There are many animated Christmas classics, with titles going back as far as we can remember. For many, this medium of storytelling tends to wield the most charm, whether it's 2D animation like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966), stop-motion features such as The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), or 3D experiences like The Polar Express (2004).
Those titles are widely recognized; however, there's one 2D animated Christmas movie many people haven't heard of — well, not unless you're from the U.K.
The Snowman (1982)
The Snowman is a timeless classic adapted from the picture book of the same name by Raymond Briggs. The animated film premiered on U.K. television in 1982 and swiftly became a staple Christmastime experience for Brits. Though seasonal, its popularity and cultural importance are comparable to other national treasures such as Paddington Bear.
The Snowman tells the story of wonder, innocence, and loss through some truly mesmerizing animation, with a score by composer Howard Blake that's both heart-warming and haunting. It includes the iconic song “Walking in the Air” by Peter Auty.
“I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day… and it was on that day I made The Snowman,” the description for the film reads.
“The Snowman by Raymond Briggs was first published in the UK in 1978 as a wordless picture book featuring exquisite, pencil illustrations. It tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at the stroke of midnight when a magical adventure begins.”
The Snowman in Live Action
The Snowman has since received two follow-ups with Father Christmas (1991) and The Snowman and the Snow dog (2012). Though there aren't any whispers of a live-action remake of the original 1982 film, never say never, as Hollywood is always coming up with ways to reboot beloved classics, no matter what side of the Atlantic Ocean they're from.
However, away from the screen, there's already a live-action adaptation of The Snowman.
The musical version of the film is set to return to London's Peacock Theater in the West End this winter. The stage show, which features special effects and notable changes to both the book and film, has been shown at the same theater every Christmas since 1997.
While the 1982 film is only 27 minutes long, the musical runs for just under two hours. Performances begin from November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Head over to London Theater Direct for more information.
Would you like to see a live-action remake of The Snowman? Let us know in the comments down below!
