Santa Claus is a holiday figure known across almost all cultures and certainly all media. With film after film and Christmas special after Christmas special featuring jolly old St. Nicholas in the title role, it can be overwhelming knowing just how saturated the character is with the Yuletide season.
With that in mind, it's actually quite remarkable how loose the animated world is with Santa's appearances, at least in the case where he's actually a decent main character. Santa has been in the spotlight many times in other works but when it comes to animation, a good Santa is hard to find, but there are those that shine like a Christmas star.
Santa Claus (Frosty the Snowman)
Though he's not a lead character, this Santa plays an incredibly huge part in the tale of Frosty the Snowman. On one hand, his appearance in the short is what makes it a Christmas special.
On the other, he's mainly used as a deus ex machina to bring Frosty back to life. He even breaks the fourth wall and interrupts the narrator to save the day. He's not exactly the star of the action, but he does grant the audience the gift of a happy ending.
Disney’s Santa (The Night Before Christmas/Santa's Workshop)
Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies helped him and his animators grow as artists, and even they had their own take on Santa Claus. The reason his version gets a mention is due to his consistency.
In the short films featuring Disney's version of Santa, he's presented as what everyone thinks of when they hear his name, although with a cartoony touch. He's the perfect Santa to exist in a world inhabited by the likes of Mickey Mouse.
Santa (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
The Santa presented in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer gave viewers a different side of the character. The holidays are a stressful time for many, and it would appear that Santa is no exception.
The poor guy is so preoccupied with Christmas prep that it's affecting his normally plump figure. Honestly, who can really blame him? At least he has time to care for his reindeer and give viewers a friendly rendition of "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle."
Santa Claus (The Polar Express)
Although Santa doesn't fully appear until the last act of the film, there's a strange, almost mythic quality to him. It's as if his presence alone is felt throughout the flick before he even steps onscreen.
The Polar Express presents the belief in Santa Claus less of a representation of the Christmas spirit and more like a challenge of faith. When Santa is finally revealed, his appearance does more than live up to the hype, having an almost angelic presence when he's finally seen in full form.
Malcolm “Santa” Claus (Arthur Christmas)
Arthur Christmas is an underrated gem of a Santa flick, and while any one member of the Claus clan could take a spot on the list, it's the patriarch of the family himself that gets all the attention.
Though absentminded and highly forgetful, there are few Santas like Jim Broadbent's that show how much they care for the children of the world. His warmth and emotion are both keenly felt, and it never fails to tug on the heartstrings.
Jack Skellington (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
There have been a handful of imposter Santas in the past, but Jack Skellington has to earn a special prize. While his idea of Christmas is very twisted and macabre, there are few animated Santas who can match Jack's enthusiasm on his Christmas Eve ride.
His approach to the Santa gig is a bit misguided, but his heart is definitely in the right place. After eons of spreading panic and fear, it's actually nice to see the Pumpkin King want to hand out toys and share some cheer instead.
Santa Claus (Father Christmas)
Raymond Briggs's take on Santa Claus is refreshing, but a bit unorthodox. There's something innately human about Father Christmas wanting to take a holiday after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.
But what really grabs the viewer's attention is seeing Santa get a little wilder than one might think. During his vacation around the world, he drinks in a pub in Scottland, gorges on rich food in France, and even goes gambling in Las Vegas. The guy knows how to party.
Klaus (Klaus)
Klaus is one of the most interesting Santa origin stories out there, and it also offers a very unique take on Santa, making him the strong and silent type rather than the jolly old elf everyone knows and loves.
J.K. Simmons and his deep tones undoubtedly fit the festive figure perfectly, especially his laugh, but there's definitely a rugged edge to him. This is what Santa would look like as a Viking, essentially. Not that anyone would be complaining.
Nicholas St. North (Rise of the Guardians)
Definitely a fan-favorite interpretation of Santa Claus, Nicholas St. North is possibly the most eccentric version of the character out there. A tattooed, Russian, sword-swinging, swashbuckling Santa Claus with an army of yetis? Why isn't this guy the one coming down chimneys?
He might be a bit rough around the edges for some, but there's no questioning his joy or love for children of the world. He's definitely a candidate for the top of everyone's nice list.
Kris Kringle/Santa Claus (Rankin/Bass)
When it comes to animated Santas, nothing beats the true original. Mickey Rooney was Rankin Bass's permanent Santa, even playing the character until his passing.
From Santa Claus is Comin' to Town to A Miser Brothers Christmas, the stop-motion interpretation of Santa Claus has been with most viewers since before they were born. He's a classic of Christmas with a warm and loving spirit, but with an adventurous side as well. Making him more than worthy of the top of the list.