Of all of the fictional characters of the last half-century, Jim Henson's beloved creations, The Muppets, are arguably some of the most comforting and beloved characters. It makes sense, then, that the Muppets have produced many holiday-themed specials over the course of the last 50 years.
Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, the Muppets are always ready and willing to provide viewers with a healthy dose of holiday comfort and heart, always accompanied by plenty of laughs and an incredible soundtrack. But not all Muppet holiday specials have been received with the same level of enthusiasm.
Lady Gaga And The Muppets Holiday Spectacular - 5.1
The pairing of the Muppets with musical artists often leads to some of the beloved characters' most entertaining sketches. However, in 2013, ABC's Lady Gaga and The Muppets Holiday Spectacular proved that not every performer is meant to team up with Jim Henson's most beloved creations.
The storyline behind the special is shoddy at best - Lady Gaga invites the Muppets to join her for a special, and musical performances ensue. Although the special was billed as a "holiday spectacular," there is very little "holiday" about the special. Most performances involve Gaga's own music or show tunes, except for one performance of the Christmas classic "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie - 6.4
It's A Wonderful Life is undoubtedly one of the most beloved classic Christmas movies of all time. 2002's It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is the closest the Muppets have come to adapting the Christmas classic.
The Christmas-set film follows a familiar narrative among Muppet films: the gang is under pressure to raise enough money to save their venue from a greedy businessperson. When plans go awry, Kermit the Frog goes on an adventure with an angel (played by David Arquette) to see the lives that would await the Muppets if he didn't exist, much like George Bailey's own journey in the timeless classic. This updated take on Frank Capra's classic has just enough appeal to be a passable entry in the Muppets oeuvre, but its broad, sentimental plot and stilted performance by Arquette prevent it from becoming a holiday movie to remember.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree - 6.4
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree is possibly one of the most overlooked Muppet holiday specials, even when it boasts some truly impressive star power among its slim cast. Produced in 1995, the adorable special features Robert Downey Jr., Leslie Nielsen, and Stockard Channing in its human cast.
While the 30-minute special only features a brief cameo appearance by Kermit the Frog, it also prominently features the same adorable mouse Muppets glimpsed in brief memorable scenes in The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's a brief, wholesome special about finding love and belonging during the holidays.
Muppets Haunted Mansion - 6.4
Released on Disney+ for Halloween 2021, Muppets Haunted Mansion is the most successful Muppet production in recent years, even if it isn't a perfect one. The special functions more as a veritable who's who of Muppets and guest stars, and it's littered with tongue-in-cheek references to the beloved Haunted Mansion ride along the way.
But as the Muppets' first endeavor into the world of Halloween entertainment, it's definitely a strong starting point. Gonzo gets some long-overdue shine for the first time since 1999's Muppets From Space, and Pepe the King Prawn gets his fair share of hilarious one-liners, too.
A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa - 6.6
In 2008, the Muppets again returned to television with another Christmas special, this time NBC's A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa. This adventure features yet another well-meaning effort by the Muppets that frequently goes awry, as they work to deliver some - you guessed it - letters to Santa after Gonzo interferes with their delivery.
One of the stronger TV movies released by the Muppet franchise, the special also features some truly impressive guest cast work from the likes of Nathan Lane (who isn't an unlikely villain here as he is in Only Muders in the Building), Jane Krakowski, Whoopi Goldberg, Uma Thurman, Jesse L. Martin, and, of all people, The Sopranos' Steve Schirippa and Tony Sirico.
The Muppet Christmas Carol - 7.7
The Muppet Christmas Carol is perhaps the best-known of all of the Muppets holiday movies and is the only theatrically released one as well. For nearly 30 years, fans have praised the storytelling and artistry at work within the adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic literary work, with many even claiming that it is the best, most accurate adaptation as well.
There are many incredible components of the film, from Michael Caine's pitch-perfect performance as Scrooge to Rizzo and Gonzo's appealing buddy dynamic as narrators, to Muppet Christmas Carol's incredible soundtrack and the lovable Santa-like Ghost of Christmas Present. The film is a fun and entertaining take on a venerable holiday classic and has enough good-hearted appeal for viewers of any age.
A Muppet Family Christmas - 8.1
1987's A Muppet Family Christmas is yet another classic entry in the Muppets holiday canon. It is also especially noteworthy because of the breadth of the cast of characters included within it, with familiar faces from other Henson universes like Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock playing significant roles in the narrative.
Unlike many later Muppet specials, A Muppet Family Christmas doesn't rely on guest star after guest star making appearances to bolster its story. It's simply an hourlong special about the Muppets, their holiday traditions, and their love for each other, with a sweet cameo from Jim Henson himself at the end.
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas - 8.1
One of the best Muppet holiday specials of all is also a special that has seldom received the attention and praise it deserves: 1977's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Depending on the version or home release a viewer is watching, Kermit the Frog appears occasionally throughout the film to offer commentary and frame the narrative.
But the real stars of the film are, of course, the otters of Frogtown Hollow, Emmet, and his Ma. The film tells a "Gift of the Magi"-esque story about what lengths the two are willing to go to in order to get each other the gifts they deserve for Christmas. Along the way, they take part in a truly memorable talent competition with some incredible Muppet characters and foes, including the fearsome River Bottom Nightmare Band.
John Denver And The Muppets: A Christmas Together - 8.1
Perhaps the best Muppet holiday special ever released is one that has shockingly never been released for home viewing. 1979's John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together is yet another special that concerns itself with the making of a concert, as the Muppets and music go together better than most things.
The special was accompanied by the release of a much-beloved soundtrack, featuring performances by the late Denver and the Muppets of Christmas classics like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (with humorous Muppet edits), "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." While a relatively straightforward musical showcase, the special shows the Muppets at the height of their popularity and appeal in the 1970s, and the songs are just as engaging as Muppet classics like "The Rainbow Connection."