Klaus is an amusing new twist on a very old story. It's a heart-warming tale with an uplifting message about kindness, featuring beautifully unique animation, interesting characters, and a clever plot. In the sea of generic Christmas movies that get churned out each holiday season, Klaus stands out because it tried something different and it succeeded.
798 Reviews
Watch and learn, Disney
tarapov-92-65406417 November 2019
Very solid original story, awesome visual style and great writing. All it takes. On the contrary, reinventing 30 year old cartoons and doubling down on puritan stuff does not help.
This film deserves broader recognition - best Christmas catroon in a long long time
This film deserves broader recognition - best Christmas catroon in a long long time
It's one of the best Christmas movies I've ever seen!
evilmonkey22616 November 2019
At first I thought it would be dumb, but omg it was AMAZING! The story was awesome (I won't give any spoilers) and there were parts that made me laugh so hard and parts that made me cry. I don't usually cry during movies, but I'm sitting here writing this review with tears in my eyes. I think it is going to become a new movie to watch every Christmas with my family!
Wholesome and Original
arcticerika17 November 2019
Klaus was a heartwarming animation with a very unique take on the "Christmas origin". I originally put it on as background noise for folding laundry but caught myself sitting on the bed for the entirety of the movie. The animation was really well done and the characters were memorable. I loved the similarities with Tim Burton films. It's nice to have a different Christmas film but that has the spirit nevertheless.
One of the best Christmas animations in awhile. Great film!
My Christmas watchlist just got a little longer
CubsandCulture9 December 2019
Everything about this droll take on the Santa myth is inspired. JK SImmons as the title character, the animation style, the way in which the various elements of the mythos come together organically and so forth all just fit. Even the final moment of magical realism is just right. It all adds up to a heart warming tale of Christmas.
I will be watching this each year for awhile.
I will be watching this each year for awhile.
A heartwarming, charming and gorgeous animated movie.
Martinito_0818328 December 2019
A heartwarming, charming and gorgeous animated movie that retells Santa Clause's origin story in a new and interesting way, although it does stumble in some places, especially with it's familiar story that we've experienced before and hitting most of the same beats (but that doesn't mean that it didn't had great moments); some of the characters needed more development (like the schoolteacher Alva, who unfortunately comes out as a generic love interest, while still shines in some moments throughout the story), while others (the villains) can be considered average at best; music, which was 30% great, while the other 70% didn't stand out all that much or the composer is repeating the same music a couple of times and the dialogue was great and in some moments OK at best, which included jokes that weren't all that funny.
There is one thing that i want to mention: before i saw the movie, i read some reviews and saying that the main character Jesper has the same characteristics with a another existing character in a animated movie and that character was Kuzco from the movie "The Emperor's New Groove" and how they were too similar to each other. There is truth to that discussion, since Jesper starts out the same way and act the same way throughout the movie, but for me - he did grow on me the more and more i continue watching the movie and i started to separate him and Kuzco from one another and Jesper did stand on its own as a character.
I'll just say it, since it's the most noticeable thing in the movie: i ADORE the animation. It's so gorgeous to look at. All of the designs of the characters, the environments, the movements of the characters and the lighting are just masterfully made and the cinematography accompanies it and making it jaw-dropping to look at. If that movie doesn't inspire you to become a animator, then i don't know what can.
I'm so happy that people from around the world are still keeping the spirit of the traditional animation alive and proving to the huge corporate studios, who abandoned that technique of animation (i'm looking at you Disney), which existed for far long than we can remember is not dead and it doesn't give up on a fight. That doesn't mean that i don't adore the 3D / CGI animation that Pixar created (which i'm so grateful for that), which also creating a new way to tell stories, but it's sad that we only get 3D / CGI animated movies in the movie theater and the only way to see new traditional animated movies is on streaming services like Netflix or in festivals. Movies like "Klaus" still give me hope and that's a good thing. I'm giving "Klaus" a 7.4/10.
There is one thing that i want to mention: before i saw the movie, i read some reviews and saying that the main character Jesper has the same characteristics with a another existing character in a animated movie and that character was Kuzco from the movie "The Emperor's New Groove" and how they were too similar to each other. There is truth to that discussion, since Jesper starts out the same way and act the same way throughout the movie, but for me - he did grow on me the more and more i continue watching the movie and i started to separate him and Kuzco from one another and Jesper did stand on its own as a character.
I'll just say it, since it's the most noticeable thing in the movie: i ADORE the animation. It's so gorgeous to look at. All of the designs of the characters, the environments, the movements of the characters and the lighting are just masterfully made and the cinematography accompanies it and making it jaw-dropping to look at. If that movie doesn't inspire you to become a animator, then i don't know what can.
I'm so happy that people from around the world are still keeping the spirit of the traditional animation alive and proving to the huge corporate studios, who abandoned that technique of animation (i'm looking at you Disney), which existed for far long than we can remember is not dead and it doesn't give up on a fight. That doesn't mean that i don't adore the 3D / CGI animation that Pixar created (which i'm so grateful for that), which also creating a new way to tell stories, but it's sad that we only get 3D / CGI animated movies in the movie theater and the only way to see new traditional animated movies is on streaming services like Netflix or in festivals. Movies like "Klaus" still give me hope and that's a good thing. I'm giving "Klaus" a 7.4/10.
I am not crying, you are crying.
kaleem_09198325 November 2019
'A true selfless act always sparks another'...
Xstal1 November 2020
As valid as any other conjured story about a benevolent old man with a fluffy grey beard. Great animation through an original tale albeit one whose characters don't demonstrate too much diversity which may leave it slightly less appealing to those not of Western European descent, nothing new there though.
Never thought I'd give a "sappy" cartoon a 10, but what a surprise
andymhancock16 November 2019
Sure, sappiness is cute, and fun to indulge in. I thought I'd seen it all. But what sappiness was in the movie well used. The main thrust was not sappy. It was a well told story, with the proper nuances in the animation and the vocalization. I consider this movie to be for adults. You will thoroughly enjoy it.
An early Christmas present.
Pjtaylor-96-1380443 December 2019
'Klaus (2019)' is essentially a demystified 'Santa Claus' origin story and it's as formulaic as you'd, perhaps, expect. It's also just delightful. Its predictability can't prevent it from being good and, boy, is it good. It's an enjoyable, effective and visually striking animation with a kind heart and a gentle spirit. It sidesteps the sloppy sentimentality usually associated with 'Christmas' movies in favour of, essentially, a subtler sort of the same thing. Its 'Christmas spirit' is strong but well-earned, sweet but not sickly. The movie is just a joy, in general. It's fun, fast-paced and aesthetically distinct, brought to life with a beautiful 2D-3D blend. It doesn't feel entirely typical, either, thanks to its endearingly strange setting and relatively well-realised characters. It makes a couple of very minor missteps - such as a second-act lull in pace and a slightly odd ending - but it's ultimately a thoroughly entertaining experience. 7/10
Am I missing something?
duppyrobert31 December 2019
The only reason I watched this movie is because of the stunning reviews.... and I don't get it. This is just an average film that isn't that funny or emotional. The animation looks pretty good though. Don't get bamboozled by the 10 star reviews
A New Christmas Classic
magdalena_15 November 2019
What a joy to watch! I absolutely loved this hand-drawn animated film, the story kept me entertained from start to finish and I'm very glad that Netflix is giving this art form a platform on its streaming service.
Well done.
c-bevan15 November 2019
Beautiful
dermotprendergast16 November 2019
lovely
Kirpianuscus28 July 2021
An old story. The fair way to tell it again. A film seductive for so many motives than it is bzarre to define them because, maybe, each viewer discover his interesting things . It is a Christmas film, with the rights to be a classic one, for the wise way to explore the manner to become adult, the hate, the changes as result of the facts of one man, about dreams and purposes, interests, generosity and love. Happily , it is more than a film about Santa. In fact, it has the precious gift to be exactly a film about his viewers. And that is just the great detail defining it.
Best Netflix animated yet?
manos-8455715 November 2019
Decent
nrjsalodkar24 July 2020
This is a story of an alternate version of the origins of Santa Clause and his gifts. The best part of this movie is its visuals. I don't know how they did it, but they are just breathtaking, even better than some of the Pixar movies.
Even though the screen time is around 80 minutes, it still feels a drag sometimes. The dialogues were not that catchy, funny or interesting for me to be engaged thoroughly in the film.
The film reaches its zenith with its emotional points and its visuals. Overall a decent watch.
Even though the screen time is around 80 minutes, it still feels a drag sometimes. The dialogues were not that catchy, funny or interesting for me to be engaged thoroughly in the film.
The film reaches its zenith with its emotional points and its visuals. Overall a decent watch.
Best christmas movie ever
gauravleoheart16 November 2019
Yes i said it. That is a big statement to back up but i believe that this movie covers anything christmas is all about. Not just that, it is really one of the best Santa Klaus story ever if not the one.
Solitude, selfishness, hatred -- All these attributes have to stand this christmas movie and bow down to the love, warmth, kindness this story brings.
Thank you for making this one and reminding us all what great animated stories are about.
Solitude, selfishness, hatred -- All these attributes have to stand this christmas movie and bow down to the love, warmth, kindness this story brings.
Thank you for making this one and reminding us all what great animated stories are about.
A True Act of Goodwill Always Sparks Another
ThomasDrufke27 February 2020
Klaus pretty much represents both sides of animated films in the 21st century. Sometimes you have a film with glorious animation and an immersive story that challenges the viewer. Other times, you have silly animation that feels like it's only meant for the kids of the household under 10 years old. It's a tale of two halves and Klaus at the very least, ends on a touching note and finishes well overall. The message is clear by the time the credits roll but for a while I was unsure about the direction the Oscar nominated feature was going.
7.4/10
7.4/10
Well produced but incredibly generic
Ramdapanda15 December 2019
Klaus has a really strong opening and premise. Sadly, everything starts to fall apart about half way through where it becomes painstakingly clear how everything will turn out. Down to the lazy romance, the obvious everything is great but then something will happen so it's not great (this part in particular made no sense, but I guess it just had to be there?) Followed by a happily ever after ending (which ofc makes perfect sense in a Christmas movie.)
The characters are all very basic. Especially the antagonists have no depth what so ever. They are just bad because they're supposed to be.
Don't get me wrong, Klaus is a great movie if you want some of that Christmas spirit, but it's far from being a masterpiece or even great.
The characters are all very basic. Especially the antagonists have no depth what so ever. They are just bad because they're supposed to be.
Don't get me wrong, Klaus is a great movie if you want some of that Christmas spirit, but it's far from being a masterpiece or even great.
Such a good film!!
pere_tech16 November 2019
Wasn't sure what to expect but completely exceeded all my expectations. Funny, smart and with heart. The animation and production quality is fantastic. Has that classic 2D animation aesthetic combined with 3D. Feast for the eyes, mind and heart. Great film, thanks for the little Christmas gift. 😁
Rare christmas story
caroline_schmid15 November 2019
A truly heartwarming story. About how little kindnesses can make life more beautiful, children's laughter can warm the heart and Christmas can actually be a beautiful contemplative time.
A truly beautiful Christmas story is told here with humour and love for detail. For young and old. I could watch the film again tight now.. :)
A truly beautiful Christmas story is told here with humour and love for detail. For young and old. I could watch the film again tight now.. :)
KLAUS: The Netflix Classic for Christmas.
edicionccq23 November 2019
I typically wouldn't mention a movie as a classic except for the two first films of Shrek. But Klaus it's amazing.
Allow me to explain myself.
There are so many reasons why Klaus remains as a classic.
FIRST of all and the most visible one:THE ANIMATION. I'm not an animator but I love animation so I can tell when something is beautifully animated. Klaus isn't animated by computer, is hand-drawn animation which involves so much more work and it's worthy at the end because the result is so delightful. The colors, the details, the characters, the locations and every particular aspect are properly drawn, so you feel so good watching it.
SECOND: You need more than looks to produce a classic and this film has a pretty good STORY. The plot is simple, a post man is sent to the unhappiest place in the world to deliver 6,000 letters, but in this place nobody delivers letters. Simple, the way that this plot seeks his way to include the origin story of Santa Claus it's amazing. Every twist is graceful and the ending is satisfactory.
THIRD: animation and story are reached because of THE CHARACTERS: Every single and unique character has their own storyline developed satisfactorily.
From beginning to end, the film is perfection for the Christmas holiday.
Allow me to explain myself.
There are so many reasons why Klaus remains as a classic.
FIRST of all and the most visible one:THE ANIMATION. I'm not an animator but I love animation so I can tell when something is beautifully animated. Klaus isn't animated by computer, is hand-drawn animation which involves so much more work and it's worthy at the end because the result is so delightful. The colors, the details, the characters, the locations and every particular aspect are properly drawn, so you feel so good watching it.
SECOND: You need more than looks to produce a classic and this film has a pretty good STORY. The plot is simple, a post man is sent to the unhappiest place in the world to deliver 6,000 letters, but in this place nobody delivers letters. Simple, the way that this plot seeks his way to include the origin story of Santa Claus it's amazing. Every twist is graceful and the ending is satisfactory.
THIRD: animation and story are reached because of THE CHARACTERS: Every single and unique character has their own storyline developed satisfactorily.
From beginning to end, the film is perfection for the Christmas holiday.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews