Miracle on 34th Street

PG

Released Nov 18, 1994

1h 54m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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List

60%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Six-year-old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) is skeptical of the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus, a trait she perhaps learned from her mother, Dorey (Elizabeth Perkins). When tasked with hiring the Santa who will pose with kids at Macy's, Dorey enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) who claims to be Santa himself. His assertions are met with scoffs and threats of institutionalization, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense.

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Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

When [it] remembers that it's supposed to be a sweet piece of hokum, when it has the wit to leave Attenborough and Wilson on the screen together and forget about its rash of putative improvements, it does offer well-scrubbed family fare.

Oct 24, 2018

Full Review

Angie Errigo

Empire Magazine

Richard Attenborough positively sparkles in the role of the mysterious Kriss Kringle, giving a restrained and genuinely sweet performance.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 23, 2018

Full Review

Geoff Brown

Times (UK)

The sanitised setting may generate a Yuletide glow, but it gives a hollow, even cynical ring to the film's championship of faith, hope and charity, sweetness and light.

Dec 31, 2017

Full Review

Brett White

Decider

The well-rounded characters, scene-stealing performances, lovely lighting, and lush costumes combine to place the 1994 Miracle on 34th Street in the top tier of must-watch Christmas movies.

Dec 10, 2019

Full Review

Tom Hutchinson

Radio Times

Although the film as a whole is a much more glamorous affair, and Wilson and Elizabeth Perkins as her mother are undoubtedly charming, it does lack some of the magic of the original.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 23, 2018

Full Review

Screen It! staff

Screen It!

While some will scoff at the idea of a remake of the original film, this is a fairly enjoyable version of the story.

Rated: 6.5/10

Oct 23, 2018

Full Review

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Tim M

It certainly has its Christmas spirit in the right place, but the Miracle on 34th Street remake wants desperately for the original's old-timey charm and wit.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/03/24

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Matthew D

Mara Wilson is adorable as the tiny daughter who wants to believe in Santa. Sir Richard Attenborough is so heartwarming and kind as the real Santa Claus. Dylan McDermott is handsome and likable. Elizabeth Perkins is so pretty and the warm lighting literally lets her glow in every scene. A cute Christmas classic that's as sweet as the original.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Lashawn G

The movie is so good its bright,beautiful,joyful and entertaing and whenever you watch it you feel so happy.some people may think its flawed but its a worthy watch

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/27/23

Full Review

kelton l

The original was touching, sentimental, with great characters that we root for despite their beliefs( and disbeliefs) and leaves its surprises to the end. It was also well scripted with a lot of lighthearted humor. This version was a bit depressing and a wee bit creepy. Attenborough seems weird with an affected smile and winking that was supposed to be good natured , the mom is blindsided by an unwanted proposal is especially cruel and her suitor turns hostile demanding his feelings be returned . I did not like these people.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Test T

I watched this on TV this evening. It's an entertaining and family friendly Christmas film with many different elements that will appeal to a broad audience. I've not seen the original so can't compare the two versions, but this one is good enough to fill an empty slot on Christmas Eve for most people, and I recommend it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

Joel H

The original Miracle on 34th Street didn't need a remake, but this version isn't terrible. I actually think Richard Attenborough makes a great Santa Claus, and Elizabeth Perkins portrays a skeptical mother pretty well. However, this new adaptation makes some unnecessary additions that don't really add anything to the story (though they certainly add to the runtime) and it changes some parts that lessen the overall impact of the movie. I'm not surprised that people still choose to watch the classic 1947 film each year instead of this, but I don't mind watching the 1994 version every few Christmases.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/24/23

Full Review

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Les Mayfield

Director

Richard Attenborough

Kris Kringle

Elizabeth Perkins

Dorey Walker

Dylan McDermott

Bryan Bedford

Mara Wilson

Susan Walker

Robert Prosky

Judge Henry Harper

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Miracle on 34th Street: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Six-year-old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) is skeptical of the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus, a trait she perhaps learned from her mother, Dorey (Elizabeth Perkins). When tasked with hiring the Santa who will pose with kids at Macy's, Dorey enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) who claims to be Santa himself. His assertions are met with scoffs and threats of institutionalization, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense.

Director: Les Mayfield
Producer: John Hughes
Screenwriter: Valentine Davies, George Seaton, John Hughes
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Hughes Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG (Some Mild Language)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 18, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.2M
Runtime: 1h 54m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS

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