“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” or “Frosty the Snowman”?

It’s that time of year again when families carry on the tradition of watching and broadcasting beloved Christmas classics.

The number of holiday movies to choose from seems endless, but there are two that continue to make watchlists year after year and that’s Frosty the snowman and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

Plot “ Frosty the Snowman ”

The animated special Frosty the snowman is a must-have during the holidays in many households.

The story is based on the song of the same name by Walter E. Rollins and Steve Nelson from 1950. Comedian Jimmy Durante narrates the film. Billy De Wolfe and Jackie Vernon also lent their voices to the film as Professor Hinkle and Frosty respectively.

As IMDb noted, the special is about Wizard Hinkle throwing off his silk hat that school kids later find that brings Frosty to life. Believing his old hat now has magic, Hinkle claims it. Not only is he a threat to Frosty, but also the changing weather. The snowman may melt if he does not go to the North Pole; something he has to do with Hinkle on his trail.

The 25-minute program was such a success that it generated some spinoffs and sequels, including Frosty’s winter wonderland, Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July, and The Legend of Frosty the Snowman.

The plot ‘Rudolph the red nosed reindeer’

The stop motion animated TV movie Rudolph the red nosed reindeer is another must-see program that many kids (and their parents) watch every year.

As Frosty the snowman, the special was based on a song of the same name. The tune “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” sung by Gene Autry in 1949 was also based on earlier work. It came from a poem of the same name written in 1939.

As noted by IMDb, Burl Ives voices the voice of Sam the Snowman who tells the story of a young Rudolph who is teased over his bright red nose. He runs away from home and meets another “outcast” named Hermey, a working elf who prefers to be a dentist. Together they travel to the island of Misfit Toys. When a snowstorm threatens to undo Christmas, Santa realizes that Rudolph’s shiny nose is his only hope to deliver presents to every girl and boy who have been good in the past year.

Unlike some other holiday movies, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer is broadcast on television more than once during the season.

Which Christmas classic came out first and which is the most popular?

As for the children’s classic released first, it would be Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. It was broadcast on television on December 6, 1964. Frosty the snowman was only aired on December 7, 1969.

Rudolph also beats Glacial in terms of popularity too. Despite the appeal of some critics Rudolph “Problematic” due to verbal abuse and intimidation from its main characters, the film was voted best Christmas film of all time.