Top 10 Christmas Cartoons

Top 10 Christmas CartoonsEvery year, movie studios work hard to release the next classic Christmas movies. As a result, there are hundreds of fine Christmas dramas and comedies, but we have to say that nothing can capture that sense of Christmas wonder like animation can.

 

So, for kids from age one to ninety-two, Tree Time Christmas presents a list of the best holiday cartoons. A word of warning before we proceed, some of these cartoons are guaranteed to make you cry.

10. Christmas in Southpark (2000)

Obnoxious and rude, this is hardly the type to land on anyone’s list. However, jaded adults who are searching for an antidote to all the standard mushy and sappy Christmas specials, this is it. Southpark unapologetically delivers an honest look at the season and the result is a 70-minute cheeky romp filled with hilarious songs and all things offensive.

We can safely conclude that one will find a renewed appreciation of the season after watching Cartman’s “O Holy Night”.

9. Spongebob Squarepants’ Christmas Who? (2000)

Loaded with double entendres, this Nickelodeon cartoon is mostly silly but it can be endearing. This double length Christmas special is as nonsensical as the other episodes except it put the power of belief in another light. By the show’s climax, Squidward’s rare display of tenderness may actually get to you.

8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Any Christmas cartoon list would be incomplete without the Peanuts gang. Since its debut in 1965, this movie has been a staple of Christmas movie marathons. While the religious aspect of it may be unnerving to some in today’s age, everyone can relate to Charlie Brown’s quest for finding the true meaning of Christmas.

7. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

This is part of a whole repertoire of Rankin/Bass Christmas classics. Unlike Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer; the Little Drummer Boy takes on a more somber mood and tells the story of an orphan whose life dramatically changed upon meeting the Three Wise Men. Plus, the title song, as performed by the Vienna Boys Choir, remains to be a haunting rendition that no other musician, performer or choir can surpass.

6. Garfield Christmas (1987)

What’s great about this cartoon is its ability to impart Christmas cheer without the sentimentality. The importance of giving, love and family are there but Garfield’s sarcasm anchors the touchy moments to solid reality.

5. Bug Bunny Looney Christmas Tales (1979)

Made up of three Christmas features, Bugs Bunny Looney Christmas Tales appeals to both kids and adults. The highlight of the movie is the retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and it is refreshing to see a softer side to Yosemite Sam for a change.

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

What’s fantastic about stop animation is that it allows the imagination to run free. Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” does exactly that. The story of Halloween denizens taking over Christmas is a stroke of brilliance and many kids are still enchanted by result.

3. How The Gringe Stole Christmas (1966)

Unlike the manic live action film from years back, the TV cartoon special featuring the great Boris Karloff is simply magical. The songs and the voice characterization complement Dr. Seuss’ genius in every way.

2. Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire (1989)

The Simpsons has come up with a list of very interesting Halloween and Christmas treats, but this episode from their first season is still the most heartwarming of them all. Like The Grinch TV Christmas special, this episode teaches us that Christmas is more than gifts.

1. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1966)

Burl Ives’ singing the title song has become iconic and the cartoon special itself has stood the test of time. We may have more seamless stop motion animation techniques today but none of them can hold a candle to this Rankin/Bass classic.

Anyone who has ever felt odd and unwanted will find a hero in Rudolph, Hermey and the residents of the Island of Misfit Toys. Truly, the songs and gallery of memorable characters make it the best Christmas cartoon.

This coming Christmas, take a break from the standard live action movies and get back in touch with your innocence. Cuddle up with a mug of cocoa and enjoy the wonders of these cartoons.