Home Alone Declared UK's Favourite Christmas Film, Topping Love Actually in New Poll

A recent poll conducted by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has officially revealed the UK's favourite Christmas film, with the beloved 1990 American comedy 'Home Alone' taking the top spot. The film, starring Macaulay Culkin, secured a significant 20 per cent of the vote, surpassing other festive favourites.

Key Takeaways

• 'Home Alone' has been crowned the UK's favourite Christmas film.

• 'Love Actually' came in second place, followed by 'It's A Wonderful Life' and 'Elf'.

• The debate over 'Die Hard' as a Christmas film continues, with a significant portion of respondents deeming it not festive.

• Most Britons consider December the appropriate time to start watching Christmas films.

• Over half of respondents check age ratings for family viewing during the holidays.

The Reigning Champion: Home Alone

'Home Alone', the story of a young boy accidentally left behind by his family during the Christmas holidays, resonated most with UK adults, capturing 20 per cent of the vote. This classic comedy has clearly cemented its place in the nation's festive traditions.

Festive Favourites Round Out The Top Four

Following closely behind 'Home Alone' was the 2003 British romantic comedy 'Love Actually', which garnered nine per cent of the vote, securing a respectable second place. The timeless 1946 classic 'It's A Wonderful Life' followed in third with eight per cent, while the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy 'Elf' rounded out the top four, chosen by seven per cent of respondents.

The 'Die Hard' Debate Continues

The perennial debate over whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a Christmas film continues to divide opinion. While nearly half (44 per cent) of those surveyed insisted the Bruce Willis action thriller is not a festive movie, a dedicated five per cent declared it their top Christmas pick. A further 17 per cent remained undecided on the matter.

National Viewing Habits Revealed

The BBFC survey of 2,000 UK adults also shed light on national viewing habits. It revealed that 43 per cent consider the beginning of December the most acceptable time to start watching Christmas films. However, 13 per cent begin in November, and a dedicated eight per cent enjoy festive flicks all year round.

Importance of Age-Appropriate Viewing

Furthermore, over half (53 per cent) of respondents confirmed they check age ratings when selecting family films during the holidays, underscoring the importance of age-appropriate viewing. David Austin, chief executive of the BBFC, commented on the findings, stating, "With 'Home Alone' crowned the UK’s favourite Christmas film, our latest research reveals that heart-warming, family-friendly stories continue to sit at the heart of the nation’s Christmas viewing traditions."

Tim Richards, founder and chief executive of cinema chain Vue, emphasised the communal aspect of festive cinema, adding, "Many of our customers see a trip to the big screen over the holidays as a chance to sit back, switch off and enjoy great stories together."

Sources

• UK’s favourite Christmas film confirmed – and it’s not Love Actually, Yahoo News New Zealand.

• What is the UK’s favourite Christmas film?, Hackney Gazette.

• This American comedy has been crowned as the UK’s…, inkl.