Richard Attenborough Voted UK’s Favourite On-Screen Santa
With Christmas fast approaching and nearly half of Brits set to watch at least six festive films this year, new research by streaming service NOW TV reveals the nation’s favourite on-screen Santa.
From Jim Broadbent’s wholesome portrayal in ‘Get Santa’ to the darkly comic Billy Bob Thornton in ‘Bad Santa’, the depiction of Father Christmas has changed a lot over the years. But one Santa has come out on top, as 43% of the nation voted for Richard Attenborough in the Christmas classic, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’.
More than half (53%) of families claim this is the film the whole family watches every single year over the festive period. Four in ten believe this is the first Christmas film they remember watching – suggesting Attenborough is the nostalgic choice.
Overall Top 10 Favourite Movie Santas:
- Richard Attenborough – Miracle on 34th Street (1994) (43%)
- Tom Hanks (motion capture) – Polar Express (27%)
- Tim Allen – The Santa Clause (22%)
- Edward Asner – Elf (20%)
- David Huddleston – Santa Claus: The Movie (19%)
- Ken Hudson Campbell – Home Alone (17%)
- Jim Broadbent – Arthur Christmas (15%)
- Billy Bob Thornton – Bad Santa (14%)
- Edward Ivory – The Nightmare Before Christmas (10%)
- Jim Belushi – Jingle All the Way (9%)
However, there is some festive favouritism between the generations. Baby boomers (55+) love Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of everyone’s favourite mince pie eating bearded fellow, but Generation Z (18-24) give the top red bobble hat to Tom Hanks in ‘Polar Express’ (35%), followed by Edward Asner in ‘Elf’ (30%) and Ken Hudson Campbell from ‘Home Alone 2’ (22%). They also have different reasons for picking their favourite – millennials much prefer a Santa who is funny (53%), whereas the over 50s prefer a Santa who is magical (37%), kind (36%) and jolly (35%)!
Whether you’re searching for a Christmas classic this December or simply want to stream your favourite on-screen Santa, the NOW TV Smart Stick and Sky Cinema Pass bundle has you covered for just £19.99, contract-free. You can also try winning yourself a NOW TV Smart Stick in this year’s Geektown Awards, along with a massive prize package worth over £700! Just click here to enter.
