Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Kernel Score: 84% · 7,066 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Released: 2012-11-21
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is Rise of the Guardians worth watching?
Worth watching. A colorful family fantasy that imagines Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy as a team facing a villain. The designs are lovely and the idea about belief is sweet, though it's busy at times.
Watch it if you
- like inventive, good-looking family fantasy
- want something for kids that adults can enjoy
- enjoy holiday-flavored adventure
Skip it if you
- want a deep story
- dislike heavy use of fantasy shorthand
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Rise of the Guardians
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.
Rise of the Guardians parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Rise of the Guardians is a PG animated fantasy adventure where mythical guardians unite to protect children's hopes and beliefs.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Features fantasy action battles against a villain, presented in family-friendly animated style.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Rise of the Guardians
If you liked Rise of the Guardians, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Klaus (2019) — 92%: Warm, inventive animated tale built around Santa lore.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) — 88%: Holiday-meets-spooky fantasy with a distinct visual world.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) — 87%: Fantasy adventure with big visuals and emotional weight.
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) — 91%: Inventive, stylish animated action with heart.
- Castle in the Sky (1986) — 93%: Adventure fantasy with a sense of wonder.
- ParaNorman (2012) — 78%: Offbeat animated fantasy with supernatural friends and a child hero.
Director
Peter Ramsey
Cast
- Chris Pine as Jack Frost (voice)
- Alec Baldwin as North (voice)
- Jude Law as Pitch (voice)
- Isla Fisher as Tooth (voice)
- Hugh Jackman as Bunny (voice)
- Dakota Goyo as Jamie Bennett (voice)
- Isabella Blake-Thomas as British Girl (voice)
- Jacob Bertrand as Monty (voice)
- Khamani Griffin as Caleb (voice)
- Kamil McFadden as Claude (voice)
Rise of the Guardians FAQ
Is Rise of the Guardians worth watching?
Worth watching. A colorful family fantasy that imagines Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy as a team facing a villain. The designs are lovely and the idea about belief is sweet, though it's busy at times.
Where can I watch Rise of the Guardians?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Rise of the Guardians OK for kids?
Rise of the Guardians is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Rise of the Guardians is a PG animated fantasy adventure where mythical guardians unite to protect children's hopes and beliefs.
What movies are like Rise of the Guardians?
If you liked Rise of the Guardians, try Klaus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, How to Train Your Dragon 2 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.