The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause (1994)

  • 80% of critics liked it
    (40 reviews)

  • 63% of users liked it
    (346,752 ratings)

Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge… More

In Theaters
Nov 11, 1994 Wide
Buena Vista Distribution Compa

Critic Reviews

  • Leonard Klady, Variety

    This is a hip, likable spin on the seasonal icon told with a deft mixture of comedy and sentimentality.

  • Derek Adams, Time Out

    The movie steers a shrewd course between bracing cynicism and old-fashioned make-believe.

  • Patricia S. McCormick, New York Times

    Home Improvement fans will find plenty of laughs and may even consent to going to this movie with their little brothers and sisters.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    Kids of most ages will be able to follow -- and enjoy -- this comic fantasy.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Despite its charms, the movie didn't push over the top into true inspiration.

Read all 15 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Chris W


    A divorced adman for a toy company finds himself in quite a jam after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve sees him become Santa Claus, much to the delight of his son Charlie, and the absolute befuddlement/horror of his co-workers, ex-wife and her new man, a skeptical psychologist. This… More

  • Jim C


    The Santa Clause is a fun kids movie with a few jokes adults will enjoy, its not really a Christmas classic but its fun many people can enjoy.

  • Jeff "


    As a Christmas film, The Santa Clause for me anyways didn't work. I felt that the film was a dud. Of all the Christmas themed movies, The Santa Clause is one of the worst. I feel that the film hasn't aged well, and though it's a great film to watch as a kid, later on… More

  • Alexander D


    This was not really that funny. A typical Disney movie.

  • AJ V


    It was an interesting and funny idea to have a normal guy put into the situation of having to become Santa, but if you ask me, this movie overdoes it. The whole idea that he would have to physically transform into Santa is stupid. Of course, as I kid I enjoyed this movie anyway, but… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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