The Grinch isn’t the only one who makes the holiday season a little different – Billy Bob Thornton’s Bad Santa also brings its own anti-Christmas spirit.
Despite not being a typical Christmas movie, this 2003 dark comedy was a hit upon its release and has since become a cult holiday classic, albeit for slightly different reasons than normal.
So, as the holiday season begins, here’s where you can watch Bad Santa online and how to use a VPN, such as ExpressVPN or VeePN, if it’s not available in your country.
Where to Watch Bad Santa
Directed by Terry Zwigoff, Bad Santa stars Billy Bob Thornton as the hard-drinking, cynical mall Santa, Willie T. Soke.
Little did anyone know that Willie and his dwarf assistant, Marcus (Tony Cox), were professional thieves, planning to rob the mall on Christmas Eve night.
Here’s where to watch Bad Santa online:
- Stream: Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, Philo, Pluto TV
- Rent or Purchase: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play
How to Use a VPN to Watch Bad Santa
The availability of Bad Santa varies by region, so viewers outside the US may need a VPN to access the film on streaming platforms like HBO Max or Paramount+.
Streaming services often restrict content based on your geographical location. Thankfully, a VPN can bypass these geo-blocks by masking your IP address, making it appear as if you’re accessing the movie from a country where it’s available.
This allows you to connect to servers in supported regions and securely, legally stream content as if you were physically there.
To stream without interruptions, reliable VPNs such as ExpressVPN and VeePN are our top recommendations.
Lots of Servers

Budget-friendly

ExpressVPN offers blazing-fast speeds and access to over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ensuring smooth streaming for all your content. Alternatively, VeePN provides dependable performance with more than 2,600 servers and budget-friendly plans starting at just $1.99 per month, making worldwide streaming affordable.
Here’s a straightforward guide to using any VPN service:
Step 1: Sign Up
- Get a VPN subscription and download the app on your preferred device.
Step 2: Connect
- Open the app and connect to a server located in a region where you can watch Bad Santa.
Step 3: Stream
- Go to your preferred streaming platform, log in, and enjoy watching Bad Santa today.
Other VPN Options to Consider
If you want more choices, here are some top VPNs that deliver the same reliable performance and secure, seamless streaming as ExpressVPN and VeePN.
- NordVPN: Offers strong security and provides excellent server speeds.
- Surfshark: Unlimited device connections at an affordable price.
- CyberGhost: Known for its fast speed and reliable server networks across countries.
- Private Internet Access: Known for strong privacy features and an affordable, feature-rich VPN service
VPNs don’t just help you access geo-restricted content; they’re also essential for safeguarding your online privacy. By masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN makes it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
For optimal security, keep your VPN enabled whenever you’re browsing or streaming your favorite shows.
Billy Bob Thornton Wasn’t the First Choice for Bad Santa

It’s undeniable that Billy Bob Thornton nailed the role of Willie in Bad Santa. However, he wasn’t the first choice, and the film initially struggled to cast its lead.
Actors like Robert De Niro and Bill Murray were considered but eventually backed out, while Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, and even Jack Nicholson were also courted.
The filmmakers’ top pick, however, was The Sopranos star James Gandolfini. Executive producers, the Coen brothers, even had screenwriters John Requa and Glenn Ficarra tailor the script specifically for him. Given his talent for yelling and cursing in front of children on The Sopranos, it made perfect sense.
Ultimately, Gandolfini didn’t take the role, and it went to Thornton, who turned out to be an excellent choice, helping the film become both a hit and a cult Christmas classic.
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