The Polar Express Returns to HBO Max on November 1, 2026
The 2004 motion-capture Christmas film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, joins a holiday slate that includes Rise of the Guardians and both Bad Santa movies.
The Polar Express will return to streaming on HBO Max on November 1, 2026, according to screenrant.com. The 2004 animated Christmas film is part of a holiday lineup arriving on the platform that day.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film uses motion capture and is based on Chris Van Allsburg's picture book. Tom Hanks plays seven roles in the movie: the Narrator, the Conductor, the Hobo, the Ebenezer Scrooge puppet, the Father and Santa Claus, plus motion capture for the main character without voicing him.
HBO Max's November 1 holiday additions also include Rise of the Guardians, Christmas with the Kranks and both Bad Santa movies.
An older holiday title
The Polar Express was first released on November 10, 2004, with Zemeckis directing an adaptation of Van Allsburg's book.
Quick answers
When does The Polar Express arrive on HBO Max?
It arrives on November 1, 2026.
How many roles does Tom Hanks play in The Polar Express?
Seven: the Narrator, the Conductor, the Hobo, the Ebenezer Scrooge puppet, the Father and Santa Claus, plus motion capture for the main character without voicing him.
What other holiday films arrive on HBO Max on November 1, 2026?
Rise of the Guardians, Christmas with the Kranks and both Bad Santa movies.