Tom Hanks’ Festive Classic Surges on Streaming Charts

With the festive season in full swing, many are settling in to revisit cherished Christmas films. This December, one particular animated feature starring Tom Hanks has made a notable ascent into the top five most-streamed titles on HBO Max, according to recent figures. The Polar Express, celebrated for its distinctive visual style and enduring appeal, continues to draw in viewers year after year.

Tom Hanks Reflects on the Film’s Uncanny Atmosphere

While Hanks lent his voice to several characters in the production, including the Conductor and Hero Boy, it was not the technical challenge that left a lasting impression on him. Instead, the original story by Chris Van Allsburg, with its evocative illustrations and subtle narrative, proved particularly striking. In conversation with IGN, Hanks described the book as possessing a certain mysterious quality that is difficult to define, saying:

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, known for his inventive approach, brought this atmosphere to the screen, resulting in a film that has become a seasonal staple. The creative partnership between Zemeckis and Hanks has since led to several further collaborations.

Why Classic Christmas Films Remain Timeless

There is a certain comfort in returning to familiar festive favourites. Nostalgia plays a significant role, as these films often evoke memories of warmth and togetherness. For many, watching these stories is a tradition that marks the season, offering a sense of continuity and reassurance.

Beyond nostalgia, these classics have helped shape the values and beliefs of generations. The lessons and morals woven into their narratives continue to resonate, reinforcing shared ideals each time they are revisited. Notably, many older Christmas films were produced without the pressure of blockbuster expectations, allowing for greater creativity and a focus on universal themes.

Key Details About The Polar Express

For those interested in the particulars, 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 an IMDb rating of 6.6 out of 10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 55% from critics and 64% from audiences. At the box office, it earned a respectable $286 million.

The Polar Express is currently available to stream on HBO Max and Hulu in the United States.