Santa Claus is a universal symbol for the holiday season. Whether you believe in him or not, Santa Claus is a part of Christmas and has been around since the first Christmas, according to Saint Nicholas.

Some people believe that Santa brings gifts, while others think he delivers them magically with his giant sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He may be the most famous saint ever, but how does he stack up against other movie Santas? Find out in this article!

The 10 Greatest Santa Clauses In Movie History

10The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

Photo: The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

Better watch out! The big guy in red is coming to town once again. This time, Scott Calvin — also known as Santa Claus — finds out there’s an obscure clause in his contract requiring him to take on a wife. He has to leave the North Pole to fulfill his obligations, or else he’ll be forced to give up his Yuletide gig.

9Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Photo: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

In the film “Miracle on 34th Street”, Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is an elderly gentleman who is hired as the Macy’s department store Santa Claus. He proves to be so good at his job that he starts to believe that he is the real Santa Claus. This causes problems for him when he tries to help a little girl named Susan (Natalie Wood) find her father, and he also gets into trouble with the law. However, in the end, Kris Kringle’s belief in himself is vindicated, and he brings happiness to everyone around him.

8A Christmas Story (1983)

Photo: A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story is a 1983 American comedy film based on the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of writer and humorist Jean Shepherd, including material from his 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. It was directed by Bob Clark and starred Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, and Peter Billingsley.

The film earned two Academy Award nominations, for Best Original Song (for “Just Like That”) and Best Original Score. The movie was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Darren McGavin), and Best Original Song (for “Just Like That”).

A Christmas Story was ranked first on Bravo’s 100 Funniest Movies of All Time list. In 2000, readers of Total Film magazine voted A Christmas Story the fourth greatest comedy film of all time. In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

7Elf (2003)

Photo: Elf (2003)

In Elf, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a man who has been raised at the North Pole by elves and doesn’t realize he’s human. When his true identity is revealed, Buddy sets off for New York City in search of his father, who he learns is on the naughty list.

Elf is a heartwarming holiday classic that will have you laughing and crying throughout. Ferrell is perfectly cast as the lovable and naïve Buddy, and the supporting cast including Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, and Ed Asner are all excellent. The movie also features some great musical numbers, including “Baby It’s Cold Outside” sung by Deschanel and Ferrell.

If you’re looking for a hilarious and feel-good holiday movie, Elf is definitely worth checking out.

6The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)

Photo: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

In 2006, Tim Allen reprised his role as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. In this installment, Scott is dealing with the pressures of the holiday season when he’s visited by his in-laws. Meanwhile, Scott’s son Charlie (played by Eric Lloyd) has begun doubting that Santa exists.

To make matters worse, Scott’s arch-nemesis Jack Frost (played by Martin Short) hatches a plan to take over Christmas. Jack frost wants to be the new Santa and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

The Santa Clause 3 is a fun and festive movie that the whole family can enjoy. Tim Allen is once again charming as Santa Claus and Martin Short is hilarious as Jack Frost. The film also features some great Christmas songs that will get you into the holiday spirit.

5Scrooged (1988)

Photo: Scrooged (1988)

In the 1988 comedy Scrooged, Bill Murray plays a cynical television executive who is visited by three ghosts who attempt to change his ways. The film is a modern retelling of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, and while it may not be as well-known as some of the other films on this list, it’s definitely worth seeking out. Murray is at his best when he’s playing a grumpy curmudgeon, and this role is no exception. If you’re looking for a festive film that’s sure to put a smile on your face, Scrooged is the perfect choice.

4Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Photo: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a 1964 Christmas stop motion animated television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. The special follows the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer who is ostracized by his fellow deer for having a red nose. When Santa Claus cancels Christmas due to a storm brought on by Rudolph’s nose, Rudolph sets out to find him and show that his nose is useful. With the help of his new friend, Hermie the Elf, Rudolph finds Santa and saves Christmas.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the most beloved Christmas specials of all time. Its stop motion animation is iconic, and its message of acceptance and inclusion is timeless. Rudolph’s story has inspired countless kids (and adults) to believe in themselves and to be proud of who they are.

3Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Photo: Frosty the Snowman (1969)

A discarded silk top-hat becomes the focus of a struggle between a washed-up stage magician and a group of schoolchildren, after it magically brings a snowman to life. Realizing that newly-living Frosty will melt in spring unless he takes refuge in a colder climate, Frosty and Karen, a young girl who he befriends, stow away on a freight train headed for the north pole. Little do they know that the magician is following them, and he wants his hat back!

2Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Photo: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)

A postman, S.D. Kluger, decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a baby named Kris who is raised by a family of elf toymakers named Kringle. When Kris grows up, he wants to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. But its Mayor is too mean to let that happen. And to make things worse, the Winter Warlock lives between the Kringles and Sombertown.

1The Santa Clause (1994)

Photo: The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause is a 1994 American Christmas fantasy comedy drama film written by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, and directed by John Pasquin. The first film in The Santa Clause trilogy, it stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who accidentally causes Santa Claus (played by Dick Van Dyke) to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve. When Scott takes on the job of Santa Claus, he finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role for real.

The Santa Clause was a box office success, grossing $144 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its humor and acting performances (particularly those of Allen and Van Dyke). The film was followed by two sequels: The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006).