The Little Drummer Boy
Notable cast: No well-known voice actors
What it’s about: This movie retells the classic Christmas song and turns it into an animated film. The little drummer boy is an orphan with a hard life who hates other people. He travels to Bethlehem and meets the three wise men along the way. In the end, his life is changed when he is able to perform his song for the baby Jesus.
This movie is another Rankin/Bass Christmas special in 1968.
Why you should watch it for the holidays: During the ’60s, those stop-animation Christmas movies were just rolling out by the dozens it seems like. The Little Drummer Boy is a lesser-known example of these Christmas movies. Keep in mind that this is a retelling of the song by the same name and that it is about the original nativity story. So, if that kind of story is not your thing, we totally get it. But, whether you are religious or not, many people still enjoy this film even if it is a little old and outdated.
If you’ve heard the Christmas song “The Little Drummer Boy,” then you are likely aware of this story and what it’s all about.
This story is all about how the holiday season can help people learn to find joy in giving. And, in the end, The Little Drummer Boy himself finds hope and joy in his life.