Loved and watched by many - but is it classed a a classic Christmas Movie?
Written 6th September 2023 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
"Frozen" is not typically considered a Christmas movie. While it is set in a snowy, winter wonderland and features themes of love and family, it lacks the direct Christmas-related elements that are often associated with holiday films. Christmas movies typically revolve around the holiday itself, featuring scenes of gift-giving, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or holiday traditions. "Frozen" does not prominently feature these elements, and its story is not centered around Christmas.
However, it's worth noting that some people may choose to watch "Frozen" during the holiday season because of its wintry setting and the festive atmosphere it creates. The film's music and themes of love and family can certainly evoke a sense of holiday spirit. So, while "Frozen" may not be a traditional Christmas movie, it can still be enjoyed as part of the holiday season for its enchanting and heartwarming qualities. Ultimately, whether it's considered a Christmas movie or not is a matter of personal interpretation and preference.
Setting the Scene
Released in 2013, "Frozen" took the world by storm, quickly becoming one of Disney's most popular animated films. Its story revolves around the kingdom of Arendelle, where two sisters, Elsa and Anna, confront Elsa's magical ice powers and the consequences they bring to their land. The film's setting is primarily in a snowy, Nordic-inspired kingdom, which leads many to associate it with winter and, by extension, the Christmas season.
The Winter Wonderland Effect
One of the key reasons some argue that "Frozen" should be considered a Christmas movie is its enchanting portrayal of winter. The film's icy landscapes, snow-covered castles, and the charming Olaf the snowman certainly evoke the magic of the holiday season. Winter plays a central role in many traditional Christmas movies, with snowfall often symbolizing the arrival of Christmas and setting the stage for heartwarming moments.
The Musical Score
Another aspect of "Frozen" that draws it closer to the Christmas movie genre is its iconic soundtrack, featuring songs like "Let It Go" and "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" These songs have become a staple of holiday playlists and radio stations during the Christmas season. Their catchy tunes and memorable lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and cheer, much like the music in classic Christmas movies.
Themes of Love and Family
At its core, "Frozen" is a tale of love and family, two themes that resonate strongly with the Christmas spirit. The film explores the bond between sisters Elsa and Anna and the lengths they are willing to go to protect and save each other. The importance of love and family is a recurring theme in many Christmas movies, from "It's a Wonderful Life" to "Home Alone." In this sense, "Frozen" aligns with the emotional depth that many associate with the holiday season.
The Missing Christmas Element
Despite these compelling arguments, there is one crucial element missing from "Frozen" that traditional Christmas movies tend to feature: a direct connection to Christmas itself. Christmas movies often revolve around the holiday, featuring scenes of gift-giving, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or holiday traditions. While "Frozen" captures the essence of winter and the spirit of love and family, it lacks these specific Christmas elements.
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate over whether "Frozen" is a Christmas movie, it's clear that the film possesses many qualities that make it feel at home during the holiday season. Its snowy setting, enchanting music, and themes of love and family align with the spirit of Christmas. However, the absence of direct Christmas-related elements leaves room for interpretation.
Ultimately, whether you consider "Frozen" a Christmas movie may depend on your personal criteria for what defines a holiday film. Some may argue that any movie that captures the magic of winter and the themes of love and family can be considered a Christmas movie, while others may reserve that label for films with a more direct connection to the holiday itself. Regardless of where you stand in this debate, one thing is certain: "Frozen" has found a place in the hearts of many during the holiday season, making it a cherished part of the festive film lineup for years to come.
