Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, the Grinch, they’re all good contenders for your typical Christmas special, but they’ve been done more than a time or two, don’t you think? If you’re looking for something a little different than your typical Christmas cartoon, have a look at these ten underrated animated Christmas specials.
Spongebob Squarepants: Christmas Who? (2000)
Though Spongebob still lingers on Nickelodeon today, his original Christmas episode seems to have been pushed aside in the massive legion of nautical nonsense since its premiere. It’s a simple special hosted by Patchy the Pirate when Spongebob brings Christmas to his friends in Bikini Bottom.
It’s charming, cheery, has a massive catchy musical number, and even shows us a less-than-cynical side of grouchy old Squidward. “Christmas Who” definitely has some serious nostalgia value for ’90s-born viewers today, and should definitely be given a second chance.
Annabelle’s Wish (1997)
If you’re looking for a Christmas special that will definitely pull your heartstrings, you need Annabelle’s Wish. The plot is essentially the relationship between a mute farmboy and his beloved calf with dreams of flying like Santa’s reindeer. Throw in some vocal appearances from the likes of Randy Travis, Cloris Leachman, and Jim Varney and you’ve got a pretty solid special.
It’s not the most complex on our list, but we’d be lying if we thought it didn’t have the most heart. Definitely put this on if you’re in the mood for a case of the feels.
It’s Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown! (1992)
Though not nearly as popular as its constantly-aired counterpart, this Charlie Brown Christmas special certainly has its perks, along with a slightly bigger budget. Due to the first film’s popularity, this sequel has been swept under the rug for years, but it’s an interesting little special nonetheless.
Though it lacks a single overarching narrative like the first one, the special is basically built of a series of Christmas and holiday scenarios surrounding the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and all the rest are at their holiday best and would definitely pair well behind the original Charlie Brown Christmas.
The Small One (1978)
When a woodcutter’s son is forced to sell his beloved donkey, the two venture into the city of Nazareth to find a buyer for the old creature. Brought to us from the imagination of Don Bluth, this is definitely an underrated Christmas classic, especially when we’re introduced to Small One’s new owners.
This is definitely some of Bluth’s best work under the Disney title, giving us not only a heartwarming story but a pretty poignant message about the roles we might play in life. Sometimes the smallest one can play the biggest part of all.
The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (1975)
Rankin/Bass has nearly the monopoly when it comes to iconic Christmas specials. With titles like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, and Frosty the Snowman under their belt, it goes without saying they know what they’re doing. But this one gets cast aside too often.
When a shepherd boy is struck by lightning and blinded, he’s taken in by a kind convent of nuns in a nearby abbey. What follows is a story of love, faith, and Christmas snow that’s truly an underrated gem. And it even features Angela Landsbury as the lead character. What’s not to love?
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
We know we’ve mentioned this one once or twice this season, but we simply can’t leave this unappreciated gem out. It just warms us up in all the right places. With Mickey and Minnie doing a version of Gift of the Magi, how do you not get a little choked up?
It’s essentially an anthology of three Christmas stories starring classic Disney characters brought to life by the rich tones of Kelsey Grammer. Frankly, we don’t really need anything else. It’s a simple flick perfect for those warm fuzzies we love this time of year.
Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too (1991)
Yet another Christmas classic from the wonderful world of Disney, this time featuring our friends from the Hundred Acre Wood at the reins in more ways than one. When Pooh misplaces their letter to Santa Claus, it’s up to him and his buddy Piglet to set things right before Christmas Morning.
This is what we in the business like to call a comfort food movie. It’s not the deepest or most dramatic, but it’s fun and easy to mellow out and watch while getting cozy with a cup of cocoa after a long day. It’s not complex or life-changing, just comfortable and content.
Father Christmas (1991)
Our next two entries come from the mind of Raymond Briggs, and they go hand in hand. Father Christmas shows us a very different side of jolly old Saint Nicholas when he decides to take a vacation after a busy Christmas season. He might not be the most gleeful of Santas, but this version definitely has our attention.
In this quirky little film, we see Father Christmas himself take a long trip across the globe, drinking wine in France, dancing at a pub in Scotland, and even gambling and singing karaoke in Las Vegas! Is it us or does Santa know how to party?
The Snowman (1982)
If you’ve had Frosty on repeat, have a look at this underrated interpretation of a snowman come to life for a different experience. With no spoken dialogue (unless you find the opening with David Bowie) and incredible music and animation, this is definitely a brilliant special everyone should see.
It’s amazing how a story can be told with images and music alone, and The Snowman is absolutely incredible. “Walking in the Air” still gives us chills and enchants us to this day. Just take it from us and give this one a watch, you won’t regret it.
A Christmas Carol (1971)
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Short Film, animated by the great Chuck Jones, and featuring Alastair Sim reprising his role as Ebeneezer Scrooge, if there was ever an ultimate animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol, this is the definitive version. It’s practically the original Dickens novel come to life.
The animation looks like something out of a victorian sketchbook, the dialogue and scenes are pulled directly from the text, and even the novel’s original horror elements are all present. There are dozens of adaptations of this iconic story, but we recommend this one for something true to form.
