2022 – My Theatrical Movie Experiences Ranked

 

   Despite the growing success of online-streaming, I still savor my experiences in the theater, as those are the movie events I want to look back on. So, here’s my personal ranking of all the 2022 movies I saw in the theater this year, which means some other really good (and bad) films from 2022 won’t make the countdown. Again, these are ranked by my own personal feelings on them, they aren’t ranked by their objective quality, but simply on how each left their impression on me. There are 11 movies in total, and lets just have some fun looking back at some of the films from 2022.

 

#12 “The Lost City” 

While “The Lost City” won’t be sticking with me as one of the great adventures in cinema, it still embraced its goofy genera traits, allowing the experience to be generally enjoyable, despite some cringe gags. More than anything, it was the charming cast that made this film a pleasant watch, with Brad Pitt in a funny supporting role, Daniel Radcliffe clearly having fun as a hammy villain, and I’m convinced that no matter how old or how many years Sandra Bullock continues to act … she’ll always be an appealing, and delightful screen presence.

 #11 “Lightyear” 

“Lightyear” hit all the basic beats that appeal to my wheel house of fast-paced, beautifully animated, straightforward Sci-Fi adventure … and for that, I had a genuinely enjoyable time watching it. However, the film could have been stronger if it had been an original picture, with elements of both “Interstellar” and “The Martian” rolled in, but I really don’t think it needed to be tied into the “Toy Story” franchise … as it really did feel like a last-minute tweak to have this tied into a successful IP, and even for a franchise junky like me, I still feel that studios should put more faith into something new … which Pixar usually excels at.   

 

#10 “Jurassic World: Dominion” 

The Jurassic franchise has finally broken away from self-contained settings, and has now progressed to global-wide excitement, with various dinosaurs in multiple locations … for the first two acts anyway … resulting in a thrilling variety of different set-pieces. Plus, with the long-awaited return of franchise favorite characters, it’s hard for a long-time fan not to have a passively good time. While “Dominion” is obviously no A-list cinematic achievement, it’s absolutely rock-solid B-Monster movie enjoyment.   

 

#9 “Elvis” 

The 2001 musical “Moulin Rouge” is personally one of my all-time favorite movies, and ever sense, I’ve closely watched every release (both prior and after his 2001 musical) from writer and Director Baz Luhrmann. Over the decades, he’s made good movies, and less good movies … but straight to the point … his 2022 Rock Biopic on the career of Elvis Presley is easily my second favorite of his films. His dazzling imagery, hyperactive editing, and boundlessly energized tone is a perfect marriage for Elvis, while still covering all the proper emotions, both inspiring and dramatic. Naturally, the film is further complimented by Austin Butler’s dominating screen presence in the leading role … now get that Oscar trophy bright and polished for the King!   

#8 “Nope” 

It’s Jordan Peele’s third directorial feature, and this time he’s bringing new life into one of my most favorite genera’s … Sci-Fi Thrillers … and to the end result I say … YES! The first act wraps me in with its brilliant shot composition, electrifying atmosphere, pacing, likable leads, and mysteriously intriguing premise. Its final act will keep the film edged in my mind with one of the most unique alien creatures, and designs I’ve ever seen. While the concept of UFO’s has been done to death, this film managed to breathe new life into the formula, and made for a riveting, spooky encounter with extra-terrestrial life. 

 

#7 “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” 

Director Sam Rami returns to the world of Marvel comics, bringing his creative filmmaking talents, along with his signature love for horror movies, and delivers a wild, anything goes comic book experience, packed with insane imagination, 3D wonders galore, and cameos, Easter eggs, and references to satisfy any long-time comic-book fan like me. While I can’t make a persuasive argument that this film is anything objectively good, with great story telling, or even layered characters … but it’s unmistakably one of the most fun experiences I had at the theater in 2022.    

 

 #6 “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” 

Sonic and Jim Carry return to once again rekindle my childhood, and they’ve brought with them more recognizable characters from the games, resulting in a sequel that effectively levels-up from its predecessor. The new character interactions are charming, the comedy outrages, the adventure set-pieces exciting, and for once, I feel like I’m getting a decent video-game adapted franchise … certainly an enjoyable one, and I can’t wait to see what awaits at the next level.

#5 “The Batman” 

After a decade of being in the shadows, Batman finally returns to the theater, and this time is putting more focus on being a gritty crime mystery, as opposed to flashy summer action and adventure. Needless to say, it’s a welcome change up, and delivers the best of both worlds, as its grounded story is complemented with an eye for comic-book flair, and absorbing atmosphere. While it's slow-burning narrative, and grim tone won’t be for everyone, Matt Rives brilliant direction, as well as the strong cast keep things engaging, and the end result is arguably one of the most respectful in capturing the essence of Batman’s source material.

 

#4 “Belle” 

Mamoru Hosoda is one of my favorite Anime directors and writers in the business right now, and has delivered some of my favorites in the genera, including “Wolf Children”, and “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”. Now, he’s set a new benchmark with “Belle”. Taking the classic story of “Beauty and the Beast”, combining it with many elements of his previous films like “Summer Wars”, and he delivered something that truly lived up to its name. Visually, musically, emotionally, thematically … “Belle” was simply a thing of beauty to experience in the theater, and could well be my new favorite Anime from director Mamoru Hosoda.   

 

#3 “Avatar: The Way of Water” 

The original 2009 “Avatar” is personally one of my favorite, modern Sci-Fi classics … and after thirteen years, I’ve been raring to return to Pandora. While the plot … like the original … covers a lot of familiar ground, it’s the overarching theme of family ties, and staying united in the face of opposition that kept me engaged, and supported the films sheer spectacle. With that said … I loved the underwater world of Pandora, and once again just felt transported to a magical alien world. I really think the "Avatar" universe might just be my favorite Sci-Fi setting to just feel submersed in. I can’t remember the last time alien creatures felt so real to me … like I could reach into the screen and touch them. I can’t make a persuasive argument that this was a perfect sequel … but highly satisfying for this long time fan. 

#2 “Top Gun: Maverik” 

It’s been a long time waiting for this film, but Tom Cruise was insistent that it should be experienced in the theater, on the biggest screen possible, and with a big crowd … well … the wait was worth it, as the final result was one of the most breathless and engaging theater experiences I’ve had in years. The first “Top Gun” remains a classic and charming staple of the 80’s, but this is a rare sequel that took its predecessors winning ingredients, and soared even higher with it. The characters are more compelling, the emotional moments are genuine without being melo-dramatic, and everything else from aerial stunts, sound-mixing, cinematography, film editing, and music compositions are all firing on high-level excitement and quality! 

 

#1 “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” 

It had been a hot-minuet sense we last had an adventure with Puss in Boots, and by extent sense we ventured into the "Shrek" franchise, and as such, the odds weren't initially in this films favor ... but low and behold, the righters, animators, imaginations, and the story-tellers really spent that decade crafting the best possible spin-off sequel they could make. Maybe a hot take on my part ... but this unassuming sequel could well be new favorite of the long running "Shrek" franchise, and by extent, my favorite theater experience of 2022. I'm not kidding when I say every detail was done perfectly ... the action was brilliantly staged, and bursting with energy. The animation is beautifully stylized, yet still fits into this universe. More then anything, the excitement of the journey is complimented with meaningful morals regarding life, and how we spend our days ... and the two tones surprisingly work together so well. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek have never shined brighter as their respected characters then in this outing, and it left me wanting to see more of them. The supporting characters are also equally likable ... and the villains ... wow, dose this film reach a high point for an ensemble of great animated villains. In the end, for all this franchises up's and downs, I really don't think you could ask for a stronger, sweeter, family adventure then "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" ... and as far as my personal movie going experiences in 2022 are concerned … “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” was the event I loved the most, and reminded me why I still love experiencing new movies in the theater.  

Thanks for reading my countdown, and may the thrill of the theater continue on next year!

 

My Top 10 Rankin and Bass Christmas Specials

 

   It was in the early 1960’s that Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass teamed up to create Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. It was a Television division that produced animated specials and movies from 1963 to 1987. While they produced some animated movies in the vein of “The Last Unicorn” and “The Hobbit”, their real legacy will always be tied to their series of TV Christmas specials. 

It all started in 1964 with their stop-motion classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and a series of holiday themed specials followed for the next two decades. They produced 18 Christmas specials all together, most of which featured the same style of puppet work and animation, while select others were traditionally hand-drawn. Weather you Love them, hate them, or are indifferent to them … the Rankin/Bass holiday specials are staples of the season, and have earned the right to be labeled as TV classics. For me personally … I grew-up with these specials, and while I wasn’t in love with them as a kid, I still watched them, and enjoyed them on some surface level. 

As an adult, I find myself really respecting them, admiring them, and even enjoying them more then I did as a kid. With the passing of Jules Bass this year, a legacy is left behind, and as such, I wanted to celebrate the holiday season by counting down my own personal top 10 favorite of the Rankin/Bass’s animated Christmas specials. Just a quick warning, these specials aren’t arranged by any kind of objective quality, or iconic status, and are simply based on how they left their impression on me, and have stuck with me over the years.

 

#10 Frosty's Winter Wonderland (1976)

For the ninth entry in the Rankin and Bass Christmas collection, it was time for the long-awaited return of everyone’s favorite living snowman. It’s been eight years sense Frosty the Snowman first came to life, and sense then, the kids have been eagerly awaiting his return. When a giant snowstorm heads their way, Frosty gets the idea to leave the North Pole, and fulfil his promise to come back again someday … much to the announce of the mystical Jack Frost, who’s annoyed he doesn’t get the same amount of love and attention. 

Frosty meanwhile is happy to bring joy to the kids but is eager to find a snow-bride of his own to take back with him to the North Pole. Thus, with the help of the kids, they create a new enchanted Snowwoman named Crystal, who not only fills in the lonely place in Forty’s life but may even be able to win over the cold-hearted Jack Frost. While this sequel doesn’t reach quiet the same charm of the first, it’s still leaps and bounds better than the stand-alone 1992 reboot sequel titled “Frosty Returns”. Jackie Vernon didn’t lose an ounce of his charisma in the lead role of Frosty, and the new characters are welcome additions. Also, intentional or not, I love the irony of the cast’s names, with Forty’s new snow-wife Crystal being voiced by Shelly Winters, and Jack Frost being voiced by Paul Frees … I wouldn’t be surprised if they were casted on account of their last names having a seasonal tie-in. 

Actually, Paul Frees was a regular voice actor for Rankin and Bass animation and is a vocal talent I’ll be highlighting in a number of their specials. In general, Frosty the Snowman was one of my childhood favorite Christmas characters, and my personal favorite of the shared Rankin and Bass holiday universe. As such, it’s easy to enjoy seeing his story grow with a new family. It also works as a decent introduction to Jack Frost, who’d have his own string of appearances after this.        

 

#9 “Nestor: The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” (1977)

For the eleventh of the Rankin and Bass Christmas offerings, we have what in my view is one of their more unique and underrated offerings. We open with Santa’s personal stable donkey, who’s in the prosses of tending the reindeers stable, and comments that Rudolph wasn’t the first of the “misfits to make a difference” on Christmas. 

Thus, he tells the story of his great ancestor, the donkey Nestor, who was born with abnormally large ears, and was considered an outcast. However, through many trials and errors, he put those ears to good use, as he became the donkey who carried Mary the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. While Nestor can’t mask the many story beats it lifts from other familiar Rankin and Bass specials ... the most obvious being Rudolph ... I feel it still packs an emotional punch, and is very wholesome on its own merits. It’s also one of the big ones to highlight the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials as one shared holiday universe, with the fantastical world of Santa and Rudolph bridging over into the Christian tales of The Little Drummer Boy and the Nativity. The voice cast is solid as ever, with Paul Frees voicing a farmer, as well as Santa for one last time. Nestor is also one of the darker entries, with a lot of pathos, and sad moments, but balanced out with enough magic and levity. It’s hard to explain, but I always found something warm and comforting about this entry, and even though it's derivative of other works, I do feel it deserves a little more attention than what it’s gotten.

#8 “Rudolph's Shiny New Year” (1976)

The same year Frosty returned, Rankin and Bass tenth holiday special saw the return of the iconic Reindeer with the shiny noise … and just in time for New Years. After Rudolph saved Christmas, it was time for a new mission to save New Year’s Day. In this holiday universe, the Happy New Year comes in the form of a baby named Happy, who lives with Father Time. However, this particular baby was born with large ears, which made the lad feel like a freak, prompting him to run-away to a number of fantastical islands.

 Rudolph naturally can sympathize with feeling like an outcast, and thus, set’s off on a journey to rescue the baby, and teach him to embrace the things that make him unique. Along the way, he’s pursued by a giant Vulture named Eon, who aims to snatch the baby, and keep himself alive forever. Without question, this is one of Rudolph’s stranger adventures, yet still true to the spirit of the character, and harmlessly pleasant all-around. This special certainly features some of the most elaborate sets, and imaginative locations of any Rankin Bass production, which helps this entry stand-out with its own unique visual look and feel. Billie Mae Richards reprises her signature role as Rudolph, and is just as delightful as ever. However, the Rudolph puppet was changed for this outing, which became his new look for all the specials moving forward, and personally, I think it’s an improvement over the original model. Whenever I think back on Rudolph in the Rankin and Bass universe, this is the look and design that always comes to mind first. Paul Frees also gets to reprise his role as the voice of Santa Claus, after initially voicing him in “Frosty the Snowman”. While Mickey Rooney will always be the most iconic talent to voice Santa in this series, I’ve personally always preferred the voice of Paul Frees coming from the character. 

The cast in general features some noteworthy comedians of the time, including Red Skelton and Frank Gorshin. My one reservation with this special is that it never really puts me in a Christmas mood, but regardless, it still has the same unique personality of the Rankin and Bass universe, and it’s a proper continuation of Rudolph’s story. There’s even a nice little animated segment recapping on the events of Rudolph’s first adventure of saving Christmas, and it’s cool to see 2D animation among all the signature puppet work of the studio. Despite being such an odd-ball entry in the series, I just can’t help liking this one all the same.   

 

#7 “Jack Frost” (1979) 

While the character of Jack Frost made appearances throughout the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials, this marked his only solo adventure ... and it's a decent one. 

For this winter adventure, Jack Frost finds himself falling in love with a human girl named Elisa and makes a deal with Father Winter to become human himself, as he aims to make a life with her in the mortal world. Things are more difficult than he anticipated, as Elisa's home village is lorded over by an evil monarch named Kubla Kraus, who aims to collect all their money, or they'll be at the mercy of his mechanical army of Iron Solders. Thus, Jack Frost aims to liberate the village of tyrant and hopefully win the affection of Elisa in the process. In a refreshing twist, the special doesn't deliver a conventional happy ending with the two lovers getting together, but it's not a complete downer ending either. Robert Morse voices Jack Frost for this outing, and Buddy Hackett is our mandatory celebrity narrator, who comes in the form of the holiday Groundhog. 

Paul Frees absolutely shines in this special, both as the mystical Father Winter, and as the villainous Kubla Draus. The highlight of this special once again comes from the fantastical world building, with a whole winter wonderland in the heavens. Father Winter is one of the most extraordinary puppets of the whole Rankin Bass collection, and steam-punk Iron army of the villain has a lot of personality. I wouldn't call this special a classic in the vein of the early specials, but still a solid outing all the same, with a likable cast, and memorable winter setting.             

#6 “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town” (1970)

Standing tall as the fourth of the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials, it’s the one to put a unique spin on the origins of Santa. In a cold and desolate northern town, the heartless monarch of the land orders all toys band, and thus the population can be just as unhappy as he is. A young man named Kris Kringle, having been raised by toy-makers, wishes to spread joy and love to the gloomy town. 

As the years go by, Kris finds new ways to deliver toys to the children, and all while avoiding the ruthless town leader. In time, we see all the iconic trademarks of Santa come into play, as told by a mail man, who’s answering the questions of several children. In many respects, this was the last of the original classics, as majority of the following holiday specials had some kind of tie-in with their first four offerings. The main appeal of this special is Mickey Rooney in the lead role of young Kris Kringle, who really brings something special to the character, which along with his age really helps him stand apart from other variations of Santa. He'd also be the main voice of Santa in most of the Rankin Bass Christmas specials to follow. Fred Astaire voices the Mail Man who’s telling the story, and makes for an iconic host in his own right. Paul Frees also gets his first big role as the voice of the wicked Burgermeister Master Burger.  

Even Mrs. Claus gets a decent amount of attention in this special … along with a very 1970’s song number … and stands shoulder to shoulder with Kris Kringle as an engaging lead with a journey. Their quiet little wedding under the first Christmas tree at the end is one of my favorite moments of the whole Rankin and Bass holiday collection. Also, even though this wasn’t the very first of the Rankin and Bass holiday offerings, it was the first to establish a shared universe of sorts with all their characters … even Rudolph gets a quick cameo. All around, this is still a charming little classic, and well worth watching just for an original and iconic portrayal of Santa.  

 

#5 “Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July” (1979)

With the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials firmly established as one big, shared universe, their thirteenth holiday offering would finally mark the figurative “Avengers” style round-up of the main characters, as well as bring finality to all the established continuity of the previous films. It’s the third and the final appearance of Billie Mae Richards Rudolph stories, third and final for Mickey Rooney’s Santa tales, and the third and final outing for Jackie Vernon’s Frosty the Snowman series ... although, this marked Forty's only time appearing as stop-motion. Even smaller characters like Jack Frost, Forty’s snow-wife Crystal, and even the whale Big Ben from the New Year’s special are all back, and voiced by the same actors. 

There’s also a number of new characters, with the great Ethel Merman leading the charge as a Circus owner, who needs Rudolph and friends to star in her sea-side act. Unfortunately, Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty fall into a trap set-up by an evil wizard called Winterbolt, who originally ruled over the North Pole, and now aims to take it back from Santa. This special is admittedly less of a classic and more of a personal nostalgic, guilty pleasure. Back when I was a kid, this was actually my favorite of all the Rankin and Bass holiday specials, and I remember always trying to catch it on TV. While the narrative is admittedly messy, and it lacks the simplicity of their other Christmas specials, there’s still an undeniable charm and appeal to seeing all these iconic holiday mascots together for one outing. The animation on display is also the finest of any of their productions, and the songs, while corny, are still very appealing. Rudolph and Frosty reprising the misfit song is a real delight, and there’s a big song number set to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. 

I’m also a sucker for mystical worlds, with detailed mythologies, lore, and all kinds of fantastical elements on display. There are snow dragons, an enchantress that dwells in the northern lights, and a gene made of ice … I enjoy all that stuff. Lastly, Paul Frees once again steels the show as King Winterbolt, who’s personally my favorite villain from the whole Rankin and Bass holiday catalog. Again, this is not one of their objective best … but there’s still so many details I love and enjoy from this one, and it is the one I arguably have the most childhood nostalgia for. 

 

#4 “The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)

Before Rudolph, Frosty, or even Santa … the Little Drummer Boy was the very first of the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials I ever saw, as well as owned on home video, and for years it was a family tradition to watch in our house hold during the Christmas season. Set around the events of Christs Birth in Bethlehem, a young boy is tragically made an orphan when his desert home is attacked by bandits. 

 Thus, he grows an intense hatred of people for the death of his parents. The only thing that gives him joy are three farm animals that escaped, and a single drum that was passed down from his late-parents. As a quick side note, the boy’s parents were voiced by Paul Frees and June Foray in their first Rankin and Bass project, and would of course become two of the most reoccurring talents in the company. When one of the boy’s close animal friends finds itself at deaths door, the drummer boy seeks help from the new born King, and maybe through his encounter, may finally open his heart to love others once again. This was only the studio’s second Christmas special after the runaway success of Rudolph, and it was very daring of them to go with such a dour story for a children’s holiday special. The animation is also some of the weakest of the whole Rankin and Bass collection, and at times is just plain unappealing, Yet, despite all that, this one stands-out with the most beautiful, uplifting, and emotional finale of the whole collection. 

Everything from the music, to the atmosphere, to the message is just a thing of beauty to behold, and I distinctly remember my mother crying every time we’d watched this. Also, with the abundance of Santa and decorative Christmas specials, it’s such a treat to have one focused around the birth of Christ … as there’s so phew of those. While the animation and goofy character quirks aren’t always easy to look at in this special, the heart-felt story, warm music, and powerful ending keep it among the best of the classics.

 

#3 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

Here it is, the classic that started it all … the first of the Rankin Bass Christmas collection … and still a staple of annual holiday specials to air on TV. We all know the classic story of Rudolph, as he was the odd one out of Santa’s Reindeer, and was branded an outcast due to his unusual glowing nose. Then, after the snow-storm of the century hits, Santa realizes that only Rudolph can guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve. While this wasn’t the first time Rudolph’s story was brought to life through animation, it was the first to get imaginative, and expand on both the character and the holiday world he inhabits. 

Instead of simply following the formula verbatim, we have all kinds of creative oddities punctuating the special. This includes … a snowman storyteller … a work Elf who’s also considered an outcast due to his passion to be a dentist … an Island of messed-up toys who want to be loved by kids despite their differences … a prospector searching for Silver and Gold … a giant snow beast threatening the North Pole … and even a Chimera who rules over his own kingdom. Seriously, who would have walked into Rudolph and expected to see a Chimera. That’s the kind of imagination and creativity that made Rankin and Bass so special … they’ll just do whatever comes to mind. Of course, being their first production, the animation and character models are not on par with their later Christmas specials, and the skinny, dot-eyed Santa in particular always took me out of it, as he never matched the design of his other appearances. Regardless, the imagination, and overall ingenuity of the production was still an extraordinary achievement for its time. 

It’s still bright and colorful, and the setting is bursting with personality. Rudolph naturally is a lovable lead, with Billie Mae Richard’s vocal talents adding to the appeal of the character. The supporting characters are also memorable, and there’s just this charming atmosphere to the whole thing that truly feels timeless. What more needs to be said … this special is the classic product of a simpler time, when audiences didn’t need much to be enchanted, and while the overall look and presentation of the special will be an acquired taste for some, it still captures the bright spirt the famous character deserves.

 

#2 “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

Sixth of the Rankin and Bass collection, and often cited as a fan favorite … perhaps the most successful of all the sequels. 

Mickey Rooney returns for his second outing as the voice of Santa Claus … but this time, all the focus is on his wife Mrs. Claus. When Santa wakes up one morning feeling sick, he believes it’s a sign that the people of the world are losing their Christmas spirit, and thus, he decides he needs to take a year off from his annual Christmas trip. Mrs. Claus however will have none of that, and set’s off on a journey along with two elves’, to try and find some way to bring Christmas spirit to the people of earth … and more importantly to Santa himself. Back when I was a kid, I actually found this one of the more boring specials, but looking back as an adult … I find this venture has a special magic all its own, and it’s become one of my favorites. It’s great to have Mrs. Claus take the spot-light for once, and the songs are wonderful, with “I Believe in Santa” being one of my favorites. There’s also a great ending in which all the children of the world show their love for Santa by banding together and helping with his mission to give gifts. Of course, the main attraction to this special are the two Miser Brothers … Snow Miser and Heat Miser. 

These two are arguably the most iconic original characters to come from the Rankin and Bass holiday series, and their individual song numbers are equally enjoyable. The Snow Miser song especially was a childhood favorite. All around, this was a bright spot for the Rankin Bass Christmas collection, with its signature charms, memorable songs, and naturally … the unforgettable Mizer Brothers make it worthwhile.

 

Before I reveal my Number One Favorite, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …

“The Stingiest Man in Town” (1978)

“The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold” (1981)

“Pinocchio's Christmas” (1980) 

“Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1974)

“The Little Drummer Boy: Book II” (1976)

 

#1 “Frosty the Snowman” (1969)

When it comes to the classic Christmas TV specials of Rankin and Bass, I always loved "Frosty the Snowman" the most. Back when I was a little kid, I couldn't always get into the Stop-Motion visuals of Rankin and Bass other famous Christmas specials, and it helped make Frosty stand out as one of the phew traditionally hand-drawn characters to come from the studio. 

Set during the first snowfall of the winter season, a failed magician discards his hat, which surprisingly brings a snowman to life, much to the delight of the kids, and especially one little girl named Karren. With his new life, Frosty and Karen set-off on a journey to get to the North Pole, before the sun melts her new best friend away. The bright winter animation on display really does make this one of their best-looking specials. Beyond that, there's a simple charm to this one, which I feel has only gotten stronger over the decades. Screen-writer Romeo Muller had previously adapted the original stop-motion Rudolph special, and gave the same winning treatment to Frosty. This special also features my favorite round-up of characters, who’ve all been cemented in my mind as minor icons in their own right. Frosty in general was already one of my childhood favorite Christmas characters, but it’s the late voice actor Jackie Vernon, who’s humble charm makes this character so infectiously lovable. 

Legendary voice actress June Foray is a delight as the little girl Karen, and probably her second-best Christmas character behind Cindy Lou from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Professor Hinkle is an enjoyable goof of a villain, and Paul Frees this time around is the voice of Santa Claus … which is awesome. In the end, Frosty is perhaps a pinch cringe with its age, but still, it's all-around a delightful, timeless classic, with its unforgettable theme song, warm feels, wonderful animation, lovable holiday mascot, and it’s personally my favorite of Rankin and Bass’s Christmas specials. 

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the Christmas and Holiday specials you Love!