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A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) — Review, Streaming & Trivia

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is a groundbreaking animated television special based on Charles M. Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip. When Charlie Brown becomes disillusioned by the commercial excess of the holiday season, he embarks on a heartfelt quest to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Vince Guaraldi's iconic jazz score, including the unforgettable 'Linus and Lucy' and 'Christmas Time Is Here,' this Emmy and Peabody Award-winning special delivers a simple yet profound message about the spirit of the season that resonates as deeply today as it did over sixty years ago.

Last updated: February 2026

A Charlie Brown Christmas poster

A Charlie Brown Christmas

1965 Dir. Bill Melendez ★ 8.3/10 IMDb
AnimationComedyFamily

Feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of the holiday by directing a school Christmas pageant.

About A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is a groundbreaking animated television special based on Charles M. Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip. When Charlie Brown becomes disillusioned by the commercial excess of the holiday season, he embarks on a heartfelt quest to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Vince Guaraldi's iconic jazz score, including the unforgettable 'Linus and Lucy' and 'Christmas Time Is Here,' this Emmy and Peabody Award-winning special delivers a simple yet profound message about the spirit of the season that resonates as deeply today as it did over sixty years ago.

Cast

  • Peter Robbins
  • Christopher Shea
  • Tracy Stratford
  • Cathy Steinberg

Where to Watch

A Charlie Brown Christmas is currently available on the following platforms:

Apple TV+

Trivia & Fun Facts

  • CBS executives initially hated the special, calling it too slow and too religious, and predicted it would be a flop.
  • The special won both an Emmy and a Peabody Award after airing to massive ratings.
  • Real children voiced the characters rather than professional adult voice actors, a revolutionary decision at the time.
  • Vince Guaraldi's jazz soundtrack album has become one of the best-selling holiday albums of all time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas?
A Charlie Brown Christmas is currently available to stream on Apple TV+. Availability may change by season and region, so check your preferred streaming service for the latest information.
Who directed A Charlie Brown Christmas?
A Charlie Brown Christmas was directed by Bill Melendez and released in 1965. The film stars Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford.
Is A Charlie Brown Christmas a good family Christmas movie?
Yes, A Charlie Brown Christmas is widely regarded as a great family Christmas movie and is suitable for viewers of most ages. It has become a holiday tradition in many households.

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