Who is cinema's baddest Santa: Billy Bob Thornton or Dan Aykroyd? | The Tylt

From drunks to serial killers—there are many bad Santas on film, but Billy Bob Thorton and Dan Aykroyd's portrayals stand out the most. They aren't actual Santas, but are troubled men who represent the anti-Santa.

Before there was a "Bad Santa," there was a "Trading Places."

Dan Aykroyd starred in the classic comedy. He played a snobby privileged man and investor whose life is turned upside down after two millionaires place a bet where he and a con-artist trade places. He's framed and loses everything at Christmas. Hence, he dresses up in a Santa suit, wields a gun for revenge, and drinks like a fish. 

Although Dan Aykroyd's character was created back in 1983, Billy Bob's Willie has become modern-day's quintessential bad Santa. Billy Bob played a trouble con man who dresses up like Santa and robs department stores on Christmas Eve. The black comedy has become such a cult classic that a sequel was made—even though it took 13 years to happen.

Here's a clip from "Trading Places."

Here's a clip from "Bad Santa."