Few holiday films are as nostalgic as the Rankin Bass Christmas specials, introducing the beloved Rankin Bass holiday characters like Frosty, Rudolph, and more to the screen. This popular holiday collection began in the 1960s and was run by directors and studio heads, Arthur Rankin Bass Jr. and Jules Bass, who created eighteen of these nostalgic films until their disbanding in 2001.
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From the 1960s to today, Rankin Bass Christmas films are still some of the most commonly played, well-known holiday films. In fact, their 1964 production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made history as the longest-running Christmas special of all time (Smithsonian Magazine). Characteristic by their use of puppets, stop-motion animation, original holiday songs, and meaningful lessons, it’s no surprise why Rankin Bass has remained a classic throughout the generations. For adults as well as children, the best Rankin Bass films have something entertaining to offer all, whether it be an important life lesson or an entertaining story that reminds them of the joy of childhood.
You are watching: 10 Best Rankin Bass Christmas Films
9
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Directed by Larry Roemer, Kizo Nagashima
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rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a 1964 animated television special directed by Larry Roemer. The story follows a young reindeer named Rudolph, ostracized by his peers due to his glowing red nose. As Rudolph ventures through the North Pole, he encounters various characters including Hermey the elf and Yukon Cornelius, ultimately finding his place within Santa Claus’s reindeer team. The special has become a classic, particularly during the Christmas season.
Release Date
December 6, 1964
Runtime
47mins
Cast
Billie Mae Richards
, Burl Ives
Director
Larry Roemer
This holiday film is by far one of the most famous Rankin-Bass films, and also happens to be its 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 that faces challenges and scrutiny due to the irregular appearance of his red nose. Though the story of Rudolph 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 on their own, such as Hermey (Paul Soles), the elf whose greatest wish is to be a dentist, or Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives), the narrator of the film who sings the titular song. The film’s soundtrack also boasts several original songs that have become Rankin Bass holiday classics, such as “We’re A Couple of Misfits,” sung by the toys on the Island of Misfit Toys. In the end, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer teaches the importance of embracing your differences and unique qualities.
8
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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The Little Drummer Boy
AnimationDramaFamilyTV Movie
The Little Drummer Boy is a Christmas stop-motion animated film released in 1968. It follows the journey of young drummer boy Aaron, who, after escaping captivity, encounters the Nativity of Baby Jesus. Aaron offers his drumming as a heartfelt gift during this significant event.
Release Date
December 19, 1968
Cast
José Ferrer
, Ted Eccles
, Paul Frees
, June Foray
, Greer Garson
With The Little Drummer Boy, Rankin Bass tackles a more serious Christmas story after the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Though the film is dated in several ways, its heartwarming story highlights The Little Drummer Boy, Aaron (Ted Eccles), an orphaned boy whose journey across the desert leads him to the town of Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.
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The Little Drummer Boy pays homage to the religious and historical roots of Christmas and, therefore, does not shy away from real atrocities that people faced during the time period it is set in. Throughout the film, Aaron faces a series of challenges that explain his distrusting 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 kid-friendly. The Little Drummer Boy reminds audiences of the power of love and forgiveness, as Aaron learns to forgive humanity and find hope again.
7
Frosty The Snowman (1969)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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Frosty the Snowman
TV-G
AnimationHolidayChristmasComedy
Frosty the Snowman is a 1969 animation film from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Considered one of the most iconic iterations of the character, the TV special centers on a magical snowman who comes to live and helps a group of children escape from a greedy magician who is out to steal Frosty’s magical hat.
Release Date
December 7, 1969
Runtime
25 Minutes
Cast
Billy De Wolfe
, Paul Frees
, June Foray
, Jackie Vernon
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 holiday song and told the story of Frosty’s (Jackie Vernon) origins coming to life and his adventures with the children who lived in his town. Unlike other Rankin Bass films, Frosty is unique for its 2D style, which mimics that of a Christmas card.
Besides 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 takes viewers through the story. However, Frosty’s story is darker than other Rankin Bass films, as Frosty chooses to sacrifice himself to save the life of a young girl, melting into a puddle before he is eventually 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 of others’ needs.
6
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1974)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
AnimationFamilyFantasyTV Movie
In the 1970 stop-motion animated special Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, narrated by Fred Astaire, a mailman named S.D. Kluger recounts the origins of Santa Claus.
Release Date
December 14, 1970
Runtime
51 minutes
Cast
Fred Astaire
, Mickey Rooney
, Keenan Wynn
, Paul Frees
, Robie Lester
, Joan Gardner
Director
Arthur Rankin, Jr.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town debuted a decade after Rankin Bass’s first holiday special, and immediately became a classic. This film is a return to the stop-motion puppetry style of Rankin Bass, and shows the never-seen-before origins of Santa Claus, from his beginnings as Chris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), the well-meaning toy maker who hoped to bring joy to the children of Sombertown, a small community run by a grumpy mayor.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town explains the origins of several of Santa’s inner circle, including Mrs. Claus (Jessica) and the elves, a family known as The Kringles.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town is a lighthearted film full of comedic moments that both children and adults can appreciate. Supporting characters like the lovely schoolteacher, Miss Jessica (Robie Lester), and bumbling Winter Warlock (Keenan Wynn), round out the cast as well-written, memorable characters who have character arcs of their own. In the end, Santa Claus is Comin’ 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.
5
The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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The Year Without a Santa Claus
The Year Without a Santa Claus is a 1974 stop-motion animated television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. The story follows Santa Claus, who considers skipping his annual Christmas Eve journey due to feeling unappreciated. Mrs. Claus and two elves embark on a mission to restore holiday cheer and prove that Christmas cannot be celebrated without Santa. The special is known for its memorable musical numbers and classic holiday charm.
Release Date
December 10, 1974
Runtime
51 Minutes
Cast
Mickey Rooney
, Shirley Booth
, Dick Shawn
, George S. Irving
Director
Jules Bass
, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Rankin Bass expanded upon the character of Kris Kringle by producing and creating The Year Without A Santa Claus, a few years later. This film further humanizes Kris (Mickey Rooney) as an older man who is sick and tired of performing his yearly duties as Santa Claus, therefore choosing to announce he is taking a year off to recuperate. His shock decision results in an entertaining turn of events.
Few Rankin Bass holiday films are as humor-driven as The Year Without A Santa Claus, which portrays a grumpier version of the beloved holiday figure. Supporting characters also provide several comedic moments worth noting, such as Snow Miser (Dick Shawn) and Heat Miser (George S. Irving), the two magical sons of Mother Nature who have a laughable sibling rivalry. The film also has heartfelt notes, teaching about the importance of believing in the Christmas spirit, as Santa rediscovers his love for the holiday himself.
4
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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Rudolph’s Shiny New Year was made nearly a decade after the release of the original Rankin Bass film, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This sequel film follows Rudolph (Billie Richards) as he saves another holiday, New Year’s, by embarking on an adventure to find Happy, the New Year’s baby, after he disappears.
|
Name of the Islands Rudolph Visits |
Era in Time |
|
The Island of O.M. |
One Billion B.C. |
|
The Island of 1023 |
Medieval Age |
|
The Island of 1776 |
Colonial Era |
Though Rudolph’s Shiny New Year is one of Rankin Bass’s lesser-known classics, the film is one of the few New Year’s programs created in animation. It is also one of the most creative of the Rankin Bass films, jumping through timelines to involve characters from different parts of history and pop culture, such as Benjamin Franklin (Harold Peary), the Three Bears (Don Messick) from Mother Goose stories, and Father Time (Red Skelton). This imaginative classic brings a sense of nostalgia with Rudolph as the lead, who teaches viewers the importance of looking to the future and embracing change.
3
Nestor The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
A few years afterThe Little Drummer Boy, Rankin Bass returned to the town of Bethlehem to put the spotlight on another beloved character present for the birth of Jesus in Nestor The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey. Rankin Bass’s story of Nestor (Eric Stern) highlights his challenges as an orphan who, similar to Rudolph, faces mistreatment due to his long ears.
This short half-hour special is a definite departure from the more lighthearted nature of the Rankin Bass films of the 1970s, but its story promotes the important life lesson of accepting those who are different and showing kindness and compassion. Though Nestor’s challenges are fairly dark for a children’s film, Rankin Bass delivers their signature happy ending with his meeting of Mary and Joseph. Viewers will also appreciate the cameo of Santa Claus and beloved characters like Rudolph, who celebrate Nestor in the present.
2
Jack Frost (1979)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
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Jack Frost
FamilyAnimationFantasyTV Movie
Jack Frost is a 1979 animated fantasy film where the titular character seeks to become human after falling for a young woman. Granted human form by Father Winter, Jack must fulfill specific conditions by spring’s arrival to retain his humanity, navigating unexpected challenges in the process.
Release Date
December 13, 1979
Cast
Buddy Hackett
, Robert Morse
, Paul Frees
, Larry Storch
, Dave Garroway
, Debra Clinger
, Don Messick
, Dee Stratton
, Sonny Melendrez
, Dina Lynn
Runtime
48 minutes
Jack Frost is another Rankin Bass imagining of a famous mythical character. In this adaptation, Jack (Robert Morse) is given more personality when he falls in love with a human girl, making a deal with Father Winter to become human himself temporarily so that he can find and win the heart of his love.
This Rankin Bass film is an exciting and fresh holiday story that can be enjoyed throughout winter. For viewers who are looking for something that departs from the typical characters of Santa Claus and his friends in the North Pole, Jack Frost has just as many endearing new characters to root for. For example, Pardon Me-Pete (Buddy Hackett), a charming Groundhog from Groundhog’s Day, narrates Jack’s story. For viewers of all ages, Jack’s backstory in this film not only deepens his character, but also demonstrates the importance of sacrifice and choosing to do what’s best for the greater good over selfish desires.
1
Pinocchio’s Christmas (1980)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Fans of the original Pinocchio fairy tale can appreciate Rankin Bass’s 1980 film, Pinocchio’s Christmas. This film continues the story of Pinocchio (Todd Porter) after the events of the original story, through his misadventures in attempting to find the perfect gift for Christmas.
This Rankin Bass film is enjoyable for many reasons. The film’s adaptation of Pinocchio provides further context about his life adapting to boyhood and living with Geppetto. The film features a number of notable supporting characters from the original fable, such as Cat (Patricia Bright) and Fox (Allen Swift), two friends who attempt to trick Pinocchio by selling his school books. Similar to the original story, it is hard not to fall in love with the well-meaning Pinocchio, whose journey teaches viewers that his love for Geppetto is the best gift he has to offer for Christmas.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment