Last Friday we got the new action-oriented Christmas film The Red One in theaters. It features a kidnapped Santa in need of rescue. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a different sort of Santa Claus. For this week’s binge, we’re looking at some action-oriented Santa films. Films appear in chronological order.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
About: This is sort of a family adventure, one that inspired a sequel as well. It was a Netflix original film that features Kurt Russell in the role of Santa Claus. It centers on two kids, who recently lost their father and are left alone on Christmas, trying to find Santa Claus. They do, and it leads to a fun adventure.

Klaus (2019)
About: This is a classic animated tale on Netflix. It tells a very different story, set in 19th Century Norway. This n featured warring clans and a postmaster on a remote island town who befriends a reclusive toymaker. This relies more on the Saint Nicholas of Myra history, with great animation and a captivating story.

Fatman (2020)
About: Have you ever wondered what Santa does the rest of the year? This 2020 film finds Mel Gibson as Chris Cringle, who runs a Christmas present workshop in Alaska. He’s also become somewhat embittered about the state of the world. When he offers a lump of coal to an evil kid, that kid decides to hire a hitman. Action and adventure ensue. This is a radically different kind of Santa Claus and a different kind of Christmas movie.

Violent Night (2022)
About: Here, we get another overly violent tale of Santa Claus. This time the big guy is played by David Harbour, and he’s got a bit of a drinking problem and a bad attitude. But when he stumbles on a family that’s being held hostage, he springs into action with vicious results. It’s a great turn from Harbour and the kind of action-binge you won’t soon forget.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.