The Santa Clause

PG

Released Nov 11, 1994

1 hr. 37 min.

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

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for The Santa Clause: Trailer 1

List

73%

59 Reviews

Tomatometer

66%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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Arianna B

This is a great family movie that mixes good feeling with a good touch of comedy. We absolutely had a nice time watching it and I think the whole plot was fun and exciting and the actors really did their best in giving a great depth to the characters, in the absurdity of the different situations. There are all the classical elements of a feel good movie and how the characters are at the beginning of it is quite "stereotyped". They then evolve naturally during the time and a happy ending is guaranteed. Lots of laughters and a immersive Christmas feeling perfect for the festivities!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Forged S

I'm guessing this is going to be a Santa-centric Christmas. Despite the numerous sequels and brand new TV show on Disney+, the original, starring Tim Allen in his feature film debut, is what captured the hearts and minds of audiences. One of the original movies, besides Mrs. Doubtfire, to use revolutionary prosthetics to transform Tim into Santa, this movie instantly became a classic the moment it hit theaters. Personally, I appreciate the fresh take on the Santa lore, officially making Santa a role that is passed on from generation to generation, rather than a specific person.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

Whitney W

I love The Santa Clause movies and new series on Disney+. They are so fun and heartwarming. I enjoy watching them with my daughter and AGAIN while I'm wrapping presents. They are a family favorite!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Veronica, very nice. In your dreams sleigh boy

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Devlin E

Tim Allen really shines as the divorced single dad in this movie. He really grows as the movie goes on.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Koi P

Well written, funny, and touching. The relationship between Calvin and his son is endearing. The North Pole characters are fun and well done.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

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John Pasquin

Director

Tim Allen

Scott Calvin

Judge Reinhold

Dr. Neal Miller, the Psychiatrist

Wendy Crewson

Laura Miller

Eric Lloyd

Charlie Calvin

David Krumholtz

Bernard, the Arch-Elf

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The Santa Clause: Trailer 1

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

A genial, lightweight entertainment.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 23, 2017

Full Review

Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

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.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 6, 2013

Full Review

Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

I was surprised to find The Santa Clause rather easier to take than anticipated.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2013

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

There's a laughable edge that makes it all entertaining - not hilarious, just chuckle kind of chuckles...

Rated: 3/4

Mar 2, 2022

Full Review

Jim Rohner

Battleship Pretension

The original is actually quite entertaining, with Allen's sardonic wit standing in gleeful contrast to his surroundings...

Apr 14, 2021

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a perfectly watchable yet entirely unmemorable family-friendly...

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 12, 2020

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Richard Baker, Rick Messina, James Miller
Screenwriter: Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick
Distributor: Hollywood Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Buena Vista International [us], Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures, Outlaw Productions, Hollywood Pictures
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
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby Digital

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