Red One (2024)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,959 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Released: 2024-10-31
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is Red One worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A loud, big-budget Christmas action comedy with charming leads and a silly premise. It is more fun than clever, and the Christmas fantasy is thin, but it works as light holiday entertainment.
Watch it if you
- want easy holiday action
- like big, silly spectacle
- enjoy buddy comedies
Skip it if you
- want sharp writing
- dislike CGI-heavy fantasy
Best for: Holiday family night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Red One
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After Santa Claus (codename: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with the world's most infamous tracker in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
Red One parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Red One is a PG-13 action-comedy fantasy about a mission to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Action-comedy violence in a rescue-mission plot, PG-13 level intensity.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Red One
If you liked Red One, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Violent Night (2022) — 82%: Violent, funny Christmas action film
- The Fall Guy (2024) — 78%: Fun, self-aware action comedy
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — 80%: Silly, loved cult action-fantasy
- Shazam! (2019) — 78%: Light superhero comedy for families
- Ghostbusters (1984) — 90%: Classic comedy about fighting the supernatural
- The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) — 79%: Short, cheerful holiday comic caper
Director
Jake Kasdan
Cast
- Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift
- Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley
- Lucy Liu as Zoe
- J.K. Simmons as Nick
- Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus
- Kristofer Hivju as Krampus
- Kiernan Shipka as Gryla
- Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia
- Wesley Kimmel as Dylan
- Nick Kroll as Ted
Red One FAQ
Is Red One worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A loud, big-budget Christmas action comedy with charming leads and a silly premise. It is more fun than clever, and the Christmas fantasy is thin, but it works as light holiday entertainment.
Where can I watch Red One?
In the US you can stream Red One on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Red One OK for kids?
Red One is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Red One is a PG-13 action-comedy fantasy about a mission to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus.
What movies are like Red One?
If you liked Red One, try Violent Night, The Fall Guy, Big Trouble in Little China and Shazam!.