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- One of the most famous portrayals of Santa Claus is Tim Allen's take on the character, and the Disney+ spin-off show The Santa Clauses sees Scott Calvin wondering what's next for him. He loves his job and feels a duty to spread joy and deliver presents, but he senses that things are changing. From animated movies to classic Christmas films, there are many stories that feature different versions of Santa Claus. While he is always the jolly and merry character who everyone knows, there are some compelling differences that make these different movies worth watching.
As arguably the most famous figure of the Christmas season, it is only natural that Santa Claus has appeared in movies time and time again. However, there are only so many times that the basic idea of a jolly bearded man in red delivering toys can be portrayed before it starts to get a bit stale. Recently, more movies have been taking more unique and interesting spins on Santa Claus.
Naturally, Reddit s have discussed who they feel the best movie—live-action or animated—portrayal of Santa Claus is. From classic versions with a slight twist in The Christmas Chronicles to more nightmarish versions from Finnish horror, here are some of Reddit's favorite movie versions of Santa Claus.
Updated on December 9th, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras:
One of the most famous portrayals of Santa Claus is Tim Allen's take on the character, and the Disney+ spin-off show The Santa Clauses sees Scott Calvin wondering what's next for him. He loves his job and feels a duty to spread joy and deliver presents, but he senses that things are changing. From animated movies to classic Christmas films, there are many stories that feature different versions of Santa Claus. While he is always the jolly and merry character who everyone knows, there are some compelling differences that make these different movies worth watching.
Paul Giamatti As Fred - Fred Claus (2007)
Stream on HBO Max
While there are many beloved Santa Claus characters in movies and each one adds something different, there is a compelling story of Santa's brother. Since this character doesn't come up in heartwarming holiday movies, it's compelling to imagine what his life would be like and how he would feel about his more memorable sibling.
Redditor Ru-fi-oo said, "Paul Giamatti had a pretty good take on St. Nick in Fred Claus," which was released in 2007. Fred is tired of his brother, Nick, who is more popular and gets more attention than him. The movie explores how down on his luck he feels and what happens when Nick wants Fred to become more involved and help him out, choosing who gets gifts and who doesn't.
David Huddleston - Santa Claus, The Movie (1985)
Stream on Prime Video and Hulu
Santa Claus, The Movie sees Santa attempting to help his favorite elf when the evil man in charge of a business that makes toys begins influencing him. It's definitely a great premise for a Christmas movie and features the voices of David Huddleston and John Lithgow. Since Santa Claus is such a beloved figure, this movie feels very nostalgic.
Redditor Brodin_fortifies said "David Huddleston" has one of the best portrayals of Santa Claus. The fan wrote, "I have a soft spot for Santa Claus, The Movie. I had it recorded on VHS throughout my childhood and I watched it constantly."
Kurt Russell - The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Stream on Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles was first released to Netflix in 2018, starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, followed by The Christmas Chronicles 2 in 2020. Although perhaps not the most critically acclaimed with a fairly typical Christmas family tale, Kurt Russell's portrayal of Santa won over not only film critics, but Reddit too.
One Redditor in particular, The Christmas Chronicles 2 is the best Santa franchise movie.
Alec Baldwin As North - Rise Of The Guardians (2012)
Rent on AppleTV
Dreamworks' Rise of the Guardians is not a Christmas movie (if anything, it's set around Easter) but Redditor capness1228 commented: "I do need to give some respect to the Russian bad*ss dual sword-wielding Santa from Rise of the Guardians."
Voiced excellently by Alec Baldwin, Santa Claus is known in this movie as North, who is fantastically reimagined. He is very jovial (true to the Santa stereotype), but also a strong and imposing warrior-type figure, complete was "Naughty" and "Nice" tattoos on his arms. Furthermore, North has some of the funniest moments in the movie, such as his triumph over collecting teeth for the Tooth Fairy. Whilst it's not a Christmas movie, it's little wonder it's one of the best-animated movies about Santa, according to IMDb.
Edmund Gwenn As Kris Kringle - Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
Stream on Prime Video And Disney+
Miracle on 34th Street might be one of the most classic Christmas movies in Hollywood history. Whilst more people might recall the 1994 remake, it's the original version from 1947 that captured one Redditor's heart.
When asked who they felt was the best movie version of Santa, MovieMike007 responded: "The original Miracle on 34th Street with Edmund Gwenn as Santa." Indeed, Gwenn brings a natural elegance to Kris Kringle. He uses the power of belief and faith to not only enchant Susan but the audience as well. This version of Santa could warm even the most non-festive of hearts.
Esa Saario - Santa Claus And The Magic Drum (1996)
Stream on Disney+
When asked their favorite movie Santa, Redditor DoktorViktorVonNess said a lesser-known movie: "Santa from Santa Claus and the Magic Drum. The Finnish animated film based on Mauri Kunnas' book."
The 1996 animated short movie tells the story of Santa deciphering a mysterious drawing that he receives from a child, trying to determine what gift the child asked for. Meanwhile, something is sabotaging the workshop moments before Christmas Day. In this version, Santa is voiced by Finnish actor Esa Saario. He gives an overall charming portrayal as he tries his best to get to the bottom of the drawing whilst trying to set things right in his workshop.
Bill Nighy As Grandsanta - Arthur Christmas (2011)
Stream on Prime Video and Hulu
Animated festive movie Arthur Christmas put a unique spin on the Santa Claus story by making the mythical figure a hereditary title that has been ed down through generations rather than just one person. A deleted Redditor agreed that the movie gave a "really interesting take on the Santa mythos" and expresses how "Grandsanta stole the whole thing."
Voiced by Bill Nighy, Grandsanta is Arthur's grandfather and predecessor of the current Santa. As the family business leans more into modern technology, the crotchety Grandsanta openly yearns for the more traditional ways of Christmas such as a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh rather than a high-powered vehicle. Despite his grumpiness, Grandsanta is eccentric and caring, which makes him one of the most likable characters in Arthur Christmas.
Billy Bob Thorton As Willie T. Stoke - Bad Santa (2003)
Stream on Fubo
When asked for their favorite movie Santas, multiple Redditors unanimously picked Billy Bob Thorton in Bad Santa, with Redditor MecaNinja simply calling him "the best." In this black satirical comedy, Thorton plays Willie, a foul-mouthed, alcoholic thief who becomes a mall Santa yearly only to rob it later.
Willie is a very far cry from the typical Santa for several reasons and, in theory, should be very unlikable. Yet due to its evident parody, obscene adult humor, and a fairly heartfelt subplot between Willie and a young boy, Bad Santa has become something of a modern Christmas movie classic. Willie ends up emerging as a very unlikely yet surprisingly likable antihero.
Peeter Jakobi - Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Stream on Hulu
One extremely interesting Reddit choice for the best movie Santa is from the festive horror movie Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, as suggested by Redditor til_now: "It's not your usual Santa Claus movie, for sure!" In this Finnish horror, a reindeer slaughterer finds a feral and cannibalistic old man in one of his traps, whom he initially believes to be Santa.
In a terrifying twist, the man is revealed to be one of Santa's elves, with the real Santa a huge mysterious horned figure trapped in ice. The movie cleverly draws from the Finnish myth of Joulupukki, or "Yule Goat", a horned figure similar to Krampus that eventually evolved into the Santa Claus figure people recognize today. This creates a fresh, inventive yet terrifying twist on the beloved Father Christmas figure.
J.K. Simmons As Klaus - Klaus (2019)
Stream on Netflix
Whilst a relatively new movie, Klaus has quickly become one of the most beloved animated films in recent history by both critics and audiences. Klaus was the first animated movie from both Netflix — and any streaming stream service in general — to be nominated for an Oscar.
Redditor AporiaParadox comments that Klaus (voiced by J.K. Simmons) "is one of the most interesting depictions of Santa Claus," stating that he "manages to capture the 'Santa Claus' spirit... and give him some actual depth." In Klaus, the titular character is the Santa figure, a reclusive yet good-hearted woodworker who has a talent and ion for making toys. The reason for all these toys is a very heartbreaking one. As a result, Klaus soon finds joy in bringing the toys to happy and grateful children.
