At first, I had set out to create a list of the top Christmas movies in every genre, however, this seemed too controversial and I did not want to have to deal with the politics of the situation. I stumbled upon the Christmas claymation genre and realized there was a whole slew of movies that could be ranked. So without further ado, here are your top 5 Christmas claymations– and, as always, this list is undisputed. 

5 – Little Drummer Boy

I think we can all agree that in this film the CGI was not all there. As one of the earliest releases, it is obvious that their work was not mastered. The production is sloppy, the action is cringy, and the plot is barely understandable. Although there is a list of complaints, this film still brings with it the charm of Christmas spirit and a biblical story that is often overlooked. It is really great to have a motion picture to coincide with the wonderful Christmas tune, Little Drummer Boy. 

4 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Perhaps the most famous of the five, this film has some true character. The plot is a classic,c as the struggling outsider, Rudolph, is kicked to the curb by his parents, friends, and Santa. When no one believes in him he goes on a life-altering journey with his newfound “Misfit” friends. While Rudoph is gone his parents regret disowning him for his unfortunate physical appearance. When he finally returns home the Northpole rejoices and exclaims that they are sorry for making fun of him. However, by the looks of the incoming Blizzard, Santa declares that Christmas must be canceled. But luckily the shiny and bright nose of Rudolph is used by the elves and Santa to get through the blizzard. The star of this movie is the revered and heroic Yukon Cornelius. He is on the hunt for silver and gold, but helps Rudolph and the misfits in an entanglement with the ferocious bumble. Yukon along with his poise, charm, and utilitarian skillset will forever be remembered as the man who saved Christmas. 

3 – Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey

This is perhaps the most heart-wrenching of any of the films presented. For those of you out there who haven’t seen this drama, I will quickly explain the plot. It is just mere years before the birth of Christ when a small, weak donkey is born in an unkempt stable in the greater Nazareth region. This donkey– along with being weak– was also born with two huge floppy ears. Because no one wanted him, he was eventually kicked out of the stable along with his mother. In the bitter cold, the mama donkey passed away using her own body to keep Nestor warm. Nestor was eventually taken into another stable, as he was guided by an angel to the land of Nazareth. Eventually, a young couple showed up in need of a cheap ride to the land known as Bethlehem. They decided on Nestor. This couple happened to be Mary and Joseph. Mary at the time was pregnant with Jesus and it was Nestor who was able to transport her to the stable where Jesus would eventually be born. 

2 – Santa Claus is Coming to Town

This secular tale of the origins of Santa Claus tells how he came to be. Born an orphan, Chris was raised by the Cringle family. They were a toy manufacturing firm and taught Chris their craftsmanship. Being a talented young man he picked up on the skill and soon wanted to give out the toys to the sad children in a nearby town. Chris would eventually embark on a journey along with his new pal, Topper, a lost penguin, to overthrow the mean and ugly Burgermeister Meisterburger. Meisterburger had banned toys from the town, which created an unexpected challenge for Chris. As the journey continued, Chris had to come up with new and creative ways to give out toys, much of which explained why Santa does what he does today. However what places this movie at number two is the unforgettable tune, “One foot in front of the other”. Chris uses his charm to teach the Winter Warlock, the goodness of society, and how to walk again. After showing kindness, the Warlock’s heart is thawed and he gives Chris some sage advice that eventually helps him defeat the Burgermeister Meisterburger.

1 – A Year Without a Santa Clause

I should not have to argue why this is number one. Snow Miser and Heat Miser steal the show in an unforgettable performance. It is a crime that you can’t find the original version on Spotify. This movie does not peak here, however, as there is another star by the name of Ignatius Thistlewhite, a young boy who thinks that “Sanny Claus is for lil kids”. However, when meeting Santa undercover and after hearing his dad sing a duet with this undercover Santa Claus, aka “Clouse” he realizes that Santa Claus is real. Lastly, there is a true Christmas miracle when Snow Miser sends snow to the south and Santa gets over his head cold so he can save Christmas.