Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(102,265 ratings)

This stop-motion animagic version of the classic Christmas tale adds a bit of a twist when Rudolph encounters an abominable snowman. This was made for TV and features Burl Ives as the narrator. ~ Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 53 min.
Directed By: Kizo Nagashima, Alfie Scopp
Written By: Romeo Muller
Genres: Television, Animation, Kids & Family, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1964 Wide
On DVD: Oct 17, 2000
Studio: Artisan Entertainment

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
All these years later, as a reminder that every oddball fits in somewhere, it still shines. You could even say it glows.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Still retains its charm and all-ages appeal decades after its original broadcasts.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
A holiday must-watch (if your kids aren't scared silly by the Abominable Snowman, as I was).
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
A paean to nonconformity that would be startling today, it must have been downright shocking in pre-hippie 1964, when it debuted.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
One of the most beautiful, heartfelt holiday programs ever aired on broadcast television.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
Maybe the ultimate Christmas TV special.
Gil Jawetz, DVDTalk.com
If you have kids or fond memories of this film you might as well pick it up at some point.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
The beauty of this film is that it was made before the hype that's surrounded both the holiday season and kids entertainment since the late 1970s.

Read all 8 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Brad W

The greatest christmas special of all time, a truly amazing gift to all.
Alexander D

Good
Luke B

The animation in this film still amazes. There's something about stop-motion and Christmas that just works so well together. Rankin and Bass successfully extend the famous song to 50 minutes of pure joy. The film is pretty bizarre at times and also manages to be scary. The face… More
The animation in this film still amazes. There's something about stop-motion and Christmas that just works so well together. Rankin and Bass successfully extend the famous song to 50 minutes of pure joy. The film is pretty bizarre at times and also manages to be scary. The face of the abominable snowman is a freaky and disturbing at first. Rudolph meets up with a number of misfits looking for their place in life. Some of the film is dated and the morals are suspect at times. Santa is a bit of a prick in this film. He shuns Rudolph in the cruelest ways, but is also mean and cantankerous to everyone. He shows no enthusiasm during the elves song, and only really pays attention to Rudolph when he needs him. A story about finding your place in life, or using people when you need them? It's open for debate. Luckily, children wont be as confused by these complex and twisted dealings going on. There's a nice pace, even if the songs sound scratchy and monotone.
AJ V

This is a classic Christmas movie, I watched all the time when I was a kid, and I think kids today will continue to enjoy it. It's got good songs and great clay animation, I really like it, and I recommend it for your Christmastime viewing this year.
Michael E

such an adorable and heart warming childeren's Christmas classic that is enjoyable for the whole family
KJ P

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a fantastic masterpiece for kids, who will be cheering for the animation alone. As though it may often become scary to watch the animation, the story is a sure brilliant masterpiece. I love RTRNR, and I wish the never remake it, and leave this… More
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a fantastic masterpiece for kids, who will be cheering for the animation alone. As though it may often become scary to watch the animation, the story is a sure brilliant masterpiece. I love RTRNR, and I wish the never remake it, and leave this timeless masterpiece alone!
Richard C

B-
Michael G

I'll openly admit the high rating for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is 90% nostalgia but there's so much goofy randomness going on here that you'd almost have to be a total fool not to laugh at it. I challenge you not to laugh at the part where Yukon Cornelius licks… More
I'll openly admit the high rating for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is 90% nostalgia but there's so much goofy randomness going on here that you'd almost have to be a total fool not to laugh at it. I challenge you not to laugh at the part where Yukon Cornelius licks his pick axe
Jennifer D

Great early stop motion!
Jennifer X

Claymation and Christmas just go together. But it was Burl Ives' singing that really made this memorable.
Lafe F

It's special times indeed when I'm watching this fantasy Christmas special. I like Yukon Cornelius and the abominable snowman. The Island of Misfit Toys was totally cute.
Jason S

You have to watch these during christmas.
danny d

christmas classic
Drew S

You can't argue with the movie's stopping power, but I have trouble getting over the fact that Rudolph was and always has been a marketing ploy.
Bradley W

The greatest christmas special of all time, a truly amazing gift to all.
Dillon L

A wonderful Christmas special.
Jackson W

Rudolph may get old after you watch it every year, but it still is what it is. It sets such a calm mood and light air of Christmas and winter time with a confection that is not seen anywhere else. Though Hermie is still an oddball
Erin C

I love love love this movie. It is definitely one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time.
Doctor S

That Abominable Snowman is freakin' scary when you're 8.
alan j

outdated, basic animated film..but still a must see for the kids