3. The Nutcracker
A famous Russian ballet, The Nutcracker has become a worldwide success and a favorite by many during Christmastime. The plot follows young Clara who is gifted a handmade nutcracker soldier by her magician Godfather Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. When the clock strikes midnight Clara finds herself whisked away - or simply shrunken - to the Nutcracker's world as he and his gingerbread soldiers fight the Mouse King and his subordinates. The tale has been adapted numerous times outside of the theater with many liberties taken. While there are many films that are true adaptations those that give roles to well-known and well-loved characters tend to reach far more audiences. Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry, and the Simpsons have all done the Nutcracker in one form or another. Other examples include episodes of the Care Bears, Courage the Cowardly Dog, the Magic School Bus, and Animaniacs. Live-action adaptations exist as well with the best being Monty Python and the Flying Circus. Furthermore, the music of The Nutcracker has far outreached the plot in terms of usage outside of the ballet. Beavis and Butthead have a Christmas special that uses music from the Nutcracker while even non-holiday episodes of Spongebob Squarepants and Mythbusters dip into the soundtrack. The Nutcracker is a massive success and a unique tale with great composition that will be continued to be used as a trope for plenty of Christmas specials to come.