What I love about these top 12 lists is when each entry covers a different aspect: 12. Santa as a young man 11. Jerk Santa 10. Badass Santa 09. When Halloween meets Christmas 08. Drunk Mall Santa who regains his will to live and give 07. Overworked Santa 06. Bad Memory Santa who needs to learn to pass the job on. 05. Jerk Coach with a Santa Heart of Gold 04. Dignified Santa (orange) 03. Dignified Santa (apple) 02. Unusual, but one-of-a-kind Santa 01. Santa with a Passing-the-Torch mission
It is great that Doug did the list that way. That way people wouldn't be too disappointed if one of their favourites didn't show up. BTW totally agree with the number 1 Santa
i liked how he at least mentioned the santa from ELF. and the santa from Twilight zone was so pure despite his flaws that not even the twilight zone wanted to screw him in any way. i read about that episode and i liked it.
The thing I always love about the first review of December is Doug expressing his love of the holiday. It just seems like it's cool and popular to hate Christmas, so it's nice to see there are people out there who are still able to see the good in it.
slashermaster28 Agree. It's so nice to hear. Especially from a man, it seems it's mostly woman who say they love Christmas. I being one of them. I love it so much I got married on Christmas Eve.
Since when is it popular to say you hate Christmas? According to most polls the majority of people in the US and Western Europe celebrate Christmas, including non-Christians like myself. Christmas has evolved into a secular holiday of love and family, that everybody can enjoy and celebrate and most people do. But what does seem to become more and more popular is Christians complaining about exactly that and Christmas losing its connection with its Christians origins - completely ignoring the fact that Christmas has originally been a pagan holiday that the Catholic Church simply slaped the name "christmas" onto and connected it to the birth story of Jesus.
that's really what I love about the first review of December also. Doug really seems to do it in the funniest ways possible and that just cracks me up. I too love Christmas and I love nostalgia too. alot!
The Santa in Ernest Saves Christmas had me in happy tears he was so soft, caring, and lovable. The jail chorus especially made my eyes water it was so heartwarming.
TopsyTriceratops Yeah. I might haven't seen it but even I have to agree that it has the best Santa Claus ever. Sure there's the traditional way people have Santa with the deep bombing voice but I agree with you and Nostalgia Critic that Ernest Saves Christmas has the best Santa Claus ever. Heck The Sultan from Aladdin I couldn't unsee Santa Claus with his cheerfulness and how energetic he was all I saw was Jolly Old St Nick himself Santa Claus😁😁😁😁.
The Guardians Santa is most definitely my favorite Santa! Doug said it all; a Russian Santa that kicks major ass, with duel swords and "Naughty/Nice" tattoos. How could you NOT love that!
After feeling rather negative, I simple searched "best" in Channel Awesome, and saw this. Not only does Doug help express his fondness for each Santa well, but who better to make you feel merry than Santa?
I love the concept and the idea of Santa Claus, he represents the essential magic of the holiday spirit, that in spite of how cynical or snarky or bitter or horrible life might be, there is still something that manages to bring joy, love and happiness to our lives in the most unexpected ways. this is a very well put together list, very informative and insightful.
You know, Jack Skellington could have simply gone up to Santa and asked if he could come along for the sleigh ride (maybe as an assistant Santa) for a change in pace. It would have given just about the same energizing effect and it wouldn't have ruined some Christmases. There's a thing called courtesy, Jack. Additionally, why the heck did you skip my house, Jack? Your idea of Christmas is my idea of every holiday.
+TheInunah Actually, I _really like_ Ed Ivory's take on Santa from _Nightmare_ , even though it's so brief. "I hope there's still time--" "--To save Christmas? _Of course there is! I'M SANTA CLAUS!_ " And then, later on, he gives Halloweentown its first snowfall. His benevolence knows no bounds.
I think Jack is one of those people who assume most other people like the same things he does. He probably would like to be kidnapped in a sack, so he probably assumed that Santa would too.
Nope. That episode is the definition of wasted potential. The Doctor meets Santa... how could they screw that up?! Even the name of the actor who played him was perfect: Nick Frost! The actor's name was Nick Frost! Sadly, the episode with Santa had to be the most clichéd, nonsensical, and repetitive episode of the entire show. I do not understand why anyone likes it. Edit: And I just noticed how old this comment is. I don't care, though; that's how much the episode pissed me off.
No, that one was merely bland. Last Christmas was downright bad. The part in which the Doctor shows off his "repairs" was fun and there were a few good lines. Plus, near the end with the statues, I had fun last time I saw it trying to see how many "I am Groot" jokes I could come up with. Last Christmas, on the other hand, had almost nothing going for it.
When I saw Nick Frost playing Santa at the end of Death In Heaven I was freaking out not only was that perfect casting but I love Nick Frost, but then Santa ended up just being a side character in a story about dreams, facehugger rip offs and arctic bases with Santa just being a a deux ex machina to get them away from the aliens at the end
When I was a child I watched Miracle at 34th street a lot of times. I don't remember that much about it, except for the fact that Matilda was in it, and Santa was on trial for some reason. But that Richard Attenborough Santa was really special to me. You just want that man to be your grandpa. He was so nice and warm, and jolly...
Fun fact: Art Carney played a Santa and an imposter Santa in an old Christmas special made by Jim Henson and his fellow Muppeteers called The Great Santa Claus Switch. I think it shows how well he played as person trying to be Santa in Twilight Zone that they hired him to play a real Santa for the special.
Paul Giamatti as Santa in Fred Claus is absolutely amazing. Honestly that whole movie is severely underrated, but I hope people at least acknowledge that it brings one of the greatest, most realistic portrayals of Santa ever
The King of the Penguins The movie is underrated for a good reason. Lame plot, some unfunny moments and... Vince Vaughn. But when I saw it even I loved Paul's portrayal of Santa Claus. :D
i lked how the bad guy was touched when santa gave him that present (i havent seen the whole movie, and i probably hate santa's mom in that movie). Even he was touched. enough to the point he stopped being a jerk. and santa was at that point so defeated and yet he still was kind
@@ianr.navahuber2195 I actually likes that in joke too. Kevin Spacey getting a Superman cape. He played Lex Luthor in Superman Returns. Anyways, good scene.
I’d agree. That kind old fellow from Earnest is my favorite. I may love the Earnest films but even I still wish that he could’ve been Santa in something even better. His delivery of the line about having to rely on notes truly is incredible.
My favorite Santa is Krampus. In all seriousness, it's Jack. He just loved doing it so much, and just bursted with energy every step of the way. Also, I would have LOVED if he visited my house: those presents looked awesome!
Look in a weird bizarre totally screwed up way you both are kind of right when he a.k.a. nostalgia critic decided to list the bad versions of Santa. A brief montage showed a poster of the Santa Claus movie CAULSE you know with Tim Allen so when that guy says it’s at 3:15 in the video he is sort of right but unfortunately during 315 in this video he was listing all the bad or jerky Santa versions so you were sort of right too too bad nostalgia critic can’t see one of the greatest Santa Claus movies of all time for what it is, but then again neither can I after allthere are so many great versions of Santa, who the fuck can choose?! Dan aka…🥹🥹🥹
"Well, you can't do that way! It shouldn't be done that way. ...It can't be done that way..." Just.... That really was a great moment of acting. Superb.
I know many people mentioned it, but I think one Santa Claus (or in that case, Hogfather) needs to be mentioned: Death from Terry Pratchett's Hogfather. To give you a rundown, during an Hogwash night (the Discworld equivalent of Christmas), the Hogfather is missing and Death, a 7-feet tall skeleton in a black robe and scythe who's tasked with harvesting the souls of the dead, is tasked with replacing him. And during this night, here are his deeds: - Attracted tons of children in a toy store, giving them the right gifts and surprisingly making good connections with children - Gave Nobby Nobbs (a member of the City Watch who's a bit of a Grinch) the best Hogwashnight he ever had. - Gave more life to the Little Match Girl ("THE HOGFATHER GIVES PRESENTS.") - Convinced a magical computer to believe in the Hogfather - Saved a future incarnation of the Hogfather from supernatural beings, while chanting "HO HO HO!!!" - Disrupts the plan of a serial killer who specializes in supernatural creatures (and acts like a crazy (well, crazier) Willy Wonka) - Went back in time to give his servant an happy Hogwash in his childhood. And through the movie, he really looks like he's enjoying himself in spite of the occasional awkwardness. Could you think of a cooler Santa than Death itself (albeit, a kind Death)?
The fact Terry Pratchett hated that the little match girl was supposed to be a feel good story despite the fact she died, that he had to change it to give her a chance. Death is the best Hogfather.
This list made me watch Rise of the Guardians after the movie-poster looked kind of silly to me - and for all its flaws I love the movie now! Thank you! And merry Christmas!
Critic: "How's that song go again you creepy mailman with slits on the sides of his mouth?" Mailman: "♪Santa Claus is coming... to town.♪" Joker: "You wanna know how I got these scars?" ROFL!!!
Hey, that was the Rankin Bass version of Fred Astaire who voiced the narrator. They even gave his character a few dance moves too. I hate to think that Doug didn't know this.
There's a great rendition of an overworked Santa in a place you wouldn't really expect...Family Guy's 'Road to North Pole'. If you want to see an overworked Santa, the one in this episode is literally near death from being bludgeoned by the world's growing population and greed! And it works so well as a message of moderation around the holidays and realizing what it's really about. I know Family Guy screws up a lot, but when they get it right; they really get it right. This episode is definitely worth watching!
For a Christmas review, either for this year or next year, Doug really should do an Old Vs. New video on Miracle on 34th Street. As he said, the 90's version had some good stuff. But I feel like he didn't delve in too deeply on what made both versions good or bad
You need to make a updated version of this specifically because Klaus exist now and I think JK Simmons in that role is actually one of the greatest Santa's
I know it's not technically Santa, but I always loved Death from Terry Pratchett's 'The Hogfather' much like Jack Skellington he's completely out of his element but he's just having so much fun doing what he's doing
Watching this during my first few weeks of college is such a nice thing to do. It always just gives me a reason to do more and be more excited for the next day, week, month, and ultimately until the most wonderful time of the year (Christmas) then the next most wonderful time (graduation). Thanks, Nostalgia Critic!
My No.1 favorite is Nicholas of Berzee from The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (2000 version.) Not only is the movie's story beautiful and inspirational. But Jim Cummings voicing Santa is just perfect
I was watching this whole video thinking "if the Santa from Ernest Saves Christmas isn't on this list I will be SO MAD" and then he was the #1 pick and my heart genuinely exploded.
Rise of the Guardians always has and always will be my top favorite movie! I read the books after seeing the movie and I loved North even more once I knew more of his backstory. Such a fantastic world of characters!
24:49 i havent noticed all this time he said it twice, i thought Doug made a mistake because he said it "Shouldn't been done that way, It can't be done that way" but after hearing over and over i finally noticed, only took 8 years
I'm so glad he put North from ROTG and Santa (20th)from Arthur Christmas. Two of my favorite characters. Although I like the Grandpa Santa in Arthur Christmas, too.
While I totally get Doug's dissatisfaction with the Rankin Bass specials, I also find it hilarious since I'm kind of the opposite since I grew up loving them. Despite the low budget and awkward/creepy puppet animation (the abdominable snowmonster scared the crap out of me as a small child), I guess I just enjoy the awkward and simplistic yet cheery and nostalgic charm to them. Though I'll admit that even I can't stand the Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July special. That thing's garbage even by Rankin Bass standards.
24:55 "Did you even noticed that he actually said, 'It can't be done that way' twice in the same sentence?" Actually, he didn't say it twice. He said "You can't do it that way" the first time and "It can't be done that way" the second time. Yeah, they're kind of the same thing, but still, different words used. So he didn't say the exact same thing twice.
The Home Alone Santa is actually a VERY good Santa, he actually listens to Kevin, even though he's done for the day, promises to pass his message on to the real one, and even makes sure Kevin doesn't leave empty handed because "Everyone who sees Santa should get a little something." He's tired, he's frustrated, and he just wants to go home, but he still genuinely tries to be Santa to every kid who crosses his path.
I'm so happy! The ONE guy I wanted to see have some recognition on this list ENDED UP BEING #1!!!!!! Damn, now I wanna see Ernest Saves Christmas again. :(
It's more recent, but I think that the Family Guy version of Santa is worth mentioning: A frail, overworked Santa trying and failing to tend to a growing population and their growing demands; a depressing shadow of his former self. Not only does the life get sucked out of him, but it gets sucked out of his workshop too. Their version of the North Pole is practically dystopian in how dark, polluted, and near-death it is. Say what you want about Family Guy itself, but that episode was excellent.
Critic, I bet you never knew this but Richard Attenborough actually is also a film director. He even directed the Best Picture winning film Gandhi which I really do recommend. It has great acting, great directing, great makeup, great costumes, first-rate music and sound design, great production design, great editing, great writing and brilliant cinematography. I highly recommend it. Just a heads up though it's a 3 hour movie so it's pretty long to sit through. I understand if you don't get into it. But I still love Gandhi. Edit: It showed how peaceful of a man he was.
Actually Gwenn went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Santa. Edit: Also imagine if that postman said that. (2:48)
I think the reason santa seemed grumpy to return to his job was because like you said, he was kidnapped, and he had to save Christmas with less time than usual.
So happy to see both Miracle on 34th Streets included. I was worried, when I saw Attenborough, that Gwenn would be left out; the remake is palatable, but should not be allowed to erase the original. After all, the original has Thelma Ritter in it. I agree with the earlier poster who suggests an Old vs. New episode comparing the two films.
SwiftFoxyGamer Really? I beg to differ. Much like most of the critics, I believe 1 was best, 2 was good, 3 was not-so-good. They made the first for the artistic value, the second for the fans, and the third for the money.
Yeah, the first Santa Clause was pretty good (I had a crush on David Krumoholtz for the longest time), very heartwarming and nostalgic. The second was kind of lame but it had it's cute moments. The third one however was just completely awful. The performances were phoned in, Martin Short was much more annoying than usual and the premise itself was so - for lack of a better word - stupid. If Critic hasn't reviewed it yet he should.
for number 1 when he says "it can't be done that way" twice i like to think that ties into how he has to make notes to remember. since he's been santa for too long his memory is starting to fail hence the need for notes and it's starting to creep into forgetting he just said something seconds ago and repeats himself which makes his need to get his replacement even more urgent.
Of all the Guardians Santa was one I was the least interested in. I guess everything Doug says about him is true but I guess I'm just more for the Easter Bunny. Good job on alec Baldwin's part sounding so different from himself but only Hugh Jackman can say "I'm a bunny" and make it so badass.
The true spirit of Christmas: watching someone else enjoying Christmas movies. Positive, fun, no conflict and 0 politics. Merry Christmas in advance, everyone.
I'm surprised Tim Alan didn't get on the list. Growing up watching Home Improvement and his Santa Clause movie was like having a second father because Dad was working a lot when I was little.
My favorite has for a while been the Rise of the Guardians one because he is so not Santa yet that intense joy and energy and exuberance is why I can see him giving out presents to the world. He embodies energy and abnormal enjoyment of his life.
it's a shame this came out when it did because i can totally see brother christmas from miraculous ladybug being on here and his ability to bring deadly christmas presents by dabbing
I've only seen Santa Claus is Comin' to Town once, but it is still a major part of my childhood. I love that special, mostly because I was able to watch it with my dad, who hadn't seen it since he was a kid in the frickin' 60's XD
What I love about these top 12 lists is when each entry covers a different aspect:
12. Santa as a young man
11. Jerk Santa
10. Badass Santa
09. When Halloween meets Christmas
08. Drunk Mall Santa who regains his will to live and give
07. Overworked Santa
06. Bad Memory Santa who needs to learn to pass the job on.
05. Jerk Coach with a Santa Heart of Gold
04. Dignified Santa (orange)
03. Dignified Santa (apple)
02. Unusual, but one-of-a-kind Santa
01. Santa with a Passing-the-Torch mission
It is great that Doug did the list that way. That way people wouldn't be too disappointed if one of their favourites didn't show up. BTW totally agree with the number 1 Santa
i liked how he at least mentioned the santa from ELF. and the santa from Twilight zone was so pure despite his flaws that not even the twilight zone wanted to screw him in any way. i read about that episode and i liked it.
You know you’re a good person when you survive an episode of Twilight Zone without being messed with in any way
Even the Twilight Zone was like “you know what, it’s Christmas, let’s tell a story of someone feeling happy for once”
Well, the Twilight Zone movie did have a segment that starred Scatman Crothers in which he helps senior citizens feel young again.
feel good twilight zone episodes aren't that uncommon. It's just that the most famous twist episodes are downers.
Even the 80s TZ had a nice remake of Night of the Meek.
The thing I always love about the first review of December is Doug expressing his love of the holiday. It just seems like it's cool and popular to hate Christmas, so it's nice to see there are people out there who are still able to see the good in it.
slashermaster28 Agree. It's so nice to hear. Especially from a man, it seems it's mostly woman who say they love Christmas. I being one of them. I love it so much I got married on Christmas Eve.
Maria Mayfield I'm a 19 year old guy and I still love Christmas
Since when is it popular to say you hate Christmas? According to most polls the majority of people in the US and Western Europe celebrate Christmas, including non-Christians like myself. Christmas has evolved into a secular holiday of love and family, that everybody can enjoy and celebrate and most people do. But what does seem to become more and more popular is Christians complaining about exactly that and Christmas losing its connection with its Christians origins - completely ignoring the fact that Christmas has originally been a pagan holiday that the Catholic Church simply slaped the name "christmas" onto and connected it to the birth story of Jesus.
that's really what I love about the first review of December also. Doug really seems to do it in the funniest ways possible and that just cracks me up. I too love Christmas and I love nostalgia too. alot!
slashermaster28 What kind of monster hates christmas.
The Santa in Ernest Saves Christmas had me in happy tears he was so soft, caring, and lovable. The jail chorus especially made my eyes water it was so heartwarming.
TopsyTriceratops Yeah. I might haven't seen it but even I have to agree that it has the best Santa Claus ever. Sure there's the traditional way people have Santa with the deep bombing voice but I agree with you and Nostalgia Critic that Ernest Saves Christmas has the best Santa Claus ever. Heck The Sultan from Aladdin I couldn't unsee Santa Claus with his cheerfulness and how energetic he was all I saw was Jolly Old St Nick himself Santa Claus😁😁😁😁.
The Guardians Santa is most definitely my favorite Santa! Doug said it all; a Russian Santa that kicks major ass, with duel swords and "Naughty/Nice" tattoos. How could you NOT love that!
Cossack Santa is Best Santa
Guardians Santa will always be my favorite hands down
I'm with you here 😁
He was my favorite part of the movie..
Same.
Absolutely.
He is my second favourite
After feeling rather negative, I simple searched "best" in Channel Awesome, and saw this. Not only does Doug help express his fondness for each Santa well, but who better to make you feel merry than Santa?
I love the concept and the idea of Santa Claus, he represents the essential magic of the holiday spirit, that in spite of how cynical or snarky or bitter or horrible life might be, there is still something that manages to bring joy, love and happiness to our lives in the most unexpected ways.
this is a very well put together list, very informative and insightful.
You know, Jack Skellington could have simply gone up to Santa and asked if he could come along for the sleigh ride (maybe as an assistant Santa) for a change in pace. It would have given just about the same energizing effect and it wouldn't have ruined some Christmases.
There's a thing called courtesy, Jack.
Additionally, why the heck did you skip my house, Jack? Your idea of Christmas is my idea of every holiday.
Santa did offer him a sleigh ride in Kingdom Hearts II at least, if I recall.
+TheInunah But then we wouldn't have the plot!
+TheInunah Actually, I _really like_ Ed Ivory's take on Santa from _Nightmare_ , even though it's so brief.
"I hope there's still time--"
"--To save Christmas? _Of course there is! I'M SANTA CLAUS!_ "
And then, later on, he gives Halloweentown its first snowfall. His benevolence knows no bounds.
+TheInunah but that wouldn't be very scary
I think Jack is one of those people who assume most other people like the same things he does. He probably would like to be kidnapped in a sack, so he probably assumed that Santa would too.
The Dream Santa from that episode of Doctor Who
Dr: "How are you able to deliver all those presents in your sleigh?"
Santa: "Bigger on the inside."
Last Christmas? Nice pick.
Nope. That episode is the definition of wasted potential. The Doctor meets Santa... how could they screw that up?! Even the name of the actor who played him was perfect: Nick Frost! The actor's name was Nick Frost! Sadly, the episode with Santa had to be the most clichéd, nonsensical, and repetitive episode of the entire show. I do not understand why anyone likes it.
Edit: And I just noticed how old this comment is. I don't care, though; that's how much the episode pissed me off.
No, that one was merely bland. Last Christmas was downright bad. The part in which the Doctor shows off his "repairs" was fun and there were a few good lines. Plus, near the end with the statues, I had fun last time I saw it trying to see how many "I am Groot" jokes I could come up with.
Last Christmas, on the other hand, had almost nothing going for it.
Doctor: "You're not even real" Santa "And yet that's never stopped me."
When I saw Nick Frost playing Santa at the end of Death In Heaven I was freaking out not only was that perfect casting but I love Nick Frost, but then Santa ended up just being a side character in a story about dreams, facehugger rip offs and arctic bases with Santa just being a a deux ex machina to get them away from the aliens at the end
When I was a child I watched Miracle at 34th street a lot of times. I don't remember that much about it, except for the fact that Matilda was in it, and Santa was on trial for some reason.
But that Richard Attenborough Santa was really special to me. You just want that man to be your grandpa. He was so nice and warm, and jolly...
The Santa in Ernest Saves Christmas didn't even wear the Santa suit in the whole movie and he made it into number 1 on this list wow!
If you’re nothing without the suit you don’t deserve it.
That’s how good he is
The casting was nothing short of miraculous.
Fun fact: Art Carney played a Santa and an imposter Santa in an old Christmas special made by Jim Henson and his fellow Muppeteers called The Great Santa Claus Switch. I think it shows how well he played as person trying to be Santa in Twilight Zone that they hired him to play a real Santa for the special.
"and ensure that nothing's Mightier than the Meek"
...Who's crying i'm not crying
Paul Giamatti as Santa in Fred Claus is absolutely amazing. Honestly that whole movie is severely underrated, but I hope people at least acknowledge that it brings one of the greatest, most realistic portrayals of Santa ever
The King of the Penguins The movie is underrated for a good reason. Lame plot, some unfunny moments and... Vince Vaughn. But when I saw it even I loved Paul's portrayal of Santa Claus. :D
i lked how the bad guy was touched when santa gave him that present (i havent seen the whole movie, and i probably hate santa's mom in that movie). Even he was touched. enough to the point he stopped being a jerk. and santa was at that point so defeated and yet he still was kind
@@ianr.navahuber2195 I actually likes that in joke too. Kevin Spacey getting a Superman cape. He played Lex Luthor in Superman Returns. Anyways, good scene.
One of the most realistic depictions, that's right he comes so close to the real Santa it's uncanny 😄
I’d agree. That kind old fellow from Earnest is my favorite. I may love the Earnest films but even I still wish that he could’ve been Santa in something even better. His delivery of the line about having to rely on notes truly is incredible.
I was hoping the South Park Santa would make the list
"i just couldn't let him live, he shocked Santa's balls"
I was hoping for at least one Santa Christ
Same
+Andrew Halverson Did he exist when this video first aired?
***** Ah.
Ikr
Andrew Halverson your right
My favorite Santa is Krampus.
In all seriousness, it's Jack. He just loved doing it so much, and just bursted with energy every step of the way. Also, I would have LOVED if he visited my house: those presents looked awesome!
Samee, and yes those presents were wrapped with the finest tarantula legs and kraken tentacles
You totally forgot Tim Allen as Santa! He brings a natural great sense of youthfulness and humor into the role!
3:15
Look in a weird bizarre totally screwed up way you both are kind of right when he a.k.a. nostalgia critic decided to list the bad versions of Santa. A brief montage showed a poster of the Santa Claus movie CAULSE you know with Tim Allen so when that guy says it’s at 3:15 in the video he is sort of right but unfortunately during 315 in this video he was listing all the bad or jerky Santa versions so you were sort of right too too bad nostalgia critic can’t see one of the greatest Santa Claus movies of all time for what it is, but then again neither can I after allthere are so many great versions of Santa, who the fuck can choose?! Dan aka…🥹🥹🥹
Sorry, sorry sorry typo mistake I meant clause like the last line in a contract. Sorry sorry sorry Dan aka…
am I the only one who thinks the Twilight zone Santa was the Santa Tim Allen knocked off his roof
Hehe
if so then that would be such a tragedy.
Yeah
It's a conspiracy!
Lex Barnett, woah! That's, like, deep, man...
"Well, you can't do that way! It shouldn't be done that way. ...It can't be done that way..."
Just.... That really was a great moment of acting. Superb.
Man, I actually got genuinely touched because I literally just saw Santa Claus. Not an actor, not even a spectacular actor, just Santa.
I know many people mentioned it, but I think one Santa Claus (or in that case, Hogfather) needs to be mentioned: Death from Terry Pratchett's Hogfather.
To give you a rundown, during an Hogwash night (the Discworld equivalent of Christmas), the Hogfather is missing and Death, a 7-feet tall skeleton in a black robe and scythe who's tasked with harvesting the souls of the dead, is tasked with replacing him. And during this night, here are his deeds:
- Attracted tons of children in a toy store, giving them the right gifts and surprisingly making good connections with children
- Gave Nobby Nobbs (a member of the City Watch who's a bit of a Grinch) the best Hogwashnight he ever had.
- Gave more life to the Little Match Girl ("THE HOGFATHER GIVES PRESENTS.")
- Convinced a magical computer to believe in the Hogfather
- Saved a future incarnation of the Hogfather from supernatural beings, while chanting "HO HO HO!!!"
- Disrupts the plan of a serial killer who specializes in supernatural creatures (and acts like a crazy (well, crazier) Willy Wonka)
- Went back in time to give his servant an happy Hogwash in his childhood.
And through the movie, he really looks like he's enjoying himself in spite of the occasional awkwardness. Could you think of a cooler Santa than Death itself (albeit, a kind Death)?
The fact Terry Pratchett hated that the little match girl was supposed to be a feel good story despite the fact she died, that he had to change it to give her a chance. Death is the best Hogfather.
9:40 brought tears to my eyes.
Santa from "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town" really is the definitive Santa for my family :) loved how he talked and the lessons he taught
I agree, with the #1. Who stands with me?
Santa Christ should have been first
+Fiaura The Tank Girl do you see the prison bit there's a guy on the top bunk - Why does he have a shower cap on?
I agree, my favorite Santa Claus 😄
Me!
THE GRINCH
"He thinks you're Santa"
*laughing*
*Whispering* "I am"
This list made me watch Rise of the Guardians after the movie-poster looked kind of silly to me - and for all its flaws I love the movie now! Thank you! And merry Christmas!
2:46 That's Fred Astaire, who was a famous dancer and occasional singer
I watch this list every year and it still makes me smile!
Have you watched it yet this year? 😜
Not yet but I will lol
Critic: "How's that song go again you creepy mailman with slits on the sides of his mouth?"
Mailman: "♪Santa Claus is coming... to town.♪"
Joker: "You wanna know how I got these scars?"
ROFL!!!
I laughed so hard at that! LOL!
Hey, that was the Rankin Bass version of Fred Astaire who voiced the narrator. They even gave his character a few dance moves too. I hate to think that Doug didn't know this.
There's a great rendition of an overworked Santa in a place you wouldn't really expect...Family Guy's 'Road to North Pole'. If you want to see an overworked Santa, the one in this episode is literally near death from being bludgeoned by the world's growing population and greed! And it works so well as a message of moderation around the holidays and realizing what it's really about. I know Family Guy screws up a lot, but when they get it right; they really get it right. This episode is definitely worth watching!
For a Christmas review, either for this year or next year, Doug really should do an Old Vs. New video on Miracle on 34th Street.
As he said, the 90's version had some good stuff. But I feel like he didn't delve in too deeply on what made both versions good or bad
I think he did
You need to make a updated version of this specifically because Klaus exist now and I think JK Simmons in that role is actually one of the greatest Santa's
I know it's not technically Santa, but I always loved Death from Terry Pratchett's 'The Hogfather' much like Jack Skellington he's completely out of his element but he's just having so much fun doing what he's doing
Watching this during my first few weeks of college is such a nice thing to do. It always just gives me a reason to do more and be more excited for the next day, week, month, and ultimately until the most wonderful time of the year (Christmas) then the next most wonderful time (graduation). Thanks, Nostalgia Critic!
My No.1 favorite is Nicholas of Berzee from The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (2000 version.) Not only is the movie's story beautiful and inspirational.
But Jim Cummings voicing Santa is just perfect
Finally! someone remembers this!
Alex-Zander Browne
By remembers this, do you mean this video or The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
sadlobster1 loved that movie as a kid! Sadly Doug has probably never seen it
His last name man it’s just .... Poor guy
@@xxxclan4742 Say what?
The santa from the #1 pick was the voice of the Sultan from Aladdin, wasn't he?
+James Moyner No, Dawson's voice actor only voiced the Sultan in the sequels & TV show.
SpongicX Yes, but only the first movie.
Yes he is.
-S.
SpongicX, Yup.
Of course he is. Similarly speaking. I recognize it anywhere.
I was watching this whole video thinking "if the Santa from Ernest Saves Christmas isn't on this list I will be SO MAD" and then he was the #1 pick and my heart genuinely exploded.
A new one for the list, Kurt Russel as Santa in Christmas Chronicles
Rise of the Guardians always has and always will be my top favorite movie! I read the books after seeing the movie and I loved North even more once I knew more of his backstory. Such a fantastic world of characters!
24:49 i havent noticed all this time he said it twice, i thought Doug made a mistake because he said it "Shouldn't been done that way, It can't be done that way" but after hearing over and over i finally noticed, only took 8 years
I'm so glad he put North from ROTG and Santa (20th)from Arthur Christmas. Two of my favorite characters. Although I like the Grandpa Santa in Arthur Christmas, too.
While I totally get Doug's dissatisfaction with the Rankin Bass specials, I also find it hilarious since I'm kind of the opposite since I grew up loving them. Despite the low budget and awkward/creepy puppet animation (the abdominable snowmonster scared the crap out of me as a small child), I guess I just enjoy the awkward and simplistic yet cheery and nostalgic charm to them. Though I'll admit that even I can't stand the Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July special. That thing's garbage even by Rankin Bass standards.
But the villain of that movie is the creepiest Rankin/Bass ever had.
I love the specials too
They're definitely low budget and awkward, but there's something so happy and charming about them.
Same!😆😄👍🏻
Why am I watching this in the middle of summer
24:55 "Did you even noticed that he actually said, 'It can't be done that way' twice in the same sentence?"
Actually, he didn't say it twice. He said "You can't do it that way" the first time and "It can't be done that way" the second time. Yeah, they're kind of the same thing, but still, different words used. So he didn't say the exact same thing twice.
cesarjimenezanimator you're right I heard that too.
Ed Asner in Elf is my personal favorite. He's kind of a curmudgeon but you can tell he really cares.
John Hammond from Jurassic Park will always be my favourite Santa.
The Home Alone Santa is actually a VERY good Santa, he actually listens to Kevin, even though he's done for the day, promises to pass his message on to the real one, and even makes sure Kevin doesn't leave empty handed because "Everyone who sees Santa should get a little something." He's tired, he's frustrated, and he just wants to go home, but he still genuinely tries to be Santa to every kid who crosses his path.
I guessed the number one and was correct. I am so happy to see this guy at number one. He's my favourite Santa too
I'm so happy! The ONE guy I wanted to see have some recognition on this list ENDED UP BEING #1!!!!!!
Damn, now I wanna see Ernest Saves Christmas again. :(
And let's not forget the most badass line ever muttered: "The name is Santa Claus!"
Honorable mention: The Grinch, portrayed by Boris Karloff.
He’s more of an Anti Santa tbh
@static5436 Eh, true. But he's awesome.
Art Carney was one of my very favorite actors. He was able to pull off very different types of roles so well
Kurt Russel was a good Santa in Christmas Chronicles
My favorite has got to be Edmund Gwenn from Miracle on 34th Street. He's just so genuine and delightful in the role.
I was crying by the end of this video. I don't know why, but I was crying. Number 12 of my favorite Nostalgia Critic episodes, maybe higher.
It's more recent, but I think that the Family Guy version of Santa is worth mentioning:
A frail, overworked Santa trying and failing to tend to a growing population and their growing demands; a depressing shadow of his former self. Not only does the life get sucked out of him, but it gets sucked out of his workshop too. Their version of the North Pole is practically dystopian in how dark, polluted, and near-death it is.
Say what you want about Family Guy itself, but that episode was excellent.
I really like Bruce Campbell playing as Santa in The Librarians Christmas episode.
Wait, whaa???!
A new one to add to this list is David Harbour from Violent Night!
Critic, I bet you never knew this but Richard Attenborough actually is also a film director. He even directed the Best Picture winning film Gandhi which I really do recommend. It has great acting, great directing, great makeup, great costumes, first-rate music and sound design, great production design, great editing, great writing and brilliant cinematography. I highly recommend it. Just a heads up though it's a 3 hour movie so it's pretty long to sit through. I understand if you don't get into it. But I still love Gandhi. Edit: It showed how peaceful of a man he was.
I want a redo, cause since then Klaus came out and that has my favorite version of Santa in it.
Same
That Twilight Zone episode actually put a tear to my eye when I watched it last year when I decided to binge the series on Netflix
Actually Gwenn went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Santa.
Edit: Also imagine if that postman said that. (2:48)
The name's
Santa Clause
TheKijib Clause is the term from an excerpt from a legal document.
Claus is an Anglicized adaptation of the name ‘Klaus’
@@Shakes-Off-Fear The Santa Clause with Tim Allen
*James Bond music plays*
Presenting mr HO
I think the reason santa seemed grumpy to return to his job was because like you said, he was kidnapped, and he had to save Christmas with less time than usual.
So happy to see both Miracle on 34th Streets included. I was worried, when I saw Attenborough, that Gwenn would be left out; the remake is palatable, but should not be allowed to erase the original.
After all, the original has Thelma Ritter in it. I agree with the earlier poster who suggests an Old vs. New episode comparing the two films.
Richard Attenborough is awesome
R.I.P ;_;
The fact that Tim Allen is not on this list saddens me.
Me too. Though The Santa Clause is my favorite Xmas movie.
+Wingdude88YT the first and third ones was good the second one was well....not bad but not good either it was just..ok
SwiftFoxyGamer
Really? I beg to differ. Much like most of the critics, I believe 1 was best, 2 was good, 3 was not-so-good. They made the first for the artistic value, the second for the fans, and the third for the money.
Yeah, the first Santa Clause was pretty good (I had a crush on David Krumoholtz for the longest time), very heartwarming and nostalgic. The second was kind of lame but it had it's cute moments. The third one however was just completely awful. The performances were phoned in, Martin Short was much more annoying than usual and the premise itself was so - for lack of a better word - stupid. If Critic hasn't reviewed it yet he should.
Same
Goodbye to David Huddleston and Richard Attenborough.
22:41 Rewatching this after David Huddleston's death. Thank you, Santa, indeed.
Evilgidgit4Ever RIP :(
He is always what i think of when i think of santa
@@dgharet1210 me too, i grew up on Santa Claus the Movie.
4:43 God I love that film. And it's Santa's definitely my favorite one of them all. But I am interested in seeing some of these movies now.
7:06 What did you expect him to say? "Ho Ho Ho thanks for letting me go".?
Were this made today, I have no doubt he’d add Klaus.
No santa christ? for shame
punklover99 he's too good for this list. He transcends it.
I am El
I love the song “put one foot in front of the other” it always stuck with me as a kid!
If this came out today he would've included Mark Hamil's Santa in The Flash
I completely agree with the last one.
SANTA CHRIST, SANTA CHRIST
WE ALL LOVE SANTA CHRIST
HE SAVES PUPPIES FROM NAZIS
AND HE ALSO LIKES PANCAKES
+EVO6reviews
He atoned for all our sins,
And he loves pancakes too.
He is Santa and Jesus rolled up,
In one dude.
But do you like waffles?
cfruge444 Go to hell.
Number 8 for some reason totally reminds me of you. Especially with the clip you put him there, I love it
Klaus is on the list. From Netflix's Klaus, he's such a good Santa
“I’ll be happy to shoot Vince for you, just give me a bullet”
Callback towards the Jurassic Park Lost World review
Any possibility for a Top 12 Christmas Guilty Pleasures That Aren't Ernest Saves Christmas this year?
Benjamin Johnson that would be awesome
Benjamin Johnson Yeah i'd love to see that
Party time
for number 1 when he says "it can't be done that way" twice i like to think that ties into how he has to make notes to remember. since he's been santa for too long his memory is starting to fail hence the need for notes and it's starting to creep into forgetting he just said something seconds ago and repeats himself which makes his need to get his replacement even more urgent.
Who else thought he was going to whip at the beginning 😂
Please....just no
Going to what?
Guys, guys...
I had this strange impression...
that Nostalgia Critic likes Christmas.
BananaKitOfInternetClan you don't say
Naah
No lie, Ernest Saves Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie ever.
Of all the Guardians Santa was one I was the least interested in. I guess everything Doug says about him is true but I guess I'm just more for the Easter Bunny. Good job on alec Baldwin's part sounding so different from himself but only Hugh Jackman can say "I'm a bunny" and make it so badass.
I love when Jack calls him a kangaroo! Makes me laugh every time!
By the way, who voiced Jack Frost? Every time I try to watch the credits, someone changes the channel and plus I forget to look it up
@@luckyinugirl1816 Late reply, but it's Chris Pine.
Agreed with the #1 pick.
If this list was made today, Kurt Russell's Santa from Christmas Chronicles would definitely make it on here.
He'd be my number one choice.
the 3rd and 4th santa are so cute and precious. Also, what is the name of the song for the number 7 spot?
The true spirit of Christmas: watching someone else enjoying Christmas movies. Positive, fun, no conflict and 0 politics. Merry Christmas in advance, everyone.
my favorite is the Santa from rise of the Guardians
Makes me wonder if he really would be like that...
@@luckyinugirl1816 maybe but I would rather Jack Skellington Santa
@@luckyinugirl1816 yes he would be, because Saint Nick is from turkey, so that accent is accurate
Violent Night Santa belongs on here if ever this list is remade
19:27-19:51, who else knew Santa could be Sigmund Froy.
I'm surprised Tim Alan didn't get on the list. Growing up watching Home Improvement and his Santa Clause movie was like having a second father because Dad was working a lot when I was little.
This list needs to be updated with Klaus from Klaus
My favorite has for a while been the Rise of the Guardians one because he is so not Santa yet that intense joy and energy and exuberance is why I can see him giving out presents to the world. He embodies energy and abnormal enjoyment of his life.
it's a shame this came out when it did because i can totally see brother christmas from miraculous ladybug being on here and his ability to bring deadly christmas presents by dabbing
I've only seen Santa Claus is Comin' to Town once, but it is still a major part of my childhood. I love that special, mostly because I was able to watch it with my dad, who hadn't seen it since he was a kid in the frickin' 60's XD