10 Best Rankin Bass Christmas Movies

Few holiday films are as nostalgic as Rankin Bass' Christmas specials, featuring Rankin Bass' beloved holiday characters such as Frosty, Rudolph and others on screen. This popular holiday collection began in the 1960s and was helmed by directors and studio heads Arthur Rankin Bass Jr. and Jules Bass, who created eighteen of these nostalgic films until their disbandment in 2001.

From the 1960s to today, Rankin Bass' Christmas films are still some of the best-known and most-watched holiday films. In fact, the 1964 production of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer made history as the longest-running Christmas special of all time (Smithsonian Magazine). Characterized by the use of puppetry, stop-motion animation, original Christmas songs, and meaningful lessons, it's no surprise that Rankin Bass has remained a classic across generations. For adults and children alike, Rankin Bass's best films have something entertaining to offer everyone.whether it's an important life lesson or a fun story that reminds them of the joy of childhood.

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Directed by Larry Roemer, Kizo Nagashima

This holiday film is by far one of Rankin-Bass' most famous films and is also her first Christmas film. Based on the popular song of the same name written by Johnny Marks Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer follows Rudolph (Billie Richards), a young reindeer in Santa's North Pole who faces challenges and scrutiny due to the irregular appearance of his red nose. Although Rudolph's story had been popular before this, Rankin Bass's 1964 film breathed new life into the character.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer added in beloved supporting characters and subplots that have become important in pop culture in their own right, like Hermey (Paul Soles), the elf whose greatest desire is to be a dentist, or Sam the snowman (Burl Ives), the film's narrator who sings the titular song. The film's soundtrack also features several original songs that have become Rankin Bass holiday classics, such as "We're A Couple of Misfits", sung by the toys from Misfit Toy Island. At the end, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer teaches the importance of embracing your differences and unique qualities.

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The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

With The little drummerRankin Bass tackles a more serious Christmas story after the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Although the film is dated in many ways its moving story highlights The Little Drummer Boy, Aaron (Ted Eccles), an orphan boy whose journey through the desert leads him to the city of Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

The little drummer it pays homage to the religious and historical roots of Christmas and therefore doesn't shy away from the real atrocities that people faced during the period in which it is set. Throughout the film, Aaron faces a series of challenges that explain his suspicious attitude, from the death of his parents to being kidnapped and forced to work. Despite this, the film has a series of songs, comedic moments and a happy ending, making the film more suitable for children. The little drummer reminds audiences of the power of love and forgivenessas Aaron learns to forgive humanity and find hope again.

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Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Frosty the snowman followed in 1969, a few years after the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This film was also based on a popular Christmas carol and told the story about the origins of Frosty (Jackie Vernon) coming to life and his adventures with the children living in his town. Unlike other Rankin Bass films, Frosty is unique for its 2D style, which mimics a Christmas card.

In addition to its different animation style, Frosty the snowman follows many of the traditional conventions of a successful Rankin Bass Christmas film: catchy songs, a sweet message, and a charming narrator who leads viewers through the story. However, Frosty's story is darker than other Rankin Bass films, as Frosty chooses to sacrifice himself to save a young girl's life.melting into a puddle before being revived by Santa Claus. In the end, the short 20-minute special is as enjoyable as it is meaningful, teaching about self-sacrifice and thinking about the needs of others.

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1974)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Santa Claus is coming to town premiered a decade after Rankin Bass' first holiday special and immediately became a classic. This film is a return to Rankin Bass' stop-motion puppetry style and shows the never-before-seen origins of Santa Clausfrom the beginning as Chris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), the well-meaning toymaker hoping to bring joy to the children of Sombertown, a small community run by a grumpy mayor.

Santa Claus is coming to town It's a light-hearted film full of comedic moments that both children and adults can enjoy. Supporting characters like the adorable teacher Miss. Jessica (Robie Lester) and the clumsy Winter Warlock (Keenan Wynn) round out the cast as well-written, memorable characters who have their own character arcs. At the end, Santa Claus is coming to town is a compelling watch that humanizes Santa Claus as a person who once had to overcome his own challenges before becoming a mythical figure.

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The Year Without a Santa ClausThe Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Rankin Bass expanded the Kris Kringle character by producing and creating The year without Santa Clausa few years later. This film further humanizes Kris (Mickey Rooney) as an older man who is tired of fulfilling his annual duties as Santa Claus.therefore choosing to announce that he will take a year off to recover. His shocking decision results in a fun twist.

Few Rankin Bass holiday films are as humorous as The year without Santa Claus, which portrays a grumpier version of the beloved Christmas figure. The supporting characters also provide several noteworthy comedic moments, such as Snow Miser (Dick Shawn) and Heat Miser (George S. Irving), the two magical children of Mother Nature who have a ridiculous sibling rivalry. The film also features heartfelt notes, teaching about the importance of believing in the Christmas spirit, as Santa Claus rediscovers his love for the holiday.

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Rudolph's Bright New Year (1976)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Rudolph's Bright New Year was made almost a decade after the release of Rankin Bass' original film, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This sequel follows Rudolph (Billie Richards) as he saves another holiday, New Year'sembarking on an adventure to find Happy, the New Year's baby, after he goes missing.

However Rudolph's Bright New Year is one of Rankin Bass' lesser-known classics, the film is one of the few New Year's Eve shows created in animation. It's also one of Rankin Bass's most creative films, jumping across timelines to involve characters from different parts of history and pop culture, like Benjamin Franklin (Harold Peary), the Three Bears (Don Messick) from the Mother Goose stories. , and Father Time (Red Skelton). This imaginative classic brings a sense of nostalgia with Rudolph as the protagonist, who teaches viewers the importance of looking to the future and embracing change.

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Nestor, the long-eared Christmas donkey (1977)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

A few years later The little drummer, Rankin Bass returns to the city of Bethlehem to highlight another beloved character present at the birth of Jesus in, Nestor, the long-eared Christmas donkey. Rankin Bass' story of Nestor (Eric Stern) highlights his challenges as an orphan who, like Rudolph, faces mistreatment due to his long ears.

This short half-hour special is definitely a departure from the more lighthearted nature of Rankin Bass's 1970s films, but its story promotes the important life lesson of accepting those who are different and showing kindness and compassion. Although Nestor's challenges are rather dark for a children's film, Rankin Bass delivers his signature happy ending with his meeting of Mary and Joseph. Viewers will also enjoy special appearances by Santa Claus and beloved characters like Rudolph, who celebrate Nestor in the present.

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Jack Frost (1979)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Jack Frost is another Rankin Bass imagining of a famous mythical character. In this adaptation, Jack (Robert Morse) gains more personality when he falls in love with a human girlmaking a deal with Father Winter to temporarily become human so he can find and win his love's heart.

This Rankin Bass film is a heartwarming and fresh holiday story that can be enjoyed all winter long. For viewers looking for something that moves away from the typical characters of Santa Claus and his friends at the North Pole, Jack Frost has plenty of endearing new characters to root for. For example, Pardon Me-Pete (Buddy Hackett), a charming Groundhog from Groundhog Day, narrates Jack's story. For viewers of all ages, Jack's story in this film not only deepens his character, but also demonstrates the importance of sacrifice and choosing to do what is best for the greater good rather than selfish desires.

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Pinocchio's Christmas (1980)

Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.

Fans of the original Pinocchio fairy tale may enjoy Rankin Bass' 1980 film, Pinocchio Christmas. This film continues the story of Pinocchio (Todd Porter) after the events of the original storythrough his misadventures in trying to find the perfect gift for Christmas.

This Rankin Bass film is fun for several reasons. The film adaptation of Pinocchio provides more context about his life, adjusting to childhood and living with Gipetto. The film features several notable supporting characters from the original fable, such as Cat (Patricia Bright) and Fox (Allen Swift), two friends who try to trick Pinocchio by selling his school books. Similar to the original story, it's hard not to fall in love with the well-intentioned Pinocchio, whose journey teaches viewers that his love for Gipetto is the best gift he has to offer at Christmas.

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