With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to delve into some Christmas classics. Meanwhile, there’s no better place to look for magical, family-friendly Christmas movies than Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. While the entertainment company got its start producing series like Tales of the Wizard of Oz (1961), it struck gold in 1964 with the release of the TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
The success of its Rudolph special led Rankin/Bass to specialize in Christmas TV specials for the next two decades, producing many gems along the way. Some of these specials never lost their magic over the years. Viewers can use our guide to find out where to watch the Rankin/Bass movies that still hold up the best on platforms like Tubi, Prime Video, and more.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer marked Rankin/Bass’s first and, arguably, best Christmas special. Inspired by the Johnny Marks song of the same name, the special centers on Rudolph (Billie Mae Richards), Santa’s (Stan Francis) newest reindeer, who faces ostracization due to his red nose, but proves to be one of the bravest and most useful reindeer on Santa’s team. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has an irresistible charm, with its eye-catching stop-motion animation, festive music, and a sweet, simple message of acceptance.
Given advances in technology, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer isn’t as visually stunning to modern audiences, but I find its old-fashioned stop-motion animation adds to its quaintness. Additionally, after all these years, it still holds up well thanks to nostalgia. There’s a wholesomeness, simplicity, and festivity to the special, similar to A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), that just seems to transport you back to childhood Christmases.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Frosty the Snowman adapts the “Frosty the Snowman” song by Walter E. Rollins and Steve Nelson, telling the story of Frosty (Jackie Vernon), a snowman who comes to life and struggles to reach the North Pole before he melts. Like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the special adapts an iconic song while also expanding the story, adding adventure and higher stakes as Frosty tries to evade a greedy billionaire, and saves a child along the way.
Although the animation of Frosty the Snowman isn’t as eye-catching as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, it still has a fun, Christmassy design, reminiscent of a Christmas card. Mostly, it thrives on the overall jolly and lighthearted atmosphere and warm, comforting narration and music. If you’re looking for a cozy, entertaining Christmas special in the vein of The Little Drummer Boy (1968), Frosty the Snowman is an excellent choice.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Inspired by the hit song of the same name, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town follows postman Special Delivery "S.D." Kluger (Fred Astaire) as he tells a group of children the story of Santa Claus’s (Mickey Rooney) origin. It goes back to the stop-motion animation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, using charming wooden and plastic figures and even featuring a cameo from Rudolph. However, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town stands out from Frosty and Rudolph because it veers away from the song into some intriguing, creative original territory.
I love how the originality gives Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town a sort of folklore/fairy-tale feel. The distinctive, captivating voices of Astaire and Rooney are another bonus to the Christmas special. Fans of Santa origin stories like Klaus (2019) won’t want to miss this classic tale that gets to the heart of Santa, featuring elves, toy-making, and flying reindeer.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
The Year Without a Santa Claus is based on Phyllis McGinley’s book of the same name. It tells the story of Mrs. Claus (Shirley Booth) and her elves, who set off to find some Christmas spirit to persuade Santa Claus (Mickey Rooney) not to cancel the holiday that year. I like that the special gives someone other than Santa the chance to shine, as the determined Mrs. Claus and the Miser brothers steal the show.
The Year Without a Santa Claus is most similar to Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town because of its creativity and folklore atmosphere. It goes beyond Santa and gives a little credit to some other deities, like Mother Nature (Rhoda Man). Like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966), The Year Without a Santa Claus proves just how compelling Christmas villains can be while also telling a whimsical tale on par with Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
Jack Frost (1979)
Jack Frost is one more excellent story for viewers eager for the folklore side of Christmas. In the special, Pardon-Me-Pete (Buddy Hackett) tells the legend of winter sprite Jack Frost (Robert Morse) and the time he tried to become human for the girl he loved. It’s a little darker than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman through its tale of sprites, dark magic, evil kings, and unrequited love. However, the darker atmosphere is welcome for those seeking more substantial worldbuilding and lore.
Given its slightly more mature storytelling, Jack Frost is a perfect movie to look back upon. You’ll realize, as an adult viewer, how underrated this Rankin/Bass film is, as it features an intriguing premise and themes that resonate surprisingly well with older audiences. If you’re looking for slightly more mature holiday movies, like Krampus (2015), you’ll enjoy Jack Frost.
