Top 10 Greatest Santa Portrayals of All Time

These actors will make any doubter believe in Santa. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best modern movie versions of jolly old Saint Nick. Our countdown includes "Elf," "Klaus," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and more! Which movie Santa puts YOU in the holiday spirit? Let us know in the comments below!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Santa #Christmas #SantaClaus #Holidays #SaintNick

[@MsMojo]

Which movie Santa puts YOU in the holiday spirit? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 10 Most Underappreciated Christmas Movies - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nPnISCadmJfZI

[@tarryteeth]

Tim Allen portrayed the character Santa before he voiced buzz lightyear from the toy story franchise

[@thomasgreen9163]

Combo of David harbour and Tim Allen

[@erzaender]

kurt russell

[@DavidDoom95]

Tim Allen and Richard Attenborough

[@texkit1]

Edmund Gwenn is one of my favorites.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

It's no surprise that Tim Allen made Number 1 on this list, His performance as Santa Claus is absolutely iconic and legendary to this day!

[@nicolevose3066]

As a little girl, I had a crush on Tim Allen because of that movie. My husband and I watch that movie every Christmas. When my kids turn elementary school age (my daughter is four and my son is not even 2) they will watch that movie and hopefully they'll appreciate it like I did.

[@brendah.6366]

I want some ballet slippers.

[@TonysOfficialCreations]

It's no surprise because HE WAS IN THE TRAILER AND LINK! But enjoy your 100 likes (I had to edit it because I gave too little.)

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

Of course Tim Allen Rocks.

[@Blade-Thing]

Kurt russell shldve been #1.

[@olleselin]

J.K Simmons totally nailed it as Mr. Klaus! Such an underrated Holiday classic on Netflix! 🎅

[@chelseacanales8763]

No surprise that Tim Allen is #1 portraying Santa Claus but Kurt Russell did a great job of it as well, especially when Goldie Hawn played Mrs Claus. Those two are so cute together ❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidalves31057]

Right?! ❤

[@sergioharder1153]

The reason I rate that one so highly is because in the movies they didn't just characterize Santa, they gave such thought, effort, and creativity into the background of the North Pole. The elves' design as actual creatures with a unique language really makes them feel real, and adds a great reality view on how Santa's magic is visualized in the real world.

[@williamsummerson1204]

Rise of the Guardians is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever, every character is amazing in their own way especially Santa and Pitch Black.

[@MD-vm8tc]

David Huddleston in "Santa Claus the Movie" is the most magical portrayal of Santa I've ever seen.

[@Ednabug]

Same!! Best ever! My favorite Christmas movie

[@ericjanssen394]

I clicked on the link just to see whether she'd ever seen the movie in her life. And won the bet. And if there's ever a Best Mrs. Santa list, Judy Cornwell shuts down the competition.

[@braddollahite]

Santa Claus the movie, honorable mention, what a load of crap. Should have been top 3

[@Ednabug]

I thought the same thing.@@braddollahite

[@agente9988]

Klaus, North(Rise of the Guardians)& Kurt Russel’s Santa are top three favourites.

[@jenniferburns2530]

Richard Attenborough's Santa will always be my favorite due to his compassion and kindness. The recent trend in snarky Santas is fun, but his is love in action.

[@sweetpjess]

I am SO happy you included Violent Night. That movie is so fun and he is such a great Santa.

[@sharknadoman1015]

I'm glad Ed Asner was in the top 3 because he is one of my favorite portrayals of Santa ever along with David Harbour, Tim Allen, and Paul Giamatti. Also, being a huge fan of the "Jurassic Park" franchise, I never knew John Hammond was also Santa. I knew Tim Allen was obviously number 1 the moment I started the video. Merry Christmas!

[@Therealjoker44]

What John Hammond is Santa

[@sharknadoman1015]

@@Therealjoker44 Yep. Richard Attenborough himself.

[@WillScarlet16]

What I love about Rise of the Guardians' Santa is they introduce him clapping like a kid as he finishes making a new toy - stands to reason someone who makes toys all year has to be an overgrown kid himself.

[@olvialee7221]

30: Growing up, I love the voice actors of Santa from A Year Without Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer and Grandma Got Ran Over by A Reindeer. My huge favorites are Tom Hanks from The Polar Express, Kurt Russell from The Christmas Chronicles, Tim Allen from The Santa Clause and J. K Simmons from Klaus

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Ed Asner in Elf was pretty good, even with minimal screen time

[@ThatWeirdCreator]

Kurt Russell is by far the coolest Santa.

[@alonsodonayreadrian5052]

edmund gwen is the only actors who won an oscar for portraying santa

[@AndrewHarmonDC]

Yeah, the Mojos are not really interested in the far past.

[@tedhenkle]

Yes, and he truly is the #1 movie Santa of All Time.

[@tedhenkle]

@@AndrewHarmonDC I've noticed anything earlier than 1980 is off Mojo's radar screen.

[@user-gd6vn5vy5v]

Scott Calvin, Klaus, North (Rise of the Guardians), The Nightmare Before Christmas's Santa & Kurt Russel’s Santa are my top 5 favorites.🎅

[@emilyholasek63]

Don't forget Ed Asner voiced Santa in Olive, The Other Reindeer

[@Storesdavidal]

David Huddleston Is My Favorite Saint Nicholas Movie❤❤.

[@kayo4344]

Christmas Chronicles was such a heartwarming and hilarious movie, I had to beg my family to watch it just for Kurt Russell Santa's musical number

[@elijahyoung1963]

I do admit Paul Giammati in Fred Claus does a good job as Santa. Especially in the ending where every single child in the world (including the naughty kids) get something for Christmas and are spending time with their families and it does end on a high note when Nick says “You are the best big brother, anybody could ever ask for”.

[@olvialee7221]

I think there needs to be Top 20 Actors/Actresses That Are Born To Play These Roles

[@texkit1]

You left out the best Santa from the first “Miracle on 34th Street” Edmund Gwenn. He gave realistic magical performance.

[@JJB11]

I don't understand why they didn't put Edmund Gwenn as Kris Krangle for the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street. They should put this version over 1994 version. That's not right.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

@@JJB11 They opened the video with the word "modern," even though the video's title reads "of all time." If it's really a list of best modern portrayals, then Attenborough belongs here; he acquits himself well, and it's not really his fault that he's handed a much weaker script than the one Gwenn got to work with. But if it's of all time? Gwenn, not Attenborough, deserves the spot.

[@drewpall2598]

No top 10, 25, 50, or 100 list in any category will please everyone, the best modern day Sants I would go with Ed Asner in Elf. 2003, I would like to point out that the image of what we see most often during our childhood can stay with us for a lifetime that being said I would go with Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle "Miracle on 34th Street" 1947 of all

[@saintjamesmodernart]

@@JJB11 , Agree. Edmund was top notch. James 🎅

[@kelleyceccato7025]

I've never been interested in the sequels, but my favorite part of The Santa Clause, bar none, is the moment when he returns to Sarah's house. After being so darn grouchy with her before, he's gentle now, and it actually touches him that she remembers he's lactose-intolerant. A beautiful scene.

[@sundalangur3250]

Yes, the sequels aren't bad, but not necessary viewing during the Christmas season for me anyway.

[@joshuamohlman]

For me personally, David Harbour’s Santa in Violent Night is my favorite because he’s just so badass

[@Cinderella72291]

I knew tim allen would be number one because he is the best santa of all time.

[@davidslife989]

It's two see the number 2 and three Santa's in their positions I feel like BOTH could be number 1. Yes I can see how hard it is to have a number one Santa on the list, that's said I think you did a GOOD job!

[@abigalebuss359]

Santa, portrayed by Tom Hanks in The Polar Express, should have at least been one of the honorable mentions. I've loved that book and movie for years.

[@sockygaldamez9492]

Tim Allen Santa Claus will always be my favourite portrayal of Santa and so happy it takes first spot. Also I love Richard and Alec portrayals as well ❤️🤍❤️🤍

[@michaelmonthey5974]

Edmund Gwen, Kurt Russell and Tim Allen are my favorite Santa Clauses.

[@MilasMixMedia]

I knew Tim Allen’s Santa would be number 1# for SURE, ah i love the movies so much always get me into the Christmas spirit seeing them also i just LOVE IT so much, including Elizabeth Mitchell who plays Mrs Clause she did a great job portrayal Carol as well in the movies, and i LOVE how they are continuing this franchise alone which is great.

[@olvialee7221]

From 2019 to 2022, years of the pandemic have been crazy, scary and sometimes outrageous but the best moments is when Christmas comes around

[@jesspearson9280]

I always thought James Cosmo’s Santa could play dumbledore. Also I love Tim Allen’s Santa. Not surprised it’s number 1 😊

[@lesleygiles8924]

I've lost count of how many of my favourite films James Cosmo has featured in, as well as tv productions duch as The Colour of Magic & Game of Thrones. Yes, you're right. He would have undoubtedly made a great Dumbledore (or Gandalf!).

[@WillScarlet16]

I don't understand how ANYBODY in their right mind could put Attenborough over Edmund Gwenn. Nothing against Attenborough, but Gwenn created the part, and he OWNS it.

[@olvialee7221]

You just made me spit out my hot chocolate! Oh, yeah! David Harbour is on the list! I absolutely like this movie! Saw it around the holidays. I’m starting to like it to see Santa as a Badass

[@olvialee7221]

I know not all Christmas movies have villains but the one in Violent Night is funny to me. A guy named Scrooge as the villain portrayed by John Leguizamo fighting Santa as the enemy? HA! Overall, I very much enjoyed the movie

[@hunterolaughlin]

Great to see Father Christmas from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe here on this list.

[@acalia_sariah]

The only thing I needed for this list was for Tim Allen to make the #1 spot. I'm 20 years old tomorrow, and I GREW UP watching Tim Allen play Santa Clause. I genuinely believe that he was made for that role. He did it perfectly!

[@saphriaofhogwarts]

Tim Allen’s Santa making the top spot for this video is just perfect! I absolutely adore him in the role as Scott Calvin/ Santa, and I always try to make it a point to see at least the first Santa Clause movie around the holidays. I will say, one Santa performance that didn’t make the list was Nick Frost as Santa in the Doctor Who special “Last Christmas.” Along with his two elves, Nick Frost does a fantastic job playing the jolly old elf to Capaldi’s grumpy Doctor, giving advice and guiding the Doctor, Clara and the rest of the cast as they take on the Dream Crabs.

[@louannegner4056]

Santa Claus the Movie is what I remember watching as a kid. Still one of my favorite movies and one i shared with my daughter when she was young. My grandson is next in line. 😁

[@aimeeromley4189]

Choosing Attenborough over Edmund Gwenn is a crime! He was simply perfection and should have been the choice, not an afterthought. 🎅🏻

[@davidalves31057]

North, Klaus, Tim Allen and Kurt Russell now recently, my favorites!

[@2300enduserperson1]

I adore Paul Giammani.

[@richkee2024]

The whole Santa family from Aardman's "Arthur Christmas" should definitely be on this list. One of the most effective films about what "makes" Santa Claus.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Definitely The polar express. Happy friday morning (and holiday season) to you as well, Emely. Take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely love Richard attenborough as santa claus ☃️🎄🎅🥰

[@CoolMan1_SonicAndOtherStuff]

The christmas chronicles is my most favorite christmas movie ever and imo, kurt russel is THE BEST santa!🤩 I'm still waiting for netflix to make a christmas chronicles 3!

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

6:50 Also the elves in this movie are absolutely adorable

[@olvialee7221]

27: Me, my mom and dad loves J.K Simmons performance as Klaus. We first watched the movie in 2021

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

6:35 I also love how Santa in this movie has Superspeed

[@khallidburke7272]

Now I know what Christmas movies to watch in order

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

5:13 Who would ever have thought The second American narrator for Thomas would make such a badass Santa

[@joheljimenez696]

I'm offically in the Christmas spirit Right Now I'm gonna re watch all of these movies this December Rock n Roll santa is my favorite one.

[@susanpayson7843]

Edmund Gwenn will always be the best Santa.

[@rangerfanboy1710]

7:08 Ed Asner technically portrayed Santa Claus in 5 different projects, including Elf

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

I still love Jim Broadbent as Santa in Arthur Christmas and Get Santa and Brian Blessed's portrayal as Santa in both The Amazing world of Gumball and the Danger Mouse reboot And I also can't forget Hugh Bonneville as Santa in the Ducktales reboot

[@johnglielmi6428]

Violent Night is an Awesome movie and David Harbour pulled it off perfectly. Helped to bring him back to the front after Hellboy didn't go over so well. I would have had him higher on the list. Edmund Gwenn did a much better portrayal of Kris Kringle than Sir Richard Attenborough by far. I was born in 1960 and Tim Allen is the best Santa of All time! He definitely deserves the top spot.

[@shewolf871]

I love the character of Noel. There are actually two female versions of Santa Claus in the world, one in Germany and one in Italy. It’s about time America got a female Santa as well. my sister loved the movie so much that she said she will be teaching her children to believe in Noel.

[@FreeJohnDoe2006]

Another one I would add is Douglas Seale from Ernest Saves Christmas

[@otakugameraquarius1883]

“You’re fatter this year.” “Thank you very much.” 😂 a line I’d definitely say

[@marcusyates3044]

I liked the voice of North from the Guardians

[@thedragonauthority]

Did you forget Douglas Seele from Ernest Saves Christmas? He was fantastic!

[@annasahlstrom6109]

David Huddleston is my Santa. And Dudley Moore is my favorite elf, seconded by Will Farrell.

[@tastebudswithtariq2330]

Richard Attenborough's Santa is more believable than Tim Allen's version. Of course, that's my opinion.

[@Lupinemancer87]

My favorite interpretation of Santa, is from the Rise of the Guardians. He's just so funny. Ofc, nothing compares to the real Santa, Odin.

[@christianaguilera1469]

Nah fam, Edmund Gwenn is the best Santa Claus of all time. He won an Oscar for it.

[@melissaewing4821]

I cannot believe Edmund Gwen was not on the list but only mentioned in passing. The original Miracle on 34th Street was the best.

[@olvialee7221]

I did like Alec Baldwin as the voice of Santa in DreamWorks Rise of the Guardians

[@ReynaReactsandReviews]

Love the background music

[@xaviermonge6873]

I loved the Tim Allen Trilogy. My favorite was the second movie. 😊

[@michaelmonthey5974]

For anyone who is a fan of slasher movies, I recommend “Santa’s Slay”. Bill Goldberg portrays Santa Clause to both terrifying and hilarious effect.

[@justineves3588]

Very very great epic list I like it a lot very very great job mis mojo one of my absolute favorite list ever 😊❤ number one is one of my absolute favorite ones too

[@theonellakats2443]

You missed one of the most beautiful portrayals: a little known movie called "Christmas Story", about the child who became Santa, Dubbed in English, it's a sad, poignient story and a beautiful portrayal.

[@kittycatmeowmeow963]

John Call from "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" will always be my #1 Santa.😊

[@olvialee7221]

In 2021, I had dinner with my mom and my at my home while watching TV. WW84 is the first and Klaus is second. My parents said “Klaus is Way Better than WW84”

[@jkrfan7]

Fun fact: JK Simmons used to work as a mall santa before his acting career took off

[@melissacooper8724]

My favorite movie Santas are Edmund Gwen in Miracle On 34th Street, David Huddleston in Santa Claus The Movie, Douglas Seale in Ernest Saves Christmas, and Tim Allen in The Santa Clause 1, 2, and 3.

[@cristyrodas]

My favourite is definitely ANNA KENDRICK!!!💖🎄

[@jamesespey249]

It's a good thing you said "Movie" Santa. All my fave Santas are from television: Mickey Rooney, Art Carney & Richard Mulligan.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

6:00 Though apart from that he is still very jolly and friendly

[@olvialee7221]

25: I see Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, I clicked

[@CodyFairlessLee]

I like THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA and the honorable mention of NOELLE. I also love KLAUS, VIOLENT NIGHT, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, ELF, and THE SANTA CLAUSE franchise. In my opinion, Ed Asner in ELF is the most realistic and perfect Santa there is.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

0:26 This version of Santa also has his Mrs Claus played by British actress Miranda Richardson

[@kt9166]

Yep. Tim Allen is #1, but Kurt Russell is the rockin'est Santa in many years. Love him!

[@RockLegend2000]

What about Douglas Seale, who played Santa in Ernest Saves Christmas? His portrayal was great. He played a Santa that spent his time looking for his successor still caring a lot for Christmas. Or Paul Frees, who voiced Santa in the Rankin/Bass movies?

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

3:34 I actually felt bad for this version of Santa as he is depressed over Materialism and greed ruining christmas spirit Especially because this version became a gift giver to essentially make up for His past as a Viking Warrior Essentially his guilt was what lead him to seek Redemption And I also love that despite this version being separated from Mrs Claus he still wears his wedding ring Just proving that he loves her and wants to get back with her and by the film's end it seems that they did get back together she As the Reindeers came to her to tell her Santa was in trouble and she gave them both Skullcrusher and a spare magic sack

[@sspdirect02]

Edmund Gwen! Dammit! He won an Oscar for it!

[@TheMormonSorceress]

Considering how some Norse myths involving Odin have been mixed in with Christmas and Santa Clause I can see where Violent Night got their inspiration from.

[@okiegirlsrock5103]

I just saw Noelle and definitely in my top 3. Loved the movie, and I mean who could not deny falling in love with snow, an AWW moment. This is the first time I've seen a very new perspective on how Santa gets the reindeers to fly off with the mere mention of the word Dasher and it is absolutely hilarious the way snow gets in front of the reindeer and smacks his hoaves down to the ground this is one of my favorite favorite movies of Santa. Tim Allen was a good Santa but to me it's just lacking something. I really like Kurt Russell with his singing Representation of the Christmas spirit. If you're in for action suspense you're in the mood for violent night which I really really like but I'm going to have to go with number one pick for me as Noellè.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

8:07 The late brother of Sir David Attenbough

[@FlashTimberwolf]

My favorite movie Santa is from 1988s "Ernest Saves Christmas".

[@RomaroBrandon]

A lot of people consider Kurt Russell to be as good if not better than Tim Allen and for that reason I think he's number two.

[@donedwards5301]

Your Tagline has Santa portrayals of ALL time. Edmund Gwenn is hands down Santa. The others are good but he is Iconic. Just my opinion, and nothing to diminish the others but. . .

[@olvialee7221]

Well, Christmas and Halloween are 2 Big Holidays to get movies. Although not much is said for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, April Fools Day, Easter, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah

[@kfemme68]

For me, it's Tim Allen, Kurt Russell, Whoopi Goldberg (from Call Me Claus) and Anna Kendrick (from Noelle)! Oh and Arthur from Arthur Christmas! Can you tell I love the underdogs? 😂

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

5:22 But that's what makes him awesome

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

The top three were the ones that I thought would be top three! I love all three of these versions!

[@user-lv5zz7wv6l]

The animated santas in kids shows are cool aswell Like 1) David holt in CBeebies alphablocks 2) Richard riding a in Ben and hollys little kingdom 3) whoever voiced him in Peppa pig

[@ellnats]

the one from Ernest Saves Christmas, trust me that one is the kindest portrayal of ANY human being EVER

[@LadyKC67]

One of my all time favorite Santas is Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle in Santa Claus is Coming To Town.

[@MrGabeanator]

Tim Allen as the number 1 Santa what a surprise