One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is when the marathon of Christmas movies dominates my television for the weeks leading up to December 25. I of course have my favorites, but the ones that really get you into the Christmas spirit include a rendition of the man in red. Without Old St. Nick, a Christmas movie just isn't as good as it could be.
Many actors have stepped up to the challenge. Some have prevailed while others have failed miserably. These 7 guys put their own spin on Santa Claus, and I loved each one of their performances.
These are the 7 best movie Santa Claus portrayals of all time.
1. Tim Allen - The Santa Claus
Hate him or love him, Tim Allen played one of the funniest versions of Father Christmas. As Allen's character went through the change of body and mind to become the epitome of the Christmas season, it left you with a feeling of joy, and you were guaranteed to break out into laughter every few minutes. This movie should be a must watch on your Christmas movie list, even if the sequels left much to be desired.
2. Alec Baldwin - The Guardians
I don't know about you, but a badass Santa covered in tattoos is just what the Christmas season was in need of. Baldwin voices Santa as the leader of the Guardians as they attempt to recruit Jack Frost to their cause while fighting off the Boogey Man. He even wields a pretty impressive sword throughout the movie's fight scenes.
3. Stan Francis - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Claymation)
This classic children's movie has been around for decades, and Stan Francis voiced this iconic Christmas character. The movie was originally made for television, but it somehow managed to survive and ingrain itself in pop culture history. It was a different take on Santa, as he outwardly shamed Rudolph's parents for giving birth to a child who was different from everyone else. In the end Santa saw the error of his ways, and the rest is history.
4. Billy Bob Thornton - Bad Santa
You couldn't have picked a better actor to play Santa, as long as Santa was a booze drinking, cigarette smoking asshole who seemingly hated children. "Santa" ended up coming through on the right side of the moral spectrum towards the end of the movie as he helped out a single young boy who needed it. It's the thought that counts right?
What do you think of the list so far? Let us know in the comments when you are done.
5. Edward Asner - Elf
Will Ferrell might have been the star of this movie, and Santa didn't exactly have a massive role. But that didn't stop Edward Asner from putting on a great performance as Jolly Old St. Nick. One of my favorite moments from this movie was when Buddy found Santa and his sleigh crash-landed in the park. When Buddy goes to announce himself, Santa nearly takes his head off thinking he was some kind of mugger.
6. Dan Aykroyd - Trading Places
This is definitely not your typical Christmas movie. Aykroyd plays a man who has officially hit rock bottom. Drug addicted, and living a life of crime, he put on the Santa suit in order to get into his former work's Christmas party so that he could frame the man responsible for his life situation. It was hilarious to see a bunch of rich people get scared out of their minds by an unruly Santa Claus.
7. Richard Attenborough - Miracle on 34th Street
No one will ever top Attenborough in his portrayal of Santa Claus. Miracle on 34th Street is one of those classic movies that will forever hold its place in the hearts of people. Attenborough plays the perfect Santa, a man who lives for Christmas spirit, and who will not break on his beliefs even when he is prosecuted for them. Pure perfection, and a true image of what Christmas is all about.
Who is your favorite Santa of all time?