The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Title: The Little Drummer Boy
Rating: NR
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 1968
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., Takeya Nakamura
Starring: Jose Ferrer, Paul Frees, June Foray


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes questionable Christmas content.

What is this about?
An angry boy who needs Jesus to heal his lamb.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas, I guess.

Where does it take place?
Jerusalem.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I couldn't remember if I'd seen this one.

How did I like this?
It looked familiar, so I probably did see it, and probably never watched it again. It's not very good. I definitely hate people too, but...weird.

Have you seen The Little Drummer Boy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)

Title: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 48 minutes
Release Date: December 14, 1970
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas people.

What is this about?
An orphan becomes the greatest criminal of all time.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas.

Where does it take place?
Sombertown.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I hadn't seen this in a while.

How did I like this?!
I always adored this one! Not as much as Rudolph, but who could ever forget Bergermeister Meisterberger?! The songs are top notch too.

Have you seen Santa Claus is Coming to Town? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Title: Frosty the Snowman
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: December 7, 1969
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe, Jimmy Durante


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas kids.

What is this about?
Kids try to get their magical snowman friend somewhere cold.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas.

Where does it take place?
Uhh....

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I hadn't seen it in years.

How did I like this?
It's fine. I know I watched it as a kid, but I don't have many memories of it. It's a cute short, but it doesn't really stand out to me like the other Christmas specials from this time.

Have you seen Frosty the Snowman? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Heart Shot (2022)

Title: Heart Shot
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 19 minutes
Release Date: February 17, 2022
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, Suspense, Short Film
Production Co.: Story Ink
Director: Marielle Woods
Starring: Elena Heuze, Nia Sondaya, Bethany Michelle Curry


Who would I recommend this to?
I guess if you like incomplete artsy short films...

What is this about?
A teen girl with a mysterious dangerous past that isn't so past.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
No idea.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It seemed intriguing.

How did I like this?
I didn't. At all. It simply felt like an extended preview rather than a full story. There's no character development, no plot, no conclusion, no suspense. It just is.

If this were to become a longer form series or movie, I'd watch it though.
 

Have you seen Heart Shot? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (1999)

Title: Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You
Rating: NR
Run Time: 22 minutes
Release Date: February 13, 1999
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film, Musical
Production Co.: Disney Television Animation
Director: Keith Ingham
Starring: Jerome Beidler, Brady Bluhm, Peter Cullen


Who would I recommend this to?
Pooh fans.

What is this about?
Pooh and Co get the wrong idea about Valentine's Day and fear losing Christopher Robin.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Valentine's Day or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Where does it take place?
The Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Valentine's time and I had no idea this existed.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! This probably contains my favorite Winnie the Pooh songs too.

Have you seen A Valentine for You? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008)

Title: A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa
Rating: G
Run Time: 46 minutes
Release Date: December 17, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy, Short Film
Production Co.: The Muppets Studios
Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta


Who would I recommend this to?
Muppet Christmas fanatics and kids.

What is this about?
Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie must deliver some forgotten letters to Santa!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmastime.

Where does it take place?
New York City and the North Pole.

Why did I decide to watch this?
'Tis the season, and I'd never seen it before.

How did I like this?
I didn't really. Obviously, this is no Muppets Christmas Carol, but it's also missing that extra something that makes Muppets movies special. The songs felt forced, like they were just stuck in because it was time for a song. The only one that truly fit and felt special was "I Wish I Could Be Santa Claus." Other than that, this is a disappointment.

Have you seen A Muppets Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Halloween is Grinch Night (1977)

Title: Halloween is Grinch Night
Rating: G
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: October 29, 1977
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Director: Gerard Baldwin
Starring: Hans Conried, Hal Smith, Gary Shapiro


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who are curious about obscure holiday animation.

What is this about?
A young Who gets lost on Grinch Night and comes face-to-face with the What himself.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Whoville.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on a list of Halloween movies for scaredy cats.

How did I like this?
I am disturbed. What did I just watch?! I don't even know...

Max's song is so depressing. This whole thing was dark...

Have you seen Halloween is Grinch Night? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Toy Story of Terror (2013)

Title: Toy Story of Terror
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2013
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans!

What is this about?
The toys have to survive the night in a potentially haunted motel!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or when you need a quick Toy Story fix.

Where does it take place?
A random motel somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Spooky Season and I love Toy Story.

How did I like this?
I loooved it! I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now! I think it's great that we got to explore Jessie's trauma and see her overcome it! Plus, I loved seeing more of Trixie! Mr. Pricklepants is the absolute worst in the best possible way! And meeting Combat Carl was a total treat! This was just an all-around great short about our favorite toys.

Have you seen Toy Story of Terror? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

Title: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Release Date: January 4, 1949
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: James Algar, Clyde Geronimi
Starring: Bing Crosby, Basil Rathbone, Eric Blore


Who would I recommend this to?
Classic animation fans.

What is this about?
Exactly what the title suggests...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Eh...

Where does it take place?
Sleepy Hollow and somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
I have very vivid memories of watching this as a kid, but not actually paying attention to it. Some things never change...

How did I like this?
This is one of those movies that doesn't age well. I didn't enjoy it as a kid and I didn't enjoy it now. It's simultaneously chaotic and boring.

I do enjoy Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland though. I always make sure to ride it when there.

Have you seen The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?.

A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)

Title: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 2002
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Disney Television Animation
Director: Gary Katona, Ed Wexler
Starring: Jim Cummings, Peter Cullen, John Fiedler


Who would I recommend this to?
The wee ones and Pooh fans.

What is this about?
Pooh and the gang reminisce about the Christmas that almost wasn't and then enter the new year trying to change to make Rabbit happy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
The holiday season.

Where does it take place?
The Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Christmastime and it's Pooh Bear.

How did I like this?
Winnie the Pooh stories are (almost) always cute, and this was no exception. I thought I hadn't seen this before, but I had!

Have you seen A Very Merry Pooh Year? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)

Title: Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Release Date: November 9, 2004
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Theresa Cullen, Carole Holliday
Starring: Wayne Allwine, Tony Anselmo, Jeff Bennett


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney superfans and kids.

What is this about?
More tales of Christmas spirit starring the Sensational Six.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmastime.

Where does it take place?
The Disney universe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Christmastime and I watched the first one.

How did I like this?
I sadly didn't enjoy these stories. I found them quite shallow. There was no heart like in the previous collection.

I also hate this animation style. I'm surprised Disney stuck with it for so long, but I guess this new generation likes it.

Have you seen Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas? What did you think?
If  not, would you watch it?

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)

Title: Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
Rating: NR
Run Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
Release Date: November 9, 1999
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.:  Disney Television Animation
Director: Alex Mann, Jun Falkenstein
Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Wayne Allwine, Russi Taylor


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney superfans and kids.

What is this about?
The tales of holiday cheer as told by the Sensational Six.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas.

Where does it take place?
The Disney universe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Christmastime and I hadn't seen it in a long time.

How did I like this?
I actually never realized this was part of three story movie. I just very clearly remembered the Huey, Dewey, and Louie tale of repeating Christmas until they got things right.

All three stories are cute and sum up Christmas in a classic, family-friendly way.

Have you seen Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

Title: Mickey's Christmas Carol
Rating: G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: December 16, 1983
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Drama, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Burny Mattinson
Starring: Alan Young, Wayne Allwine, Hal Smith


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney fans and whoever likes Scrooge stories. Kids.

What is this about?
Uncle Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas to change his unloving heart.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you've got half an hour for some Christmas cheer.

Where does it take place?
London?

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Christmastime and I hadn't seen in it...forever.

How did I like this?
Uncle Scrooge is probably the least scary and mean Scrooge ever, perfect for little kids. It's also fun how the Disney characters' personalities are infused into their Dickens counterparts.

This is a delightful retelling of a classic in an easily digestible format.

Have you seen Mickey's Christmas Carol? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Title: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rating: G
Run Time: 47 minutes
Release Date: December 6, 1964
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Short Film
Production Co.: National Broadcasting Company
Director: Larry Roemer
Starring: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone!

What is this about?
Rudolph and Hermey don't fit in in Christmastown, so they run away!

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as you see it on the Christmas schedule! It's only on a couple of times a year! But it's also on Youtube...

Where does it take place?
Christmastown and the Island of Misfit Toys.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Of course I watched this every single year as a kid because OMGCHRISTMAS!!!

How did I like this?
It's my favorite purely-Christmas movie/special thing. It's so freaking cute. I mean, I know it's so old and the sound is screwed up, but I do not care.

I have a stuffed Clarice.

Have you seen Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

The App That Stole Christmas (2020)

Title: The App That Stole Christmas
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Release Date: November 20, 2020
Genre(s): Comedy, Short Film
Production Co.: BreakOut Music
Director: Monica Floyd
Starring: Ray J, Jackie Long, J. Anthony Brown


Who would I recommend this to?
People I want to torture.

What is this about?
App creator gets forced to see the error of his ways or something.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
No idea.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I honestly don't even know. The concept seemed unique, but I didn't think I'd like it.

How did I like this?
I was hoping to be surprised, but this "movie" is garbage. The acting is terrible. The story makes no sense. It's just a big mess. Thankfully it's only an hour.

Have you seen The App That Stole Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Once Upon a Snowman (2020)

Title: Once Upon a Snowman
Rating: G
Run Time: 12 minutes
Release Date: October 23, 2020
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Dan Abraham, Trent Correy
Starring: Josh Gad, Chris Williams


Who would I recommend this to?
No one.

What is this about?
Olaf.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
Arendelle.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Olaf.

How did I like this?
That was incredibly forced. I did enjoy how it connected scenes from Frozen, but it was 100% unnecessary and made no sense. A Kris and Sven short would have been more welcome.

Have you seen Once Upon a Snowman? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)

Title: Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Rating: G
Run Time: 22 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Genre(s): Animation, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers
Starring: Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell


Who would I recommend this to?
Hardcore Frozen fans.

What is this about?
Olaf sets out to find a Christmas tradition for Anna and Elsa!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have a half hour to kill during the Christmas season.

Where does it take place?
Arendelle, Norway.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Olaf, sooo...

How did I like this?
It was okay. They really played up Elsa's emoness and Olaf's cluelessness. But it made me cry. WTF. A 20 minute Christmas short made me cry! Dammit, Disney!

Have you seen Olaf's Frozen Adventure? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?