If you loved 'The Star (2017)' and its heartwarming tale of the first Christmas, you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of faith, adventure, and family-friendly storytelling. Whether you're looking for more animated biblical tales or uplifting holiday films, we've got you covered.

The Lion King (1994)
Description: A coming-of-age story set in the African savanna, featuring memorable animal characters and themes of responsibility and legacy. The majestic animal kingdom setting and emotional depth resonate similarly.
Fact: Originally pitched as 'Bambi in Africa.' The wildebeest stampede sequence took three years to create using early CGI technology.


Chicken Run (2000)
Description: A stop-motion animation about chickens plotting their escape from a farm, combining humor with themes of freedom and teamwork. The animal protagonists and adventurous spirit are key similarities.
Fact: It was the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film until Coraline (2009). The production used 80 tons of clay for animation.


Over the Hedge (2006)
Description: A group of woodland creatures navigate human suburbia, blending humor with commentary on consumerism. The animal-centric perspective and comedic adventure elements are comparable.
Fact: Originally developed as a DreamWorks project, it was completed by the newly formed DreamWorks Animation. The comic strip it's based on ran for 25 years.


Madagascar (2005)
Description: Zoo animals find themselves in the wild, leading to comedic adventures and discoveries about their true nature. The fish-out-of-water premise and animal friendships mirror the reference's themes.
Fact: The penguins were originally minor characters but became so popular they got their own spin-off. The lemur king's dance moves were based on the director's own dancing.


Bolt (2008)
Description: A dog who believes he has superpowers embarks on a cross-country journey, mixing action with heartfelt moments. The animal protagonist's adventure and themes of self-discovery align well.
Fact: John Lasseter scrapped the original version and restarted production. Bolt was the first Disney film to use the new 3D rendering system, Hyperion.


Rio (2011)
Description: A story about a domesticated macaw discovering his roots in Rio de Janeiro, featuring vibrant animation and themes of self-discovery and freedom. The tropical setting and focus on birds create parallels.
Fact: The film's production coincided with the real-life extinction of the Spix's macaw in the wild. The carnival sequence took nine months to animate.


Home (2015)
Description: An alien and a human girl form an unlikely friendship while on the run, mirroring themes of companionship and understanding across differences. The colorful animation and emotional core are similar.
Fact: The film is based on the children's book 'The True Meaning of Smekday' by Adam Rex. It features Rihanna's first original song for a movie.


The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Description: This animated film explores the lives of pets when their owners are away, featuring a mix of humor and adventure, much like the reference title. It shares themes of friendship and loyalty among animals.
Fact: The film was inspired by the creator's own pets and their imagined secret lives. It became the highest-grossing original animated film not produced by Disney or Pixar at the time of its release.


Zootopia (2016)
Description: This movie delves into a bustling city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, combining a detective story with themes of prejudice and cooperation. The vibrant animal world and underlying messages align closely with the reference.
Fact: Zootopia's creators spent 18 months researching animal behavior. The sloth DMV scene was inspired by real-life slow government service experiences.


Sing (2016)
Description: A heartwarming story about animals pursuing their dreams through a singing competition, blending music, humor, and emotional depth. The focus on animal characters and their personal journeys is a key similarity.
Fact: The film features over 60 popular songs. The character of Johnny the gorilla was originally written as a cockney crocodile before being changed.
