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The Santa Clause

Play trailer 1:42 Poster for The Santa Clause PG 1994 1h 37m Kids & Family Holiday Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 59 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
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The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause

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Critics Consensus

The Santa Clause is utterly undemanding, but it's firmly rooted in the sort of good old-fashioned holiday spirit missing from too many modern yuletide films.

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Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 08/23/2017
3/4
A genial, lightweight entertainment. Go to Full Review
Jeff Shannon Seattle Times 12/06/2013
3/4
This is Allen's movie debut, and it's easy to see why his show is a ratings smash. There's an effortless quality to his humor, but it's also got a quietly urgent edge to it. Go to Full Review
Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel 12/06/2013
3/5
I was surprised to find The Santa Clause rather easier to take than anticipated. Go to Full Review
Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot 03/02/2022
3/4
There's a laughable edge that makes it all entertaining - not hilarious, just chuckle kind of chuckles... Go to Full Review
Jim Rohner Battleship Pretension 04/14/2021
The original is actually quite entertaining, with Allen's sardonic wit standing in gleeful contrast to his surroundings... Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 12/12/2020
2.5/4
...a perfectly watchable yet entirely unmemorable family-friendly... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Cris V @ShawnaLaLaLa 2d This is a classic in my house. We grew up on this type of family comedy. Allen is comedic in his way. Which is sometimes out there but he usually brings it back in to be more palatable. Again a traditional holiday movie in my house. One of many. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 5d Tim Allen’s holiday classic The Santa Clause remains one of the most charming and effortlessly enjoyable Christmas films of the modern era, blending warmth, humor, and magic with a premise that feels both whimsical and surprisingly grounded. The story follows Scott Calvin, an ordinary man whose life is upended when he accidentally becomes the new Santa Claus, a transformation he never asked for yet slowly grows into. What could have been a flimsy gimmick instead becomes a delightful exploration of belief, responsibility, and the rediscovery of joy. The film is undeniably cheesy in places, but that’s part of its appeal. Rather than leaning on cheap sentimentality, the screenplay uses its lightheartedness to highlight the emotional shifts happening beneath the comedy. Scott’s journey from a cynical divorcé to a man rediscovering childlike wonder is handled with sincerity, allowing the humor to contrast rather than undercut the film’s heart. The focus on the father-son relationship brings an unexpected emotional anchor that elevates the narrative beyond a simple holiday romp. Tim Allen proves to be near-perfect casting, carrying the film with his natural comedic timing and ability to balance sarcasm with genuine warmth. His portrayal of Scott Calvin never feels forced; he builds the character slowly, letting audiences experience the confusion, resistance, and eventual acceptance right alongside him. It’s a role that fits him so comfortably that it became a defining part of his career, and it is easy to see why audiences embraced him so immediately. The elves contribute an extra layer of charm, giving the North Pole sequences a sense of bustling energy without overwhelming the storytelling. The filmmakers treat the magical world with a playful but cohesive logic, ensuring that the spectacle supports the narrative rather than replacing it. Watching the North Pole come to life with creative visual touches and clever worldbuilding details remains one of the film’s most enjoyable elements, especially for younger viewers. From a writing standpoint, the film succeeds because it takes a fantastical premise and roots it in human emotion. The screenplay finds clever ways to build momentum without losing the central themes of belief and transformation. There’s a deliberate balance between comedy and sincerity, allowing the story to evolve naturally and maintain its sense of enchantment from beginning to end. The pacing is tight, the character arcs are clear, and the tone never drifts away from the cozy holiday atmosphere audiences expect. Director John Pasquin deserves credit for shaping a film that feels timeless in its simplicity. His approach emphasizes clarity, charm, and the spirit of the season rather than leaning into spectacle for its own sake. The result is a Christmas movie that feels both classic and refreshingly genuine, one that has endured for decades because it speaks to the magic of the holidays without losing sight of the people at the center of the story. The Santa Clause remains a joyful, family-friendly tradition—one that continues to capture hearts year after year. See more Frankie P. @fp11789 Nov 30 Best Christmas movie See more Amy C. Nov 28 I thought this was incredibly well done, I was nine when this movie came out - still watching it to this day, filled with lots of fantastic humor, and love and inspiration See more Kullen T. @Kullbud1012 Nov 5 If you don’t like this, movie you’re crazy best movie ever See more Stephen C @bob25009 Oct 16 Funny in 1 hour and 37 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Peter Boyle!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Read all reviews
The Santa Clause

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Movie Info

Synopsis Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
Director
John Pasquin
Producer
Bobby Newmyer, Brian Reilly, Jeffrey Silver
Screenwriter
Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick
Distributor
Hollywood Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Buena Vista International [us], Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co
Hollywood Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Outlaw Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 11, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$145.5M
Runtime
1h 37m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo, Dolby Digital
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