Santa Claus

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2:09

Santa Claus

PG

1985

1h 47m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

22%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

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

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

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

Rated: 2/5

Oct 8, 2013

Full Review

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Aidan K

one of the very best Christmas movies ever made. stunning set, brilliant effects . by far a must see Christmas movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

Gemma D

By far, the greatest Christmas movie of all time. With just the first few bars of the soundtrack, I’m taken back to my childhood days. I absolutely adore this film and watch it several times, every year, leading up to Christmas.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

Full Review

Mark J

Whilst alright to watch each year with a few bits to enjoy, overall, not the best film. Production values are low and the story is very uneven and oddly paced. Some of the older actors alright but children are irritating and I’m pretty sure the ending counts as kidnap.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

Full Review

Colin B

This is my core Santa Claus movie growing up. I'm 40 now and will still sit down Christmas eve and watch it and still feel like I'm 5/6/7 again waiting for Santa to come

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

Full Review

Julian S

SANTA CLAUS overflows with charm, embraces a touch of camp, and revels in its own tackiness, with John Lithgow delivering a masterclass in devious brilliance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

Full Review

James G

Is it cheesy? Yes. Is it surreal? Yup. Is it a fun romp that your kids will love? Again yup. It's we'll worth the watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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

2:09

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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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