The holiday season is filled with joy, warmth, and the magic of stories. Santa Claus is at the heart of this magic. Filmmakers have shown Santa in many ways with Santa Movies , from the traditional to the new.
In this blog post, we explore 20 top-rated Santa movies released after 2005. Each film offers a unique look at Santa. Whether you want a heartwarming story, a funny adventure, or action, there’s something for everyone. So, grab some hot cocoa, get cozy by the fire, and let’s dive into the world of Santa on film!
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (
IMDb Rating 7.1
“Arthur Christmas” is an animated treasure that changes how we see Santa’s work. It shows Santa’s high-tech North Pole and how Christmas is delivered today. But the story focuses on Arthur, Santa’s son, who finds a child’s gift was missed.
Arthur wants to fix this before dawn. The film mixes old Santa charm with new tech, appealing to all ages. It’s not just about gifts; it’s about every child’s Christmas belief.
The voice cast, including James McAvoy and Hugh Laurie, makes the characters relatable. “Arthur Christmas” is visually stunning, funny, and heartwarming. It’s a modern classic that touches hearts during the holidays.
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Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (21,597)
IMDb Rating 7.2
“Rise of the Guardians” presents Santa as a warrior guardian of children’s dreams. Voiced by Alec Baldwin, North is a mix of strength and warmth. The story follows Jack Frost as he joins Santa and others to fight an evil spirit.
The animation is vibrant and imaginative, bringing a fantastical world to life. Each guardian has special abilities, making the adventure exciting and funny. The film teaches about friendship and believing in oneself.
“Rise of the Guardians” is a mix of fantasy and holiday lore, appealing to all ages. It shows the power of belief and hope in facing darkness. This film offers a fresh look at Santa’s role in holiday stories.
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Noelle (2019)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (173)
IMDb Rating 6.3
In “Noelle,” Anna Kendrick plays Santa’s daughter, Noelle Kringle, who becomes Santa when he goes missing. The film is a mix of comedy and heart, as Noelle tries to find her brother Nick. Nick (Bill Hader) is struggling with becoming Santa.
The story is quirky and funny, with Kendrick’s charm making Noelle relatable. It’s about finding oneself and family bonds during Christmas. “Noelle” is visually stunning, capturing the Christmas spirit with its colors and music.
The movie shows Santa’s role is about joy and kindness, not just gifts. “Noelle” is a joyful holiday film that celebrates being unique and family traditions.
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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (
IMDb Rating 6.4
This musical fantasy film tells the story of Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), a once-great toy maker. He lost his passion after being betrayed by his apprentice. His adventurous granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills) arrives for Christmas and reignites his spark.
The film is visually stunning, filled with vibrant colors and elaborate set designs. These create an enchanting atmosphere like classic holiday tales. The original songs are catchy and beautifully performed, adding depth to the emotional narrative.
The performances from Whitaker and Mills are noteworthy. They portray a touching grandfather-granddaughter relationship. “Jingle Jangle” emphasizes themes of resilience, imagination, and believing in oneself. It showcases how creativity can overcome adversity and highlights the importance of family during the holiday season.
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Fatman (2020)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (
IMDb Rating 5.9
“Fatman” offers a darkly comedic twist on the traditional Santa narrative. Mel Gibson plays Chris Cringle—a weary Santa Claus struggling to keep his business afloat. When he becomes the target of a hitman hired by a disgruntled child, chaos ensues.
This unconventional take on Santa blends action with humor. It explores deeper themes such as disillusionment and redemption. Gibson’s performance brings depth to a character who embodies both vulnerability and strength as he fights back against those who threaten his mission.
The film’s unique premise challenges viewers’ perceptions of Santa Claus. It maintains elements of holiday spirit through its underlying message about perseverance in difficult times. “Fatman” stands out for its audacious storytelling approach—offering an entertaining mix that appeals to audiences seeking something different during the holiday season.
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Violent Night (2022)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8132)
IMDb Rating 6.7
In “Violent Night,” David Harbour portrays a grizzled version of Santa Claus. He must save a family taken hostage by mercenaries on Christmas Eve. This action-packed film combines dark humor with thrilling sequences as Santa utilizes his unique skills to rescue hostages while delivering presents.
The premise subverts traditional expectations by showcasing an action hero in red velvet instead of typical holiday cheerfulness. This creates an intriguing blend that keeps audiences engaged throughout its runtime. Harbour’s portrayal adds layers to this unconventional character; he embodies both toughness and warmth despite facing overwhelming odds.
“Violent Night” explores themes such as sacrifice and heroism within an unconventional holiday setting. It reminds viewers that even those who seem jolly can face challenges requiring courage beyond mere gift-giving duties during festive times! This film offers an exciting alternative for those looking for thrills alongside their holiday entertainment.
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The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 7.0
“The Christmas Chronicles,” starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, follows siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis). They attempt to capture footage of Santa delivering presents on Christmas Eve but accidentally cause chaos instead! Their adventure leads them on an unexpected journey filled with humor and heartwarming moments.
Russell’s portrayal brings charisma to his character—depicting him not only as jolly but also relatable when faced with challenges like malfunctioning sleighs! The film expertly balances comedy with touching family dynamics—highlighting themes such as belief in magic alongside familial bonds during festive celebrations.
With its engaging storyline complemented by impressive visuals showcasing snowy landscapes combined with festive cheer throughout every scene—this movie has quickly become a modern classic perfect for families looking for wholesome entertainment during holidays!
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The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 6.0
In this sequel to “The Christmas Chronicles,” Kurt Russell returns as Santa alongside Darby Camp reprising her role as Kate Pierce—now older but still filled with holiday spirit! When Kate teams up again with her mischievous brother Teddy (now played by Jahzir Bruno) they embark on another adventure after discovering someone plans to ruin Christmas!
The film expands upon its predecessor’s themes while introducing new characters such as Belsnickel—a mischievous elf intent on sabotaging Santa’s mission! With plenty of laughs mixed into emotional moments exploring family connections—the sequel captures what makes holidays special through its charming narrative!
Visually stunning once again—this installment continues delivering delightful surprises while reinforcing messages about kindness & generosity during festive seasons! It stands out among other holiday films due largely because it successfully combines humor & heartwarming storytelling within familiar settings we all love!
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A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 6.7
“A Boy Called Christmas” tells a magical story about Santa Claus’s origins. It follows young Nikolas, who wants to find his father. He hears tales of elves at the North Pole.
With magic in every scene, viewers enjoy stunning visuals and touching moments. Themes like hope and belief shine through. Henry Lawfull and Maggie Smith bring the story to life with their performances.
Nikolas faces whimsical creatures and challenges. This reminds us of the importance of believing in magic during the holidays. It’s a tale that captivates both young and old, making it a holiday classic.
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Spirited (2022)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 6.6
“Spirited” stars Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in a fresh take on “A Christmas Carol.” It’s set in a musical format, following Scrooge-like character Reynolds. Ferrell plays the three spirits, representing past, present, and future.
The film has catchy songs and vibrant choreography. It captures the essence of redemption stories with a dash of humor. Reynolds and Ferrell shine in their roles, showing off their comedic skills and heartfelt moments.
This adaptation brings new life to the classic tale. It reminds us of the importance of love and generosity during the holidays. Its clever writing and engaging visuals make it a must-watch.
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The Star (2017)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 6.3
“The Star” tells the Nativity story from animal perspectives. Bo, a brave donkey, dreams of more than just carrying packs. He goes on an adventure with friends Ruth the sheep and Dave the dove to find his purpose.
This story is about friendship, courage, and faith. It shows believing in oneself is important. The animation is vibrant, appealing to kids and adults alike.
The voice cast, including Steven Yeun and Keegan-Michael Key, brings the characters to life. “The Star” mixes humor with touching moments, highlighting love and hope at Christmas. It shows even the smallest can make a big difference.
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Office Christmas Party (2016)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (18146)
IMDb Rating 5.9
“Office Christmas Party” is about an office manager’s (Jennifer Aniston) big party. It’s to impress a client after her brother (T.J. Miller) threatens to close the branch. The party gets wild, leading to hilarious moments.
This raunchy comedy features Jason Bateman and Olivia Munn. They make the night unforgettable with their antics. The film captures the festive spirit with its outrageous party.
“Office Christmas Party” is about coworker camaraderie. It shows how one wild night can bring people together. It’s a fun holiday movie for adults.
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Finding Santa (2016)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 6.5
“Finding Santa” is a heartwarming TV movie. It’s about Charlie, an orphan who believes in Santa more than anyone. When Santa goes missing, Charlie goes on a magical adventure.
The film is about believing in magic and hope. It highlights the importance of family during the holidays. Jodie Sweetin shines as Charlie’s caretaker, adding to the movie’s charm.
“Finding Santa” is visually stunning and filled with enchanting moments. It reminds us why believing in Santa is special. It encourages viewers to embrace holiday joy and kindness.
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A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMDb Rating 5.5
“A Very Murray Christmas” stars Bill Murray, who faces a crisis when he fears no one will attend his holiday special due to a snowstorm. This musical comedy mixes classic holiday songs with Murray’s humor, creating a unique and joyful experience. The film features guest stars like George Clooney and Miley Cyrus, adding surprises to the evening.
With catchy musical numbers, the film captures the festive spirit. It also explores deeper themes like loneliness and connection during the holidays. “A Very Murray Christmas” is special because it combines variety show performances with heartfelt moments. It reminds us of the importance of celebrating together during the festive seasons.
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A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3728)
IMDb Rating 5.6
In “A Bad Moms Christmas,” three overworked moms (played by Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn) get overwhelmed when their own moms come to visit for the holidays! As they dive deep into chaotic family dynamics, hilarity ensues, and the moms try to balance out the expectations placed upon them with the true spirit of celebrations! This raunchy comedy underlines the very relatable struggles many go through during festive seasons, from shopping stress and party planning to managing family relationships. With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments mixed into emotional scenes, it captures the essence behind what makes holidays special despite the challenges encountered along the way.
“A Bad Moms Christmas” emphasizes the importance of self-care and embracing imperfections during busy times, reminding viewers that sometimes all it takes is letting go of expectations to enjoy festivities together!
Its humor is relatable, which resonates among audiences looking for light-hearted entertainment during holidays!
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The Night Before (2015)
Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (15320)
IMDb Rating 6.4
“The Night Before” follows three lifelong friends (played by Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie) who embark on one last wild night out together before they each settle down into adulthood! As they navigate through New York City searching for the ultimate party, it becomes clear that their friendship means more than any single night out could ever provide.
Filled with hilarious antics mixed into heartfelt moments, the film captures the essence behind camaraderie among friends during holidays, reminding audiences of the importance of cherishing relationships built over years. With a star-studded cast delivering memorable performances throughout every scene, it stands out among other comedies released around festive seasons.
“The Night Before” balances friendship and nostalgia while injecting humor into the familiar narrative structure, making it the perfect choice among adults to celebrate the joys associated with the holidays and the laughter shared together!
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Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the 20 top-rated Santa movies released after 2005, it’s clear that the magic of Christmas continues to inspire filmmakers to create stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. From heartwarming tales that remind us of the importance of family and belief, to comic adventures offering a fresh take on holiday traditions, these films evoke what makes the holiday season so special.
Each movie listed brings something different to the table, these Santa movies set the perfect backdrop to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. So, get your favorite snacks, snuggle up with loved ones, and let these delightful films bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season. As we look forward to future holiday seasons, may these stories continue to inspire us and remind us that Christmas is not just about gifts but about spreading joy and creating lasting memories.
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