**Tom Hanks’ The Polar Express Re-enters Streaming Top 10 on HBO Max**
Key Takeaways:
- Tom Hanks’ only Christmas movie, The Polar Express, is back on HBO Max’s top 10 chart in the U.S.
- The film, despite criticism of its animation style, remains a perennial holiday favorite
- The Polar Express is currently the sixth-highest-grossing Christmas film of all time
Los Angeles, CA — Tom Hanks is trending this week as his animated holiday classic, The Polar Express, has reappeared in the top 10 most-streamed movies on HBO Max, nearly two decades after its release. As Americans usher in the festive season, the 2004 Christmas film is witnessing a surge in viewer interest, tapping into holiday nostalgia and seasonal streaming trends.
Holiday Favorite Climbs the Streaming Charts
According to newly released streaming data, The Polar Express has re-entered the U.S. top ten on HBO Max alongside other Christmas staples like Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, the film is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book of the same name. Its seasonal resurgence underscores its enduring appeal, especially as viewers return to familiar holiday stories each December.
Why the Film Still Resonates—Despite Its Visual Criticism
While The Polar Express polarized critics upon release due to its then-groundbreaking, now polarizing use of motion-capture animation, the narrative and Hanks’ extensive voice work continue to attract audiences. The movie holds a 55% critics score and a more favorable 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. With a budget of $170 million and a global box office return of $320 million, the film was not considered a major financial win at the time but has proven to be a long-term asset in the holiday content library.
Streaming’s Role in Holiday Content Revivals
As the holiday content market becomes increasingly competitive, classic seasonal titles like The Polar Express benefit from annual rediscoveries on streaming platforms. HBO Max, in particular, sees increased user engagement during December. The current spike in streams demonstrates the growing reliance on established content to drive platform retention during holiday periods when families spend more time at home. Additionally, Tom Hanks’ enduring popularity continues to bolster the film’s appeal across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Tom Hanks trending?
A: His Christmas film The Polar Express has returned to the top 10 most-streamed movies on HBO Max.
Q: What happens next?
A: The film is expected to maintain strong streaming performance through the rest of the holiday season.
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