Movies like
Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.
Audiences latched onto Rise of the Guardians (2012) as a animation theatrical experience: big enough for a group watch, specific enough to reward a second viewing once you know where it's headed. The animation and family blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.
Runtime 1h 37m · ★ 7.4
Mood
Streaming (US)
Era
Showing 10 of 10 picks
★ 7.6 · Family · Comedy · Adventure · 1h 33m
Why you'll love it
The animation appeal of Rise of the Guardians — that funny edge, the family — translates cleanly into The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). Different setting, same essential satisfaction.
Watch on
Peacock Premium
Peacock Premium Plus
Amazon Video(Rent)
Apple TV Store(Rent)
Google Play Movies(Rent)
YouTube(Rent)
Fandango At Home(Rent)
Spectrum On Demand(Rent)
★ 7.4 · Animation · Family · Adventure · 1h 35m
Why you'll love it
The filmmakers behind The Croods: A New Age (2020) clearly understood what makes animation work — the same quality that keeps Rise of the Guardians rewatchable. Expect the same funny rhythm, executed with a fresh angle.
Watch on
Peacock PremiumPeacock Premium PlusAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)
FlixFling(Rent)
★ 8.3 · Adventure · Fantasy · Animation · 2h 14m
Why you'll love it
Princess Mononoke (1997) is the kind of film Rise of the Guardians fans discover and immediately send to their group chat. The animation overlap is real, but it's the uplifting emotional pull that seals the recommendation.
Watch on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon ChannelAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)Amazon Video(Buy)
★ 7.9 · Animation · Family · Fantasy · 1h 40m
Why you'll love it
Coraline shares Rise of the Guardians's gift for animation — the 2009 film delivers family without overstaying its welcome. Consider it required viewing once you've finished rewatching your first pick.
Watch on
Amazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)Spectrum On Demand(Rent)Amazon Video(Buy)Apple TV Store(Buy)
★ 6.8 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 34m
Why you'll love it
Much of what makes Rise of the Guardians compelling — the animation, the family — shows up in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) in a slightly different form. Both films understand that funny storytelling works best when it trusts the audience.
Watch on
Disney Plus
fuboTVAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)Amazon Video(Buy)
★ 6.9 · Animation · Science Fiction · Family · 1h 45m
Why you'll love it
The animation energy of Rise of the Guardians is alive in Lightyear (2022), filtered through a different story but the same emotional register. It earns its place on this list with a uplifting payoff that rivals the original pick.
Watch on
Disney PlusAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)Amazon Video(Buy)Apple TV Store(Buy)
★ 7.0 · Family · Comedy · Animation · 1h 34m
Why you'll love it
Despicable Me 4 (2024) operates in the same animation as Rise of the Guardians, but with its own distinct voice and pacing. The funny payoff will feel satisfyingly familiar without retreading the same ground.
Watch on
Peacock PremiumPeacock Premium PlusAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)FlixFling(Rent)
★ 6.7 · Animation · Adventure · Family · 1h 33m
Why you'll love it
Peter Rabbit (2018) belongs to the same conversation as Rise of the Guardians — both anchor their animation in family emotion that doesn't let go. The uplifting undercurrent connects them more than any plot summary would suggest.
Watch on
Netflix
Netflix Standard with AdsAmazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)FlixFling(Rent)
★ 6.7 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 37m
Why you'll love it
If Rise of the Guardians's animation stayed with you, The Boxtrolls (2014) delivers the same sensation through an entirely different story. The family through-line is the real common thread between them.
Watch on
Amazon Video(Rent)Apple TV Store(Rent)Google Play Movies(Rent)YouTube(Rent)Fandango At Home(Rent)Spectrum On Demand(Rent)Amazon Video(Buy)Apple TV Store(Buy)
★ 7.0 · Animation · Family · Comedy · 1h 39m
Why you'll love it
Where Rise of the Guardians excels in animation, Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022) doubles down on family to comparable effect. The tonal similarities run deep enough that watching both back-to-back feels intentional.
Watch on
Disney PlusFandango At Home(Buy)Browse every "movies like" page on the site—including ones still waiting to be indexed.