Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
The magical origin story of Santa Claus, where a rogue elf and a scheming villain threaten to unravel Christmas forever.
Santa Claus: The Movie - Movie Information
- Original Title: Santa Claus: The Movie
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Jeannot Szwarc
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Fantasy, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 29, 1985 (United States - PG), November 29, 1985 (United Kingdom - U), December 4, 1985 (Germany - 0), December 18, 1985 (France), December 18, 1985 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Santa Claus, o Papai Noel (BR), La vera storia di Babbo Natale (IT), 圣诞总动员 (CN), Santa Claus - Der Film (DE), Santa Claus la película (ES)
- Production Companies: Calash Corporation, Santa Claus Ltd.
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands
Santa Claus: The Movie - Plot
In ancient times, a man named Claus, who delivers toys in his small village, fulfils his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch, 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.
Santa Claus: The Movie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the holiday magic come to life:
You'd better watch out! This year he REALLY IS coming to town.
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Santa Claus: The Movie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jeannot Szwarc
Main Cast
- Dudley Moore
- John Lithgow
- David Huddleston
- Burgess Meredith
- Judy Cornwell
- Jeffrey Kramer
- Christian Fitzpatrick
- Carrie Kei Heim
- John Barrard
- Anthony O'Donnell
Writers
- David Newman
- Leslie Newman
Producers
- Pierre Spengler
- Ilya Salkind
Santa Claus: The Movie - FAQs
Who plays Santa Claus in Santa Claus: The Movie?
David Huddleston plays Santa Claus in the film, bringing warmth and grandeur to the iconic role. His portrayal covers both the origin story of how Claus becomes Santa and his present-day adventures as Christmas is threatened by a scheming New York businessman.
What is Santa Claus: The Movie about?
The film tells the origin story of Santa Claus, then jumps to the present day where his disgruntled elf Patch escapes to New York City and unwittingly endangers Christmas by teaming up with a villainous toy company boss. It blends heartfelt holiday magic with a fun adventure storyline.
Is Santa Claus: The Movie based on a true story?
No, Santa Claus: The Movie is not based on a true story. It is an original fantasy adventure that draws on the folklore and mythology surrounding Santa Claus. The screenplay was written by David Newman and Leslie Newman, who crafted an imaginative origin tale for the beloved Christmas figure.
Who is the villain in Santa Claus: The Movie?
John Lithgow plays B.Z., the scheming and greedy toy company owner who serves as the film's main villain. He exploits the well-meaning elf Patch to mass-produce magical Christmas candy, putting children in danger and threatening to ruin Christmas entirely. Lithgow delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance.
Where can I stream Santa Claus: The Movie?
You can watch Santa Claus: The Movie on Fandango at Home Free with ads, or through the Plex Channel for free. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The Kartoon Channel Amazon Channel offers it via flatrate subscription.
What is the age rating for Santa Claus: The Movie?
Santa Claus: The Movie is rated PG in the United States, making it a family-friendly watch suitable for children with some parental guidance. The film contains mild peril and a cartoonish villain but nothing particularly intense, so it's a comfortable holiday viewing choice for most families.
Did Santa Claus: The Movie perform well at the box office?
Unfortunately, Santa Claus: The Movie struggled commercially. Made on a $50 million budget, it earned roughly $23.7 million at the box office, making it a significant financial disappointment on release. Despite this, the film has since found a devoted audience and is fondly remembered as a nostalgic Christmas classic.
What are some movies similar to Santa Claus: The Movie?
If you enjoy Santa Claus: The Movie, you might also love A Boy Called Christmas (2021), The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020), The Claus Family (2020), Candy Cane Lane (2023), and David and the Elves (2021). These films share a similar blend of festive fantasy, holiday heart, and family-friendly adventure.
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