critics consensus

Frosty the Snowman is a jolly, happy sing-along that will delight children with its crisp animation and affable title character, who makes an indelible impression with his corncob pipe, button nose, and eyes made out of coal. Read critic reviews

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Frosty the Snowman Photos

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Movie Info

A discarded magic top hat brings to life the snowman that a group of children made, until a magician, professor Hinkle, wants it back, and the temperature starts to rise. Frosty will melt or no longer be a jolly soul, if the kids cannot get him away from Hinkle and warm weather, so he hops a train to the North Pole with young Karen.

Genre:

animation, fantasy
Original Language:

English
Director:

Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Writer:

Romeo Muller
Release Date (Streaming):

Nov 1, 2016
Runtime:

22m
Production Co:

Rankin/Bass Productions

Cast & Crew

Jimmy Durante
Narrator

Billy De Wolfe
Professor Hinkle
Voice

Jackie Vernon
Frosty the Snowman
Voice

Paul Frees
Santa Claus, Traffic Cop, Additional Voices
Voice

June Foray
Teacher, Karen, Additional Voices
Voice

Jules Bass
Director

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Frosty the Snowman

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (4)

The animation is folksy and cute, like an old-timey holiday card, and the raspy voice of Jimmy Durante...as the narrator is like home sweet home.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

Joe Dziemianowicz
New York Daily News
The 1969 original, which, though hardly an animation classic, had a genuine, simple sweetness stemming from its inspiration.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

Lynne Heffley
Los Angeles Times
From the raspy sound of Jimmy Durante's narration to the pastel animation of the town, watching this movie...is like the warmth of listening to an old record.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

Chris O'Falt
indieWire
To those of middle age who remember Frosty fondly, we offer this warning: Look again, and yawn.

November 29, 2018 | Full Review…

Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
There's not much to it beyond Jimmy Durante's raspy narration and Jackie Vernon's dim, galoot-y voice as the icy golem of the title.

November 21, 2018 | Full Review…

AV Club Staff
AV Club
It's just so odd and I kind of wish it wasn't so gloomy and morose.

April 18, 2019 | Rating: 4/10 | Full Review…

Rachel Wagner
rachelsreviews.net
'Frosty' is surprisingly emotional because of the level of love Frosty himself shows for the kids who made him.

December 4, 2018 | Full Review…

Matthew Jackson
Syfy Wire
It's a tight narrative that avoids unnecessary detours or mediocre songs, and Professor Hinkle is the perfect foil for the children and the kind, absent-minded Frosty.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

Ryan Voyles
Paste Magazine
A big part of what makes Frosty the Snowman work is the voice talent of Jackie Vernon, who gives life to everyone's favorite talking snowman.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

IGN Staff
IGN Movies
The movie is distinctly sixties, but its message is still resonant and its story is still fun, today.

November 30, 2018 | Full Review…

Jessica Rawden
CinemaBlend
This is truly a show about a more innocent time. Makes you want to believe in magic all over again.

November 21, 2018 | Full Review…

Jen Johnson
Den of Geek
It adds a new dimension to a fun Christmas song only Rankin Bass could have pulled off.

December 26, 2013 | Full Review…

Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed

View All Critic Reviews (15)

Audience Reviews for Frosty the Snowman

Sep 28, 2011

Frosty, like its counterparts, is completely timeless. The music is the highlight, props to Jimmy Durante. It is also very colorful for a 60's animated film.

Jackson W Super Reviewer
Dec 11, 2010

Basically an extended version of the song, Frosty the Snowman probably holds more cheer for American audiences. In England we have The Snowman, a much subtler and sadder story, but very similar. Here we have some kids looking to have fun with Frosty while a magician tries to reclaim his magic hat. I couldn't completely enjoy this as, to me, it was rightfully the magician's hat in the first place. The song is always great, and I liked most of the voice work. At under half an hour, it's a great, quick dose of Christmas.

Luke B Super Reviewer
Dec 04, 2010

by far my favorite of rankin basses films

Michael E Super Reviewer
Sep 05, 2010

I haven't seen this movie in years, but I loved it when I was a kid, and I think kids today will enjoy it still. Watch it for Christmas this year and see for yourself. Merry Christmas!

Aj V Super Reviewer