The UK’s favourite Christmas film of all time has been revealed, following a poll of BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Some of our all-time favourites have made the list, including The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and Love Actually, but the number one spot has gone to a much-loved classic from a little further back.
It’s A Wonderful Life – first released way back in 1946 – has topped the list, with Radio 2 movie critic James King praising the fact that the festive offering is “what Christmas is all about: friendship, kindness and the importance of family, even in the toughest times”.
The number two placement is bound to raise a few eyebrows, though, with action film Die Hard coming ahead of more traditional suggestions like Miracle On 34th Street, Home Alone and White Christmas.
Die Hard has long been the centre of debate about whether it should even be considered a Christmas film, as while it does take place on Christmas Eve, the cheeriness pretty much begins and ends there.
James said: “[This] should finally answer the question as to whether John McClane’s antics in the Nakatomi Plaza constitute a Christmas film or not.”
Take a look at the top 12 below:
1. It’s A Wonderful Life
2. Die Hard
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol
4. Home Alone
5. Elf
6. Love Actually
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8. Miracle On 34th Street
9. White Christmas
10. The Polar Express
11. Santa Claus: The Movie
12. Scrooge
A special programme counting down the festive films is available to listen to on BBC Sounds, and will also air on BBC Radio 2 on Christmas Eve at 9pm.