The international hit film “ Ne Zha II, ” featuring the adorable demon-toddler of the title, was a visual feast. This film is remarkable for its scope and detail, matched by visuals from a robust team of Chinese animators.

I’m strongly against the misconception that animated films are only for kids. In fact, many of them contain messages that can only be fully understood by adults. So when it comes to Christmas films, I have no problem enjoying an animated classic.

That brings us to this list’s guiding sentiment, because while good animation is plentiful, vital selections meet a different bar. Vital, by Merriam-Webster’s definition, implies a work that is “tending to renew or refresh the living,

Oscars Best Animated Feature Predictions include "KPop Demon Hunters," "Zootopia 2," "Arco," "Little Amelie," "Elio" and "Demon Slayer."

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER — Pictured: (l-r) Front Row: Hermey, Rudolph, Head Elf, Yukon Cornelius, Sam the Snowman, Santa Claus (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) Many classic animated Christmas movies and ...