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BBC Poll Shows Most Popular Christmas Films in the UK | 2020

A BBC Poll Reveals the UK's Favourite Christmas Films, Including It's a Wonderful Life and Die Hard

Dec 21 2020

The UK's favourite Christmas films are a varied bunch. The top three, according to a recent BBC Radio 2 poll, are very different types of films, with the 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life at number one, '80s action film Die Hard at number two, and The Muppet Christmas Carol, a movie the whole family can enjoy, at number three.

Earlier this month, BBC Radio 2 listeners were asked to vote for their favourite Christmas film from a list of 25 classics — a list created by movie critic James King. After two weeks of voting, King then went through the results and narrowed down the list to the top 12, which he counts down in a two-hour radio special that you can listen to on BBC Sounds.

In addition to the top three mentioned above, the list also includes new favourites like Elf and iconic black-and-white films like Miracle on 34th Street. Keep reading to see all 12 films that made the cut, as well as where to watch them. Then, check out all the festive Christmas episodes airing on TV this festive season.

Image Source: Everett Collection

1. It's a Wonderful Life

The movie's most quoted scene may be the last one, when George's daughter tells us how an angel gets its wings, but there are so many more memorable moments, like the dance scene when the floor opens up. If Jimmy Stewart's voice doesn't make you feel like Christmas is here, you need to watch this right now.

Stream it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

2. Die Hard

The classic "Is it a Christmas film?" debate starts and ends with Die Hard. John McClane has to stop a group of terrorists who ruin an office holiday party, so we say yes. However, we have some questions about an office that holds a holiday party on Christmas Eve.

Stream it via Now TV or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol

This one brings together favourite childhood characters plus one iconic Christmas tale. Michael Caine plays Scrooge, Kermit is Bob Cratchit, and the whole Muppet gang join in for a nostalgic spin.

Stream it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

4. Home Alone

With a slightly outrageous concept, Kevin McCallister lives out all your childhood fantasies in this '90s classic. Can't you just hear the John Williams-composed score now?

Rent it now on Amazon Prime or watch via Disney+.

Image Source: Everett Collection

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5. Elf

A relatively new title compared to some of the movies on this list, Elf never gets old. Will Ferrell's Buddy sees the world through such sweet, rose-coloured glasses for a movie that's hilarious, ridiculously quotable, and heartwarming.

Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video or stream it via Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

6. Love Actually

Need a reminder that love is actually all around? Turn this on for a relentlessly delightful romantic comedy. And when you have watched it and still can't get enough, queue up this ridiculous deleted scene and the honest trailer.

Stream it now on Sky Cinema or rent it via Amazon Prime Video.

Image Source: Everett Collection

7. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) goes absolutely bonkers in National Lampoon's take on Christmas, and we love every minute of it. We still aspire to be like Clark, decking our halls with as many lights as possible. If you want to go that extra mile to be like him, you can get your own moose mug!

Stream it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

8. Miracle on 34th Street

It's so beloved that it spawned a 1994 remake, but only the original 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street made the list. It's the one that reminds you how magical the Christmas season can really be and why it's OK to still believe in Santa.

Stream it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

9. White Christmas

More than just the Christmas movie your dad always insists on watching, White Christmas is a festive classic for a reason. With a wartime prologue that starts you off on an emotional foot, things only get more warm and fuzzy as Bing Crosby sings you through classic songs like the title tune.

Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video.

Image Source: Everett Collection

10. The Polar Express

A film for the whole family, The Polar Express truly captures the message of Christmas, as Tom Hanks shepherds us through a snow-covered world via an enchanted train that can carry children directly to the North Pole.

Rent it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

11. The Santa Clause

American actor Tim Allen becomes jolly Saint Nick in this comedy, giving us a new Santa origin story. The two sequels aren't nearly as good, but this one is fun and funny.

Rent it now on Amazon Prime Video.

Image Source: Everett Collection

12. Scrooged

The eternally cool Bill Murray takes on the festive season with this '80s version of A Christmas Carol. You probably didn't get half the jokes when you watched this movie as a kid, which makes it even more fun to watch it now.

Stream it now on Now TV.

Image Source: Everett Collection

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