A survey of 2,000 people in the UK has determined that Die Hard is not a Christmas film, according to research conducted by the BBFC.
The poll found that 44 per cent of respondents said Die Hard is not a Christmas film, while 38 per cent defended its credentials as a festive film. Five per cent selected it as their favourite festive film, and 17 per cent remained undecided.
“With Home Alone crowned the UKโs favourite Christmas film, our latest research reveals that heartwarming, family-friendly stories continue to sit at the heart of the nationโs Christmas viewing traditions. The BBFC remains committed to providing age ratings and content advice to help every household make confident viewing choices this festive season,” David Austin OBE, Chief Executive of the BBFC said in a statement.
Home Alone beats Love Actually as UK’s top Christmas film
The survey revealed the nation’s festive viewing habits and identified Home Alone as Britain’s favourite Christmas film. Love Actually came second, followed by It’s a Wonderful Life in third place.
Elf and The Muppets Christmas Carol tied for fourth place. Seventeen per cent of people said they don’t have a favourite.
Home Alone received 20 per cent of votes, Love Actually received 9 per cent, and It’s a Wonderful Life received 8 per cent. Both Elf and The Muppets Christmas Carol received 7 per cent each.
“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 – whether thatโs a much-loved classic like Home Alone, the high-energy fun of Die Hard, or a brand-new film such as Gurinder Chadhaโs Christmas Karma, Wicked or Avatar. Cinema has always brought people together, and Christmas reminds us just how powerful that shared experience can be,” Tim Richards CBE, founder and CEO of Vue added.
What makes a Christmas film and when should you start watching
The research also identified what elements make the perfect Christmas film for viewers.
A story that is heartwarming led the way with 33 per cent, followed by films that are family-friendly at 15 per cent and humour at 13 per cent. Only 2 per cent of respondents seek out films that are tear-jerkers.
Nearly half of Brits, at 43 per cent, say the time to start watching Christmas films is from the beginning of December. Thirteen per cent said from the beginning of November, and 8 per cent admit they enjoy festive films all year round.
The survey found that 43 per cent of Brits are likely to watch a Christmas film before Christmas Eve, 23 per cent on Christmas Eve itself, and only 14 per cent on Christmas Day.
The festive film magic fades once the clock strikes midnight, with almost none of those polled watching Christmas films on New Year’s Day.
However, more than half of respondents, at 53 per cent, said they check the age rating when selecting a film to watch as a family during the holidays.
Just under a fifth, at 18 per cent, of people say heading to the cinema over the Christmas period is a tradition for them and their family. Of those who do go to the cinema, 33 per cent go before Christmas Eve, with 20 per cent saying Boxing Day is their preferred time to go.
Popcorn reigned as the UK’s favourite cinema snack at 74 per cent, with chocolate following at 62 per cent.
When it comes to house rules for the perfect Christmas film night, having festive snacks at 30 per cent, a blanket that is cosy at 29 per cent, the fairy lights on at 21 per cent, and no phones at 20 per cent are non-negotiables for people before pressing play on a film over the festive period.
Other rules included no spoilers or plot guesses at 13 per cent, no munching that is loud at 10 per cent, and no nodding off before the credits roll at 10 per cent.
In the spirit of Christmas, 21 per cent of people said no one in particular has the final say on what to watch on festive film night, while 16 per cent said it’s a group decision, and 15 per cent prefer a family vote.
