Sam the Snowman

The charming and affable narrator of the Rankin-Bass stop-motion special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer absolutely deserves a spot on the countdown. Portrayed by the Christmasy-voiced Burl Ives, Sam reacts to his story in real time and tells it with a great frame. He also sings a little bit by busting out tunes like Silver and Gold and Holly Jolly Christmas. It's also important to keep in mind that he came five years before another certain talking snowman. He's the original.