It’s the Christmas season once again which means, it’s time to watch all of our favorite Christmas specials. There are endless amounts of holiday classics but there is one set of films that deserves the spotlight. A well-known set of films that has been part of many people’s childhood, Rankin Bass Christmas specials. Either if you have watched these films or just heard about them, these films have always been remembered for years. Before we turn on the TV this year, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of Rankin Bass films.

The History

It all started with Arthur Rankin, Jr, who was a graphic designer and worked on ABC’s television programming in 1948. Between 1955-1960, he and Jules Bass founded the animation studio Videocraft International which was later changed to Rankin/Bass Productions. The first production the studio made was The New Adventures of Pinocchio stop-motion animated TV series. In 1964, the saw success with the NBC holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Based on the song by Johnny Marks. After the stop motion films success, Rankin/Bass Productions became one of the top independent TV and film producers at the time. 

The last film the studio produced was an animated adaptation of Santa Baby! Based on the song by Eartha Kitt. Unfortunately, the film didn’t make up for the production costs and in 2001 Rankin/Bass Productions would close their doors. Arthur Rankin Jr and his wife enjoyed their retirements until their passing away in 2014. Meanwhile Jules Bass had written a few books about his time with the production company until his passing in 2022.  

The Legacy

For several years, Rankin/Bass Productions has produced many holiday specials, particularly based on Christmas stories. Such films include The Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. In addition to these specials the studio produced several animated adaptations that became cult classics. Films such as (1977) The Hobbit, The Last Unicorn, and The Wind in the Willows. In 1980 they started producing/co-producing several cartoons, including the 1985-89 Thundercat’s animated series.

Conclusion

It’s fun to look back and see all the work Rankin/Bass Productions has done throughout their 40 years of being open. Not only with the handful of cult classic animated features, but their abundance of holiday specials. Pisces of animation that hold nostalgic value for many people who grew up with them or watched them later on. Do you have a favorite Rankin/Bass Production? If so, it’s time to turn on your TV and tune into your favorite special!

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