7 Most Popular On-Screen Santas: Ranked
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Most Popular On-Screen Santas: Ranked

From the least to the most jolly–who made the cut?

175
7 Most Popular On-Screen Santas: Ranked
Time

The snow-white beard, the radiant red suit, and the ever-so-jolly big belly. We're all nostalgically familiar with the distinct features of Santa Claus–but how many men have truly embodied Santa's genuine character? We've all seen the sad beardless bell-ringing Santas outside stores and the mall Santas that are usually lacking in personality. But what about the on-screen Santas, the ones featured in our favorite Christmas movies? I decided to rank my least-to-most favorite on-screen Santas, from the jolly to the not-so-jolly.

7. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Santa

First, I want to say I find it disturbing that a movie exists in which the public has not definitively decided whether it's considered a Christmas or a Halloween movie. That's a bad sign right off the bat. Now let's discuss the horror that is Jack Skellington. He has all the best intentions to be Santa Claus, but he's an absolute nightmare. He delivers the worst toys to innocent children and his terrifying physique in a Santa costume has probably been present in some of your worst never-ending dreams. He's the opposite of holly or jolly.

6. "The Year Without a Santa Claus" Santa

Let me just start this one off by saying I don't understand the claymation stop-motion trend in Christmas films that occurred in the 70s. Someone has to say it–the way the characters move is creepy and unsettling. That being said, I know this film is a classic and it's many people's favorite. But you can't ignore the fact that this Santa does not live up to his name. Canceling Christmas just because he feels a little stuffy and gets a little insecure? The real Santa would never. Also, this man can visit billions of houses in one night, eat countless cookies without getting obese or dying of malnutrition, but can't fight the bacteria of a cold? Where's the logic?

5. "Elf" Santa

Alright, I hate to say it, but I've never enjoyed the "Elf" Santa. I acknowledge the fact that this movie is a classic and I love it as much as the next guy, but c'mon. This guy is not jolly. Maybe the reason this man is so not-jolly is because he's struggling to keep the public's holiday spirit alive...but still. His job is to make kids happy and eat millions of cookies in one day. He has no excuse to be as grumpy as he is.

4. "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" Santa

Another stop motion Christmas special, another subpar Santa Claus. This guy wants to cancel Christmas because of a little bad weather? This man is supposed to be super human, delivering billions of the perfect gifts for each child around the world, and he feels defeated by fog? Don't get me wrong, I get that this is supposed to highlight Rudolph's ability to save Christmas, but I just can't accept a Santa that gives up so easily. Where's your Christmas spirit, big guy?

3. "The Polar Express" Santa

This film is a cinematic masterpiece, and not one Christmas season has passed where I haven't watched it at least twice. C'mon, Tom Hanks, featuring Tom Hanks, featuring Tom Hanks, etc, etc, etc. It's a classic. Tom Hanks as Santa is one of his smallest roles in the movie, however. He only appears for a brief time, even though the entire movie basically revolves around the kids wanting to see him. But I do appreciate the fact that his brief presence is absolutely magical, and that his absence is meant to show that even though he's not always visible, having faith in him is what's important.

2. "Miracle On 34th Street" Santa

How can you not love this guy? Apart from his facial hair (which is slightly lacking) he's a great Santa. He's so genuine and he really embodies the kindness and warmth of Santa. And if you tell me you didn't tear up during the scene of him signing to the little deaf girl that sits on his lap, you're probably lying.

1. "The Santa Clause" Santa

I may be a little biased in declaring Tim Allen as the best on-screen Santa, since this is my favorite Christmas movie of all time, but you can't deny the excellence of his Santa portrayal. First of all, this movie is a gem. Scott Calvin's initial dry humor and hilarious sarcasm in his scrooge-like pre-Santa character is gold. Then, watching him transform from that into the jolliest and most joyful Santa there ever was with the help of his adorable son (and watching the actors' characters develop in the sequels) is priceless. I will never get tired of watching the movies in this trilogy. Thank you, Tim Allen, for providing young me with an official face to the name of Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, and don't forget to be mindful of which movie Santas are your favorite.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56709
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36546
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958376
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188977
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments