Santa Claus is very much one of the main characters when it comes to the holiday, butsome Christmas films feature people who aren’t fond of Old St. Nick. Also known as Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and many, many more, the big guy in red has cropped up in many a holiday celebration, and therefore, many a holiday movie. Whether he’s the actual Santa from the North Pole, or simply a representation of theidea of the Christmas spirit, his presence is what adds to the magic of the season.
There have been plenty of characters inChristmas filmsthat have ended up on the Naughty List who didn’t believe in his existence or refused to embrace the meaning of the holiday. Whether they’re robbing houses and stealing presents from right under the tree, or spoiling the fun for everyone around, there are definitely quite a few characters who need to work on their Christmas spirit.
Scrooged
Cast
Scrooged is a Christmas comedy film by director Richard Donner, released in 1988. In this modernized take on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray stars as a narcissistic and selfish television executive named Frank Cross, who looks to put on a big-budget Christmas show for his network while trampling anyone in his way. However, his plans are interrupted when three ghosts of Christmas visit him to coax him to change his ways.
Bill Murray plays a greedy, heartless TV executive who only cares about numbers and ratings, in this dark fantasy comedy.He makes his staff work overtime, ignores his family over the holidays, and has lost the woman he loved because he chose his career. Then on Christmas Eve, he gets a visit from a very chaotic taxi driver who takes him to the past. Then, it’s a violent fairy who shows him what he’s missing out on now, and finally, a scary skeletal figure lets him see what’s coming if he stays on the journey he’s currently on.
The story might sound familiar, and that’s because it’sbased onA Christmas Carol, which perfectly showcases how important it is to focus on kindness, generosity, and gratitude.While there have been many iterations of the Dickens classic, this ’80s version was very sleek at modern, at the time, placing the story in a more contemporary setting. This representation of corporate America through a cutting comedic lense shows how important it is to stay on the right track, and never forget about the true meaning of the holiday.
The Christmas Chronicles
The Christmas Chronicles is a 2018 Netflix original Christmas movie starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. After sneaking onto Santa’s sleigh and losing all of the world’s presents by crashing the sleigh, two young children named Teddy and Kate race against time to save Christmas. The film was followed up by The Christmas Chronicles 2 in 2020.
Kurt Russell plays Santa Claus in this high-octane Netflix action adventure.Teddy has lost most of his Christmas spirit after the sad passing of his father, and his cynicism is threatening to rub off on his little sister, who’s still a firm believer. When, on a chance encounter, they meet the real Man in Red, the siblings must help him save the holiday when they inadvertently crash his sleigh. There are many charming escapades that ensue, all of which help Teddy regain his positive outlook, and save the day.
When Santa lands himself in lock-up, the cynical police officer refuses to believe that he is who he is.
But, he’s by no means the villain of this story. In fact, there are no real villains, just a group of people who have lost faith in the magic of the holiday.When Santa lands himself in lock-up, the cynical police officer refuses to believe that he is who he is. Only after he gets his wish of reconnecting with his ex-wife, do his eyes open to the prospect of this possibility.
The film is a family affair, co-starringGoldie Hawnand Oliver Hudson, which creates a warm and caring atmosphere throughout.Its positive message shows that while certain circumstances might dim one’s spirit for a while, there’s enough magic in the world to help reignite it.
Bad Santa
Bad Santa revolves around Willie T. Stokes and Marcus Skidmore, professional thieves who disguise themselves as a mall Santa Claus and his elf during the holiday season with the plan to rob them at the end of the shopping season. Their latest job becomes complicated when Willie, already struggling from alcoholism, sex addiction and frequently swearing, begins forming an odd friendship with dimwitted Thurman Merman, dating local bartender Sue and coming under the watchful eye of the latest target mall’s head of security, Gin Slagel.
In a twist to the formula, Billy Bob Thornton portrays the normally jolly character as an alcoholic sex addict, with a penchant for criminal activity.As Willie T. Soke works a holiday job with his “elf” partner (Tony Cox), he meets a young boy who very much still believes in Father Christmas.He takes advantage of the kid’s blind faith in him, and drags him into some of his criminal dealings. In true festive film fashion, Soke learns about the meaning of Christmas and by having Thurman Merman (Bret Kelly) believe in him, he in turn starts believing in himself too.
The movie embraced the raunchy trend of the early 2000s and put a Santa hat on it.While every one of the characters is flawed and very human, the villains are real criminals who kill and blackmail. Juxtaposing this world of wrongdoing and extortion with the naïveté of a boy who just needs someone to look up to, is a novel way ofsending a Christmas message.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol adapts the classic Charles Dickens novel with Michael Caine starring as Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who’s visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and learns to embrace the holidays.
A staple on many people’s holiday watch lists, this Henson version of the famed Victorian tale pulls at the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone.Sir Michael Caine plays a version of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable man who pinches pennies and spreads fear among the people of London. With Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, and Waldorf as the first ghost, Robert Marley, it’s clear this film offers its own view of the classic carol.
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As Scrooge gets shown ever more bleak visions of how his behavior negatively affects everyone around him, his heart slowly but surely starts to melt.The film is a celebration of joy and that type of festive magic that’s needed at this time of the year.As the viewers watch this formerly terrible person try and make amends, they’re reminded that a little bit of positivity can go a very long way.
6Home Alone (1990)
Kevin vs. the non-believers
A staple of festive viewing, this comedy film focuses on a young boy who has a very specific idea of Christmas.
Home Alone
Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McAllister, an eight-year-old who is left behind in his Chicago home when his family flies to Paris for the holidays. Not only must Kevin keep himself safe while his mother flies back across the world, but he must protect his home from the Wet Bandits - serial burglars who are targeting the McAllister House. Kevin must use every trick in the book to keep the Wet Bandits from stealing Christmas before his mother returns.
Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) comes from a very large family, and feels unseen and unappreciated a lot of the time. But, his love of the holidays, need to have a tree and do good deeds is what it’s all about. He believes in Santa, and even as he speaks to an off-duty St. Nick, with his beard pulled down, admits that he knows he works for him.
Harry and Marv, on the other hand, do not have that belief.Nobody who knew Santa was real, would try and rob houses, or toy stores, around Christmastime. These two are most certainly on the naughty list, which is why Kevin is able to take them down in such a fantastical fashion. While the movie doesn’t necessarily show the real Santa, his presence can be felt throughout.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a 2000 holiday comedy from director Ron Howard. The film stars Jim Carrey and is based on the Christmas book of the same name. Despite getting mixed reviews upon release, Carrey’s performance was praised and the film is now considered a fan-favorite Christmas movie.
Ron Howard’s vision of Whoville is an explosion of color and festive cheer, with its inhabitants running around doing all they can to outdo themselves year after year. Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) seems disillusioned by the focus on the material aspects of the holiday.She meets the Grinch, who fully epitomizes the anti-Christmas stance.Jim Carrey plays this grumpy green goblin to perfection, as viewers see him try and ruin the holiday for the whole town.
The audience learns more about his motivations and sees how, despite the Grinch’s meddling the Whovians' spirit remains unbroken.Thegrump and green Grinchsees it also, which famously causes his heart to grow, and he gleefully becomes part of the community. The classic Dr. Seuss story had not had many live-action outings until this one, and it embraced everything that makes this holiday so special.
The Santa Clause
Disney’s The Santa Clause follows Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a marketing director for a toy company, who, after a recent divorce, is spending Christmas with his young son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). When he startles an intruder off of his roof on Christmas Eve, Scott accidentally volunteers to be the new Santa, then spends the following year undergoing a magical transformation into jolly old St. Nick.
The first in a decades-spanning franchise, this cozy comedy sees Tim Allen transform into the famed St. Nick.He plays a divorced father to Charlie, who, thanks to his mother, is told that Santa isn’t real. Hoping to keep the magic of the holiday alive for a bit longer, Scott Calvin (Allen) goes out of his way to create a festive atmosphere. When he happens across (and kills) the real Mr. Claus, he has to take his place to verify all the toys get delivered on time. Little does he know, this arrangement is a permanent one, and over the next year, he starts to look more and more like the real thing.
This doesn’t go well with Charlie’s mom, as she starts to think her ex-husband is a disturbed man.
As Scott’s responsibilities take him to the North Pole, Charlie comes with him, with his mother believing he has been kidnapped.Along with other non-believing police officers, they capture Santa, who they believe to be a danger to society. Once they see for themselves that he is the real deal, it’s clear to see a sense of childlike wonder returning to their faces. It goes to show how much society needs a little sprinkle of joy at this time of the year.
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic American film released in 1946. It follows George Bailey, who runs a building and loan company in Bedford Falls, as he faces financial ruin on Christmas Eve. His company is the only obstacle preventing the wealthy Mr. Potter from taking over the town.
One of thesaddest Christmasfilms of all time, it sees James Stewart contemplating ending his own life on December 24th as he struggles with a series of unfortunate events.His family’s thoughts of him get heard by the powers that be, who send an angel to show him how different the world would be if he weren’t in it. It serves as a reminder of how important a belief in others is, especially at this time of year.
He sees all the people he was able to save along the way, and everyone whose lives he has touched over the years.It’s the ultimate celebration of how an ounce of belief in someone’s presence can make a huge difference to so many. While the “real” Santa doesn’t specifically feature in this story, it’s this belief that at Christmas, miracles can happen that embodies his uplifting spirit.
Elf
Elf follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. As an adult, he journeys to Manhattan to find his biological father, a work-driven businessman. The film explores Buddy’s comedic attempts to navigate human society and his quest to bring holiday spirit to his family.
Buddy (Will Ferrell) doesn’t know he’s human until quite late in life and gets brought up with all the traditions of Santa’s elves.He loves gumdrops, maple syrup, and, above all else, is there to help Father Christmas. His joy and positivity are unrivaled, especially when he makes his way into the human world to find his real dad. When he shows up in his yellow tights and excitable attitude, everyone is taken aback. His New York escapades lead him to reconnect with his (naughty) father, and meet some wonderful people along the way.
Even after he unmasks an impostor at the department store, causing a lot of causes in the process.
Nobody believes he’s from the North Pole and no one believes he knows Santa.Even after he unmasks an impostor at the department store, causing a lot of causes in the process. As he tries to gain the favor of his skeptical dad, he loses a bit of himself in the process. But, when the real Santa returns and needs his help, he rallies everyone in Central Park to sing for all to hear. As people realize what they have witnessed, their collective happy thoughts are able to help save the day.
1Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Kris Kringle vs. the State of New York
There have been a few adaptations of this festive story, with the Richard Attenborough version being the most recent. He portrays the most popular Santa in New York, bringing joy to children and parents alike. But, as the film is set amid a pre-holiday department store game of chess, this popular figurehead becomes a pawn that must be taken down. As the plot to destroy his credibility takes him all the way to court, all the cynics are forced to confront their own belief.
Then Attenborough delivers his poignant monologue that sums up that feeling perfectly:
“I’m not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and has a jolly demeanor. You know, I’m a symbol. I’m a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule a major part of our lives. If you may’t believe, if you can’t accept anything on faith, then you’re doomed to a life dominated by doubt.”
It’s that feeling that this figure evokes in people that makes his mythology so far-reaching and uplifting. After all, Christmas is a time to reflect on the whole year and try and cling to those moments of hope and magic.
