The Coolest Movie Santas, Ranked From Nicest To Naughtiest

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As a seasoned movie buff and a self-proclaimed Santa Claus enthusiast, I must say that the list presented here is nothing short of a Christmas miracle! Each cinematic Saint Nick showcases an intriguing take on the classic figure we all know and love, with their unique backstories, appearances, and action-packed adventures.

In some of my beloved Christmas films, Santa Claus often makes an appearance, but I’m not talking about the traditional, jolly, and innocent screen version of him. Instead, I’m drawn to the less conventional Christmas movies that portray Old St. Nick in a more unconventional way – one who isn’t afraid to bend or break some rules when necessary, and is ready for a fight if the situation demands it. The question then arises: which of these unorthodox movie Santas is the most captivating?

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10. David Huddleston (Santa Claus: The Movie)

Among all the Santa Clauses portrayed in their own films, one of the more conventionally kind versions can be found in David Huddleston’s character from “Santa Claus: The Movie” (1985). This film provides an account of the origins of the gift-giver. Despite being traditionally nice, it is thrilling to see him go above and beyond to save not only his trusted elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), but also Christmas itself from the clutches of wicked toy manufacturer B.Z., played by John Lithgow. Additionally, the concept of watching “The Big Lebowski” as Santa Claus is intriguing to me, and his bag of toys truly completes the picture of the sleigh.

9. Tim Allen (The Santa Clause)

As a child, my favorite movie portraying Santa was “The Santa Clause” starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin. However, it’s not just nostalgia that motivates me to mention him in this context. The Disney film presents a man who is initially unwilling to assume the duties of Santa Claus, but eventually defies all reason and even law enforcement (with some elf assistance) to become the iconic Christmas figure needed in 1994. To top it off, he saves Christmas from Jack Frost (Martin Short) in the sequel “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,” a film I personally find less enjoyable. In summary, Scott Calvin as Santa can undeniably be described as badass.

8. J.K. Simmons (Klaus)

Viewers who’ve watched the delightful Netflix Christmas movie titled “Klaus“, featuring the voice of Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons as the titular toy-maker, would likely concur that Klaus certainly embodies a kind and compassionate Santa figure. However, the character is not just warm and fuzzy; he’s also rugged, daring, and somewhat imposing, as portrayed by postman Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) upon their first encounter. Interestingly, this isn’t Simmons’ only foray into portraying Santa.

7. J.K. Simmons (Red One)

In the 2024 film “Red One”, it’s not Santa Claus who takes the lead role, but rather him who becomes a hostage that needs to be freed by Callum Drift (played by Dwayne Johnson) and Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). However, Nick, who used to play Santa in a mall many years ago, lends a significant hand in the climax. In fact, any Santa who works out is quite impressive, in my opinion. Moreover, Nick’s unwavering faith in Christmas spirit and human kindness is a trait that anyone donning the red suit and hat should embody.

6. Kurt Russell (The Christmas Chronicles)

From Kurt Russell’s past action-packed roles, I expected The Christmas Chronicles to present the most legendary Santa character, simply by casting the actor from Escape From New York in a white beard and red suit. After watching the 2018 Netflix original film, however, I wouldn’t quite use that phrase. But his quick-witted dialogue, incredible sleigh-driving skills, preventing the vehicle from crashing after losing his reindeer, and saving the North Pole in the sequel from the menacing elf Belsnickel (played by Julian Dennison) leave me with no question that “badass” is an appropriate title for this Santa Claus.

5. Mel Gibson (Fatman)

We transition from the “nice” Santas to the less virtuous group in the action-comedy “Fatman” featuring Mel Gibson as a more world-weary Santa Claus. Unlike the idealized image we have, this Santa is quite cynical. However, his confrontations with Walton Goggins’ character, Jonathan Miller – an assassin hired by a disgruntled rich child to eliminate Santa, but also driven by his personal vendetta against him – offer an unusual level of excitement that isn’t common during holiday seasons.

4. George Buza (A Christmas Horror Story)

You know what I think would have made the Christmas horror movie Krampus even better? Seeing Santa come around and beat the crap out of the Christmas-hating demon, much like George Buza’s Claus does in a segment from the 2015 anthology horror movie, A Christmas Horror Story, after being forced to kill all his zombified elves and Mrs. Klaus. Despite the twist reveal that – SPOILER ALERT – the whole charade took place in the mind of a mall Santa suffering a psychotic break, the glimpse of a Santa not afraid to get his hands dirty for the sake of the holiday was much appreciated.

3. Fyodor Bondarchuk (Santa Claus. Battle Of The Magi)

In Russia, the movie “Santa Claus. Battle of the Magi” was launched in 2016, but it didn’t receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, except for one critic from Izvestia who considered it an entertaining, family-friendly fantasy. I mean, with Father Frost, or as Fyodor Bondarchuk’s Santa is nicknamed, leading an army of sorcerers to protect Christmas from evil forces, how could one not find enjoyment in watching this fight scene? The way he wields a staff in combat is truly spectacular.

2. Alec Baldwin (Rise Of The Guardians)

In terms of appearance, Alec Baldwin’s character Nicholas St. North from “Rise of the Guardians” with his Russian accent, sword, and tattoos certainly gives off a cool vibe that one might associate with Santa Claus. However, it’s not just his looks that make him fit for the role; his bold demeanor and leadership qualities truly solidify his position as the head of a team of legendary figures – including Hugh Jackman’s E. Aster Bunnymund and Isla Fisher as the Tooth Fairy – in the Dreamworks Animation film from 2012. These characters work together not only to bring children happiness but also to safeguard them, making them more than just holiday heroes.

1. David Harbour (Violent Night)

As a gamer, if I were to reimagine the Christmas action movie “Die Hard,” I’d swap out John McClane for good old Santa himself, and replace Nakatomi Plaza with a cozy family gathering at a mansion. The result? A thrilling flick titled “Violent Night” starring David Harbour as my all-time favorite cinematic Claus!

2022’s comedy-thriller presents St. Nick as a rough, rowdy, and cranky character who swears and drinks heavily, yet remains true to his defining traits such as his love for children and his iconic laugh, which is portrayed more genuinely by the Stranger Things actor than any other I’ve seen. What truly sets this Santa apart is watching him demolish henchmen with a sledgehammer, making him the coolest Santa ever!

I’m eagerly anticipating that David Harbour’s Santa character will return for “Violent Night 2,” as well as other similar Santas. Given the success of “Red One” at the box office, it seems we might be treated to even more versions of Santa Claus who are skilled in activities beyond toy delivery.

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2024-11-25 02:08