It is that time of the year when you will soon want a cup of hot chocolate in hand and loved ones by your side while settling in to watch a festive favorite. Perhaps The Polar Express? Few films bring out the same charm and nostalgia as this classic starring Tom Hanks.

The Oscar-winning actor is impressive in this animated classic, which follows a young boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole. Through the Hero Boy’s experiences of adventure and the wonders of friendship, the film fills the viewers with holiday spirit.

It is a heartwarming must-watch for Christmas, but with so many streaming platforms and their endless titles, where can fans watch it?

Unfortunately, The Polar Express will not be pulling into Netflix this Christmas. The good news? Fans are not out of luck just yet. Since it is a Warner Bros. film, the holiday favorite is currently streaming on HBO Max.

That said, there might not be much time for the viewers to watch and rewatch the movie as, according to JustWatch, The Polar Express is set to leave the platform in just 13 days. As for Netflix, there is still a chance the film could show up down the line. 

The streaming platform has inked a massive $72 billion deal with Warner Bros., which is expected to bring an interesting lineup of movies and shows. Until anything is official, HBO Max remains the destination for this animated Christmas classic. 

After all, The Polar Express, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book, is a seasonal staple. But what is it about this movie that keeps viewers hooked even after all these years?

The reason behind The Polar Express being indispensable is its impressive cast and story. Tom Hanks takes up the job to voice several characters, including the Hero Boy’s father, the Conductor, the Hobo, Santa Claus, and more. 

Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, and Jimmy Bennett are also part of the cast. But the magic is not just the star-studded cast, it is the story that follows Hero Boy’s journey on the train during Christmas and its positive message of believing even when it is not easy that has stayed with fans.

Viewers connected with Hero Boy, who was skeptical about Santa Claus, as well as with Hanks’ impressive talent. While the animation might feel outdated to many, this is exactly what makes it nostalgic, ensuring that every holiday season its loyal viewers look for it on any streaming platform there is.

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Is The Polar Express already on your watchlist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.