December 7th 2024.
Are you curious to see if your favorite version of Santa Claus has made our list? You know, the jolly old man in a red suit who goes by many names - Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Saint Nicolas. We've seen him portrayed in many ways on the big screen. With the holiday season upon us, everyone has their own traditions and opinions, including which cinema Santa is the ultimate embodiment of the festive spirit. From wholesome and magical to grumpy and even bloodthirsty, we've witnessed a variety of interpretations over the years. With Christmas just a few weeks away, we've decided to rank the best depictions of Santa on the silver screen. Did your favorite make the cut? Keep reading to find out and feel free to share your thoughts with us at the end.
Let's start with number 10 on our list - Ed Ivory as the voice of Santa in The Nightmare Before Christmas. This animated classic, which is a staple during both Halloween and Christmas, holds a special place in our hearts. Fun fact, director Henry Selick ended up casting a local actor, Ed Ivory, from San Francisco after considering other famous names like Vincent Price, Don Ameche, and even James Earl Jones. Ivory's portrayal of Santa is a memorable one in the history of film.
Next up at number 9, we have Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa. No, he doesn't play the actual Santa Claus, but we couldn't ignore this 2003 comedy. It may not be suitable for children, but for a whole generation, it's a must-watch for those seeking a more adult Christmas treat. Thornton's portrayal of the alcoholic "mall Santa" Willie is one that has stood the test of time and is still remembered fondly.
At number 8, we have JK Simmons playing the title role in Klaus. This film may not be as well-known as others on our list, but it has the potential to become a Christmas tradition all over the world. Without giving too much away, Simmons' performance in this emotional and stunning film provides an origin story for Father Christmas. And if that's not enough to convince you, it was also Netflix's first animated film to be nominated for an Oscar.
Moving on to number 7, we have David Harbour in Violent Night. This is the most recent film on our list, with Harbour turning Santa into a vigilante, combining the best elements of Die Hard and Home Alone. This action-packed Christmas movie is full of explosions, shootouts, and plenty of puns, but it also has a lot of heart. Harbour's Santa may not be traditional, but he still feels real in this unconventional holiday setting.
At number 6, we have Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street. This classic film from 1947 holds a special place in the hearts of many generations. Gwenn's portrayal of Kris Kringle is often seen as the definitive Santa Claus, and the film has given us countless iconic lines that are still quoted today. As the movie reminds us, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.
Kurt Russell takes the 5th spot with his fun and energetic take on Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel. Teaming up with two kids to save Christmas after their misadventure causes a sleigh crash, Russell's performance is one that has the potential to become a franchise favorite. We can only hope to see him don the famous suit once again in the future.
At number 4, we have Tom Hanks in The Polar Express. Hanks may have played multiple roles in this film, but his portrayal of Santa sometimes goes unnoticed. He also provides the voice for the Hobo, an Ebenezer Scrooge puppet, Hero Boy's father, and the grown-up voice of Hero Boy. Despite only appearing for a few minutes, Hanks' performance as Father Christmas is a classic one.
Taking the 3rd spot is Ed Asner in Elf. Similar to Tom Hanks, Asner's Santa may not be the main focus of the film, but his performance is one that is just as memorable as the others. Playing off Will Ferrell's Buddy brilliantly, Asner's portrayal of a weary but determined Santa is one that will warm your heart. The final scene of his sleigh taking off into the sky is enough to give you chills, and his cheeky advice to Buddy about gum and yellow snow is just the right amount of mischievous.
At number 2, we have Richard Attenborough in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street. Although Edmund Gwenn was the original Santa Claus, Attenborough's performance is hard to overlook. Like his predecessor, Attenborough brings a sense of magic to the role, leaving us wondering if maybe he really is the real Santa. This remake may have its critics, but Attenborough's portrayal of Kris Kringle is one that many hold dear.
And finally, taking the top spot is Tim Allen in The Santa Clause. With three films and two series spanning over 30 years, Allen has the longevity factor on his side. The first film kicked off in an unconventional way, with the original Santa falling off a roof and dying, leaving Allen to take on the role of Scott Calvin/Santa. This beloved franchise has seen Allen grow into the role, and even a recent revival on Disney+. As Scott's wife says in the film, "You really are Santa Claus," and 30 years later, it's hard to argue with that.
So, who do you think is the best big screen Santa Claus? Is it Tim Allen, Richard Attenborough, Ed Asner, Tom Hanks, Kurt Russell, David Harbour, Edmund Gwenn, Billy Bob Thornton, JK Simmons, or Ed Ivory? Share your results with us on Facebook or tweet them to us. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don't hesitate to get in touch with our entertainment team. You can email us, call us, or submit your stuff on our website. We'd love to hear from you!
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