Santa Claus - The Movie (1985)

18% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(18,339 ratings)

After introducing how Santa and Mrs. Claus came to the North Pole and began their work delivering toys at Christmas time, this routine children's film segues into a story about an evil corporate magnate (John Lithgow). One of Santa's elves (Dudley Moore) goes to work for the nasty tycoon and invents… More After introducing how Santa and Mrs. Claus came to the North Pole and began their work delivering toys at Christmas time, this routine children's film segues into a story about an evil corporate magnate (John Lithgow). One of Santa's elves (Dudley Moore) goes to work for the nasty tycoon and invents a wild array of far-out toys. Then there is a little boy who does not believe in Santa Claus and a girl who finds out about the toymaker's plans to defraud his company. Santa's reindeer are a little under the weather, not to mention Santa himself. This labyrinth of subplots quickly draws attention away from the story, wherever it is. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Jeannot Szwarc
Written By: David Newman
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Oct 4, 2005
Studio: TriStar Pictures

Critic Reviews

Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views
One would expect a holiday epic with a title like Santa Claus: The Movie. It implies something definitive, which would therefore put it in the canon of Christmas classics. However, this is definitely not the case.
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
Even though some of its special effects are now dated, Santa Claus: The Movie is a touching tale that deserves to be rediscovered by younger generations.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Colorful super spectacle suffers from script, pacing.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Here is a Christmas package that should have been left on the shelf.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
So horrible I didn't even like it when I was a member of its target audience.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Overblown and dull, it's not surprising that this film is largely forgotten.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

Not one of the best Santa Claus Movies but a nice Santa Movie.
Anthony L

A fantastic cast and a magical film, I have such fond memories of watching this as a child. Unfortunately, on re-watching this last Christmas, I was horrified to realise this is an awful film. Still, I'm giving it a decent rating for the child inside.
Candy R

This is one of the first Christmas movies I saw as a child. There is an evil toy manufacturer who tricks Patch (head elf) to produce toys to eliminate the need for Santa Claus but Santa saves the day. Hooray!
Lafe F

It wasn't a magical Christmas movie. You'd expect from the folks who brought us the Superman films, something called "Santa Claus - The Movie" would be truly amazing. But it was a dismal bore. Santa had no personality. Dudley was good as the bad Elf. There was no… More
It wasn't a magical Christmas movie. You'd expect from the folks who brought us the Superman films, something called "Santa Claus - The Movie" would be truly amazing. But it was a dismal bore. Santa had no personality. Dudley was good as the bad Elf. There was no magic here.
Jason S

I saw this as a kid and have always liked it. It doesn't take itself too serious and thats what makes it a fun watch.
danny d

good christmas flick
Jim W

It's more watchable than critics made it sound. The cast make it worth seeing for one thing.
Andrew P

I seen this when i was 6 and it still reminds me back to that christmas eve. Looking outside for Tim Allen to come see me :)
Sarah P

I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes - not my cup of tea.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

Cast

            David Huddleston as Santa Claus

            Dudley Moore as Patch

            John Lithgow as B.Z.

            Judy Cornwell as Anya Claus

            Christian Fitzpatrick as Joe

            Carrie Kei Heim as Cornelia

            Jeffrey Kramer as Towzer

            John Barrard as Dooley

            Anthony O'Donnell as Puffy

            Burgess Meredith as Ancient Elf

            Melvyn Hayes as Goobler

            Don Estelle as Groot

            Dickie Arnold as Goobler

            Aimee Delamain as Storyteller

            John Hallam as Grizzard

            Jerry Harte as Senate Chairman

            Peter O'Farrell as Honka

            Tim Stern as Boog

            Christopher Ryan as Vout

            Paul Aspland as Reporter

            John Allen Cassady as Wino

            Sally Cranfield as Reporter

            Michael Drew as Reporter

            Ronald Fernee as Policeman

            Walter Goodman as Street Corner Santa

            Judith Morse as Miss Abruzzi

            Dorothea Phillips as Miss Tucker

            Michael Ross as Policeman
See full cast