Tom Hanks’animated Christmas hit has become a classic over the past two decades, provingElfwasn’t the last great festive film.Having started his acting career in the 1980s, Hanks has been part of some massive movies over the years, and while his Christmas classic may not be among the best, it has still evolved into an iconic part of the holidays. However, many of thebest Christmas movies of all timewere released before the 2000s, creating conversations about what the last truly iconic festive film was, with many citingElfas the most recent hit.
While there is no denyingElfperformed better across the board than Hanks' $318 million project, the animated classic has seemingly become more popular with age. The movie is not without its criticisms, as many have pointed out that the animation doesn’t hold up to today’s standards, while others have questioned how logical the plot is. Fortunately, Christmas films aren’t exactly famous for their realism, as the likes ofHome AloneandHow The Grinch Stole Christmashave proven. Therefore,Tom Hanks’The Polar Expressdeserves to be recognized as a classic, as it has maintained its relevancy decades later.
The Polar Express Became Another Christmas Classic Just 1 Year After Elf
Tom Hanks' Animated Hit Returns To Relevancy Every Christmas
DespiteElfcementing itself as an all-time great Christmas film in 2003,The Polar Expressjoined that list just one year later. In terms of reviews,The Polar Expressfalls short ofElfas it is a relatively divisive movie, but there is no denying its massive popularity. The movie trends annually around the holidays and seems to be part of many people’s Christmas calendar, proving it belongs in the cultural discussions alongsideElf. Its wholesome story captures the holiday spirit and, despite the movie’s flaws,The Polar Expresscontinues to be a feel-good film every year.
Even if it isn’t to everyone’s taste,The Polar Expresshas plenty of secrets and hidden detailsthat make a rewatch worthwhile, andTom Hanks' impressive performance as multiple characters has justified the movie’s long-lasting legacy. Alongside remaining relevant two decades later, it was a box office hit of its time, indicating that it is still a major success even though audiences are split on it. Therefore, excludingThe Polar Expressfrom the conversation about the last great Christmas film is hard to justify, as it is undoubtedly one of the last certified festive classics.
The Polar Express 2 Is Finally In Development Due To Its Enduring Popularity
A Sequel Is On The Way After Cementing Its Legacy Over The Past 2 Decades
Two decades after the original was released,The Polar Express 2is finally in development. Although other Christmas hits have attempted to follow up the initial triumph with a sequel and failed,The Polar Express 2has a great chance of success given how much animation has improved throughout the years. The slightly unsettling visuals are one of the biggest critiques when it comes to the first film, meaning the sequel could improve massively. However, a follow-up movie wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for its popularity lasting all this time, reinforcing its status as a holiday classic.
Without so many people supportingThe Polar Expressand making it trend every year, it would likely have faded into obscurity and been forgotten. Instead, audiences continue to watch and talk about the film, giving it a chance to be even bigger through its sequel. A new project does have some major risks, asThe Polar Express 2needs Tom Hanksgiven how influential he was in the first outing, and the movie could flop without him. In addition, major stylistic changes and a more modern story could make it lose part of its identity.
Still, there remains a healthy level of excitement around the nextPolar Expressfilm and, given how much support it has had over the last 20 years, viewers are almost certain to give the long-awaited follow-up the opportunity it deserves.
Which Movies That Released After Polar Express Could Become Certified Christmas Classics
There Are A Number Of Modern Christmas Films That Could Become Part Of The Festive Calendar
Currently,The Polar Expressmay hold the title of the last great Christmas classic, but there are plenty of modern flicks that could join that conversation in the future. Festive rom-coms have become pretty synonymous with Christmas, and 2006’sThe Holidayhas maintained its relevancy for quite some time. It might not have the cult following ofLove Actually, butThe Holidayremains a must-watch movie for many around the holidays, suggesting it could already be considered a classic. In addition,Arthur ChristmasandKlausmake a case for being among some of the best animated festive films.
Both are great family-friendly options for those wanting a fun, laid-back Christmas story that is bound to bring a smile to your face. AlthoughArthur Christmasis older,Klausfound a lot of streaming success when it debuted on Netflix, suggesting the two films could continue to grow in popularity as the years roll on. The past decade alone has treated us to some big hits, as, alongside Klaus,The Christmas Chronicles,Violent Night,A Boy Called Christmas, andKrampushave all offered something different, meaning they could all joinTom Hanks’The Polar Expressas certified Christmas classics.
The Polar Express
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is an animated holiday-fantasy film by director Robert Zemeckis. A young boy is spirited away on Christmas Eve aboard the magical Polar Express, where he meets new friends on a journey to rediscover their belief in Christmas.
