Richard Attenborough voted UK’s favourite film Santa Claus, survey reveals
Richard Attenborough’s movie portrayal of Father Christmas has been voted the nation’s favourite of all time, according to a survey.
A poll of 2,000 Britons saw Mr Attenborough’s 1994 performance in Miracle on 34th Street selected by more than a quarter of the population.
More than half of families also claimed the festive film is one they watch every year without fail.
Second place in the list went to Tom Hanks’ animated effort in The Polar Express, while Tim Allen’s comical rendition in The Santa Clause came third.
The poll, by streaming service NOW TV, also found millennials much preferred a Santa who is funny, whereas the over 50s preferred a Santa who is magical, kind and jolly.
For almost nine in 10 Britons, their favourite movie Santa had not changed in the last decade – suggesting popular favourites are hard to shake.
Almost half of respondents said they will watch six Christmas movies during the festive period.
Although more than a tenth of film-lovers admitted they will sit through 10 or more festive flicks, according to the research conducted through OnePoll.
The majority of Britons’ favourite Christmas movie included a Father Christmas figure, with The Miracle on 34th Street being named the most-loved Christmas film.
Second in the list was Macaulay Culkin vehicle Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, followed by A Christmas Carol and Love, Actually.
The full list of top Father Christmas performances is below:
Top 10 film Santas
1. Richard Attenborough - Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
2. Tom Hanks (motion capture) - Polar Express
3. Tim Allen - The Santa Clause
4. Edward Asner - Elf
5. David Huddleston - Santa Claus: The Movie
6. Ken Hudson Campbell - Home Alone
7. Jim Broadbent - Arthur Christmas
8. Billy Bob Thornton - Bad Santa
9. Edward Ivory - The Nightmare before Christmas
10. Jim Belushi - Jingle All the Way
SWNS
