The Polar Express

A 2004 American animated Christmas fantasy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, who also co-wrote the screenplay with William Broyles Jr. Chris Van Allsburg wrote the 1985 children's book behind the film, and the two share a title. Tom Hanks stars in multiple roles, including the Conductor and Santa Claus. The story follows a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, boards a magical train bound for the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The film was the first full-length feature to be entirely created using motion capture technology, allowing for highly realistic animation. It premiered on October 13, 2004, at the Chicago International Film Festival and was released in the United States on November 10, 2004. With a budget of $165–170 million, the film grossed $318.2 million worldwide. The music was composed by Alan Silvestri, and the song "Believe," performed by Josh Groban, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and won a Grammy Award in 2006. The film received mixed reviews from critics but has since become a beloved Christmas classic among audiences of all ages.