Scott and SadieSanta Claus may be a jolly old soul in theory, but in Hollywood, he’s everything from a lovable gift-giver to a drunken disaster. Here are the top 10 movie Santas, ranked by how much they either warm our hearts or make us question holiday traditions entirely.
10. Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa
This guy makes your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving look like a role model. Thornton’s version of Santa is foul-mouthed, perma-drunk, and absolutely hilarious. He’s the anti-Santa we didn’t know we needed.
9. Tim Allen in The Santa Clause
Tim Allen goes from clueless dad to full-fledged Kris Kringle in this classic tale of “Oops, I killed Santa.” It’s equal parts heartwarming and ridiculous.
8. Ed Asner in Elf
Asner’s Santa is grumpy, practical, and somehow still lovable. His deadpan delivery makes him the perfect straight man to Will Ferrell’s Buddy.
7. Kurt Russell in The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell as Santa? Yes, please. He’s too cool for the job, but somehow it works. And don’t forget that cringey-yet-awesome jailhouse musical number.
6. Paul Giamatti in Fred Claus
Giamatti’s Santa is more “overworked older brother” than magical figure. Dealing with Vince Vaughn’s Fred is enough to make anyone hate Christmas.
5. Jim Broadbent in Get Santa
Broadbent’s Santa is delightfully quirky and just unhinged enough to make you question his sanity. He’s got that “holiday chaos energy” down pat.
4. Tom Hanks in The Polar Express
Hanks voices Santa in The Polar Express, and while he’s not the main focus, his Santa is both regal and slightly creepy (thanks, uncanny valley animation).
3. Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
This Santa screams “grandpa energy.” He’s wholesome, charming, and just the kind of Santa you’d want in a courtroom defending his existence.
2. David Harbour in Violent Night
Who knew we needed an action-hero Santa? Harbour’s Santa kicks ass and takes names, proving that even jolly old St. Nick can get a little Die Hard when needed.
1. Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The OG Santa. Gwenn is so convincing as Kris Kringle that you’ll believe in Santa all over again.
What do you think? Did we nail it, or is your favorite Santa missing from the list? Drop your picks in the comments—we promise we won’t judge (much).
