There’s no bigger Christmas character than Santa Claus. For many folks who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, Tim Allen in The Santa Clause film series was one of the biggest and best takes on the character. He reprised the role of jolly old Saint Nick in three movies and a TV series, leaving a big impact on holiday media and being a huge part of many people’s annual holiday watch list. Because it’s the holiday season, let’s have some fun by ranking The Santa Clause projects from worst to best.

4) The Santa Clauses (2022)

The Santa Clauses is the TV series that premiered on Disney+. After over a decade, Tim Allen donned the red suit once again, this time to find the next Santa Claus so that he could settle down with his family. It’s a nice premise, but the show’s a mess. It has some decent fan-service moments, like the toy soldiers from the second movie attacking, but there’s not much else to like. 

It’s dark and dreary, which just doesn’t fit this franchise. It tries to over-explain how being Santa works and even reveals that Scott Calvin was always chosen to be the one true Santa, which contradicts the original movie. Some of the jokes work, but most of them feel like “boomer humor.” It’s not a very fun watch for what should be a fun holiday romp.

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

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause focuses on a fun rivalry between Santa and Jack Frost (played by Martin Short). It has some funny moments and offers up a nice, happy feeling perfect for the holidays. That being said, it does feel like Allen and some other main actors aren’t giving it their all like they did in the first two movies.

It also feels like it’s for a much younger audience, even more so than the first two movies. For example, a warm hug saves the day rather than awesome elf technology and secret agents or an all-out war against weaponized toy soldiers. It’s weird that instead of aging with the audience, this series went in reverse. It’s worth a revisit every handful of years or so.

2) The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

The Santa Clause 2 is such a fantastic sequel to the classic film. What could be the next clause in the Santa contract? He’s got to have a Mrs. Claus, of course! It shows Scott’s next adventures as Santa, as well as more of a glimpse into the rest of the magical world including the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. There’s more of a coming of age story for Charlie. The romance at the center of it all is done well.

There are plenty of heartwarming scenes like Scott using his Santa magic to get adults to re-experience their favorite childhood Christmas presents. This one deserves to be watched every year almost as much as the original movie.

1) The Santa Clause (1994)

The original Santa Clause provides an imaginative insight into the lore of the Santa Claus character. It’s funny, with jokes great for audiences both old and young. It’s extremely heartwarming and filled with whimsy. It focuses on why it’s so important for young children to believe in Santa, while reminding adults of why they believed in the magic in the first place. It’s a unique premise that does a fantastic job celebrating the holiday season. This is a true classic that demands to be seen every December.

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