Ranking the best movie portrayals of Santa Claus
Not all Santas are equal
It’s that Christmas time of year again, and if there’s one person that can get anyone in the holiday spirit, it’s the big man himself: Santa Claus.
Throughout the years, Santa has been depicted in numerous different ways. Here’s our list of some of the best movie portrayals of Saint Nick:
Jim Broadbent in "Arthur Christmas"
While perhaps not the No.1 Santa movie to hit the screen, “Arthur Christmas” still has a spot here. Not only does it have Broadbent as Santa, this has the whole family line of Santas for viewers to meet.
J.K. Simmons in "Klaus"
Typically you see some of the most uplifting versions of Santa in the animated versions. Not the case for Simmons in “Klaus.” He has the feel of a complicated man… yet it’s a Christmas movie nonetheless. Makes for a different kind of watch.
Paul Giamatti in "Fred Claus"
Fred, not Santa, is the main attraction in “Fred Claus.” But Giamatti’s version of Santa complement’s Vince Vaughn’s Fred perfectly in this off-beat Claus movie.
David Huddleston in "Santa Claus: The Movie"
Huddleston, physically, just looks like Santa probably should. Tall, wide, and larger-than-life presence. In this depiction, Santa is Santa because he’s Santa. Like the movie’s title, there’s little magic and frills. Being Santa makes this Saint Nick happy.
Billy Bob Thornton in "Bad Santa"
Well… this Santa was no jolly man. But for what it’s worth, as a “Christmas” movie, Thornton gives you exactly what you’d expect from him as Santa in this comedy.
Jim Broadbent in "Get Santa"
Another… interesting twist on Santa. An ex-con has to break Santa out to save Christmas and even with that dark side of film, Broadbent does Santa well.
Ed Asner in "Elf"
Asner’s Santa wasn’t the focal point of “Elf”—that billing went to Buddy played by Will Ferrell. But Santa was a big supporting character that was portrayed perfectly by Asner to help set this Christmas flick’s tone.
Stan Francis in "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
Francis voices one of two “throwback” movie Santas and we went with the all-time classic, Rudolph. But if we’re being honest, this cartoonish Santa wasn’t the most wholesome Santa, was he?
Kurt Russell in "The Christmas Chronicles"
“The Christmas Chronicles” is one that had to take a little time to grow on us… but it has. The 2018 holiday flick starring Russell gave us a Santa that was… downright fun.
Tom Hanks in "The Polar Express"
Speaking of Christmas movies taking some time to take off… think the opposite here. “The Polar Express” was a hit almost immediately, likely thanks to the book it’s based on.
And yes, Hanks features as both the voice of the train’s conductor and Santa.
Mickey Rooney in "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
Perhaps the all-time old school interpretation of Kris Kringle’s origin. Rooney’s voice of Santa in this timeless hit goes hand-in-hand with Rudolph each holiday season.
Richard Attenborough in "Miracle On 34th Street"
Yes, it’s a remake.
Regardless, Attenborough’s performance might just make one pause and wonder… maybe he really is Santa?
Tim Allen in "The Santa Clause"
Allen’s Santa believability isn’t Attenborough’s. But it’s more of a spin that is still a perfect grouch to Christmas loving character. Plus, it has modern-day appeal. The first of the movie trilogy came out in 1994 and in 2022 it’s still continuing as a Disney-plus series. That’s impressive.
