Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Released Jun 1, 1964

53m

Animation

Kids & Family

List

95%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

84%

Audience Score

2,500+ Ratings

This stop-motion animagic version of the classic Christmas tale adds a bit of a twist when Rudolph encounters an abominable snowman.

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Critics Consensus

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a yule-tide gem that bursts with eye-popping iconography, a spirited soundtrack, and a heart-warming celebration of difference.

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Melanie McFarland

Salon.com

In some sense one might think of it as the mother recipe of the American Christmas special.

Dec 14, 2018

Full Review

Time Out Staff

Time Out

This classic tale is still beloved today, as its feel-good story about the most famous reindeer of all wins every kid (and, fine, adult) over.

Nov 27, 2018

Full Review

AV Club Staff

AV Club

Rudolph would be nothing without its colorful cast of supporting characters-none of which Marks apparently felt worthy of inclusion in his original song.

Nov 21, 2018

Full Review

Carson Timar

ButteredPopcorn

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer might not be the best holiday special, but why it has become iconic is rather clear.

Rated: B

Aug 28, 2022

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Ryan Voyles

Paste Magazine

Rudolph set the template for dozens of specials to come, from the theme of acceptance to celebrity narrators and original songs, but few ever matched the captivating high of the godfather of Christmas specials.

Dec 4, 2018

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Ethan Lewis

Den of Geek

The characters in this Christmas special really make it... Rudolph and Hermey are wonderful examples of lovable misfits. And the wonderful thing about this special is that neither of these characters changes to fit their surroundings.

Nov 27, 2018

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Leticia q

Rudolph the 🔴👃 reindeer

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/24

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Vince D

A timeless classic, I couldn't wait to see this every year when I was a kid.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

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Joel H

Just the look of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer reminds me of Christmas. This stop-motion animation classic does have some odd moments and a few slower scenes, but Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass made magic when they put together this production. I remember being terrified of the Bumble as a kid and feeling as elated as Rudolph when Clarice tells him he's cute. Plus, because of Sam the Snowman's songs, Burl Ives is the voice of my Christmas childhood. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the first shows me and my family watch each December, and it really helps kick off the holiday season.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

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Tom R

The beginning of the rankin/bass christmas specials. It holds up today in my opinion with a sweet story and some fun musical numbers. It deserves its classic status.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/21/23

Full Review

Addy M

A iconic Christmas Classic from the story and the characters and the stop motion animation held up pretty well and the characters were great and the acting was good so if anyone has not checked this one out your missing out on a iconic Christmas classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/19/23

Full Review

Rodrigo C

this movie is a masterpiece when it comes with story and animation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/23

Full Review

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Maury Laws

Director

Larry Roemer

Director

Burl Ives

Sam the Snowman

Larry D. Mann

Yukon Cornelius

Billie Mae Richards

Rudolph

Paul Soles

Hermey

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Synopsis

This stop-motion animagic version of the classic Christmas tale adds a bit of a twist when Rudolph encounters an abominable snowman.

Director: Maury Laws, Larry Roemer
Producer: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Screenwriter: Romeo Muller
Genre: Animation, Kids & Family
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 1, 1964, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Oct 17, 2000
Runtime: 53m