Tom Hanks’ Animated Christmas Classic Surges on Streaming

With the festive season in full swing, it’s that time of year when locals settle in for a rewatch of their favourite Christmas flicks. On HBO Max, a familiar animated feature starring Tom Hanks has shot up the streaming charts, landing in the Top 5 as of 19 December 2025. The Polar Express, a film that’s become a staple for many, is once again drawing in punters looking for a bit of holiday magic.

Regarded as a standout in the Christmas genre, this animated adventure is known for its unique visuals and timeless story. Tom Hanks, who voices several characters, has spoken about the film’s haunting quality, which he credits to the original book’s atmosphere and illustrations.

Tom Hanks on the Eerie Charm of The Polar Express

While Hanks took on multiple roles in the film, including The Conductor and Hero Boy, it wasn’t the workload that left a lasting impression. Instead, it was the story itself, penned by Chris Van Allsburg, that struck a chord with him. In an interview, Hanks described the book’s effect:

The book itself, the 29 pages of it, is a haunting, very effective story, and you really can’t quite put your finger on it. I’ve been reading it to my kids, I think, since it was published. And as you get closer and closer to Christmas, you read it more and more. There’s something very stunning, quite frankly, about Chris Van Allsburg’s paintings.

Director Robert Zemeckis brought his signature touch to the project, helping to create a film that’s stuck with audiences for years. It’s no wonder Hanks and Zemeckis have teamed up on several other projects since.

Why Old Christmas Films Still Hit the Mark

There’s something about classic holiday films that keeps people coming back. Nostalgia plays a big part—these stories remind us of simpler times and the comfort of familiar traditions. For many, revisiting these films is a way to reconnect with the warmth and values they grew up with.

Another reason these films endure is their focus on shared values and straightforward storytelling. Unlike today’s big-budget blockbusters, older Christmas films often took creative risks and put heart at the centre of the story, making them memorable for generations.

Key Details About The Polar Express

Here’s a quick look at the essentials: The Polar Express was directed by Robert Zemeckis and features a cast including Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter, and Leslie Zemeckis. The film holds a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb and scores of 55% and 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. At the box office, it pulled in a solid $286 million.

If you’re keen to revisit this animated classic, it’s currently available to stream on HBO Max and Hulu in the US.