Is Dear Santa Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Dear Santa is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Dear Santa Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1998, Dear Santa enters the Family genre with a narrative focused on Gordon Covington is a man who tries to make time for his family despite the demands of his job. Under the direction of Fred Olen Ray, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from D.L. Green. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Dear Santa offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Dear Santa resonates with current cultural themes in the Family space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Dear Santa is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with Ads. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Dear Santa centers on a unique premise within the Family landscape. Gordon Covington is a man who tries to make time for his family despite the demands of his job. But sometimes Covington's boss prevents him from keeping the promises he makes to his kids, and when he misses spending Christmas with the family, an elf named Randy decides to teach Gordon a lesson by turning him into someone else who has to work on Christmas -- Santa Claus. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1998 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Dear Santa has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Dear Santa sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Dear Santa (1998): with an audience rating of 3.8/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Family, Fantasy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Dear Santa Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Dear Santa has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.8/10, and global collection metrics, Dear Santa stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dear Santa movie hit or flop?
Dear Santa is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Dear Santa worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.8/10, Dear Santa may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Dear Santa online?
Dear Santa is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Dear Santa movie hit or flop?
Dear Santa is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Dear Santa worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.8/10, Dear Santa may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Dear Santa online?
Dear Santa is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
What is the story of Dear Santa?
Dear Santa is a Family, Fantasy movie that follows: Gordon Covington is a man who tries to make time for his family despite the demands of his job. But sometimes Covington's boss prevents him from keeping the promises he makes to his kids, and when he ...
Is Dear Santa family friendly?
Yes, Dear Santa is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Family, Fantasy movie.
What language is Dear Santa available in?
Dear Santa is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Gordon Covington is a man who tries to make time for his family despite the demands of his job. But sometimes Covington's boss prevents him from keeping the promises he makes to his kids, and when he misses spending Christmas with the family, an elf named Randy decides to teach Gordon a lesson by turning him into someone else who has to work on Christmas -- Santa Claus.
Critic Reviews
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