Tom Hanks’ Adventure Movie Crosses a Major Milestone at the Perfect Holiday Time
A Christmas Eve train journey
The Polar Express follows an unnamed boy who boards a train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The trip gives children a chance to see Santa Claus take flight before Christmas begins.
The boy starts out doubting Santa, but his journey gradually leads him toward belief in the holiday’s magic. Hanks plays several characters, including the conductor, the hobo, Scrooge and Santa Claus.
A milestone on HBO Max
Data dated November 11, 2026, showed the film had reached 100 days in HBO Max’s U.S. Top 10. At the time, it was ranked No. 3 on the service.
Elf, the Christmas comedy starring Will Ferrell, held the position above it, followed by The Invite, Seth Rogen’s latest movie. The Polar Express continued to attract viewers as the holiday season neared.
A lasting holiday favorite
Reviews for The Polar Express are mixed on sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, but its holiday history has helped it endure as a modern classic. Hanks’ multiple roles and the film’s motion-capture animation distinguish it within his career.
The movie was adapted from Chris Van Allsburg’s book. His Jumanji also became a franchise after a film adaptation, and the article notes that a similar future is possible for The Polar Express.
Sequel plans remain uncertain
As of 2024, a sequel to The Polar Express was in development, but no information had been shared about who would be involved. The animated format could allow Hanks to return to the story and its characters.
Whether a sequel moves forward remains unclear. Regardless, Hanks’ performance has become a lasting part of the film’s place in Christmas movie history.
Key points
- The Polar Express reached 100 days in HBO Max’s U.S. Top 10, according to November 11, 2026 data.
- The film ranked third, behind Elf and The Invite.
- Hanks voices several characters, including the conductor and Santa Claus.
- A sequel was in development as of 2024, with no cast details announced.