A Bizarre Sci-Fi Christmas Classic Turns 60

You might not expect a Christmas movie to come from Mars, but that’s exactly what happened with Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Turning 60 this year, this film has a strange charm that makes it a holiday classic, despite its many flaws. The story kicks off with Martian kids getting hooked on Earth TV. Their dad, Kimar, decides the best solution is to kidnap Santa Claus. With a cast of respected actors like John Call as Santa, the film has a surprisingly solid foundation. But with terrible special effects and cheesy dialogue, it’s become a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. The Martians’ plan to bring joy to their planet is a mess, but the film’s so-bad-it’s-good appeal keeps it entertaining. Even though it’s objectively bad, its homemade feel makes it endearing compared to today’s polished Christmas movies.