Most beloved holiday movie of all time is revealed in new poll

It’s a topic sure to inspire fierce debate around the dinner table — but a new poll has finally revealed the most beloved holiday movie of all time.

The 1946 Frank Capra classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” has officially won the coveted Christmas crown— with 43% of 2,000 surveyed Americans naming it as the essential flick for the festive season.

Among the other top-watched movies during the season are “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (42%), “Home Alone “(42%), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (35%), and “The Polar Express” (32%).

Respondents also shared their favorite movies they consider holiday films, without explicitly being so — including “Die Hard” (25%), “The Sound of Music” (21%), “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone” (12%), “Lethal Weapon” (11%) and even “Batman Returns “(8%).

“There’s a certain sense of charm in holiday movies — especially the older classics,” said Jason Williams, Product Director at Plex, the global streaming media platform that commissioned the survey, conducted by OnePoll.

.“Seeing these top choices all grouped together is a reminder of how timeless some of these movies are and how long-lasting their impact is on how we celebrate the holiday season,” he added.

Respondents also named their favorite holiday character— Kevin McCallister from “Home Alone” (30%), with on-screen Santa, Tim Allen from “The Santa Clause,” coming in a hot second (29%).

Meanwhile, 53% say holiday-themed TV episodes and specials are a guilty pleasure they also look forward to.

Among those viewed from the comfort of the couch, the top TV favorites are “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (60%), “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (37%), the “Friends” episode “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” (19%), and the “South Park” classic “Christmas Snow” (14%).

Meanwhile, four in 10 (39%) binge-watch movies during the holiday season more than any other time of year, while over half (53%) of women surveyed said they go out of their way to make sure they can watch their favorite holiday movies and shows each and every holiday season.

More than a third of respondents overall (34%) said they would even download and/or subscribe to a new streaming service that has their favorite holiday movie just to scratch their festive film itch.

And although 63% say the holidays are stressful, the nostalgia of holiday movies and content is comforting and makes many feel joyful. Over half (52%) believe the holidays would feel “incomplete” if they weren’t able to watch their favorite movies.

The results also showed that 52% of respondents feel watching holiday movies during the festive season helps them bond with their family.

“The nostalgia of holiday movies is part of what makes them so enjoyable,” Williams stated. “Gathering close together on the couch, pouring yourself a mug of hot chocolate and streaming your favorite content can truly bring out the magic of the holidays.”