Movie Review: Can There Be a Perfect Christmas Film?

Rankin Bass's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer remains a classic during the Christmas season.

Some movies are embedded into Christmas culture. Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Die Hard, the list goes on and on. However, one movie stands above the rest as the king of Christmas flicks: Rankin Bass’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

Ever since Rudolph was released in 1964, it has kept an inescapable grasp on the holiday season. Everyone has seen it; most people have seen it a multitude of times. Rudolph’s airing on CBS became an annual event, even though audiences had seen it many times in the preceding years. Rudolph conquered Christmas. But a question still remains: how did this film attain its beloved status?

Rudolph’s greatest strength is its feeling of comfort. The stop-motion animation gives the movie a cozy, hand-made feeling that matches the spirit of the season. The scraggly, toy-like look makes every character look like something a kid might find wrapped up under the tree on Christmas morning. 

Not only is the animation as cozy as a crackling fire, but the plot of Rudolph is just as comfy. It is a simple story about acceptance, a perfect family romp. Every character finds a place to belong, even the Abominable Snowman. It is clean and short, a perfect watch to quickly get in the Christmas spirit.

Rankin Bass concocted the perfect Christmas movie. All aspects of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are masterfully woven to match the comfortable feeling of the Christmas season, elevating the movie to its status as holiday legend. If you have somehow not seen it, give it a gander when it reappears on TV. 

It is also worth a rewatch, even if it is for the thousandth time. Even 58 years later, Rudolph still manages Christmas perfection. 

Vaugn’s Official Rating: Five out of five stars.