounding them. The way the siblings have this one last precious night to express their love for each other is heartwarming even amidst the sadness in a way that actually highlights how important it is to take advantage of these chances.
Watch Angel Beats, streaming now.
Cardcaptor Sakura
If there's anything more feel-good than Sakura Kinomoto running around and saving lives with a host of good friends, an animal sidekick, and a loving but grumpy brother, then nothing is. In the season finale for Season 1 of Cardcaptor Sakura. Sakura works up the courage to ask her crush, Yukito Tsukishiro, to the amusement park, though it doesn't take long for a card to start wreaking havoc with bouts of flame.
Sakura ends up catching the Firey card and although this might have ruined any other outing. Instead, Kero flies up above the park and casts down a glimmering gold that makes everyone in the park feel happier and able to continue going on rides. Sakura is able to give Yukito his present and he agrees it would be nice to come back again next year. Even if Yukito will never see Sakura as a romantic partner, her innocence and his responding kindness embody that that feel-good holiday spirit perfectly.
Watch Cardcaptor Sakura, streaming now.
March Comes in Like a Lion
Admittedly, the Christmas episode for March Comes in Like a Lion is not a feel-good, but it deserves its place on the list nevertheless. It's alright to admit that the holidays can be stressful. The appearance of Rei Kiriyama's adopted sister throws everything about his holiday into a spiral of guilt, and that's probably relatable to many people who have trouble navigating the perilous straits of trying to feel the holiday cheer while sick with anxiety.
You are not abnormal to feel this way, and for sending that message, March Comes in Like a Lion is a feel-good for those who don't really feel that good. However, little does Rei understand just how much he's loved and just how hard people will fight for him, and that's important too.
Watch March Comes in Like a Lion, streaming now.
From teddy bears to trees full of lights, gatherings of friends to the gentle fall of snow, the holidays take on a different form for everyone. These holiday episodes are perfect to snuggle down with and help us remember just what makes Christmas special, whether it truly is endless cheer or includes a hint of sadness--as many of the great holiday classics do--to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have what we do and to celebrate it the best we can.
