How to watch

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer specials and movies in order

Last updated: November 7 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Rudolph has been guiding Santa's sleigh on screen since 1948, most famously in the beloved Rankin/Bass stop-motion special. Here's how to watch every Rudolph adventure in order.

The most famous reindeer of all began as a department store booklet, became a hit song and then starred in a Max Fleischer cartoon short. In 1964, Rankin/Bass turned him into a stop-motion star alongside Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble. That special is now one of the longest-running Christmas broadcasts in television history, and it led to several sequels and spin-offs.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order covers the original short, the classic Rankin/Bass specials and the later animated films.

  1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1948)
  2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
  3. Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)
  4. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979)
  5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998)
  6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys (2001)

The Rankin/Bass specials form a connected story, with Rudolph's Shiny New Year picking up right after Christmas and Christmas in July teaming him with Frosty. The 1998 and 2001 films are separate productions with their own continuity.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Chronologically, the Rankin/Bass trilogy flows naturally from Christmas to New Year's to summer, while the later films sit apart from it.

  1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1948)
  2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
  3. Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)
  4. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979)
  5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998)
  6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys (2001)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with the 1964 special β€” it's the heart of the franchise. If your family loves it, continue with Shiny New Year and Christmas in July for a cozy Rankin/Bass weekend. The 1948 short is a nice historical curiosity, and the later films are fine for younger kids who want more.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • The Santa Clause Watch OrderGuide
  • A Christmas Story Watch OrderGuide
  • Peanuts Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!