The Santa Clause – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Santa Clause

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1994

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tim Allen becomes Santa after the original falls off his roof—it's a '90s holiday staple that your kids might find painfully slow.

6.6/10

73%

6.5

→

The Santa Clause

movie

PG, 1994

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tim Allen becomes Santa after the original falls off his roof—it's a '90s holiday staple that your kids might find painfully slow.

6.6

73%

6.5

Jump to

Also rated on

6.6/10

73%

6.5

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a beloved millennial childhood memory, but let's be honest: it's a 30-year-old movie that moves at a glacial pace by today's standards. The premise is fun, Tim Allen brings charm, and the North Pole stuff has magic—but the divorce drama is heavier than you remember, and that opening scene where Santa literally dies is... a choice.

Modern kids used to Marvel pacing and Pixar sophistication may tap out. The humor is very '90s-sarcastic-dad, and the emotional beats feel clunky. If you want to share your childhood nostalgia, go for it—but prepare for 'Is it almost over?' questions.

It's not bad, just very much of its time. The WISE score reflects that it has some genuine heart and imagination, but the watchability penalty is real. There are better, more engaging Christmas movies out there if your goal is keeping kids actually entertained rather than just checking a nostalgia box.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10, though even then you'll need to gauge your kid's tolerance for slow pacing and divorce conflict. Younger than 6 might be scared by the opening death; older than 10 will likely find it boring and dated unless they're really into nostalgic Christmas movies.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models father-son bonding and belief in magic, with Scott learning responsibility. However, the divorce subplot and custody tension add some emotional weight. The film promotes kindness and generosity through the Santa mythology, though Scott's initial cynicism and some sarcastic humor may not land as wholesome for younger viewers. Overall tone is warm but has realistic family conflict.

Imaginative

The premise of becoming Santa through a magical contract is creative and engaging. The North Pole sequences, elf workshop, and transformation elements invite wonder about Christmas mythology. However, it's more of a 'what if' scenario than something that invites active creative participation—kids watch rather than build or explore themselves. Still, it expands the Santa Claus legend in fun ways.

Safe

Mostly family-friendly but has some genuinely scary moments for young kids: Santa falling off the roof (implied death), Scott's physical transformation being somewhat unsettling, custody battle anxiety, and scenes where adults aggressively doubt Scott's sanity. No gore or inappropriate content, but the divorce conflict and 'is Dad going crazy?' tension can be emotionally heavy. The opening death, even if magical, is a notable trigger point.

Enriching

Touches on themes of belief, responsibility, and parent-child relationships. Scott's journey from cynic to believer offers some character growth. However, the messaging is fairly surface-level—it's more about entertainment than deep lessons. The divorce/custody elements add realism but aren't deeply explored. Entertaining for its era but doesn't offer substantial skill-building or profound takeaways beyond 'believe in magic.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Classic premise that expands Santa mythology in creative ways—the idea of a 'Santa Clause' contract is genuinely clever
Father-son relationship at the core provides some genuine heart and models parental growth
Introduces themes of belief, magic, and seeing beyond cynicism that can spark good conversations
North Pole sequences and elf world-building offer visual wonder and Christmas magic
Nostalgia factor for millennial parents who grew up with this—shared viewing experience

⚠

What to Watch For

Santa literally dies in the opening scene (falls off roof)—this can be scary/confusing for young kids even though it's played for laughs
Divorce and custody battle subplot runs throughout—Scott's ex-wife and her psychiatrist husband think he's losing his mind, which creates real tension
Pacing is 1990s-slow; modern kids raised on YouTube and TikTok may find it draggy and boring
Some of the humor is dated and sarcastic in ways that don't land anymore
Scott's physical transformation (gaining weight, growing beard) is played somewhat uncomfortably

Conversation Starters

"How would you feel if your parent suddenly started acting really different, like Scott does?"
"Do you think it's important to believe in magic, even when other people say it's not real?"
"What would be the hardest part about becoming Santa—the work, or people not believing you?"
"Scott's ex-wife is worried about him. When is it okay to be worried about someone, and when should you trust them?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic