Not Only 'Harry Potter': 8 Cozy Fantasy Movies and TV Series to Watch on Christmas

During the Christmas holidays, many people instinctively reach for the Harry Potter film adaptations, which are the epitome of warm, immersive magic.

However, these aren't the only movies offering the sense of safe wonder, soft light, and good humor that is so essential during the holiday season.

1. 'Hugo', 2011

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

Hugo is an orphan boy living in a Parisian train station with his uncle. He accidentally discovers a mysterious mechanism created by the renowned Georges Méliès.

This discovery sets off a chain reaction of astonishing events that ultimately help Hugo unravel the mystery of his father's death.

After uncovering the secret of the mechanism, Hugo embarks on a transformative journey that leads him to a safe and beautiful place he calls home.

2. 'Matilda', 1996

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

Matilda is only seven years old, but she's very advanced for her age. She loves to read, can multiply multi-digit numbers in her head, and can move objects with her mind.

However, her parents are indifferent to her: her mother watches TV all day and her father is always thinking about work. Matilda barely convinces them to enroll her in school, where her telekinetic powers amaze everyone.

These powers will come in handy when Matilda overthrows the tyrannical headmistress, Agatha, and helps a few good people.

3. 'Teen Witch', 1989

IMDb Score: 6.0/10

Fifteen-year-old Louise dreams about Brad, the captain of the school football team. However, her chances of catching his eyes are slim – she isn't particularly popular at school.

On one dreadful evening, she is hit by a convertible. Looking for a phone, she wanders into the house of a clairvoyant.

She assures Louise that she will soon gain power, and the prophecy comes true. She quickly rises through the social ladder at school and wins Brad's heart. Now, however, Louise is plagued by doubts. What if Brad is not in love with her but with her popularity?

4. 'His Dark Materials', 2019-2022

IMDb Score: 7.7/10

Lyra lives in a magical world where theology, magic, and science form the basis of education. In this world, people have daemons, which are fragments of the soul that manifest as animal companions.

She's an ordinary orphan and knows nothing about her parents. She lives in Oxford since childhood, studies at Jordan College, and befriends the children of servants.

Her peaceful life ends when her uncle, Asriel, returns from another polar expedition and claims the existence of parallel worlds at a meeting of scientists.

5. 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief', 2010

IMDb Score: 5.9/10

Percy, a high school student, discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea and that the gods of Olympus are alive and well and continue to interfere in the affairs of mortals.

However, now is not the best time to explore Olympus. Someone has stolen Zeus' lightning bolt, and he is ready to wage war unless it is returned.

Everyone believes that Percy stole the bolt so he must battle Medusa and descend into the Underworld to prevent a catastrophe.

6. 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks', 1971

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

It's 1940, and London is under attack by German bombers. To escape the storm, Paul, Charlie, and Carrie's parents send them to a provincial town. The children find Miss Price, the owner of their new home, pleasant but a bit odd.

One day, they discover that she is a good witch. Moreover, she learned magic through books. If she could do it, then maybe the kids could too. In exchange for keeping quiet about her superpowers, she gives them a bedknob.

They just have to give the command, and the bed will fly anywhere. Accompanied by Miss Price, the children set off in search of a spell that will save their country.

7. 'Arthur and the Invisibles', 2006

IMDb Score: 6.0/10

Arthur spends the holidays at the home of his grandmother, Daisy, and his missing grandfather, Archibald. On Arthur's tenth birthday, Daisy tells her grandson that her husband discovered the Minimoys during one of his travels.

He rescued the tiny people, who gave him jewelry in gratitude. Now, Arthur must find the treasure at all costs because his grandmother could be evicted from the house due to debt.

Arthur desperately searches for clues and learns that a secret passage to the world of the Minimoys will soon open. There, Arthur will have unexpected encounters, fight Maltazard, and, of course, find love.

8. 'Bridge to Terabithia', 2007

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

Jess is the odd one out in his class. A withdrawn teenager from a poor family, he is openly ridiculed by his peers. When the charming Leslie transfers to his school, the two of them become best friends.

One day, during a walk, they discover a cozy treehouse near a river. From then on, it's their secret place – Terabithia. Leslie and Jess often visit it, simultaneously trying to punish classmates who bully younger kids.

The two seemed inseparable, but a tragic accident changed the course of events.