The Little Drummer Boy

Released Dec 19, 1968

30m

Fantasy

Animation

Kids & Family

Musical

List

75%

Tomatometer

12 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

An orphaned boy who hates humanity encounters the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Music by the Vienna Boys Choir.

Critics Consensus

The Little Drummer Boy is a mature addition to the Rankin-Bass catalogue, with a powerful conclusion that compensates for the special's dour storytelling and unpolished animation.

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AV Club Staff

AV Club

It's a lot like How The Grinch Stole Christmas, in other words, only with a Biblical foundation and not so much rhyming. The special is effective as all get-out, too.

Dec 6, 2018

Full Review

Michael Booth

Denver Post

I thought "Rudolph" was the worst animation I had seen, until seeing Drummer Boy again. Aaron the misanthropic drummer, formerly with Metallica, and his animal friends skitter across the Sinai like cockroaches on Red Bull.

Dec 4, 2018

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Andrew Ryan

Globe and Mail

A Christmas children's special that actually depicts events from the Bible? What a concept!

Dec 4, 2018

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

I think it was all handled beautifully.

Rated: 7/10

Apr 18, 2019

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Ryan Voyles

Paste Magazine

Certainly lives up to its reputation as the bleakest of the Rankin/Bass collection. But the 20 minutes of wallowing in misery is worthwhile for the company's best finale ever.

Dec 4, 2018

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Matthew Jackson

Syfy Wire

A tiresome journey to the end. Its heart is in the right place, but it never arrives at a place that's interesting.

Dec 4, 2018

Full Review

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Russell H

I enjoy these old animated ones. I hadn't seen a lot of this one as a kid but worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

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Savannah W

One Of Greatest Animated Christmas Movies I Had Ever Seen Growing Up And Still This Movie Does Not Disappoint The Songs Are Great And The Voice Acting Was Great This Is Just A Classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/23

Full Review

Jack's A

People seem to go a little too hard on this one in my opinion, sure it is fairly dark and depressing, but that ultimately makes it all the more enjoyable and makes it's climax all the more appealing

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/23

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Devils A

Due to poor animation, but good music, this short movie does deserve a *3 & 1/2* star review!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/22

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Andrew S

A nice and sweet film that is a good addition of the Rankin/Bass Filmography

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/01/22

Full Review

Audience Member

It's a little scary for younger children (a house burns down with people inside), but for older kids it sends a powerful message about friendships and forgiveness. The animation wasn't the best, and neither was the music; I found more enjoyment laughing at the characters then actually watching the movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Jules Bass

Director

Arthur Rankin Jr.

Director

Greer Garson

Our Story Teller

José Ferrer

Ben Haramed

Paul Frees

Aaron's Father

June Foray

Aaron's Mother

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Synopsis

An orphaned boy who hates humanity encounters the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Music by the Vienna Boys Choir.

Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Screenwriter: Romeo Muller
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Kids & Family, Musical
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1968, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2013
Runtime: 30m