From 1964 to 1985, Rankin/Bass Productions created a remarkable collection of holiday specials that defined Christmas television for generations. Using their signature stop-motion animation (dubbed “Animagic”) and traditional animation, these specials combined unforgettable music, heartfelt storytelling, and distinctive visual style. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of all 17 specials:
17. Pinocchio’s Christmas (1980)
It’s Pinocchio’s first Christmas, and he sells the book Geppetto gives him for present money, but Cat and Fox trick him out of it.
A curious addition to the Pinocchio canon that never quite finds its footing. While the special has its charms, it feels more like an odd detour than a holiday essential.
16. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979)
The Winterbolt is trying to make North Pole his evil wonderland, and it is up to Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other icons to stop him.
This ambitious crossover event feels like the Avengers of Rankin/Bass, bringing together their most beloved characters. Though the plot becomes convoluted, the novelty of seeing these icons interact makes it worth watching.
15. The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold (1981)
An Irish sailor is stranded on an island full of Leprechauns and soon finds himself aiding them in protecting their gold from a greedy Hag.
One of Rankin/Bass’s more eccentric offerings, blending Irish folklore with holiday themes. The unusual mix shows their willingness to experiment, even if the results are somewhat mixed.
14. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)
Rudolph must find Happy, the baby New Year, before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
A creative attempt to expand Rudolph’s adventures beyond Christmas, featuring some of the studio’s most imaginative character designs. The special succeeds in capturing the same warmth as the original, even if the story feels a bit forced.
13. The Stingiest Man in Town (1978)
After Ebenezer Scrooge refuses to assist the poor or have Christmas Dinner with his nephew, he is visited by three ghosts, all who show him what his future will be like if he doesn’t change his ways.
An underrated adaptation of Dickens’ classic that brings fresh energy to the familiar tale. The animation style particularly suits the ghostly elements of the story.
12. The Little Drummer Boy Book II (1976)
Aaron, the drummer boy, struggles to protect a bellmaker’s great silver bells from seizure by Roman soldiers.
A sequel that actually builds meaningfully on its predecessor’s themes. The special explores faith and perseverance with surprising depth for a children’s holiday program.
11. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (1976)
Frosty’s kind of lonely, so the kids think of making him a wife, Crystal. But will Jack Frost let them be happy?
A charming continuation of Frosty’s story that adds romantic elements to the snowman’s saga. The rivalry with Jack Frost adds a playful antagonist to the mix, while maintaining the warmth of the original.
10. Jack Frost (1979)
The Groundhog tells the story of how, for once, Jack Frost became human, and helped a knight win his lady love.
One of Rankin/Bass’s more melancholic offerings, with gorgeous winter scenery and a bittersweet love story. The special stands out for its more mature emotional themes and beautiful animation.
9. Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
An outcast donkey in Roman era Judea with overlong ears finds his destiny on the way to Bethlehem.
A touching parallel to Rudolph that manages to stand on its own merits. The religious elements are handled with sincerity and grace, while the story delivers genuine emotional impact.
8. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
An orphan drummer boy who hates humanity finds his life changed forever when he meets three wise men en route to Bethlehem.
One of the studio’s more serious offerings, tackling themes of loss and redemption with remarkable maturity. The stop-motion animation perfectly captures the ancient world setting.
7. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
When a town learns that Santa Claus has struck it off his delivery schedule due to an insulting letter, a way must be found to change his mind.
A clever expansion of the classic poem that adds layers of whimsy and heart. The mouse subplot and clockmaking elements give this special a unique flavor among the Rankin/Bass collection.
6. The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (1975)
A young shepherd is blinded by lightning, and some kindly nuns at a nearby abbey, take him in, and describes snow to the young shepherd, who has never seen it.
One of the studio’s most emotionally resonant specials, dealing with disability and faith with surprising sophistication. Angela Lansbury’s narration adds gravitas to this often-overlooked gem.
5. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A living snowman and a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician who is after the snowman’s magic hat.
This traditionally animated classic captures pure childhood joy and wonder. Jimmy Durante’s narration and the simple, heartfelt story make this one of their most re-watchable specials.
4. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
A mailman reveals the origin of Santa Claus.
Fred Astaire’s charming narration and creative origin story elements make this special particularly memorable. The explanation for every Santa tradition shows remarkable imagination and wit.
3. The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
At a council convened by The Great Ak, the forest being tells the story of Santa Claus to explain why he deserves to be made immortal.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s story, this is perhaps Rankin/Bass’s most ambitious special, creating an entire mythology around Santa. The fantasy elements and darker tone make it stand out in their catalogue.
2. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
When a weary and discouraged Santa Claus considers skipping his Christmas Eve run one year, Mrs. Claus and his elves set out to change his mind.
The Heat Miser and Snow Miser sequences alone make this special unforgettable. The story tackles the serious theme of burnout while delivering some of the catchiest songs in the Rankin/Bass repertoire.
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A young reindeer Rudolph lives at the North Pole. His father is one of Santa’s reindeer and it is expected that Rudolph will eventually be one too. However, he has a feature which is a setback and causes him to be ostracized: his red nose.
The special that launched the Rankin/Bass holiday empire remains their masterpiece. The Island of Misfit Toys, memorable songs, and timeless message about accepting differences have made this the definitive Christmas special for generations.
These specials, though varying in quality, collectively represent a golden age of holiday entertainment that continues to captivate audiences decades later. Their influence can be seen in countless holiday specials that followed, making Rankin/Bass’s legacy as enduring as the Christmas spirit itself.
What is your favorite Rankin/Bass Christmas movie? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to follow @NoConCulture on all socials!
