Miracle on 34th Street

Released May 2, 1947

1 hr. 36 min.

Holiday

Comedy

Drama

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List

96%

52 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain's main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.

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Critics Consensus

Irrefutable proof that gentle sentimentalism can be the chief ingredient in a wonderful film, Miracle on 34th Street delivers a warm holiday message without resorting to treacle.

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Jeff M

There are very few things in life I know for sure. But I know for sure that Edmund Gwenn will be Santa Claus in my heart for as long as I live. It's an absolutely transcendent Oscar-winning performance that seems to go beyond mere acting into something other-worldly. His is one of my very favorite Academy Award wins of all time. And as for the movie itself, well, I think it's basically flawless. I can't think of a single thing I would change, and I can't think of another movie with so many iconic moments that move and inspire me upon every single viewing. I've said before that I've never seen as luminous an actress as O'Hara, and she is as radiant as always and has the biggest arc in the movie. Natalie Wood gives one of the great child performances ever, ably projecting precociousness without becoming cloying or grating. And in many ways, Payne is the unsung hero of the story in a wonderfully generous and understated performance. There are at least half a dozen scenes and moments that I will never forget, from Gwenn's joyous expression when the mailbags are brought in to the courtroom to O'Hara's post script in Wood's letter to Santa to the remarkable scene when Gwenn communicates to the little Dutch girl in her native language. This movie is like a warm blanket in front of a roaring fire, and I can't imagine the holidays without it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/24

Full Review

Andrew K

This is the first time I have seen this movie since I was a child and I have to say, I liked it a lot more now than I did when I was a kid. What a joyful and heartfelt movie with a lovely message for Christmas.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/28/23

Full Review

Tom R

Really a lovely film. I thought it was witty and deserves its holiday classic status. Ending was sweet and had some good fun along the way.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

John Paul I

Just a great movie about a question we all face at one time, does Santa Clause exist? The ending will fill you with joy to know……. He does exist. In all of us. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Yash B

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a timeless and sweet holiday classic. This type of movie is just good for the soul and it's easy to see why it has been a beloved movie to watch during the holidays for so many. The movie has a solid premise that is genuinely engaging, but also a good positive message. I do think it is a movie that does feel a bit older in some ways, but it is paced a lot better than a lot of films from this era, and it held my interest the whole way through. Overall, it is a movie that is full of smiles and good-natured moments, and I can definitely see myself watching it again in a future holiday season.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

Vince D

A Christmas Classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

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George Seaton

Director

Maureen O'Hara

Doris Walker

John Payne

Fred Gailey

Edmund Gwenn

Kris Kringle

Gene Lockhart

Judge Henry X. Harper

Natalie Wood

Susan Walker

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Miracle on 34th Street: Trailer 1

2:01

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Miracle on 34th Street is the gift that keeps on giving.

Rated: 4/4

Dec 21, 2022

Full Review

Kate Cameron

New York Daily News

It is light, it is charming, it is delightfully funny and completely captivating. It is all that, and something more.

Rated: 4/4

May 11, 2015

Full Review

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

A Christmas season evergreen.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 4, 2013

Full Review

Tim Dirks

Filmsite

Director George Seaton's popular and perennial Thanksgiving and Christmas classic holiday film was a dramatic comedy-fantasy about the commercialization of Santa Claus (Kris Kringle) and Christmas itself. The sentimental and appealing

Rated: A+

Oct 12, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

A sentimental, heartwarming piece, designed to be a fluffy bit of yuletide entertainment.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

Carson Timar

ButteredPopcorn

For those looking for a strong and wholesome holiday special, it is hard to find much better than Miracle on 34th Street.

Rated: A

Aug 28, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain's main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.

Director: George Seaton
Screenwriter: George Seaton
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Holiday , Comedy , Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 1947, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013

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