11 Classic Claymation Christmas Movies

Who Are Rankin and Bass?

Rankin/Bass Productions was an American animation studio founded by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass in 1960.

They were prolific creators of holiday specials, primarily using stop-motion animation (which they called "Animagic") and traditional animation.

They became most famous for their claymation Christmas specials.

Rankin/Bass ceased production in the late 1980s, but by then, they had impacted an entire generation, and their films have lived on.

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The undisputed king of holiday specials that everyone knows about. This Rankin/Bass production introduced us to Hermey the Misfit Elf (who just wants to be a dentist) and Yukon Cornelius. Even 60 years later, the message that our "flaws" are actually our greatest strengths remains the heart of the season.

2. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)

Ever wonder why Santa has a beard, wears red, or slides down chimneys? This "superhero origin story" for Kris Kringle explains it all. It's narrated by Fred Astaire, and it features one of the best holiday villains ever: the grumpy Burgermeister Meisterburger.

3. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

When a weary Santa decides to take a year off, it’s up to Mrs. Claus to save Christmas. This movie is famous for introducing the Miser Brothers—Heat Miser and Snow Miser. Their catchy songs are the highlight of the film.

4. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

This fan-favorite is famous for the debut of the Miser Brothers (Snow Miser and Heat Miser). The plot follows Mrs. Claus as she tries to prove to a weary Santa that there is still Christmas spirit in the world.

5. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979)

The ultimate crossover event. This feature-length film brings the two holiday titans together to face off against the evil wizard Winterbolt. It has a more epic, high-fantasy feel than the shorter specials.

6. Jack Frost (1979)

This special explores the legend of the winter sprite who falls in love with a human girl and asks Father Winter to make him human. It’s a whimsical, slightly more romantic entry in the stop-motion canon.

7. The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold (1981)

Narrated by Art Carney as the leprechaun Blarney Kilakilarney, the story follows a young sailor named Dinty Doyle who accidentally frees a banshee from a pine tree on a mysterious Irish island.

8. Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)

Similar to the Rudolph theme of being an outcast, Nestor is a donkey bullied for his long ears who eventually plays a pivotal role in the Nativity story, leading Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

9. The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (1975)

Narrated by Angela Lansbury, this lesser-known gem follows a young blind shepherd who finds a miracle in the season’s first snowfall. It is a quiet, touching story about faith and wonder.

10. Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)

A direct sequel to the 1964 classic. Rudolph is tasked with finding "Happy," the Baby New Year, before time runs out. It introduces Father Time and features a journey through various eras of history.

11. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)

Based on the book by the author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, this is the most unique and mystical entry. It treats Santa as a hero in a world of forest spirits, immortals, and demons.