SummaryWhen a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
Directed By:George Seaton
Written By:George Seaton, Valentine Davies
Miracle on 34th Street
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
88
User score
Generally Favorable
7.8
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
88
100% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
It is light, it is charming, it is delightfully funny and completely captivating. It is all that, and something more. It has an undefinable spiritual quality that raises the spirits of the beholder into a happy, hopeful mood.
90
The freshest little picture in a long time, and maybe even the best comedy of this year.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.8
87% Positive
39 Ratings
39 Ratings
11% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
2% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Jul 1, 2023
10
This film is a miraculous find. In my opinion, it is one of the best christmas films ever.
Mar 28, 2022
10
I will admit it, I may be biased. I love Christmas movies, such as Scrooge, It's A Wonderful Life, Muppet Christmas Carol and the first two Home Alone movies. But really your Christmas is incomplete without the original Miracle on 34th Street, which is quite simply a timeless Christmas treasure. It is magical, imaginative and in some ways witty as well. The simple but effective and sparkling plot tells of a man believing himself as Santa is institutionalised for being insane, but sets out to prove he is the genuine article. The screenplay is lovely, spirited and pleasant, maybe it needed to be a little more snappy in places but compared to how wonderful the film was I am past caring. The cinematography and scenery are fabulous, the whole film is stunning to watch, and the music is gorgeous. And the acting, one word superb! As Kris Kringle, Edmund Gwenn is just marvellous. He positively twinkles in the role, and did he deserve the Oscar win for best supporting actor. Why am I asking that, of course he did. Maureen O'Hara, who was a stunning actress is so lovely as Doris, and as Fred John Payne also shines. And Natalie Wood is believable and absolutely adorable as Susan. What makes this movie though is that it teaches great morals, without preaching. All in all, a truly great film, that made me believe in Santa. 10/10 Bethany Cox
90
So you don't believe in Santa Claus? If you want to stay a non-believer don't see Miracle.
88
Christmas classic. [06 Nov 1997]
88
A Christmas season evergreen.
80
It's a highly professional piece of Hollywood sentimentalism.
75
A touch labored but lovable.
Jan 1, 2026
9
Miracle on 34th Street. Good Magic. "Miracle on 34th Street" is a warm and touching film that fills the soul with comfort and faith in kindness. The story of Santa, whom everyone begins to doubt, evokes a smile and reflects on the importance of dreams and faith. Excellent acting and atmospheric cinematography create a sense of magic. This classic film remains relevant, reminding us of the power of hope and the need to believe in kindness even in difficult times.
Sep 17, 2024
9
It takes a lot for me to fall for a sentimental Christmas movie, but this one displays excellent balance, charming performances and an original angle that still remains pertinent seventy years after the fact. Miracle on 34th Street thrives on Edmund Gwenn's definitive performance as Kris Kringle, the man who professes to be the one true St. Nick despite the protests of his bosses and coworkers at a busy New York Macy's. His warmth is enveloping and genuine, from the twinkle in his eye to the unspoken connection he shares with children. The film's cornerstone moment is an unexpectedly touching little interaction between Gwenn's Santa and a freshly-adopted little Dutch girl who absolutely blossoms when he speaks her native tongue. It's stuffed with such surprising bits of whimsy, even as the drama ratchets and we find ourselves in the midst of a courtroom drama, and that keeps things from feeling excessively heavy. In short, it's a heartwarming dash of holiday cheer that nails the spirit of the season without feeling too cheesy, preachy or religious. Well deserving of its reputation as a classic.
Dec 28, 2023
8
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.
Production Company:
- 20th Century Fox
Release Date:Jun 4, 1947
Duration:1 h 36 m
Rating:TV-PG
Tagline:You've got them mixed up! You're making a mistake. You're making a mistake with the reindeer. Tsk tsk tsk
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 3 Wins & 4 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Photoplay Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
