20 Best Movies About Santa Claus That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Santa Claus

The best Santa Claus movies aren’t just fantastic for the holidays; they’re good all year long.

Santa Claus, the all-time holiday hero, is featured prominently in a slew of beloved holiday films. Every Christmas season is magical because to his efforts in Elf and The Santa Clause to spread holiday cheer and salvage his connection with both his kid and the season itself.

All of the best holiday movies have Santa Clause, but he’s not in every one. A few Santa sightings are required to get into the holiday spirit, whether you’re a youngster in Santa Clause Is Comin’ To Town or a respected saint in The Polar Express.

December 23, 2021: Tanner Fox has made an update to this page If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday mood, the best Santa Claus movies have a certain kind of enchantment about them.

Honorable Mentions

1. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

Not as popular as the original, this is the first sequel to The Santa Clause. The first film drew a large audience, while the second was a dud with a lack of action and a drab plot.

According to the plot of this film, Santa was warned that without a wife by Christmas, he would be demoted. Despite the fact that there is only a limited amount of time before Christmas, it seems unattainable. However, if you want to see a movie about Santa Claus himself, there are a few better options.

2. Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987)

Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 is a classic so-bad-it’s-good horror film that’s appropriate for those who aren’t in the mood for cheery old Saint Nick. It’s a disturbing film about a disturbed individual named Ricky, who is driven to murder after witnessing the murder of his parents by a man dressed as Santa Claus.

The real Santa Claus isn’t even in the movie, and the men disguised as him aren’t making anyone happy either. Even yet, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 is a good choice for those seeking an alternative to the traditional Santa story.

3. Jingle All The Way (1996)

To find a Turboman doll for his son in time for Christmas, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Howard Langston travels the streets of Minneapolis in search of the last-minute gift.

The Santa Clauses Langston encounters in this spoof of traditional holiday fare are all unscrupulous con artists, and he’s forced to fight his way out of a warehouse full of them when he has no choice. A bizarre mix of comedy, turmoil, and Christmas, it’s a remarkable film performance for the generally cheery Saint Nick.

4. Santa Baby (2006)

Santa Baby (2006)

Instead of focusing on Santa and his typical business of delivering toys, it centers on Santa’s daughter, a successful entrepreneur. In the movie, Santa falls ill, leaving his daughter to take over the reins at the North Pole.

Of course, there’s a healthy dose of romance thrown in there. Ivan Sergei plays Jenny McCarthy’s love interest in this film, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the plot.

5. A Christmas Story (1983)

Ralphie Parker, a ten-year-old boy who longs for a Red Ryder B. B. rifle, is denied his wish this Christmas. Then, at the last minute, he decides to go to a nearby mall and ask Santa for a present.

It’s a bummer that the Santa he runs into is grouchy and ready to go home. Despite this, he’s become one of the most famous Saint Nicks in film history thanks to his creepy “ho ho ho” and repeated use of the line “you’ll shoot your eye out.”

The Best Santa Claus Movies

6. The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004)

It’s hard to deny that The Polar Express is a timeless Christmas film, yet there are a lot of weird scenes scattered throughout the film that take away from the overall festive spirit. As he travels to see the North Pole by means of a magical railway, the little protagonist befriends other children along the route.

Before they get to sit on Santa’s lap, they encounter various difficulties and learn new things about each other. It’s a heartwarming film, but the dated CGI and mystifying vagrant gave the proceedings a spooky undertone.

7. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

During the night of Christmas Eve, Kurt Russell portrays Santa Claus in this Netflix movie, which follows two small children who manage to get onto his sleigh and steal their presents.

This year, the two children must help Santa find his magical hat, keep track of all the presents, locate his reindeer, and bring him back on the right track so he can carry out his duties. As a result of its success, the film has been followed by a sequel, which will be released in 2020.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

With his usual Halloween show gone, Jack Skellington stumbles onto a Christmas Town awash in snow and lights, complete with a character named “Sandy Claws,” who brings presents to children.

This year, Jack decides that he wants to assume the role of Santa Claus, much to the annoyance of the genuine one. This is a timeless film that can be enjoyed at any time of year, but it’s especially appropriate for the holidays because of the stop-motion animation and music.

9. Get Santa (2014)

Get Santa (2014)

Crashing into someone’s garage, the sleigh of Santa Claus. He gets arrested, but a young child and his father go on a heroic expedition to save the day. To rescue Christmas, a number of groups work together, and Santa has to learn survival skills while in prison.

As a family-friendly film, viewers will find themselves chuckling their way through the entire running time. If you’re searching for a good laugh this holiday season and don’t mind the film’s recent and obscure status, you’ll find it here.

10 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Many people have a particular place in their hearts for this 1964 stop-motion Christmas classic despite its age. Over fifty years after its initial release, the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer continues to be a must-see for the Christmas season.

A big part of the movie’s charm is that Santa is as stereotypical as they come. Even with its primitive animation style, this depiction of Father Christmas manages to capture the hearts and minds of children and adults alike.

11. Miracle On 34th Street (1994)

In this film, the power of believing in Santa is celebrated. After firing their previous Santa, a department store hires a man off the street who quickly wins over the hearts of the children who come to visit him. One small girl claims she won’t believe he’s the genuine deal until she gets her three unrealistic dreams.

In the spirit of the season, Miracle on 34th Street is a must-see for everyone looking to get into the festive spirit. The unthinkable becomes a reality, and everything comes together just in time for Christmas, melting hearts all around the world.

12. Bad Santa (2003)

Bad Santa (2003)

It’s not a Christmas movie for kids, but it’s a Santa movie that adults like seeing every year. The protagonist is a convicted felon who is addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. Once a year, he dresses up as Santa Claus and goes on the job to rob department stores with his elf companion.

During the holiday season, the dark comedy of the show draws in the crowds, despite its flaws. If you’re a fan of the film, Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox are the only men you’d ever want to play these roles.

13. Rise Of The Guardians (2012)

The Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy all join forces in Rise of the Guardians to defend children everywhere from the specter of Pitch Black, the world’s most dreaded boogeyman.

A new member of the squad, Jack Frost, joins the team to assist fight the boogeyman in the movie. It’s an entertaining, wholly unique, and stunningly animated film that’s well worth seeing.

14. Arthur Christmas (2011)

This is a holiday-themed animated film that is sure to put a smile on your face. Hugh Laurie and James McAvoy play Santa’s children, and the film explores how their differing perspectives on the holiday shape their individual paths in life. Despite Arthur’s best efforts, his brother refuses to let him give the gift to the youngster Santa forgot.

Even those who aren’t fans of the holiday can enjoy this charming short, which offers a fresh viewpoint on Santa Claus.

15. Fred Claus (2007)

Fred Claus (2007)

If Santa had an elder brother, you can’t help but fall in love with the competition between them. If he doesn’t come up to the North Pole to help with Christmas, Fred will not get a loan from Santa, who only agrees to it if he does.

As the brothers’ feud worsens, Christmas is on the verge of being ruined.

These three actors shine in this film because they show a different side of Santa that is capable of making mistakes.

16. Klaus (2019)

When Jesper, a lazy and underachieving postman, is transported to a frozenFar North village, he is forced to learn how to be a proper postman or he will forfeit all claim to his family’s Royal Postmaster General riches.

On the way, he discovers that a man named Klaus is hiding out in the town and manufacturing handcrafted toys from recycled materials. In this unique take on the Santa Claus mythology, Klaus and Jesper work together to create the toys, which Jesper then delivers.

17. Noelle (2019)

Disney just released a film about Santa Claus, his family, and their town in the North Pole. Bill Hader plays the role of Santa’s son, who is now in charge of carrying on his father’s legacy.

Sadly, Hader’s character believes he is not up to the task because his training is going horribly and he truly dislikes cold weather, so he flees to a more pleasant location. As a result, Santa’s sister, Kendrick, will have to work extra hard to get him back in time for the holiday.

18. The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause (1994)

This retelling of the origins of Santa Claus is a holiday tradition for many families. An ex-husband is forced to take on the role of Santa Claus, all the while trying to convince those around him that he is not insane.

It’s a classic that many families watch every year at this time of year, and it’s full of holiday cheer. It’s Tim Allen who makes Santa come to life, but Eric Lloyd and Wendy Crewson help transform the movie into a smash.

19. Elf (2003)

Elf is a comical and touching holiday picture that will cheer up even the most cynical Scrooge. It was released in theaters on December 21, 1992. By singing loudly, everyone knows that this is the best way to share holiday cheer.

The absence of Christmas enthusiasm throughout the world makes Santa, as portrayed by Ed Asner, appear weary and haggard. Despite this, he’s just as endearing, and his heroics alongside Buddy the Elf to save the holiday season never fail to delight viewers.

20. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970)

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (1970)

This is a film that has stood the test of time for more than half a century. Santa Claus’ origins and the challenges he faced, such as those posed by the Winter Warlock and Burgermeister Meisterburger, are explored in this moving tale.

An old-timey vibe complements the holiday spirit, and there are several sing-along songs to keep you entertained. It’s a Christmas movie that no family should be without, which is why we think it’s the best ever.