There are some iconic Christmas movies. In fact, I wrote a whole article on the ten best Christmas movies (although this list needs to be updated). However, one of the factors that can lead to the success or failure of a Christmas movie, is the representation of Santa. Being such an iconic character, it is integral for a movie to portray OId Saint Nick right. In today's article, I am looking at the five movies that got Santa right (with perhaps even a couple of surprise additions).

#5: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy & Hugh Laurie as three generations of Santa - ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (2011)

Arthur Christmas was certainly on my favourite Christmas movies list. This movie turns Christmas Eve into a Mission: Impossible style of delivery with the elves using high-tech gadgets to deliver presents to the children of the world. However, this movie also gives us a family of Santas, each with a unique view of how Christmas should be carried out. However, each Santa fits the stereotype of what Mr Claus should be like, each with a bit of a twist. Bill Nighy's Grandsanta, Hugh Laurie's Steve, James McAvoy's Arthur and of course, Jim Broadbent's Santa are all unique whilst still embodying who Santa should be.

#4: Jim Carrey as The Grinch - HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000)

Jim Carrey's portrayal as the Dr. Seuss character is iconic and I just had to include him in this list. Although the Grinch isn't really Santa, he does dress up as Santa in this movie. Jim Carrey's commitment to his character is, well, what you'd expect from Jim Carrey.

#3: Alec Baldwin as North - RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (2012)

Rise of the Guardians gave an entirely new look to the 'Guardians'; those magical beings who bring joy to the children of the world. Although Hugh Jackman's Easter Bunny is certainly a standout, Alec Baldwin's North is the true star of this movie. While remaining true to the cheerful and fun-loving Father Christmas, this Russian Santa has some of the funniest moments of the film.

#2: James Cosmo as Father Christmas - THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (2005)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe maybe isn't a Christmas movie (but perhaps an Easter movie as it appeared on my list of the best Easter movies), however, this movie does include an appearance from the man himself. Although James Cosmo's Father Christmas may not have the cool gadgets or tattoos as the other Santas on this list, this Father Christmas is kind and gentle and seems to know the true meaning of Christmas.

#1 Richard Attenborough as Kriss Kringle - MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)

In my opinion, the best Santa Claus we have seen was played by Sir Richard Attenborough. Perhaps this is a biased opinion as Attenborough also plays another of my favourite movie characters, John Hammond in the Jurassic Park movies. But it's almost like Attenborough was born to play this role. As is explored throughout the film, he is everything that we imagine Santa would be like. He is jovial, has a hearty laugh and is fully committed to bringing joy and magic to children.

Article by Tristan Carr

Last edited: 06/12/2023