I originally had another article in mind today, but last night, I was inspired! My family and I were discussing the different versions of the character, Santa Claus and how fascinating his story is told in different worlds. So, today I will be discussing my top 5 favorite movie Santas! I made my choices based on performances, backgrounds, personalities, and overall memorability. Also, I’m only including actual Santas and not characters who are just dressed in a Santa suit. I hope you enjoy and let me know your favorite movie Santa! (SPOILER ALERT!!!)

5. Stoner Santa – A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas

After Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) grew apart over the years, Santa (Richard Riehle) decided what they really needed the most was to reunite and be friends again. However, the joint he gave them would soon start a ripple effect of random chaos and events that got worse and worse. Santa definitely didn’t anticipate accidentally getting shot by Harold when he brought the duo back together. However, he held no ill will against them!

4. Scott Calvin – The Santa Clause

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) just wanted to spend Christmas Eve with his son. When a supposed intruder was climbing on his roof, Calvin startled him and ended up killing him. Not only was this “intruder” Santa, when Calvin put on his suit, he involuntarily became the new Santa. Of course, he was in denial and didn’t want the responsibility, but by the time the next Christmas came around, he realized how important the job was.

3. Kris Kringle – Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town

Abandoned by his family when he was just a baby, Kris (Mickey Rooney) was taken in by a family of toy-making elves. He was raised by a loving family and when he found out the toys they made were just tossed away, he volunteered to travel to the nearest town and deliver them to all the kids. Unfortunately, this was during a time where toys are outlawed. That never stopped him though! With every obstacle, he’d come up with more clever ways to bring joy to all the kids. He was very dedicated and selfless.

2. Sandy Claws – The Nightmare Before Christmas

Santa’s (Edward Ivory) Christmas plans came to a screeching halt when Jack, The Pumpkin King (Chris Sarandon) decided he wanted to take over Christmas. He was kidnapped and held hostage by Halloween Town’s most sadistic villain. When Jack finally came to his senses and saved him, Santa held no grudge. He was able to save Christmas at the last minute and even gave Halloween Town their own snowy Christmas! He was very kind, professional, and fantastic at his job!

1. Nicomund The Red – Violent Night

Nicomund (David Harbour) is my all-time favorite Santa! Once a vicious viking, he was transformed into the jolly Christmas figure we all know and love. After over a thousand years, Santa started losing the Christmas spirit. However, he started to go back to his old self after a little girl and her family are held hostage by psychotic robbers. He’s funny, brutal, and an all around bada** with an impressive body count!