Santa Claus

PG

1985

1h 47m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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List

22%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

67%

Audience Score

10,000+ Ratings

In ancient times, a man named Claus (David Huddleston), who delivers toys in his small village, fulfills his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), in the North Pole. In the present day, Santa Claus has become overwhelmed by his workload, and the disgruntled Patch flees the workshop to New York City. There, Patch unknowingly threatens the fate of Christmas by taking a job at a failing toy company run by a scheming businessman (John Lithgow).

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

... The core of this spectacular 1980s fantasy from the producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind is a reimagining of their most famous franchise: Superman.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 28, 2023

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

This is the filmic equivalent of the uneaten toffee left at the bottom of the Quality Street tin.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 25, 2023

Full Review

Dolores Barclay

Associated Press

A holiday honey of a film for the entire family.

Oct 22, 2018

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a traditional, seasonal hate-watch for ironists and bad-movie buffs the world over…

Rated: 1/5

Nov 30, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The sets frequently look chintzy and cheap, with Santa's workshop bringing to mind a prison sweat shop as much as a toy factory.

Rated: 1.5/4

Dec 29, 2018

Full Review

Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Dated '80s holiday movie has smoking, product placement.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 8, 2013

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Stu H

The best Christmas film ever made. Full of heart and humour. The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/24

Full Review

Dave C

It's a firm favourite of my partner, and it's one I've watched myself and with her a number of times. Overall, it isn't one of my favourite Festive films, but I do still enjoy it, and see its appeal. However, it hasn't stood the test of time particularly well

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Frank V

Such a sweet and innocent movie. This movie shows you how being selfless can be rewarding. One of my traditions every Christmas Season is to watch this. Cheesy, yes! However, that's the draw to it for me. It's message for me is that you don't need to be related to be family. Most of the Santa movies are not how Santa begins if you think about it. This is a sweet take on how the Christmas spirit created the idea of giving and transcended into the character of Santa Claus.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

Michael G

This is one of the greatest Christmas movies. It's just magical and highly underrated. Classic 1980's feel. Great soundtrack. I watch it every year.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Andrew K

I don't know if it holds up today, but nostalgically this movie is a happy Christmas memory from my childhood.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

Mike A

This is one of the best Christmas Films. It's enjoyable every time I get to watch it around the Holidays. Not Surprised that most of the critics don't see the movies value. They seem to misunderstand what most people enjoy watching in the first place. It's great to see the audience give good reviews to the film though. Merry Christmas!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

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Jeannot Szwarc

Director

Dudley Moore

Patch

David Huddleston

Santa Claus

John Lithgow

B.Z.

Burgess Meredith

Ancient Elf

Judy Cornwell

Anya Claus

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Santa Claus: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In ancient times, a man named Claus (David Huddleston), who delivers toys in his small village, fulfills his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), in the North Pole. In the present day, Santa Claus has become overwhelmed by his workload, and the disgruntled Patch flees the workshop to New York City. There, Patch unknowingly threatens the fate of Christmas by taking a job at a failing toy company run by a scheming businessman (John Lithgow).

Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Producer: Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler
Screenwriter: David Newman
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.6M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Surround

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