Disney/NBC

All of The Muppets movies and specials, ranked

Below, I've given my definitive ranking of all eight theatrically released Muppet movies, TV films, direct-to-video releases, and holiday specials, excluding the Muppet Babies and sing-alongs. From worst to best, this list by no means ranks every Muppet special that exists, but at the very least, it includes those most notable and recognizable to millennials.

1 of 15

'Kermit's Swamp Years' (2002)

Disney

It's OK if you don't know about Kermit's Swamp Years because the direct-to-video release didn't leave that much of an impression. As the title suggests, the story follows Kermit as he looks back on his days growing up in the swamp. Though a wholesome idea, it missed the mark in every way except for the film's puppetry.

2 of 15

'A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa' (2008)

Disney

I wanted to like Letters to Santa because it's a Christmas special set in New York City. The Muppets usually do a decent job with holiday specials, but this one was just kind of meh, which is disappointing because Nathan Lane was in it!

3 of 15

'The Muppets' Wizard of Oz' (2005)

Disney

In my best Pepé voice: Look, it wasn't the best, okay? But as a kid, I loved it! It was a little all over the place with the guest stars, but Ashanti made it worth watching. I would sing along with her, imagining what it'd be like to finally get out of Kansas (or Missouri, in my case) and become a pop star.

4 of 15

'Muppets Haunted Mansion' (2021)

Disney

While I enjoyed Muppets Haunted Mansion, the new Kermit voice took me out. Matt Vogel's impersonation isn't quite there, which makes a lot of sense as to why Gonzo and Pepé are running the show, but the guest stars are great, and the story is fun, so at least there's that!

5 of 15

'It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie' (2002)

Disney/NBC

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is, in a word, interesting. The film honors It's a Wonderful Life (1946) while featuring pop culture references to Moulin Rouge (2001), Scrubs, the Grinch, and even Steve Irwin. My favorite part has to be Matthew Lillard as the French choreographer Luc Fromage.

6 of 15

'A Muppet Family Christmas' (1987)

Disney

This wholesome family Christmas special features beloved Sesame Street characters and Muppets from Fraggle Rock and Muppet Babies. What makes A Muppet Family Christmas special is the whole Muppet family being together to celebrate the holidays, including a cameo appearance by Jim Henson at the end. 

7 of 15

'Muppet Classic Theater' (1994)

Disney

I don't know about anyone else, but I used to watch the heck out of this VHS tape as a kid. Muppet Classic Theater is incredibly hilarious and something I still quote from time to time. I highly recommend it if you need a Muppet version of your favorite fairy tales and can manage to find a copy.

8 of 15

'Muppets From Space' (1999)

Disney

This one gets a lot of hate, but it is so much fun! The soundtrack is fantastic, and Gonzo and Rizzo at the forefront of the story make for an entertaining movie. Justice for Muppets From Space!

9 of 15

'The Muppets Take Manhattan' (1984)

Disney

Some say that The Muppets Take Manhattan is wildly underrated and put it up there with the first Muppet movie, and while I'm not disagreeing, I just don't have a fond memory of watching this one as I do with the others. I still recognize that it is one of the better ones, especially since Jim Henson was still the voice of Kermit.

10 of 15

'The Great Muppet Caper' (1981)

Disney

What can I say other than that The Great Muppet Caper is a classic and one that is cherished by true Muppet fans? Following the success of The Muppet Movie, the film was a lot of fun and a success in its own right.

11 of 15

'Muppets Most Wanted' (2014)

Disney

The "sequel" to The Muppets from 2011 was a success in my eyes. Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, and Ricky Gervais made this " Great Muppet Caper 2.0", well, great. You want a cockatoo in Malibu? How about another delightful Muppet movie? They'll give it to you.

12 of 15

'The Muppets' (2011)

Disney

This movie was (and still is) just the best. The soundtrack gave me life, especially the Academy Award-winning song, "Man or Muppet." As the first Muppets feature film to be released in 12 years, the comeback was an incredible success.

13 of 15

'The Muppet Movie' (1979)

Disney

The one that started it all, The Muppet Movie, is still arguably the best of the Muppet films. It earns all the bonus points in the world for "Rainbow Connection" alone but also happens to be both charming and super funny. What more do you need?

14 of 15

'Muppet Treasure Island' (1996)

Disney

Muppet Treasure Island, starring Tim freaking Curry, is in top-3 territory for obvious reasons. This is one of those movies you put on when you're having a bad day, and it automatically makes it better. As for my favorite song, it's a tie between "Sailing for Adventure" and "A Professional Pirate."

15 of 15

'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)

Disney

Don't be surprised. You all saw it coming. The Muppet Christmas Carol is the only version of A Christmas Carol you need to watch during the holidays, and coincidentally No. 1 on all of the rankings of the Muppet movies that exist. So with that, "Thank you for making me a part of this."

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