Published December 9, 2024
BY AVERY PALSHAW
While some may still be rummaging through two-week old Thanksgiving leftovers, winter is officially upon us, as is the holiday season. And what better way to kick off the holidays than with a good movie to watch by a warm fire?
(courtesy of APPLE TV)
Below is a well-crafted rating of America’s favorite animated holiday movies, so bundle up for some controversy.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” may be considered an all-time favorite, but it’s frankly insufferable. Charlie whines, Lucy bosses everyone around, Peppermint Patty never shuts up, Linus just stands there holding his filthy blanket, and Snoopy sounds like a mutilated chipmunk, all while some wretched jazz music plays in the background.
(courtesy of CTV TELEVISION NETWORK)
2/10
“The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)
Though only 25 minutes long, this snoozefest isn’t worth a minute of anyone’s time. The idea of a religious Christmas tale is pleasant, but in villainizing its Arab characters and lacking much of a positive impact at the end, “The Little Drummer Boy” can expect coal this year.
3/10
(courtesy of CBS)
“Frosty the Snowman” (1969)
The story of this beloved snowman melts hearts, and as far as the production goes, it’s enjoyable enough. However, the movie is riddled with plot holes–the school children all wearing shorts in the snow, there being school on Christmas Eve and Professor Hinkle’s unreasonable obsession with getting his hat back.
5/10
(courtesy of NBC)
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970)
This holiday classic may not follow the traditional history of Santa Claus, but it’s a fun twist to the origins of this bearded icon. Incorporating noteworthy musical numbers like “Put One Foot in Front of the Other” and “My World Is Beginning Today,” the film is understandably a childhood trademark for many Americans.
7/10
(courtesy of PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS)
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
Rudolph is the most famous reindeer of all, and for good reason. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” not only is entertaining for children and adults alike, but it also sends out the message that the holidays are about giving and including others. Not to mention, the dentist storyline was genius and something about the characters’ Transatlantic accents is both comforting and nostalgic.
8/10
(courtesy of WARNER BROS)
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)
Nothing brings out the holiday spirit like a green man who tries to steal Christmas. The Grinch isn’t flawless, but this movie certainly is. With complex characters, vibrant animations that bring Dr. Seuss’ work to life, an adorable dog, Max, and an iconic theme song that will be remembered for generations to come, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” truly has the power to grow one’s heart three sizes.
10/10
