December 22, 2009
12/22: “It’s a Wonderful Life” Favorite Holiday Movie
It’s a holiday tradition, and for the second year, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life takes the top spot in The Marist Poll’s holiday movie survey. 26% of Americans say Capra’s classic is their favorite holiday movie while A Christmas Story is preferred by 21% of Americans. 18% “believe” and rank Miracle on 34th Street their number-one holiday flick. 14% wait all year for Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to grace the screen in White Christmas. And, the same proportion — 14% — are pleasantly haunted by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
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When Marist asked about Americans’ favorite holiday movies last December, It’s a Wonderful Life placed first, A Christmas Story came in second, and Miracle on 34th Street rounded out the top three. White Christmas took the fourth slot, and A Christmas Carol and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tied for fifth place.
Holiday movie preferences are affected by age. Americans 18 to 44 years old currently think A Christmas Story is the ultimate holiday movie. 31% of those 18 to 29 believe this to be the case as do 34% of those 30 to 44. Residents 45 to 59 align with the overall population. 37% of those in this age group rank It’s a Wonderful Life to be the top Christmas movie. Americans 60 and older divide. 27% within this age bracket say White Christmas takes top honors while 25% believe It’s a Wonderful Life reigns supreme.
‘Toon Time: Rudolph and Charlie Brown Fan Favorites
When it comes to animated holiday movies, two favorites tie for the number-one spot. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas each receive 26% of Americans’ vote. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the favorite of 25% of residents. 11% prefer Frosty the Snowman, and 6% most enjoy Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.
Rudolph better watch out, because Charlie Brown has come from behind! When Marist last asked about favorite animated Christmas movies last December, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was favored while A Charlie Brown Christmas came in second. How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains in the number-three slot. Last year, Frosty the Snowman followed in fourth and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town slid into the number five spot.
Table: Favorite Animated Holiday Movie
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