Tom Hanks played 7 people in "The Polar Express", including Santa Claus

Of course, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'Elf' and 'A Christmas Story' all reign supreme when it comes to classic holiday movies, but if you love Tom Hanks as much as we do, then you don't. no I don't want to sleep on "The Polar Express". (Really, you might miss your stop.) In addition to voicing the incredibly punctual conductor in the film, the actor and America's dad plays six other characters who contribute to the fantasy of the 2004 film. /p>

"Remember that the true spirit of Christmas is in your heart."

As the narrator, he takes us to a snowy world where an enchanted train can transport children directly to the North Pole, a universe straight out of the 1985 book of the same name that inspired the film. As the ghost of the man who rides the Polar Express, he tests Hero Boy's (Daryl Sabara and Josh Hutcherson) faith in Santa Claus. " Seeing is believing. Am I right ? he tells the Hero Boy as they make their journey to see Santa in person once and for all. With the help of his friends - the Know It-All (Eddie Deezen) and the Hero Girl (Nona Gaye) - the Hero Boy clings to hope that Santa Claus is real.

And of course, Hanks is also the voice of Santa Claus, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts by reminding the Hero Boy to always believe. "This bell is a wonderful symbol of the Christmas spirit, just like me," Santa Claus tells the Hero Boy when they finally meet. As a keepsake, Santa Claus presents the boy with a magic silver bell that can only be heard by those who believe in the Christmas spirit. "Remember that the true spirit of Christmas is in your heart," he adds.

From the wild screams and stern warnings to the bellowing "ho ho ho" he lets out as Santa Claus, Hanks' heartfelt performances make "The Polar Express" a modern-day holiday classic. Ahead, take a closer look at all of its characters and relive some of their best moments throughout the film.