The Top 10 Best Movie Santas
5. Billy Bob Thornton– Bad Santa
Another impersonator makes their way onto this movie Santas list. Billy Bob Thornton plays Willie a professional thief who poses as a mall Santa every year in order to rob department stores blind. Willie isn’t just a robber though, he’s also a crass drunk who doesn’t give a damn about anyone or anything else, especially Christmas. However, it wouldn’t be a holiday movie if he didn’t get a chance to learn the spirit of Christmas from a dimwitted kid who thinks he’s the real deal. Of course, getting this Santa to change his beard is easier said than done. He’s about as far away from Father Christmas as you can get, but that’s what makes him one of the most memorable movie Santas of all time.
4. Jim Carrey– How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Despite my high hopes for the newest animated The Grinch movie, it left a lot to be desired when it came to Grinch-iness. Jim Carrey’s take on the character though was pretty incredible (though I’m always going to be a fan of the original 1966 adaptation). While he might not have been the true Saint Nick, there was no way I could forgive myself for not including this big green curmudgeon. While the Whos down in Whoville are forcing Christmas down everyone’s throat the Grinch is desperately doing his best to avoid them all and make it through another holiday with his sanity intact. Alas, the Whos push him too far and he resorts to impersonating Father Christmas in order to steal the holiday. When it comes to movie Santas, this one is by far the most unique.
3. Edward Asner – Elf
Elf has become a Christmas cult film since it hit theaters in 2003. While Will Ferrell portrayal as a 6’4 elf with possible adult-onset diabetes might be the reason it’s so adored, Edward Asner is absolutely perfect as Santa Claus. The guy looks like a drawing of Santa come to life with his bushy white beards, bald head, and infinite patience when it comes to Buddy. He might not get a lot of screen time, but when everything is falling apart in the world of man for Buddy, Saint Nick swings in to save the day by, well, letting Buddy save Christmas. Part of what makes Will Ferrell so good in Elf is the fact that as crazy as his character is, Asner plays a straight-faced version of Santa which only helps to make the movie all the more delightfully absurd.
2. Tim Allen– The Santa Clause Trilogy
According to The Santa Clause films, the identity of Santa is a curse that befalls the one who murders the current Chris Kringle. Tim Allen finds this out the hard way when a red-robed retiree with a sled and all
1. Richard Attenborough– Miracle on 34th Street
Just look at Attenborough in that red suit. The twinkle in his eye, the warm-hearted smile, the militant adherence to Christmas morality. He’s like a Grandpa who seems strict at first but has a big soft spot. Besides, it would be kinda lame not to feature the Santa from one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time. Sure the original might be a bit better overall, but not when it comes to Santa. Attenborough is the very essence of Father Christmas in this film and the fact that he gets taken to court makes it seem a little more timely than ever these days. I mean, I could see someone suing Santa over a well-meaning gift causing severe “emotional distress” because it was the wrong color. All jokes aside, when I think Santa Claus, this is the guy that pops into my head.
There are a ton of movies about jolly old Saint Nick, but for my money, those 10 are the best of the best when it comes to movie Santas. Of course, I always love to hear from you. Which is your favorite movie Santa from the list? Did I forget any of your favorites? Are there any entries you feel don’t belong? Leave a comment below to let me know. In the meantime, I’ll be updating this list as new movie Santas appear on big and small screens around the world. Until then, happy holidays everyone!