The 12 Dogs of Christmas

2005 • 107 min • Drama · Family

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Synopsis

This holiday tale has all the elements of a classic heartwarmer--cuddly dogs, small town spirit, and even a full-fledged Christmas pageant. Set during the meager years of the Great Depression, 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS follows the story of Emma, a 12-year-old who is sent to live in Doverville, a rural town, with her aunt. The town has, like the rest of the nation, fallen on lean times and seem to have lost all interest in celebrating. However, Emma manages to enlist the town's dogs into a colorful holiday pageant that reminds the inhabitants that even the Great Depression cannot ruin the spirit of Christmas.

Our family guide

Best from age 6

Movie Knight Score

41 reviews

51 Audience · 41 · 100%

During the Great Depression, 12-year-old Emma moves to a somber town. She brightens spirits by enlisting the local dogs in a Christmas pageant, helping the community rediscover the holiday spirit amidst tough times. It’s a heartwarming story of resilience and joy.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 0/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Brief discussions of hard times and poverty.
A dogcatcher briefly threatens dogs.

What it models well

Community spirit and cooperation
Overcoming hardship with creativity
Love and care for animals
The joy of giving

Talk about it after

How Emma’s actions brought people together.
What life was like during the Great Depression.
The importance of helping others, especially animals.
Finding joy and hope in difficult situations.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The 12 Dogs of Christmas. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.